Magnificent Seven

1. LeBron James, Cavaliers

Unlike in Game 1, the King didn't hold his ''A'' game in abeyance. ... With the Bulls at the door, James showed why he is the greatest player on the planet. ... His 15-point surge during the final 7:56 was Jordanesque. ... And it was his jumper, not his physicality, that got the job done.

2. Joakim Noah, Bulls

Without question, one of the most intriguing, complex fellows ever to don a Bulls uniform. ... Cleveland fans might boo him, but they could leave ''The Q'' with nothing but respect. ... There were reasons Florida won back-to-back NCAA titles, none bigger than Noah.

3. Jamario Moon, Cavaliers

''Moon Man,'' bombardier, stealth take-out man. ... Forward augmented James with a 3-for-3 effort from behind the arc in the final quarter. ... Three-pointer with 5:43 left pushed Cavs' lead to 94-88 and loosened Bulls' defense just enough for James to bring it on home.

4. Derrick Rose, Bulls

Unflappable, significantly more poised than in Game 1. ... Ran more patient offense throughout, a critical reason the Bulls matched thrust for thrust into the closing minutes. ... Single turnover in 43 minutes after seven in opener, plus 23 points and eight assists.

5. Mo Williams, Cavaliers

Consistently made an impact once again by making Rose work at both ends and keying snappy ball movement. ... Helped set up three of Cavs' four first-half three-pointers and bagged the fourth himself. ... Rose must school him once series hits United Center.

6. Taj Gibson, Bulls

Has he been playing in the league under an assumed name for the last few seasons? ... He had 11 points and seven rebounds and consistently held his own against formidable Antawn Jamison. ... Missing in the fourth quarter when Vinny Del Negro went small, but notable inside energizer.

7. Flip Murray, Bulls

Murray's 14 points were vital, especially two three-pointers in the first half that kept the Bulls within 52-50 at the break. ... Cooled later, but he has to get minutes to get to his shot. ... ''Small ball'' might be the key in Game 3, and Flipster should be right in the middle of it.

Photo: (See microfilm for photo description).