My chemistry teacher would be proud.

I slept through most chemistry classes during high school. But, I never slept through an NBA Finals.

So, I may not know the symbol or atomic number for barium. But, I know a championship-caliber team when I see one. Now, you tell me which is more important?

Virtually every NBA championship team has had clearly defined roles and great team chemistry. For some reason, Cleveland has lost some of their identity once the rotations were shortened for the playoffs.

Now, it's reverted to four guys standing around and waiting for LeBron James to do something. That's not how you win championships. It's a team game. Even Jordan, considered to be the GOAT by most, wouldn't have won if his teams didn't have (1) a legit second fiddle who stepped up, and (2) role players who knew their roles and executed in them.

Let's delve deeper. The 96 Bulls had 7 players average 20+ minutes during the regular season. And, 7 players average 20+ minutes in the playoffs.

The Cavs had 9 guys average 19.6+ minutes in the regular season. Only 5 are averaging more than 19 minutes in the playoffs.

One game Pavlovic plays. Szczerbiak sits. The next game, it's reversed. In this series, Gibson has played 3 minutes. 16 seconds. 3 minutes. And, 21 minutes. Guys don't know their roles at the most critical juncture of the season. Athletes are creatures of habit. Routine. Clearly defined roles. Cleveland doesn't seem to have that right now. And, thus, lacks the incredible chemistry they showed for the first 85+ games of the season.

Maybe Mike Brown should have slept more back in high school. Or, simply listened to me.




[Note: I still contend that it's Cleveland vs. LA in the Finals.]