Ilgauskas fights more adversity in NBA Finals

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

CLEVELAND, United States (AFP) — Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who has battled adversity from family tragedy to nagging injuries, is strugging once more in the National Basketball Association Finals.

The 7-foot-3 Lithuanian giant who averaged 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds in the Eastern Conference playoffs has been held to 5.5 points and 5.0 rebounds a game by the San Antonio Spurs, who lead the best-of-seven series 2-0.

Ilgauskas, who turned 32 last week, must improve starting here Tuesday in game three if the Cavaliers are to become the fourth team in NBA Finals history to claim the crown after dropping the first two games.

"They are playing him physical and contesting all his shots, but obviously we need some scoring from Z," Cavaliers coach Mike...