Ouch. That one hurt. Just 3.6 seconds from heading home with a commanding 3-2 series lead, the Washington Wizards had a severe case of brain lock and allowed LeBron James to score an almost uncontested lay up to give the Cavs a 121-120 win in Game 5 of the NBA’s best first round playoff series. LeBron one-upped Agent Zero 45 points to 44 and gets to enjoy being the hero for his efforts. If only the Wizards would have fouled him on his way to the hoop, things may have turned out differently. So much for “no lay ups.”

And let us be clear, it was not the officiating that cost Washington last night’s game. It seems a shame to us that people are focusing on this aspect of the series and not on the battle between two of the NBA’s top 10 players. Did LeBron travel during his Game 3 Buzzer beater? Yeah. Did he do it again last night? Looked like it. But Gilbert Arenas has been on the right end of plenty of calls this season (and in this series) so using this as an excuse is a waste of time.

Do or die Game 6 is Friday night at the Phone Booth. Lets hope the Wiz revert to their Game 2 form and knock a few people to the ground on their way through the lane. They’ll need more of the same from Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler (a combined 52 points to go along with Gilbert’s 44) and it will help if Butler and Jared Jeffries, the team’s two best defenders, are in the game during crunch time instead of sitting on the bench after fouling out. The team also has to get something out of Brendan Haywood (1 point, 2 rebounds and 5 fouls in 21 minutes last night). If not, then let Etan Thomas get some burn. Game time is 8 p.m.