On A Night When He is Honored, Ilgauskas Leads The Cavs to Another Win

In what seemed almost too fitting for the night when Zydrunas Ilgauskas set a Cavaliers franchise record for games played (724), the Cavs elder statesman also led the team in scoring in a 17 point dismantling of the Phoenix Suns. For the Cavs, this was the second dominating performance in as many games, against some of the best competition the Western Conference has to offer this season, and it could have been the most complete performance of the season for the Cavaliers. Ilgauskas was the leading scorer with 14 points, and five other players scored in double digits as well.

Still, the story of the night had to be ‘Z’. After not playing in the Mavericks game, as discussed in my previous post, Iglauskas played extended minutes in this game and did not disappoint. It was actually one of the coolest and most heartwarming moments I have ever experienced in a basketball arena.

With about six minutes gone in the first quarter, Zydrunas rose up from his seat on the bench, tore off his warm-ups, and waited to be put in by the scorers table. As soon as he stood up, the entire arena erupted in a loud “Zeeeeeeeee” that seemed to rattle the rafters. As soon as he entered the game, the “Zeeeee” got even louder and continued as fans rose to their feet and stayed on their feet throughout the entire possession. Ilgauskas, a relatively low-key guy, held his hand up in acknowledgement of the love that poured forth from the Cavaliers fans and as soon as Ilgauskas got his first basket of the night on one of his trademark pick-and-pop’s, everything seemed to be right. Every time ‘Z’ scored, or rebounded, or even when he left and re-entered the game, a loud and extended “Zeeee” filled the building. This was a game for the fans to show their adoration for the big man who has professed and demonstrated his loyalty to them, the city of Cleveland, and the Cavaliers…….and the fans did not disappoint.

After the game, ‘Z’ commented on the reception received, and said it “was one of the coolest things” he had ever experienced in his life, and said it “was the closest he had ever come to tears on the basketball floor”. Things were never ‘wrong’ though between Zydrunas and the fans. The problem that arose over the past few days are between Zydrunas and coach Mike Brown. In his first public comments about the situation, it doesn’t appear as if that has been repaired.

Asked about the situation, Ilgauskas said, “Obviously I was very disappointed that I didn’t play in the last game. I know I’m a good player. I think by me playing in that game, I would not have affected the outcome of the game. What made me more disappointed and upset were the acts that followed. This whole mess that has been created. I’m not going to go into any details. Once again, I’m going to be a bigger man and walk away from this. I know when I go to bed at night, my conscience is clear. What I’m going to do is continue to do my job. I love this team, I love my teammates; they’re like a family to me. I’m going to come every day to work and try my hardest, win some games and hope to bring a championship to this city because they deserve it.”

In the wake of the biggest DNP controversy that I can remember, the problem had never been between ‘Z’ and his teammates or the fans. The problem was with a coach that decided to bench a productive player who was just one year removed from starting. In what appears to be his final statement regarding the issue, Mike Brown’s name….or any reference to his coach, was conspicuous in its absence. Bottom line is that, by benching a player like Ilgauskas, Brown effectively told ‘Z’ that he felt his presence on the floor would be a detriment to the team. That is a solid slap across the face to a guy like ‘Z’ and nothing that is done after that, will repair the damage that was done.

As Ilgauskas said, he will be the “bigger man” in this situation, and will continue to do everything he can to help the team and to bring a championship to Cleveland. For that, and for the 724 games already played where you conducted yourself as a true professional, we fans thank you, ‘Z’ ! In the modern day era of fan adoration and putting our sports celebrities on a pedestal, you are one of the few who truly deserve to be there!

Tags: Mike Brown, Z, Zydrunas Ilgauskas