Let it all hang out

Cavs playoff blog by Bob Finnan

Cavs guard/forward Wally Szczerbiak was downright terrible in Game 5 in Cleveland. He missed 3 of 4 shots and had four turnovers. He got in foul trouble, which allowed Coach Mike Brown to bench him.

Brown had to be thinking that Szczerbiak was on a short leash for Game 6 in Washington. Wally was turned every which way but loose by Wizards swingman Caron Butler in Game 5. That's the quickest way to find yourself on the bench while dealing with Brown.

But he came ready to play in the close-out game on Friday, as the Cavs demolished the Wizards and won the series, 4 games to 2.

Szczerbiak had a career playoff high 26 points on 8 of 13 shots from behind the arc.

"I was going to let it all hang out tonight," he said.

Suffice it to say that he did.

The Cavs also got solid performances from Boobie Gibson and Joe Smith, as they won going away.

Wally also did a decent job on Butler, who never really got going after his outstanding game in Game 5.

Now, it's onto the second round against Boston or Atlanta. The Celtics will be favored to win in Game 7, but don't count out the Hawks. No one told them they were supposed to lose this series. They are causing the Celtics some major problems on the defensive end. Yes, Boston has the best defense in the league, but the Hawks have found a way to exploit it.