CLEVELAND -- First-year coach George Karl, who led the Cleveland Cavaliers from a miserable 2-19 start to the NBA playoffs was honored Monday by Mayor George V. Voinovich who showed his appreciation by presenting Karl with a key to the city.
'We were in the pits of all pits and the city now believes in us,' Karl said during 'Cav Appreciation Day ceremonies at City Hall.
'We promise that we haven't stopped our comeback. The team hasn't peaked. We're growing better together.'
The Cavaliers, making their first playoff appearance in seven years, gave the defending world champion Boston Celtics a fight last week before losing the best-of-five series 3-1. Two of the Cavalier losses were by two points and the other was by three points.
'This team has guts, character, courage and mental toughness,' Karl said. 'A lot of the NBA teams are now afraid to play us.'
Veteran guard World B. Free, one of nine players at the ceremony, said, 'We didn't dream about going to the mayor's office when we were 2-19; we were probably thinking about going to jail.'
Voinovich told the audience of about 100, 'The Cavs' ability to bounce back from misfortune and perform as they did is indeed an example for all of us. This team represented Cleveland the way Clevelanders have always wanted to be represented.'
The club's front office was represented by Harry Weltman, executive vice president and general manager.
'This effort exemplifies where the city of Cleveland is going,' Weltman said. 'We're glad to play a role in the overall improvement of Cleveland.'
