HoopWatch

Everyone knew the ball would go to LeBron James 90% of the time. Everyone also knew that the Detroit Pistons would clamp on James, not allowing him to get easy baskets. But no one knew that a second-round draft pick Texas rookie would outshine everyone and make big shots.

Exactly just that transpired when the Cleveland Cavaliers trounced the Detroit Pistons, 98-82. Rookie Daniel Gibson scored 19 of his career-high 31 points in the fourth quarter as the Cavs pulled away from just a six-point lead at the start of the fourth. Gibson had three trifectas in the quarter, went 7-of-9 from the field in the game, made all five of his three-point attempts and went 12-of-15 from the free throw line. He further added six rebounds, two assists and only had two turnovers in just 29 minutes. Such a big game for a very young lad.

The game plan was simple for the Pistons: Stop LeBron at all cost and let someone else beat them. They did limit LeBron’s production to just 20 points, a far cry from his game-five-48-point performance. But they didn’t count on the rookie Gibson making big shots, and scoring big for Cleveland. It was just unfortunate for Detroit that the kid stepped up.

With the win, the Cavaliers advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history and will face the San Antonio Spurs in a best-of-seven duel. (photo courtesy of yahoonba)