|
Photo: John Kuntz/Cleveland.com
Often times, a pitiful team like the New Jersey Nets can knock off an incredible squad like the Cavaliers if they catch them on a night where they lack focus. Just two days away from a showdown with the Orlando Magic and facing the worst team in the league, the Cavaliers were in danger of looking ahead and slacking off. The Cavaliers did look bored most of the game, never truly thinking they weren't going to win the game, but they survived solid New Jersey jump shooting thanks to 38 bench points to set the NBA's best win streak this season at 12 games.
No Delonte, No Devin: Mo Williams proved to be wrong in his prediction of Delonte West playing tonight as he was ruled out after shootaround by Coach Mike Brown. It sounds like Delonte won't return until after the All-Star break against Denver, giving him nine extra days off to help heal the injured finger. Luckily for the Cavs, the Nets All-Star point guard Devin Harris missed tonight's game as well. Being without Harris left the Nets without a true playmaker and forced to rely on perimeter shooters in addition to Brook Lopez's post game.
Not many signs of 4-46: If the Cavaliers had no knowledge of other teams' records, they certainly wouldn't think New Jersey is the worst team in the league. In two prior meetings this year, the Nets hung with the Cavaliers for the entire game, losing by 10 and 8 points. Tonight, it was pretty much the same recipe. The Cavs started off slow, the Nets gained confidence, the Cavaliers never really worried about it too much, the Cavaliers played really hard for a couple of three minute stretches, and the Nets faded in the end. The Nets were led early by a quick start from Jarvis Hayes, who had 8 points in the blink of an eye. Most of this was a result of the Cavaliers playing some dummy defense. For instance, there's no reason for Keyon Dooling to attack the paint and get four first quarter assists. Overall, the Nets haven't looked even close to a 4-46 team in their three face-offs with Cleveland.
Fry an egg on Z's forehead: Late in the first quarter, Zydrunas Ilgauskas made a rare drive to the bucket, and when he got tomahawked by two different players and the whistle did not blow, Z was furious. Like he was shot out of a cannon, Ilgauskas ran over to official David Guthrie and started chirping like Big Bird. Guthrie dropped a tech on him, and LeBron had to calm down his new puppet mate. Z had a rough night, hitting just 1-of-10 shots and totaling 2 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in 22 minutes. He also got called for a ridiculous illegal screen about 2 seconds too late as well as the token extended forearm call early in the first quarter. How long does a guy have to be in the league to get your benefit of the doubt, David Guthrie? For that matter, Guthrie, Tony Brothers, and Haywoode Workman have got to represent the worst blow-for-blow officiating group in the NBA. My only reasoning for their assignment in this game was the thought that the Cavs should be able to take care of New Jersey, bad officials or not.
Stepping up with James sitting down: The Cavs' lazy effort in the first left them with a one point deficit even after a 11-4 run to close the first. Impressively, the Cavaliers built an eight point lead in the five and a half minute stretch, thanks largely to Daniel Gibson, Anderson Varejao, and Shaquille O'Neal. The big guys and the little guy combined for all 16 Cavalier points with LBJ sitting. Gibson continues to diversify his offensive game, hitting long twos and creating in-between shots and on drives to the basket. Andy was spectacular, and I've come to the conclusion that I bet you could throw Andy in the spin cycle of a washer and he would still somehow manage to find the bucket and finish. Shaq did a solid job of drawing fouls on Tony Battie to help get the Cavs in the bonus just four minutes into the second.
Highlight of the night: The unquestionable top play of the evening was a fullcourt affair. After Shaquille O'Neal made an impressive stuff of Brook Lopez at the glass. He ripped the ball down, took three powerful dribbles leading the fastbreak, passed it to LeBron, and LeBron gave the high hand-off to Anderson Varejao for the slam. Andy had to really reach back to catch the high pass from LeBron with one hand for the powerful finish. Normally, Andy likes to finish around the rim with lay-ins, and Boobie even commented on how they tease him after the game, but this one he threw down with major authority. Andy had a stellar night with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals in 34 minutes. He did so well that he didn't come off the floor much at all, limiting J.J. Hickson's minutes severely.
LBJ attacks, New Jersey backs (off): Up just six at the half, LeBron went into attack mode to begin the third quarter. LeBron knows very well that the Nets don't have anyone that contend with him on the defensive end, so he was basically biding his time, waiting to score when it was necessary. LeBron had 10 in the third for part of a quiet 32 points on 13-of-21 shooting in 42 minutes. LeBron continued his role as setup man in the absence of the top two points, dropping 11 dimes and adding 3 boards.
Let's get serious: Despite LeBron's high-scoring third, the Cavs gained no ground on New Jersey in the third quarter. The Cavaliers, though, got serious to start the fourth quarter with a 13-2 run. After that, New Jersey's will was basically broken, and the Cavaliers coasted the rest of the way.
Cutting the engines early (again): I say that they coasted the rest of the way rather nonchalantly, but it's something that is a startling issue for this team. The Nets closed the gap back to seven after the Cavaliers had pushed it out to 17. It's probably a bit of an overreaction, but I will throw up the warning once again that this will come back to bite them at some point against a more capable team.
 goes to: Anderson Varejao and Jawad Williams. The Wild Thing was on a hustle plane above everyone else on the floor tonight, as he is most nights. Andy finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals. Jawad scored a new career-high in points with 17 on 6-of-12 shooting, adding 3 rebounds and 2 assists. The Cavs were also +15 with Jawad on the court, second best on the team tonight.
Team Grade: B-
A 4-47 team without their best player is an easy target, so I am a little disappointed that the Cavaliers didn't make a little bit lighter work of the Nets. However, you have to look at a win streak like they are on right now and understand that the longer it lasts, the harder it is to keep going. With that in mind, I can accept the Cavaliers shooting 53%, slightly edging NJ on the boards 35-34, handing out 27 assists on 39 field goals, and committing just 9 turnovers. They did let the Nets shoot 51% and give up 13 offensive rebounds, but nobody's perfect.
The Cavaliers have a key showdown Thursday night on national television against the streaking Orlando Magic, who finally have Vince Carter playing the way they want him to. It will take an incredibly focused effort to send the Q faithful home happy.
All for one. One for all.
Kirk
|
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 