INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Shaquille O’Neal came to Cleveland as “Witness Protection” for LeBron James. Wednesday was his first day on the job.
O’Neal and some teammates defended James following his worst performance, given the stage, in seven years as a pro.
“Nothing is wrong with him,” O’Neal said. “It’s our job as ‘the others’ to make him look good. We have to hit shots when he gets off the ball, and we’ve got to play defense and open up the floor for him.”
James struggled through a miserable 3-for-14 shooting performance in Game 5 as the Celtics blew out the Cavaliers 120-88 to take a 3-2 lead in the series. He took just four shots in the first half, and his first basket didn’t come until a dunk midway through the third quarter.
“It was a bad night shooting the ball. I think I played well,” James said, later adding, “I’m never disappointed in my play.”
While panic and frustration sweep the streets of a city that hasn’t won a championship since 1964, and fans prepare for another inevitable heartbreak tonight, the players insist all hope is not lost.
“I think this is a team that you look at and say, ‘This is our time,’ ” O’Neal said. “I wouldn’t call it anxiety or panic, but 46 years is a long time to wait for such a beautiful city.”
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, who has spent nearly $85 million in payroll this season, sharply criticized his team.
“Our entire franchise has done everything in its power to put all of our players and its coaching staff in the best possible position to execute when it counts,” he said. “The last two home playoff losses and the manner in which we lost these games does not come close to being anywhere near the high expectations all of us have of our organization. Our fans and supporters deserve more.”
