April 30 through May 2, 2010, the CAVS traveled to Palm Springs in hopes to complete a task that has eluded them in their last 3 outings. That task was simple, win a championship.

Friday night’s game would be against the East LA Heat. Even though the game would start late, The CAVS would remain focused and get off to a fast start while using good ball movement on offense and swarming defense. The active defense would force many turnovers and spark a transition game that this young group has worked so hard to perfect. Final score, 49-6.

On Saturday morning, the CAVS would face off against the Team AZ Stars. This game had many of the same elements as Friday’s game against the East LA Heat. More swarming defense led to many fast break opportunities. And when the CAVS had to execute on the offensive end of the floor, everyone seemed to be on the same page as the offense seemed to be running on all cylinders. Final score, 46-9.

Saturday evening posed a slightly different look while facing the Corona Lakers. Similar to the LA Lakers, this team had two big guys roaming the paint. But the CAVS would not be denied. Although the talented but young group would play a little sluggish at times, they were able to limit the Lakers opportunities down low and hound the Lakers guards with their pressure man to man style of defense again forcing key turnovers that led to transition opportunities. Final score, 53-23.







Pool play was now complete with the close of Saturday’s games. Sunday began the final stretch to get to and hopefully win the championship.

The CAVS would learn Saturday that they would face the tournament hosts… the Long Beach Sixers in order to advance to the championship game. The formula was simple… back to the basics. The CAVS went back to the swarming defense and the ball movement on offense that would lead to victory… and a trip to the championship game later that day. Final score 48-12.

The Familiar Foe

The championship game would bring to the court a team that is very familiar with the CAVS and their style of play. The California Heat and the CAVS have had many opportunities to face each other in championship games. These two teams bring out the best in one another. The game started with the CAVS transitioning the ball very well against the trapping defense of the Heat. Some tough calls and some costly turnovers allowed the Heat to make a fierce comeback late in the game. Watching a 10 point lead slowly slip away, The CAVS would dig in and get a few key stops down the stretch to pull out a 1 point victory (43-42). Big players make big plays in big games. More so than winning a championship, the guys proved that teamwork and perseverance can overcome many obstacles. Congratulations CAVS and much more success will come with all the hard work that you put in.