DeShawn Stevenson says LeBron James is “overrated.” Gilbert Arenas contends Cleveland can’t “beat us in the playoffs three straight.” Brendan Haywood asserts that the Cavaliers “aren’t as athletic as they were before [the trade].”
The regular season isn’t even over yet, and the Wizards have tossed the opening salvos in their first-round playoff series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The defending Eastern Conference champions, winners over the Wizards in the opening round the last two years, haven’t shied away from the war of words.
LeBron James says the Wizards are putting “gas under his belt,” and makes an interesting analogy, comparing himself to rap icon Jay-Z and Stevenson to rap lightweight Soulja Boy.
There will be no lack of story lines when the best-of-seven series begins this weekend in Cleveland. Wizards’ defensive stopper Stevenson will play chest-to-chest against NBA scoring leader James. The Cavaliers must deal with All-Star forwards Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. And the enigmatic maestro Arenas, always a story unto himself, will be an intriguing sideshow.
“This is an opportunity we have to relish,” said guard Antonio Daniels. “Three years in a row at Cleveland. It’s become a rivalry. We’re obviously very excited. We’re going to the playoffs healthy and we’re capable of anything.”
Despite losing six straight playoff games to Cleveland (45-36), Washington (43-38) has reason to be optimistic. The Wizards beat the Cavaliers the last time the teams met, 101-99, finally pulling out a close decision. Before that, Cleveland had beaten Washington eight straight in games decided by single-digit margins.
Cleveland also has struggled to integrate players acquired in a blockbuster, deadline-beating trade. Wally Szczerbiak has shot 35 percent from the floor for the Cavaliers after hitting at a 46 percent rate for the Sonics. Ben Wallace has provided little presence inside. And point guard Delonte West has been more reliable, but less dynamic than his predecessor, Larry Hughes, who was moved to Chicago.
“Although Larry didn’t play as well as some people would have liked, he’s still athletic,” said Haywood. “He helped them a lot, calling out our plays, jumping in the passing lanes. He was running our plays with us.”
Haywood also says the Cavs miss forward Drew Gooden, also traded to Chicago.
“They traded for a lot of guys. None of those guys can be the scorer Drew Gooden can be down on the block,” said Haywood. “I think we match up pretty well with them.”
