While We’re Waiting…Patriots QB Coming Home, Belichick Takes a Shot at Mangini , Week One Cavs Thoughts
November 6, 2010Clevelanders Respond to LeBron Nike Ad and National Commentators Impressed
November 6, 2010The Cavs beat the Sixers 123-116 last night to earn their first road win of the season and snap a 3 game losing streak. The Sixers are an awful team but no road win in the NBA can be taken for granted. It was a rough week for the Cavaliers after their rousing opening night against Boston but the win in Philly was both an exciting and encouraging start to this short road trip out east. Daniel Gibson and Andy Varejao were most impressive for the Cavaliers, particularly in the 4th quarter when they were forced take control of a game just when it appeared things were going off the rails.
The Cavs jumped out to a comfortable lead as they took command right from the tip. Andy dominated the game in the first and was largely responsible for the explosion of offense and a 34 point quarter. Andy finished the game the with a team high 23 points but most remarkable was his FG percentage. He went a perfect 10 for 10 from the floor, the first time a Cavalier has done so since Zydrunas Ilgauskas in 2008. Andy also performed his usual work on the glass grabbing 12 boards. Varejao for Bosh straight up? (It’s always an extra special night when you get a Cavs W and Miami L.)
In addition to Andy, four other Cavaliers were in double figures, including Daniel Gibson. Boobie appears to be taking the reins of this team and is growing into a leadership role that Byron Scott had wanted to carve out for him. Gibson finished with 22 points with almost all of them coming at the most critical point in the game. The Cavaliers were well on their way to their fourth straight loss after blowing a 19 point lead in the second half but Gibson took control in the fourth. The Sixers climbed to an 8 point lead but Boobie scored 15 in final quarter, including a stretch where he scored 10 straight.
I thought Gibson’s postgame quotes were enlightening and indicative of someone looking to instill some leadership and pride for this new season. It appears he was the one who took control of the huddle when it looked like the Sixers were headed for a comfortable win. Gibson on the 4th quarter run,
“As soon as we came into the huddle, I said, ‘Not this time.’ They made their run, congrats. Right now, it’s time for us to make ours. It took us a little while for it to set in, but we did it. That’s what it’s all about. We’re a pretty gritty bunch of guys.”
In addition to Boobie and Andy, Mo, in his first start of the season, added 22 points despite not being able to connect from 3 in the game. He did most of his damage penetrating and getting to the line where he is close to automatic. JJ continued to build on his great first week adding 16 and 8 in 30 minutes and Joey Graham provided instant offense off the bench for the first time this season, scoring 10 in under 15 minutes.
While the 2nd half collapse was alarming, I thought the comeback was that much more encouraging as this team tries to find its strengths in the first week. They have to be encouraged by a road win and should be a better team than the Sixers at this point. Tonight should be a tougher test with the road back-to-back in DC against John Wall and the Wizards. Gilbert Arenas is now back and healthy and scored 18 off the bench last night in their blowout loss in New York. It will be a tougher test but interesting to see how they respond on the back-to-back and attempt to build some momentum against some of the lower tier teams in the East.
6 Comments
A good win but the Sixers aren’t a good team. I loved the coaching by Byron Scott he just might be the best thing to happen to this team in the last 7 years. But just like many other Cleveland sports moments it comes a year or two to late!
Keep Mo & JJ everyone else is expendable.
Love that Boobie is showing more than standing in the corner n hitting 3s. He’s dangerous when he’s driving.
Would love him to start at SG, b/c Parker just kills us out there and Boobie bangs inside, even had like 6 rebs last night i believe.
Let’s keep it going boys!
Just get to .500 baby!
@Lyon,
During the broadcast last night Austin Carr talked about a discussion he had with Gibson. Boobie said in previous years the team asked him to be a spot-up shooter because that’s what they needed but he always knew he could do more.
I couldn’t watch last night’s game, but when I got home and looked online to get the score I felt happy/excited in a different way than I’ve felt about any results over the past 7 years. Things have certainly changed, but I’m glad I’m on board!
Yeah i heard that too MP… good to see he’s taking his new role serious.