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February 8, 2011Cavaliers’ Losing Streak Ultimately a Meaningless Record
February 8, 2011Say what you will about the current state of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but while they have been decimated by teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and (gulp) Minnesota Timberwolves, the current team – with considerably less depth – has managed to lose their last four games by a combined differential of 21 points.
Regardless of record or losing streak, any team that is within four or five points during crucial fourth-quarter minutes has a chance to win the game in question. The immense difference between “any team” and the current Cavaliers is the lack of a set go-to option on offense. Several times in the last two weeks, we have seen the Cavs need that one efficient shot on offense, yet have failed to execute and found themselves on the losing side of the ledger, this time in a 99-96 loss on the road against Dallas Mavericks.
Twice in the last week, the Cavaliers have turned to veteran Anthony Parker in the waining seconds, mostly for lack of better option, but also due to the fact that he was merely the man who wound up with the ball in his hands in transition. And twice in the last week, Parker has fallen short, missing a runner against the Pacers and a three-pointer against the Mavericks. Adding insult to injury, the Cavs rebounded the latter of the two but could not get a shot up before the final buzzer as Jamario Moon opted to pass the ball with one second on the clock rather than shoot it.
Perhaps the product of Moon’s considerable lack of minutes or perhaps lack of willingness to take the “big” shot. Regardless, the Cavaliers fell for the 25th straight time and the city of Cleveland is forced to endure such hyperbole like “it’s all because LeBron James left.”
“I’ve said the last three games that I think our guys have been playing really, really hard; just giving an unbelievable effort,” Byron Scott said postgame. “And I thought tonight was no different. We came out and played against a very, very good basketball team and fought them tooth and nail all the way down to the end. I have no qualms about the way we played, how hard we played, and again, just like I said to the guys afterwards, we’ve just got to keep playing like that and it’s going to happen. It’s going to happen real soon.”
The two players that continue to lead the Cavaliers did so once again as JJ Hickson tallied 26 points and 12 rebounds (both game-highs) in 36 minutes of play; Ramon Sessions added 19 points, 13 assists and two steals in nearly 40 minutes.
Sessions continues to be the spark plug for the Cavaliers on the offensive end, now ranking 13th among all point guards in PER (18.05). Considering he was a guy who essentially fell out of the rotation completely in the month of November, this number should be that much higher. Over the last four games, Sessions is averaging 19.8 points, 10 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 58 percent from the floor.
Following the game, Coach Scott said that his team remains very upset about each and every loss. By no means are these games – at least the last four – losses due to lack of effort or caring about the outcome. While the headlines will all point to the fact that the Cavs have lost 25 straight games (where a loss is a loss is a loss), the fact remains that a team comprised of undrafted rookies and a few aging veterans remain competitive for 48 minutes.
The next chance at victory will come Wednesday when the Wine and Gold play host to the Detroit Pistons.
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(AP Photo/LM Otero)
8 Comments
All in all it’s just another ping pong ball in the haul.
Hooray for historic badness! Take that 2009-2010 New Jersey Nets!
I remember exactly where I was the last time the cavs won, and that’s only impressive because I wasn’t at the game
Jamison has to get moved; his defense is absolutely awful, and even though he is a leader his contract is an albatross. John Krolik, whose work over at Cavs: The Blog is absolutely necessary reading for Cavs fans, recently called Jamison the worst defender he’d ever seen. All teams have to do is attack him in the PnR, and they either get an open shot for the dribbler or an easy lay-in for the screener, as Jamison simply doesn’t rotate. He can light it up at times, but at times he also simply shoots the ball as soon he gets it, with no regard for where he is on the floor or what the number says on the shot clock. I realize with a looming lockout and decreased salary cap, teams aren’t exactly champing at the bit to add his remaining contract. But the Cavs have to move Jamison, for picks and cash at the very least.
Damn, thought this was the one. I still don’t know what would force Moon to pass the ball with a second left. I wanted to punch my radio when I heard that.
just get a win for crying out loud. they arent going to pass up the next worse team at this point. i think its about 99% safe they will have the worst record, and so the best odds of winning the lottery. none of this “another ping pong ball” stuff either. the actual number of losses doesnt increase their odds; just having the worst record does. as long as they have the worst record, it makes no difference if they lose 60 games or 70 games.
This just shows that you need talented players and that hard work and determination only get you 8 wins. The Cavaliers have a roster littered with guys who have to maximize their effort just so the team can be competitive. The nights where Mo Houdini Williams was MIA or Daniel Boobiehead Gibson just stood at the three-point line won’t cut it. They don’t have anyone talented enough anymore to carry them. One bright spot is at least Hickson has begun to accrue some meaningless stats. He’s the only one.
Btw why would Varejao delay surgery for more opinions during a season that didn’t matter whether he played or not? The guy could have been 1/3 to 1/2 way into his recovery instead he hasn’t even had the surgery. This is the kind of thing that doesn’t leave me with much faith with Chris Grant at the helm. I’m afraid it’ll be the norm and nit the exception.
I also questioned Varejao just recently deciding to have surgery done. Seemed a little strange.