Cavaliers Preivew #30 – Cavaliers at Kings
Written By: Scott | Category: Cleveland Cavaliers | Comments: 61
Cleveland Cavaliers (21-8) vs. Sacramento Kings (13-14)
Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
10:00 PM ET
FSOH, WTAM 1100AM
The Cavaliers looked flatter than ever agasint the short-handed Dallas Mavericks but managed to bounce back against a high-scoring Phoneix Suns offense. Tonight, they get to play one of the younger teams in the league in the surprising Sacramento Kings.
With one of the league’s best rookies in Tyreke Evans, the Kings have managed to play .500 ball without their leading scorer in Kevin Martin as well as key role player Francisco Garcia. Evans has done more than his share of stepping up by averaging more than 20 points, five rebounds and five assists – something that only three other players in the NBA are currently accomplishing. Thankfully, for Cavaliers fans, one of those three is LeBron James. This one has the makings of another trap game that the Cavaliers have been prone to dropping, as the Kings are an amazing 10-3 at home. However, the Kings lack considerable size in their front court and could have some issues if Shaquille O’Neal and the rest of the Cavs post players are on their game.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers
-G Mo Williams (16.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.8 apg, 16.56 PER)
-G Anthony Parker (7.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.7 apg, 9.79)
-F LeBron James (28.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 7.8 apg, 29.92 PER)
-F J.J. Hickson (7.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.2 apg, 13.71)
-C Shaquille O’Neal (10.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 15.18)
Key Reserves: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Daniel Gibson, Anderson Varejao, Delonte West
Injuries: Leon Powe (out), Jamario Moon (questionable)
Sacramento Kings
-G Tyreke Evans (20.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 5.0 apg, 18.68 PER)
-F Andres Nocioni (10.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 11.77 PER)
-F Jason Thompson (15.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 17.78 PER)
-F Omri Casspi (11.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 15.57 PER)
-C Spencer Hawes (10.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.8 apg, 13.65 PER)
Key Reserves: Donte Green, Sergio Rodriguez, Ime Udoka, Beno Udrih
Injuries: Sean May (questionable), Kevin Martin (out), Francisco Garcia (out)
Team Efficiency Stats
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Offense (99.7 ppg, 41.4 rpg, 48.1 FG%, 20.9 apg, 14.5 topg, Eff: 107.0, Rank: 
- Defense (94.2 ppg, 39.2 rpg, 43.4 FG%, Eff: 100.1, Rank: 5)
Sacramento Kings
- Offense (103.9 ppg, 42.5 rpg, 47.2 FG%, 20.5 apg, 15.6 topg, Eff: 106.0, Rank: 9)
- Defense (104.7 ppg, 41.6 rpg, 47.1 FG%, Eff: 107.4, Rank: 26)
Previous Matchups
None
Future Matchups
March 28, 2010 in Cleveland
Game Notes
The Cavaliers are 10-3 in their last 13 games with an overall record of 8-3 against western conference opponents. Elias Sports tells us that no other team in the NBA has a better record against the opposing conference from the beginning of last season than the Cavaliers. Common knowledge tells us that this doesn’t matter when playing a team that can surprise you on any given night. Thankfully, the Cavaliers have had the Kings’ number over the years, winning each of the last six contests – four of which were held at Arco Arena. The last Kings win came in March of 2006, but these wins have not come easy. If you recall, the Kings took the Cavaliers into extra periods last season with a win coming thanks to 51 points from LeBron in a come-from-behind game for the ages.
This game will be a bit different with the ever-electric Evans leading the way. He paced the Kings to a huge come-back win over the Chicago Bulls just a few nights ago and is not shy of facing the stars of the NBA. Also a bit different this time around is the fact that the Kings, while not having a lot of depth at center, tend to run with three forwards on the floor which could pose a problem for Anthony Parker or Delonte West on the defensive end. A win for the Kings tonight would tie their home win total from all of last season – quite a feat considering that we are still in the month of December.
Mo Williams will have to be careful as to not get into a dual of sorts with Evans, who may or may not break out the “Big Balls Dance” once again. The key to this game will come down to the Cavaliers’ ability to work the post. As we saw when the Suns came to town – and even in the last game held in Phoenix – if the Cavaliers can establish a post presence early against a smaller team, they have been able to focus on high percentage shots while forcing the opposition to settle for more jumpers. We know that LeBron can score on the Kings, it’ll just be a matter of building off of the solid defensive efforts in Phoenix and making sure that the team doesn’t get back into the stand-around-dribble-dribble funk of a few games back. The Kings defense is among the worst in the league in terms of efficiency – let’s hope the Cavaliers can find a way to exploit this weakness.
Vegas Line
Cavaliers (-6)
Over/Under: 204
From the Outside Looking In
Ghostface Ziller/Sactown Royalty
Cowbell Kingdom
Sac Bee Kings Blog
Next Game for the Cavaliers
Friday, December 25 at Los Angeles Lakers
5:00 PM ET
WTAM 1100 AM, ABC/HD
Author: Scott
Scott is a co-founder/editor of Waiting For Next Year who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Feel free to follow him on Twitter or email him at scott@waitingfornextyear.com.Scott has written 2013 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
Mo probably shouldn’t get into a duel with Evans either
hey look everyone! the cavs offense is ranked smiley face! amazing!
Hi Guys,
I grew up in Ohio, went to Baldwin-Wallace College, and now live in LA.
I was a bit worried when the Cavs lost to the Dirk-less Mavs, but was thrilled by the strong performance of the Cavs in Phoenix.
I think that Sac is a moderate to low test for the Cavs, and of course Friday’s game against Lakers will be a huge challenge, and I hope they can pull it off.
I was looking for tickets for the Cavs-Lakers game, when I found a Christmas present for myself on Craigslist:
A ticket to the Cavs-Lakers game 5 rows from the court, just behind and to the right of the Cavs bench. I couldn’t pass it up, and will do my best to represent Cavs fans who could not be there.
I’ll try to take some pics and video from my camera phone.
I’m excited as hell…
GO CAVS!
CavsFanInLA: That’s very exciting. Re: the Kings, however, I think you underestimate the test they represent. Not because they are better than you think, but because these are the teams the Cavs lose to–like Memphis (and almost OKC). Upstart teams eager to prove themselves, young, athletic…and you play lethargic early on and by the time you kick it into gear, it’s too late because they are swelling with confidence and putting on a show at home.
The Cavs need this W for momentum’s sake. I hope they aren’t looking past the Kings to Christmas Day.
Let the King vs. the Kings jokes begin…
Merry Christmas everybody!
Bill Simmon’s new trade piece is interesting; it makes me think Ferry will mess this up. Excerpt:
(By the way, have you noticed all the different ways Cleveland can improve over these next two months? As a Celtics fan, I am getting progressively more terrified as this column keeps going. And I was already scared. Did you see them blow away Phoenix with smallball and LeBron playing power forward the other night? That was the best quarter I’ve seen any team play this season. As I tweeted that night, Cleveland’s smallball lineup is poop-in-your-pants terrifying. Thank God Mike Brown hasn’t noticed.)
The small lineup is by far their best, which should hopefully mean a salary dump trade of one of our bigs. If it’s Z i just hope he gets released and can resign with Cleveland.
Jack… Yes, it is true that the Cavs have let their guard down playing average and sub-par teams.
I think that it will be a sign that they have turned the corner, when Mike Brown and the players have motivated themselves to play high quality basketball, no matter who they play.
I’m hoping that this begins tonight.
Regarding the game on Friday versus the Lakers… I want to make a Pro-Cavs sign to hold up during the game. I would love some recommendations. “Cavs have heart”, “Cleveland loves the Cavs,”
What message do you all thinlk that we should give to the National TV audience about the Cavs?
Since I might be the only Cavs fan holding a sign at that game, there is a decent chance that they’ll broadcast the sign.
I want to crrate a sign that means something, and that might get broadcast. “Thanks for staying in Clev, Lebron” or “Lebron: Thanks for supporting Cleveland”… I appreciate
your ideas.
anyone know where i can see the game in columbus? CBJ are on FSN
LeBron: Please stay in Cleveland, No one will love you like we love you.
And can we start playing this song at the Q after the all-star game?
CavsFanInLA: Get all emotional…
Cleveland’s Love is Unconditional
historycat: do you mean MSB’s “He Can’t Love You”?
Hey Jack…
Are you serious about the emotional part?
I will be 5 rows from Lebron and the Cavs bench, so we make a sign that Lebron will see too.
I might make 2 or 3 signs.
Also, I’m thinking of going a bit earlier to see the shoot around before the game.
How ’bout:
Clev loves Lebron Unconditionally
(I’m driving home now to watch the Cavs game on an internet stream. (That’s the one thing that’s a drag about living in LA and being a Cavs fan).
I’m dead serious. It’s Christmas. You’ll be on TV. You’ll start a conversation. And maybe, just maybe, they will be forced to talk about how NYC or MIA or CHI or NJ would NOT be able to love unconditionally and that, when is young and untested but oh-so-talented new teammates fumble in the playoffs and it takes 2-3 years to make it to the ‘ship, they will turn on him.
Here’s a thought:
Merry Christmas, Cleveland!
Always
Be in
Cleveland
or
All
Bron in
Cleveland
or
Lebron James
Always
Belongs in
Cleveland
@Jack
“Always
Be in
Cleveland”
Winner. Networks love stroking their own egos and it gives them a chance to talk about Lebron’s future.
@Jack
“Always
Be in
Cleveland”
Winner. Networks love stroking their own egos and it gives them a chance to talk about Lebron’s future.
Hey Guys…
I’m finally home, and have the Cavs stream going…
Lebron is on fire.
Jack: I’m making the signs (I’ll make 3 or so).
Look for me in the 5th row, just to the right of the Cavs bench.
Those are great ideas for signs, Jack.
I hope that Lebron sees the sign too.
And yes, I hope that the networks talk about Lebron, and that he is appreciated in Clev, and that Clev fans are the most loyal to the Cavs and Lebron.
(Parker just hit a 3.
. 7 point lead).
adapter – Don’t they though?
Good luck, CavsFanInLA! Fight the good fight and enjoy the game.
“Clev loves Lebron: Please stay”
(Let’s think of about 3 signs, and I can make them ans rotate them throughout the game)
Adapter: let’s give networks and other NBA fans a message. I’m trying to think about what signs would make the biggest impact.
Jack: Thanks… The ticket just popped right in front of me on Craiglist, and when the ad said it was 5 rows behind the Clev bench, I knew it was meant to be. I got it for a bargain for $400.
I’ll be fearless in my Cavs support and loyalty.
Anthony Randolph had 12 points, eight boards, eight blocks and two steals tonight. Just saying.
JJ Hickson is likely done for the night because he can’t defend anything. Mike Brown had to walk him out to midcourt to act out an actual defensive stance. Just saying.
Did Andy just drill a 3? Wow!
He’ll never hit that shot again – but it was huge to put us up four.
Tyreke Evans is an absolute stud. He’s going to singlehandedly revive Sacramento.
Scott: true… and West did a great job with that 3rd Qtr steal.
Shaq’s made some lame passes also.
But, generally, the Cavs are reasonably sharp tonight. The Kings are also playing surprisingly well.
Sacramento is a fun team. I’m happy to see them putting it back together there. Hope they fall apart against a tough defense down the stretch tonight.
Mo has the hot hand so naturally LeBron commandeers the ball and chucks up a 20 foot brick after pounding the ball for the entire shot clock.
We’re not getting many rebounds or second chance points. The Kings are doing great at both.
DC… A guy who has 32 points so far has earned the right to take some shots.
And Bron has 7 assists.
Of course then Mo misses the last two shots he takes.
Thank God we have OT… I think Lebron could have tried to penetrate his last 3 possessions.
That’s what she said.
sorry… had to…
Im watching online and so I have to listen to the Kings side of the commentary. You should hear how nuts they’re going. They pretty much took this game as a game 7 in the ‘ship. I wish we could show up to games like that sometimes. We need a fire under our butt. We gave away so many easy easy easy shots. And now we’re in OT 2 nights before the biggest game of the regular season. Perfect. Just Perfect.
I’d rather see Mo miss a wide open shot off a pass than LeBron dribble for 20 seconds and shoot with a hand in his face.
+1 on lebron finding the open man
I hear you, DC… If Month is open, bron should pass, unless he’s super hot.
(I meant Mo)
LeBron finally gets inside. Tough points in there.
League Pass has the Kings’ announcers, too, but I actually think they’re pretty good. It’s an exciting game.
Z with the double dagger.
“This ball game is over” -Kings announcer
3 x 3 for big Z!
Z with 3 straight 3s wow.
Lebron: second triple double of the year…
LeBron played some of his best D of the season tonight. Lots of credit to the Kings they played 4 tough quarters.
WOW! That corner was MONEY tonight! Varejao hit the 3 at the buzzer and then Z with 3 threes to SEAL IT!
Unbelievably entertaining game!!!
Go CAVS!
Tyreke Evans is Wade 2.0. What an awesome player he is. He shook LeBron on several occasions quite severely.
Fred McLeod pretty much just soiled his underbritches for Z’s three spree. Almost blew out my speakers.
At times, that Sacramento crowd sounded very raucous, almost like they were watching pro wrestling.
What a way for the game to end. Does any other team ask their center to take three 3-pointers in a row in the closing minutes of a contest? The fact that he made them all is even funnier.
Evans does remind me of Wade.
Kings have a nice team.
Dont look now, but the Cavs have now won AT Orlando, AT Phoenix, AT Sacramento, and AT Miami. Lots of teams with awesome home records.
Every time I watch the Cavs on national TV (or their highlights), I find myself screaming at the screen, “NO ONE CALLS Z ‘BIG Z’ IN CLEVELAND.” When did ESPN start calling him Big Z? It’s Z. Plain and simple.
Hey Guys,
Here are 2 signs for the Xmas Cavs-Lakers game that I am thinking of making and bringing to the game:
Ohio
Apreciates
Lebron’s
Loyalty
Santa:
Thanx for
Lebron
I’m also buying a red Lebron jersey tomorrow, and am borrowing my friend’s Santa hat.
Jack: Your sign idea is also great.
I also like Jack’s ideas:
“Lebron: Clev’s Love is Unconditional”
“Lebron belongs in Cleveland”
And the other idea:
“Clev loves Lebron: Please stay”
Thanks for sharing your ideas, guys.
How about:
“Miracle on 23rd Street”
Or “Miracle on 23 Clev.Street”
“Miracle on 23 Cavs Street”
“Miracle on #23 Cavs Street”
(It’s late here in LA, my wife is asleep, and my mind is working overtime thinking about the game…)
“Miracle by the Lake: Lebron”
Or
“Miracle by the Lake: #23″
“Lebron: Miracle by the Lake”
“Lebron: Clev’s Miracle by the Lake”
(Time for sleep… And for you guys to wake up)
The game is being broadcast on ABC:
Always
Believe in
Cleveland
Jack, you should really consider going with an ABC acronymical play. They always put those up. And I think it would be fun to speak directly to Bron:
Merry Christmas, LeBron!
Always
Be(longs) in
Cleveland
I really think that’s your best bet.
That is, if you want to get on national television…
Thanks, Jack…
My main goal is to offer a meaningful message for the Cavs and Cleveland fans.
I just bought posters paper and sharpies, and am going to create the posters tonight…
I also picked up both a red and a white official Nike Lebron Jersey that someone was selling here in Los Angeles on Craigslist. (I bought them both for $60). The seller said that I was the only one who called for them
My lucky day.