May 8, 2009 (Akron Beacon Journal delivered by Newstex ) --
I've been saying since the playoffs started that the Cavs have something special going in their building. It's an event. It's a happening. It's a party where they just happen to play a baskeball game. Chris Broussard has been to every playoff game, and his seat is next to mine. He laughs at a lot of the videos and chuckles at the show but marvels at the play on the court, like everyone. And let's face it, the show would splat without?the play on the floor. ?Thursday featured Austin Carr as an elevator operator and when a bunch of Hawks get on with Moon Dog, Carr asks where they're going. "We're Hawks fans," one says. "Where do you think?" Carr gives his throaty chuckle and says: "Heh, heh ? going down" while he gestures with his thumb down. Goofy, yes, but indicative of the mood in the building.
Broussard writes that it's "'Happy Days' on TV Land."
"The Q's 20,000-plus fans stand in unison in burgundy T-shirts, waving white towels at their heroes. Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" blares from the loudspeakers as grinning spectators, young and old, sway to the corny '80s beat. Moondog, the team mascot, and nameless Cavs employees entertain folks with playful skits on the JumboTron. With the Cavs acing every test they've taken, it's like some sort of hoop utopia in here."
Hoops utopia. Imagine that one. There's a long way to go, but this Atlanta series is all but over (barring a miraculous comeback by the Hawks ). Still ? it's Cleveland, and hoops utopia is as correct a description as I've seen for what has happened to date in these playoffs.
Newstex ID: 34770556
