By Josh Cohen
CLEVELAND, Jan. 14 -- You can feel the intensity as soon as you walk into the building.

It’s like the 12th and final round of a championship boxing fight or the final lap of a long-distance marathon.

Saunter into The Q and you will understand. Cleveland Cavalier basketball is an event like no other.

The pre-game introductions are as electric as that old dance step routine (Electric Slide), and the action is as rejuvenating as landing 10 digits from a hot blonde at the beach.

The team is currently just a game over .500, but that sure doesn’t seem to bother the many fans who show up at games. During Cleveland’s dramatic double-overtime triumph over the Bobcats on Friday, for example, it really didn’t seem like it would matter if they were a global dynasty or a perennial last-place underdog.

A year ago, the Cavaliers set a franchise record with 32 sellouts and averaged nearly 21,000 fans per game. Similarly, the team ranked No. 2 in the league in road attendance. They are on pace to match or even surpass these records.

Sure, it has much to do with LeBron James, the leading scorer in the league and perhaps the most marketable athlete in the United States. A gastrotrich (shortest life span among all animals) would probably live longer if it could watch LeBron do his thing. A sloth (slowest animal) would pick up some speed if it could do the same.

Last season the Cavs advanced to The Finals for the first time in franchise history. But what is mostly remembered from a year ago is LeBron’s historic 48-point performance against the Pistons in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Chosen One scored 29 of his team’s final 30 points.

Yet, LeBron knows very well that it’s just the beginning and that he is improving each day.

He even claims that he is 10 times better this year than last, which if true will certainly add more buzz and continue to increase attendance.

Around the locker room, the team is cohesive and sociable. Daniel Gibson, for instance, smiles like a little kid who just earned a happy face sticker on his multiplication/division test. When asked about his fellow Texas Longhorns in the NBA, ‘Boobie.’ as they affectionately call him, was so excited to discuss his many friendships.

“They are the best,” Gibson, who played for the University of Texas for two years before Cleveland selected him 42nd overall in the 2006 Draft, said of his fellow Longhorns. “Kevin (Durant), LaMarcus Aldridge, T.J. (Ford) are all just a great bunch of guys.”

Zydrunas Ilgauskas, meanwhile, is as poised as David Blaine holding his breath underwater. After missing 287 games in his first six seasons, the 7-foot-3 Lithuanian has rebounded well to earn two All-Star appearances. Although not a native of the U.S., “Z” is very well-spoken and offers great advice to his younger teammates.

The team’s charisma may have a great deal to do with LeBron’s unselfishness. His initiative every time down the floor is to dish off to teammates. In fact, LBJ is averaging 1.5 more assists per game this season than last (7.5).

The fans in and around the city have embraced this squad. They appreciate the team’s effort and dedication. One long-time Cavs fan, for example, has gone as far as owning a replica jersey for nearly every Cavalier.

“I try to stay engaged in it every season,” said Brenda Montgomery, a Ohio native who has a full collection of past and present Cavs player jerseys. “It’s not just LeBron for me. I appreciate what the team has done over the years.”

Even tourists can’t help but check it all out. Fans from around the world can often be seen snapping photos of LeBron’s giant downtown billboard. “We Are All Witnesses,” it fittingly reads.

Whether the Cavs will match last season’s historic run remains to be seen, but you can bet that the team will provide a spark each and every night. And as they say in Cleveland, ‘Rise Up and Make Some Noise for Your Cavaliers!!’

Season Report on Cavaliers and Eastern Conference (Jan. 17)