Cavs vs Magic Open Thread: Game #57
Written By: Jacob Rosen | Category: Cleveland Cavaliers | Comments: 174It is a great Sunday afternoon of basketball around the country including two of the most popular teams in the Northeast Ohio area. The #11 Ohio State Buckeyes look to avenge an earlier loss this week to Purdue with a road contest at 12:00 pm on CBS against Big Ten-leading #9 Michigan State 12:00 pm. Meanwhile, starting at 1:00 pm on ABC, the Cleveland Cavaliers continue their tough schedule post-All-Star Break with a road date against the #2 team in the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic.
Go ahead and take a look at my article about Evan Turner from yesterday as well as the recap from the Charlotte game on Friday. If that doesn’t get you fired up to see both teams playing better today, I’m not sure what will. The Cavaliers will be looking to see how well Antawn Jamison can perform against Rashard Lewis and the Magic. Head-to-head in their careers, Jamison has the clear upper-hand and the battle continues in what should be a playoff atmosphere at the Amway Arena.
Keep your comments civil and be sure to read the commenting rules before you do. Below the jump are a number of different previews from around the Web:
[Fear the Sword - Statement Game]
[Number's Dont - Game Preview]
[Brian Windhorst's Beat Blog at the PD]
[Orlando Pinstriped Post - Cleveland @ Orlando]
[Howard the Dunk - Cavs @ Magic]
[Orlando Sentinel - Magic Control East and Game Preview]
[Buckeye Battle Cry - Mich State Game Thread]
[Eleven Warriors - Game Preview]
Author: JacobRosen
Jacob Rosen is a weekend author for WFNY, the sports editor for the University of Dayton's Flyer News and the current media relations director of the Akron Aeros. Jacob is an Akron native who majors in applied mathematical economics at UD. You can follow him on Twitter @udjrosen or e-mail him at udjrosen(at)gmail(dot)com.Jacob Rosen has written 267 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
Tough to know what to expect today. Was one practice and some Cheesecake Factory enough to get this team working together?
“in what should be a playoff atmosphere at the Amway Arena.”
Zing! Oh wait…
Go Cavaliers I’m sure we’ll see a much better performance then we did on Friday against Charlotte whether it’s a “W” or not stay tunded!
When was the last time the Cavs weren’t favored? Orlando (-2) is todays line. Sigh….
Also. No Powe today. Team is eyeing Tuesday for his debut.
Rashard Lewis doesn’t seem at all phased by the Cavs moving for Jamison. Let’s make him phased.
“The Cavaliers will be looking to see how well Antawn Jamison can perform against Rashard Lewis and the Mavericks”
Cavs by 1. Clutch shot by Lebron wins this game and starts another winning streak.
TOO MANY Three’s ALREADY!
Orlando smelling blood in the water.
Tawn with the nice D. There you go. Offense leading to defense.
Horrible miss of a goaltend right there…
seriously this teams free throw shooting is going to be its demise.
Heck of a play by Lebron. Denying Howard on the layup then going coast to coast for the easy layup.
Cavs are turning into the Cavs from a few years ago by continuing to struggle from the Free Throw line.
We are SO lucky to be down only seven. Embarassing quarter.
where had the focus gone at the line? gaaahhh!!!
Shot selection
I can’t believe this. Terrible play in all facets. What happened?
LeBron’s lack of aggression in the halfcourt hurts us.
Anthony Parker stays getting used by everyone!
Mo Williams can’t keep pulling this Houdini act is big games.
Wow. Is the Z curse for real?
i think in all the trade analysis we did, we did not account for how Z’s 6 fouls off the bench help shaq be shaq. also… since AJ plays Hickson’s spot… what do we do with Hickson now.
I wonder if there was a way we could’ve added Hickon to the Wiz deal to get Blatche back. Not that it matters now.
Two thoughts:
1) The offense is not running smoothly with Mo at point. I’m sure he’s still rusty, but he’s not bringing it.
2) The refs are calling a one-sided game. The Magic were in the penalty almost the entire second quarter & LeBron’s getting hit every time he goes to the basket and he’s not getting the call. The Cavs never got in the bonus before half. Oh yeah… And they missed one of the most obvious goaltends on Howard I’ve ever seen.
Mo has played horrible. Actually the guard play in general has been horrible. Defense also looks real slow on rotations. Not a good start after the all-star break at all.
That being said… They’d probably have missed most of their free throws if they’d gotten in the bonus anyway. Turnovers and missed free throws are this team’s biggest problem.
OSU wins.. Yayyyyyy
Cavs look bad so far. Theyre lucky to be as close as they are. This team is just, I dont know, weird, now. I understand they need time to mesh and whatever but we shall see.
nice start to the half for tawn as he steps in ahead of JJ
Jamison looks really good right now…feed him.
MAKE EM RESPECT YOU TWAN!
GREAT move by Mike Brown to recognize to start and run the offense through Jamison. That is why we got him. Once he knows the offense in and out he’s going to be lethal. IF Mo can hit some shots maybe we’ll win the game.
“Welcome to the Cavs, Antawn” – Everyone
“Welcome to the bench, JJ” – Danny Green
That’s what I’m talkin’ about, ‘Tawn! He plays at even half this pace the rest of the time and that’s a significant upgrade.
Great win for the Bucs too. Turner should be the #1 pick, he’ll have a better career than John Wall. BOOK IT!
i’m not a huge mike brown but i’m glad to see his openmindedness in trying antawn to start the 2nd half. looks smart so far. and … if this is the real antawn… well damn.
I’m not a huge Mike Brown either.
Actually, this all reminds of earlier in the season when we were trying to find the right rotations that worked well together. Brown made the right move then on JJ, and I think he’s making the right move. Just is going to take some time to adjust. I’m not worried about this team.
Yet.
Where is Mo this game?
@23: Excellent point.
The fix is in. This is a bunch of BS. And now we’re in the penalty… Great job NBA.
Wow, incredible energy by Andy there
That’s how you play D Andy!
Dwight Howard throws more elbows and gets called for fewer fouls than any other big man in the league… Sorry everyone. I’m venting, but this is the worst-officiated game I’ve seen all season.
@42.. casual watchers and commentators (on tv) have labeled AV a flopper. but that was not a flop. the other thing about AV is that he’s learned the ‘theory of verticality’ rule. he’s starting to get those no-calls in his favor. but the still pays for the manufactured rep as flopper.
@42, I’m watching the game on mute, because I can’t stand listening to people say that Andy flopped with Howard’s elbow in his throat, throwing him down to the ground
@ManSleezee, I’m inclined to agree. And JVG is not helping my frustation levels with his commentary. “Varejao flopped in the past, therefore must be flopping now”. What a joke.
It’s the same situation with LBJ and Shaq, as they are so big that people bounce off of them due to the sheer mechanics of a 300# man moving, but for whatever reason, Howard gets those same calls.
I don’t like Howard. I think he’s borderline dirty with those elbows, but he gets the benefit of calls because he’s “a nice guy”.
He won’t stop elbowing him in the throat……this is ridiculous
We’re gonna need visual evidence of an Orlando player with a baseball bat to get a call in this game. Geesh…
I know there has been extensive research done on JJ’s shot selection, i.e. assisted vs. created, feet from the hoop, etc., but there is something to be said for knowing where to be at the right place and time. THat I think has been the biggest improvement in his game, and one reason why I’m glad he wasn’t dealt.
Delonte shoved Dwight at the end. I like the little man going after Howard cause DH is soft. I also like how DH was guard by Delonte in the post and Bass shot it. Pietrus got the follow tip in but still. Cavs should win this game. No doubt about it.
I could handle the no calls if the refs weren’t also allowing Howard to get away with an obvious goaltend in the first & that unbelievably obvious home-clock job on the Cavs’ inbound play. The clock went off before LeBron even touched the ball & the refs don’t even stop to discuss…
This game is home-cooked all the way. Stay classy NBA.
Why does Brown go away from what’s working to end the third?
Big shot by Jamison. Why are they running double teams on DH at the elbow?
why are we doubling? 3 is more than 2 mike brown.
Yeah, doubling Howard seems stupid
Blocking foul????? these refs are soooooooooooooooooooo bad
HOW IS THAT A BLOCK!!!!!!!!!!!
HOME COOKING! For the love of God! Call it both ways refs!!!
4th qrtr will be about shot selection.
What is with these calls? I mean, come on.
I play Antawn til the end
If Jamison fouls out we should go back to LBJ at the 4 with Jawad at the 3
Wow late call on Jamison and a God awful block you have got to be kidding me.
Bad foul Shaq but terrible D Boobie.
You know it’s bad when Jeff van Gundy sides with the Cavs against the refs
Shaq is a monster this game, but would like to have some of Z’s fouls.
Jawad!!!! Good stuff
[WFNY Edit: Watch the language, folks.]
Jawad is going to be an asset in the playoff. He’s got ice water in him. Plays terrific D too. Boobie, stay glued to the bench please.
Let me re-phrase that. Boobie, please sit when teams just kill you in the pick and roll. You shouldn’t be letting JJ Reddick beat you off the dribble at ANY point in your career. That is all.
great bucket by jawad with AJ on the bench. we’re gonna need this guy.
@46 — you put your finger on it with howard. i don’t like him either for that reason.
I think Boobie’s actually playing better D than Mo… But, that might just be due to Mo’s rust.
win or lose, i think orlando knows now that we’re a lot stronger this year.
Mo’s killing the offense.
Way, way too many whistles this game
Came here to complain about the officiating. Glad to see you guys had it covered.
I don’t usually like the blame the refs thing, but comeon. Howard’s elbow should get the 6th man award.
These refs are AWFUL
Im not one for blasting officials but this is getting ridiculous.
No foul on Dwight?
I mean… like the worst I’ve ever seen.
and there it is. at 5:15 bron draws contact… no call on nice guy howard.
Mo isnt killing the offense, Lebron is.
FINALLY A FOUL ON HOWARD
Whoa no way, a foul on Howard!
Great “defense” (cough shoving cough) by Howard
Why is VC playing like hes good? And about time on the goaltend? Come on D, lets go.
Mo is killing the offense. So is LeBron – this quarter, but all game Mo has dribbled out the clock & hasn’t moved the ball. The passes he’s made haven’t created open shots for teammates.
Parker and Mo need to sit down. Delonte and Jawad please come back in here.
Can someone get JVG a losenge?
Yeah, this has been a horrible 4th by Lebron…..and Jamison contests that shot if not for that horrid call to get him to 5 fouls…it’s really hard to play 4 on 8 all quarter
Guard play has just been awful the past few games. AP should never be starting on any team with championship aspirations.
Need to make VC play D, but won’t happen as long as Parker is his man.
It’s amazing how consistently Mike Brown takes TOs at least three possessions after they’re needed.
I personally think a move to put either Jawad or Moon in the starting lineup would be good. Make us huge and still have a great bench with Delonte, Parker, Jawad/Moon, Andy, and Z when he comes back.
Might be game.
Haha.. LBJ sucks up the entire shot clock and then gives it to Jamison with :04 left. Nelson with a 3, ball game.
And that’s what came out of a TIME OUT?! AWESOME JOB MIKE BROWN. Ladies & Gentleman – there’s the reason the Cavs won’t win a title.
VC looks like he’s learned the Howard elbow move.
where’s Mo been?
3/14 from 3PT
Good foul Jamison…..should be like 4, but w/e
Jamison with his second legit foul of the game
SVG – what a whiner.
No answer for Lewis AGAIN.
And that’s the game.
Terrible fouls get us in the hole, LeBron kills us
Nice shot selection LBJ.. But how can you blame him? Everybody else gets into a cold sweat and just stands there with the ball when they get a pass. This is infuriating.
Long live the curse of Z
Terrible fouls killed us. LBJ was the reason we were in it let’s not lie. Mo killed us. Like destroyed us. He was terrible. We’re still up 2-1 on the season, with #4 coming on our court.
Can Mike Brown even draw up a play, or a call a smart timeout, or get LeBron to stop chucking up threes when he doesn’t need to? He can not out coach elite coaches.
Granted the refs have been terrible all game, and the Cavs have missed way too many FTs, but Mike Brown didn’t help the cause today. I’ll give him credit for starting Jamison after half, but his strategy to start the fourth is what cost us the game.
@104 – Z or no Z – cold sweat’s been there all season.
My question… Why does everybody (anybody) think Parker is good?
For those who still wonder why we went out to get Antawn, I have two words. Mo. Williams.
How can anyone blame Mike Brown that Mo missed all but 2 shots and that LBJ never drove inside? You think he said “Ok Mo, you’re gonna get the ball, but miss these 3′s” “LeBron, don’t make your 3′s and don’t drive on DH even though you won’t get the call” “Tawn, take a charge, be set, but still don’t get the call” I mean come on people. NO ONE would be saying anything about how good a game Brown coached if Mo shoots even 45%.
ManSleeze – Haha. LBJ coaches this team just as much as Brown does. Do you really think he could say to Bron “Hey stop shooting 3′s” Yeah good luck with that. And if you think SVG is an elite coach youre on crack.
I still don’t get the foul call on Antawn’s 5th foul. Blocking really? Twan was there long enough to set up a tent and he gets called for blocking? That should have been Clark Kent’s 4th foul.. Then when Kent slammed LBJ later on in the fourth should have been his 5th.
Another thing, I love it when LBJ jacks up ANOTHER THREE in a close game, this time he shot it from 5 yards behind the three point line. Good call on that one LBJ.
Everyones gotta stop picining. We’ll be fine. Fine! Ya hear me? Relax!kudis to mr jamison for showing up after a tuff start.
Look at you people complaining sheesh I agree some terrible calls but welcome to the NBA. I definitely got a sense of deja vu from last year in the playoffs when the Cavaliers chased the Magic all series. At least Jamison looked better they’ll need him if the guards on this team can’t figure out how to produce again.
JK – SVG takes timeouts and draws up plays that usually result in his team getting a good shot. He’s easy to make fun of, but he knows what he’s doing.
Oh another Howard missed foul was when he went UFC all over Andy with that elbow to his throat.
If Andy didn’t flop every time someone touched him, he may get that call
Whereas Mike Brown’s easy to make fun of, but I often wonder if he knows what he’s doing.
Mansleezee- Ron Van Jeremy panics more than Cleveland fans
Seriously, Mike Brown is a terrible coach. Opposing teams can absolutely prepare for our “offense” in the last 2:00 of a game. We are so quick to stand around and chuck 3′s when were only down 4 or 5. He does nothing creative, makes no in-game adjustments whatsoever. Looks like Jamison will be a started sooner than later. And we have got to get more production out of Moe/Parker/West. They played a combined 62 minutes and went 4-22. Yeesh.
SVG is not a good coach. Evidence is that Howard barely touches the ball for long stretches in the game. His team should go to him EVERY TIME until it doesn’t work.
I hope people fall off the Cavs bandwagon. I really do. Cause I’m still riding shotgun in it. We’ll see what happens when they come back to Cleveland. If Cavs win season series 3-1 I will be happy with that. So would everyone else at the beginning of the season. If I said 2-0 against the Lakers and 3-1 against the Magic, Cavs fans would be thrilled.
@JK this is why I’m not big on a team full of role players and why I wanted Antawn Jamison so bad for the Cavaliers. I’m not a Mike Brown fan I don’t think he’s half as good as others think given he has the best player in the league on his team. Brown however does get credit for figuring out that Jamison needs to start as opposed to coming off the bench. The bright side is it only took a game and a half for Brown to come to that conclusion -I hope. I don’t know where Jamario Moon has disappeared to now but Mo Williams is playing like he should still be out with that shoulder.
To Mike Browns credit, he gets the best player in the league to play defense.
Let me just say this. The cavs are one of the best teams in the NBA but in the last 3 or 2 minutes, we’re one of the worst teams. Execution is terrible down the stretch. Poor shot selection and poor coaching. Shaq did a fair job on Dwight all game but in the 4th Q, he (mike brown) decides to double team Howard? I don’t understand it.
Since you guys like stats so much can somebody explain why the cavs are 11-0 without mo and 3-0 since hes been back? Mo was a no-show YET AGAIN on a big stage.
AJ showed up
Shaq showed up
Lebron was nice (until the 4th)
Where was mo? Poor PG play and defense? I won’t even go there.
Don’t blame it on the refs, this was a great officiated game.
Seriously… Where is Moon? He doesn’t play a single minute against Denver or today, but played significant minutes Friday in Charlotte. It’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder what goes on in Brown’s head during games. Don’t you think Moon’s length & hops would have helped on Carter @ the end of the game?
@Jay: did you forget the caps on the last sentence of your comment? Did you also forget that Mo has missed 5 weeks of games? He’s gotta play eventually to get the rust off.
I hope people start jumping off this team, I really do. Talk to me in May.
@Jaythetruth this was not a great officiating game there is no such thing in the NBA period but it didn’t cost the Cavaliers the Cavaliers cost the Cavaliers.
No idea on Mo but he’s definitely not helping this team right now I’m guessing he’s not 100%. The Cavaliers guards have been MIA since the All-Star game indeed but as you mentioned despite being 0-3 since the start of the second half the Cavaliers are still #1 in the East but they have work to do because they don’t look the same.
I think all those home games against cupcakes before the break may have overinflated some egos. Back to reality. It’s time to get back to work especially on defense where the Cavaliers have slipped significantly.
@S-Dub, Im not jumping off the cavs. I live in Cleveland. I’ll be a Cleveland fan if Lebron leaves, if Josh Cribbs leave, if Grady Sizemore leaves.
If you don’t think Mike Brown had nothing to do with this lost then i can’t help you. To double Dwight when Shaq was doing a good jod is good coaching?
I think the Cavs lost that game right there. We doubled Dwight and they scored 9 straight points.
And calm down with all that “jumping of the bandwagon” stuff. I still got the Cavs to win it all but if it’s on Mike Brown’s shoulders, we’ll be done in the 1st round vs Bobcats.
Great play by Jamison in the SECOND half. First half he looked like the recent performance.
There is no chance of getting out of the east unless we get someone in there to share the fouls with Z and Andy. Its been two games straight 3 guys have been in foul trouble……totally takes away from the groove they need to get into.
Where was Moon?
Why didn’t he play? This team is the entire reason we got him and we don’t even put him in there?
Parker needs to be pulled…..bottom line. We needed to trade for a 2 guard, I am happy with Jamison, but we needed a 2 guard more.
Can Jawad Start like someone suggested? Moon? Delonte? We wen’t from the best team hands down, to a bottom 10 team. All we did was trade Z, who wasn’t producing for a guy who was the star of his team.
Can Lebron play the 2, can Jamison play the 3, keep JJ at the 4? There has to be a way to utilize JJ’s cutting abilities, mixed with the threat of LBJ and Jamison…also Shaq down low.
Anyone notice we played much better when Mo was hurt? I felt like this was the case all year.
Couldn’t agree more Jay.
@Jay: I wasn’t calling out you specifically or anyone that regularly comments here. I’m just saying in the national media it’ll be the heavens falling tomorrow. Then we’ll rattle off 13 in a row again. I mean in the last 16 we’re 13-3, I’ll take it.
I was very critical of the double teaming if you check the comments above. I agree that was a terrible move. I think it was a mistake to leave Parker and Mo in over Delonte and Jawad when they were playing great minutes for us. But, at the same time Mo didn’t hit anything. That isn’t gonna happen often when he’s fully healthy. I’ll live with it.
The next month is going to be a little shaky, but as long as we keep beating the teams we should and winning most the games against the true contenders, I’ll take it.
Th
You wanna know what really killed the Cavs? Danny Ferry. the Cavs are still a poorly constructed team despite the trade for Jamison. Stacking the Cavs with back of the draft talent will not win a championship. But it will cause you to lose 3 games in a row with more to follow. Ferry passed up Stephen Jackson because he didn’t want to give up that great talent Big Z. Ferry let Stoudimire stay in Phoenix because he didn’t want to give up his other great talent, the futre solid roll player JJ Hickson. And therein lies the problem of the Cavs way too many role players and not enough ballers.
@Natty, you’re so right. Don’t blame the trade because Z was playing bad and Jamison is back to being Jamison.
@S-Dub, Chemistry, and groove has nothing to do with missing open shots. Mo was on fire vs the Bobcats so don’t give me that “out 3 weeks” stuff. Mo is a NO-SHOW when it comes to get games. Thats a proven.
@Natty, im like you. I was thinking of ways to fix some things. Like Lebron at the PG and Jamison playing some 3 like you said. Just different things to shake some things up.
If we lose to Boston on Thru. then its time to question some things.
Isn’t it funny how no matter how good you are or how talented you are the game ALWAYS comes back to the fundamentals of the game? Lol. Like FTs, Pick n’ Roll defense, pick n’ roll offense, passing, passing lanes, contesting shots, and ball movement.
We’re not losing to teams thats better than us. Its not Orlando beaten Cleveland, its Cleveland beaten Cleveland.
Fundamentals, Fundamentals, Fundamentals.
*When it comes to BIG games.
And i question Mo being “hurt”. We were on a 13 game winning streak, he didn’t have to come back before he needed to so if you ask me, hes 100%. I can’t imagin someone being out and their team being successful can come back prematurly. Hes o.kay and he was lighten it up vs the Bobcats so hes fine.
Mo can’t handle pressure. I thought you guys knew that. He’ll be back for our next game and he’ll drop 15 or 20 but come the Boston game, he’ll be right back to his “freeze up” self.
It’ll be good to have Leon Powe’s fouls till Z gets back…
Also, I propose a shot of Jameson to celebrate Antawn returning to form (credit to John Krolik for the idea)
*prematurely
LoL, im so mad. I want us to play again tonight.
@Jake good ? on Moon a few of us have asked that but we should be used to players disappearing into Mike Brown’s Bermuda Triangle of a bench by now. As far as a lineup goes Jamison is better at the 4 not the 3 just like the commentators were talking about during the game.
The thing I don’t like is how many times it took Orlando to pick and roll with Carter and their PG before Brown called a timeout and made the switch so that LeBron was there instead of Mo. The fact that Brown had to go once again to LeBron shows the deficiencies in the Cavaliers role players. What ended up happening after two stops the Magic found Lewis who hit a three. Why Moon never saw the court is beyond me especially since Parker wasn’t providing much on offense despite one big three. Orlando just has to many weapons in comparison to Cleveland which are far more dependable. I think once Jamison starts and can get familiar he’ll make a difference but until then your going to see the Coach of the Year search things out.
@PVK watching the Cavaliers right now Powe’s fouls will be of definite use although I’m very skeptical of what, if anything, else he’ll be able to provide. It’s kind of bad timing that in the third game since the trade they had to play the Magic because it was clear Z’s presence, as insignificant as it was on defense, was missed.
WojYahooNBA
Mark Heisler of LA Times is reporting that NBA has informed other teams that it won’t let Z return to Cavs after a buyout.
@134 Jay Mo didn’t light up the Bobcats he had a 10 point 1st quarter (I think) and then that was it. If he’s 100% then he’s certainly rusty but either way he’s not helping at the moment.
I won’t be as harsh as you are on Mo because other then the series verse Orlando in the playoffs when it was clear he disappeared he’s been producing the problem with Mo is he’s not a pure PG plus he can’t play defense so when he isn’t hitting shots his value is nill. The thing that kills me about Mo is he can’t penetrate or doesn’t penetrate hardly at all. When he was in Milwaukee he killed the Cavaliers by penetrating now he’s more of a Boobie clone.
@140 Cody I don’t think the NBA can do that of course we are talking about Stern so nothing would surprise me in the least. Still based on the fact that the same situation almost to a T happened last year with Antonio McDyess I can’t see a difference.
I wouldnt be surprised if the league blocked Zs return. The universe will not let us win a title.
@Boogey, My biggest thing with Mike Brown is he likes to turn everybody into a spot-up shooter. Mo was a GREAT scorer with the Bucks and then he came here.
Mike Brown-
“Mo, stand at the 3point line and shoot for the rest of your career. Oh, and freeze up in big moments. If you do that then i’ll be o.kay”
Fundamentals, Fundamentals, Fundamentals
Wow, this Z block has legs apparently. This is nauseating. They really are trying to chase LeBron out of Cleveland. I can’t believe it.
Don’t worry guys. According to Denny, Z will be right back with no problems. LoL.
I haven’t read all 146 previous comments — in fact, I haven’t read any of them — but there must be one among you who agrees with me that this losing streak is not a bad thing.
We need some adversity to make us stronger, and by “we” I mean the Cavs, of course, not us fans, who must be the strongest in the galaxy by now.
Let’s see how the Cavs work their way out of this. Boston comin’ up Thursday, I believe. If we don’t crush them, then maybe we’ve just been in cruise control too long.
MrCleaveland, LoL. I agree. Hahahahahahaahah. Too funny.
Just watched the game DVR. If the 3rd quarter is any indication of what this team is capable of with ‘Twan starting…ohhh man. The floor spacing was beautiful, at least to someone who will admit to not understanding the finer points of basketball strategy. If he can be at least as effective defensively as JJ, this team just moved up another notch in terms of being a contender
If the league blocks Z’s return, especially with precedent for the same thing happening before (someone mentioned McDyess) and given LeBron’s contract situation, that would be extremely fishy. Is that just me being a paranoid Cleveland sports fan?
The plot thickens: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Al6nIeS2hwTQc0HTdL055w.8vLYF?slug=ys-ilgauskasbuyout022110&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
@Jay I don’t know if it’s Mike Brown or not all I know is this team has loved the jump shot in particular the three pointer for far to long. For a year I wanted a PF and I finally got one so I guess it’s time for me to berate how noone other then LeBron James tries to drive and penetrate to the basket. That is one of the many reasons why I’ve never been a Daniel Gibson fan and also why I said the additions of Parker and Moon while helping the defense due to length would add nothing to the offense. For as good a defensive coach as Mike Brown is supposed to be he’s that bad on offense. I don’t know.
@150 Jeff I liked the league’s supposed reasoning with the phrase “proof of a prearranged deal” I mean give me a break isn’t this the same league that had an official fix games and also the same league that instituted a policy of changing foul calls I.E. the severity of flagrants in the playoffs? If Stern tries to pull some BS like this I hope Dan Gilbert pulls a Mark Cuban and goes off because Gilbert would have my full support.
I see nothing in the Yahoo article that makes the Z block a legitimate concern. Comeing from an LA source, it’s likely just sour grapes…
A few things I am seeing and need to address.
Mo had a bad series against Orlando in the post-season a year ago. That doesn’t mean he “freezes up in big games”. I’m just gonna pull a small insignificant game out from a few months ago…CLE at LA. You can’t tell me that wasn’t a HUGE game with the whole nation watching…he finished with 28 pts, 6 rebounds and 7 assist. That’s not “freezing up”.
Basketball is a sport where players need rhythm. Z always needed 4 or 5 shots to get going in a game. Why do you think coaches call a timeout when a player is heating up. Mo was out for a month and couldn’t shoot a ball. It’s gonna take a bit for him to get his rhythm back. He made a few points in the Charlotte game but he isn’t back yet. Don’t throw him under the bus just yet.
The Cavs got used to playing without Mo and Delonte against some weak teams for a month. Which we could not keep up and expect LBJ and Shaq to be fresh come post-season. Now they are playing good teams with 2 players coming back, 1 new player, 1 player gone and you expect them to always win? Let alone Powe coming in for the first time next week. There is going to be some growing pains. Remember the beginning of the season?
We have been playing horrible D and bad fundamental basketball but vs Denver and Orlando we were still in the game late. If we played our best game and still lost it might be another thing worthy of freaking out about. Its not the worst thing in the world when you barely lose to Denver and Orlando when your playing bad ball.
Everyone needs to be patient. Cavs are not perfect. Its best to figure out all these problems and hit our stride come April/May then get to the post-season worry about them then. As everyone kept saying when we were on the 13 game streak…”Regular season doesn’t matter.” We will work these things out now and be ready for the playoffs.
Honestly,
Here’s the cavs biggest problem… too much freaking partying on the road! http://twitpic.com/13wgrt
Wasn’t McDyess’s situation actually worse in that he outright REFUSED to report to Denver ? As far as I know, Z has reported to the Wizards.
Jay you hit it….fundamentals are 100% what brings championships. The Pistons and Spurs of late were not loaded with Star players. They were a solid team who played fundamentally sound ball.
That said, I feel like Lebron lacks the fundamentals in crunch time. It seems as though going up 5 with 6:55 left, you’d think a “championship” caliber team would protect that lead. A perfect example is the Magic….the protected the lead all game, and if it slipped, they got it back with stops.
Teams know by now that Lebron chucks up stupid shots when he feels desperate…..its a game plan. Much like Hack a Shaq, his %’s can’t be over 25% from that deep on the floor.
Lebron doesn’t protect leads, he tries to be superhuman and control / win the game on his own. At any given moment there are 2 guys on the floor who shoot the 3 better than Lebron. Drive, Drive, Drive, Drive……thats where we are at our strongest.
Boogey – Do you think Moon is nagged by his injury? I would love to see Moon start, he is athletic and a good defender. The only way we beat the Magic is by getting out to a 15+ point lead, then hoping that the buzzer sounds before we give it up to their 3pt barrage. That 3 point barrage happened at the end of the game, horrible timing.
I have a feeling we’re going to see Orlando in the East Finals in May again. Boston just looked gassed against Denver and Atlanta isn’t as big as any of the other three beasts in the East.
@TST 2 TD (however its spelled). I agree with your comment #154. Too much partying and hosting events during the season. You don’t see KG out hosting parties for celebrities. He is home or in the gym making sure he’s top shape for the playoffs.
Lebron needs to realize this isn’t Fing hollywood, this is a sport…..play the game, and practice to get better.
Mike Brown shouldn’t even let him attend this party, none of them. These current bum level players should be running suicides and shooting free throws until 1am. Jamison and Lebron should be running pick and rolls, and working on timing all night long.
I don’t see dedication anymore from these guys, I see “we deserve it”. If Lebron goes to NY, you will see him fail worse than Jamison’s first game. If he can’t stay away from the night clubs and party scenes in Orlando, I’d hate to seem him with the real high rollers in NYC.
I just really question Mike Brown’s logic with these lineups. It’s almost like the depth is a curse with him, as he just doesn’t seem to be able to peg down consistent rotations and combinations. Also, can someone please explain the logic of bringing ‘Tawn off the bench? Seems to me you start your best 5. Maybe I’m missing something, as I don’t claim to be a basketball genius.
I can understand bringing him off the bench for the first game… but after that, you gotta start him. Hell, he’s the first legitimate all star we’ve ever had here in 7 years to play with LeBron (Boozer wasn’t the player he is now and even prime Z isn’t going to impact a game like Tawn) and Brown didn’t think it’d be prudent to have ‘Tawn start the game?
Hickson is a gimmick player at best at this point, in spite of all the love we’ve been showing him.
Also I’ve seen no Gooseys, no handshakes, no dancing, no bicep flexing…nothing that makes them the team they are. Not sure if its Z being gone….I don’t see how, he is 1 of a team of 15 guys.
is it possible that the issue with Z is how the Wizards (1) save money by buying Z out AND (2) screw the Cavs over at the same time?
Thats the only way there could be “evidence” credible enough to block Z from coming back…
If Z is blocked from coming here I will be done with the NBA. It’s bad enough the Lakers title was fixed in 2002. Then refs were betting and fixing games too.
And not to mention the Knicks, Bulls, etc. trading away their team to get free agents next year? That’s a wink wink nod if I ever seen one.
Good points guys. If the difference between winning and losing is on Mike Browns shoulders then get ready for a 1st round exit from a great coach in Larry Brown.
Jay thanks for making me more worried about Charlotte!
Maybe I over looked it, but Lebron hasn’t always been this attention seeking in recent years as he is this year. In ’07 they had something to prove. Ever since then it has been about what we (the Cavs) deserve and are owed. I’m with JM on his take with Z and the NBA. As far as Lebron is concerned if he keeps acting like this, and eventually signs with another team…his whole career* will be an asterisk in my book.
*How I became a OKC/ Kevin Durant fan.
@JM, I should be the last person that gets you worried about the Bobcats. Maybe, Larry Brown, Steven Jackson, Gerald Wallace, Ray Felton, Tyrus Thomas, and Tyson Chandler when he gets back.
Bobcats will not go away. They will get the 8th seed and we will have to deal with them. Oh be afraid be very afraid.
@Jake in the City. Thanks for agreeing, my point is that energy management is key. When guys host events it effects the next days effectiveness. Players have to have good rest. If I were the Cavs organization, I would put a ban on any alcohol for the rest of the season. Until they get to pop the champange in the NBA Finals!
If they want to win a ring it’s going to tae total focus.
Yeah those guys worry me too. Something tells me they will get that 8th seed for sure. Another wink wink moment to test the Cavs in the 1st round.
It seems like a pretty safe bet that we’ll lock down the #1 seed in the East barring an epic meltdown where we continue to play like we have the last 2.5 games (Denver game was hard-fought/tough… not willing to say we played really bad).
But, why are we so sure the Bobcats won’t climb above the #8 seed? I think they got MUCH tougher with the addition of Tyrus Thomas, and the confidence they have to be building with their solid performance. I could easily see them at least overtaking Miami and Chicago between now and the end of the season.
3am ulcers from all of this. Sports God’s do you hear me? Sports God’s help us!
The curse of Z stands at 3 games
Anthony Parker gets way too many minutes.