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LeBron James and the young Cavs are playing with a passion the Pistons lack, NBCSports.com contributor Michael Ventre writes.

If they’re befuddled by the plays Cleveland is running, fine. Then adjust. If they’re surprised by the Cavs’ ardor, terrific. That excuse is good for one game, maybe two. It’s time to get over it. If they didn’t think LeBron would step up as large as he has, they should think again.

Chauncey Billups seems like the embodiment of entitlement. Rasheed Wallace’s guarantees are as solid as Enron stock. Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace and Richard Hamilton look like they’re waiting for someone else to lead.

Sure, the Pistons stepped up big in Game 6 Friday night in Cleveland, snatching key offensive rebounds and hitting shots down the stretch. But where was that effort in Games 3, 4, 5 and much of 6? It’s as if the Pistons climb out of their lounge chairs only when their mellow is in danger of being harshed.

Frankly, the Pistons aren’t alone. The San Antonio Spurs have often seemed slow and desultory in their series against Dallas. The major difference, however, is that the Mavericks are a much more talented and experienced club than the Cavaliers. The Mavs get a little closer to the Spurs each season. The Cavs are just finding themselves as a playoff team. That the Pistons have allowed themselves to be pushed to elimination by Cleveland is both a disgrace for Detroit and a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Cavaliers.

Game 7 will take place in Detroit. If the Pistons win, I’m sure they’ll be their smug selves. They’ll crow about how they were never really worried. They’ll act as if the Cavaliers presented only a momentary delay in their inevitable journey to the NBA Finals.

But I hope it doesn’t happen. I want to see the NBA’s version of the Three 6 Mafia whoop it up in the middle of the floor. I want to hear them thank everybody they know, and each other. I want to see winners who are blissful rather than bellicose.

The game is supposed to be fun. Maybe the Cavaliers can explain that to the Pistons on Sunday.

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