Clutch Performance Wasted in Salt Lake
If we’re going to get carried away over a Christmas Day blowout win over the Lakers, then we need to get equally carried away with a wild buzzer-beating loss to the Jazz backups on Thursday night. Deal?
We’re officially halfway through allegedly the most critical season in Cavaliers’ history, and the verdict is very much out on the wine and gold (blue and orange). Sure, they have their moments. Like when the Cavs demonstrated their resolve by rallying from 13 down with 4:39 to go on the road, eventually reclaiming the lead thanks to lock-down defense and LeBron’s incredible scoring down the stretch. The King scored 18 points in the final 3:30 – bullying his way to the basket (Jazz fans would probably have another term for that), and hitting clutch threes when his team needed them the most.
But in the end, LeBron left the floor just like he did after game six of the Eastern Conference Finals, a stark contrast to his constant chest thumping fan stare downs moments earlier. Pardon me if I’m Deja Vu is setting in all over again. The Cavs have regained that swagger of last season, but do they deserve it?
Of all the preseason “contenders,” the Cavaliers have been by far the most fortunate in terms of injuries. The Lakers/Spurs/Celtics/Magic have all had to resort to some makeshift lineups, while Cleveland has been chugging along with their nucleus very much intact. Keep in mind that the power seems to have once again shifted back to the Western Conference. As this is being written, only four teams in the East have 20 wins, while there are 10 in the West. So while the Cavaliers have had recent success and have stayed relatively healthy all season, they’re still one full game behind the Lakers for the best record in the league and only 1.5 games ahead of the Celtics. Another painful reminder that Thursday’s loss was a wasted opportunity, with the Celtics dropping their 11th game.
That’s not to say it’s all bad. The Cavs’ defeat of the Lakers on the road gave fans some hope, and there’s no doubt that LeBron will keep the Cavs in just about every game; he’s that good. But watching the Cavs fall behind 13 in the fourth to a team with the names of Miles, Gaines, Mathews, Price and Boozer, well it’s a bit unnerving. This just a few days after losing to a Denver team without Melo. They gave up way too many open looks to the Jazz in the first three-and-a-half quarters. The Cavs needed an answer for their lack of defensive aggressiveness, and this despite playing at the “Energy Solutions” Arena! Even NBC’s late night talk show lineup is more consistent of late then the Cavs D.
Of and if you’re shouting at your computer right about now that this year is different, we have Shaq! Remember that the Cavs, against a team without a true center, had its 7-footers go a combined 2-of-6 for 6 points in 39 minutes and only 6 rebounds. Our big free agent acquisition, Anthony Parker, didn’t make any notable defensive plays (committed a terrible foul on a jump shooter in the act) and continues to be an afterthought in the offense – does anyone trust him right now with a big shot if needed? I’ll hang up and listen.
And like I keep saying, we can obsess about these games and hypothesize all we want about the Cavaliers’ title chances (While we’re wasting time with that, think of how many more awesomely cheesy nicknames Fred McLeod can come up with – like Hot Wad), but the story remains the same. Mo Williams is the Cavs’ second best player. He’d be the worst number 2 on a title team in the last 30 years. So until the Cavs make a move, we’ll continue to have our doubts.
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Part of the responsibility for many of this season’s losses also lies with the unbelieveable star ~ Leborn. His unwilliness to stay within the team’s offensive concept ( especially at the end of quarters and the game) and his unnecessary turnovers have not contributed to an atmosphere of positive team play with any kind of a rhythm. That handicaps his many role playing team mates.
Re: R Chapman: Not buying it. Should have lost that game by 20 if Lebron hadn’t gone into beast mode. And I’m not sure how playing with LeBron has ever handicapped anyone, unless it be by them being ashamed at his sheer quality with their own lackluster game.
I can take the bad offensive game on the road, but the Cavs didn’t play like they wanted it until LeBron took it into his own hands. When the defense es malo, we’re not the best team in the league.
But if we’re taking the long view of this season so far. When the Cavs bring the energy (something you’ve seen them do in big games; and more like something you’ll see every game in the playoffs) they’re a much better team than last year. But you just saw what it looks like when they don’t bring the hustle. Not having Delonte on a good day didn’t do us any favors either.
In summation, let’s hold the doom and gloom for a few more weeks. And for the record, don’t ever equate a loss on the road in Utah (I don’t care who’s playing) by one on several miracle shots, with a victory over the Lakers on the road where we dominated. Viva la Cavs!!!
Lakers didn’t even show up for that game. Not sure we can act like that game proved anything. They didn’t even involve Shaq in pick and roll, which would have killed the Cavs. They didn’t even put a gameplan together to be cavs, which they would in 7 game series. I’m selling stock in this cavs team, they’re not going anywhere.
I’ve been concerned for awhile now how this season is transpiring. I knew there would be ups and downs through the transition of incorporating Shaq in to the concept of what the Cav’s do. In all honesty, it shouldn’t be this hard. 41 games in now and I’m feeling even more uneasy. The acquisition of Shaq filled a specific immediate need, low post scorer and presence. Once again, 41 games in, he averages about 8 shots a game, sometimes he doesn’t even get 12 touches a game. The way he is being used, defeats the purpose of having him here, unless you just want to hang your hat on having as future Hall of Famer on the roster.
I won’t make the excuse of playing down to the competition, that’ s a cop out. The reality is the Cav’s at times have been outplayed by inferior teams. The is the deepest, most talented team the Cav’s have had since James has been here. No more excuses about lack of help or supporting cast. You have to give guys an opportunity to contribute and have success. Gaines hit the winning shot that denied the Cav’s a win they truly didn’t deserve. This is a player on his 2nd 10 day contract, being trusted by the coaches and the other 4 players on the floor, at that moment in time to take that shot. He wouldn’t have been on the floor in a Cav’s uniform, and alongside James, he wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity.
I look at the Cav’s 11 losses, and in over half of them, I look at James first. You’ve had games like Memphis when he takes 11 3′s, the games where he has taken more shots than the other 4 starters on the floor, missed more shots than the next players has attempted, games with no offensive rebounds, turnovers at key moments in the game, and missed free throws that have a way of coming back to haunt you. I’m a firm believer that a teams best player should face the highest scrutiny. James is surrounded by more than capable players, check their stats.
The Cav’s over the next 41 games need to revisit their mode of attack. Let me first clear something up, Mo Williams is not the 2nd best player on this team, he’s 2nd in shot attempts. James and Williams are primarily jump shooters. You finally have a capable scorer in Hickson at the 4, James would be a much more efficient and effective player if he posted up at all, and you have a beast in the middle in Shaq that shot 2-3 in the 1st quarter, and didn’t get another attempt until late in the 4th, Hickson was 2-2 and didn’t have another attempt, if I’m not mistaken.
The Cav’s have the best 1,2,3 punch at the center position in the NBA. Instead of approaching it as a position of strength, they treat it as a matter of convenience. There is no way Shaq should get less than 12-15 shots against any team they face. Having him go up and down the floor 4-6 possession without a touch or shot attempt, renders him useless. You’ve been the best defense against him. You can’t help but see his frustration, and I applaud him for not speaking out. Another glaring example of how guys seem to lose their game playing alongside James. It’s no reason why top tier free agents elect to go elsewhere. Exactly how is it that James makes everyone around him better?
What the Cav’s need most is for coach Brown to take back control of this team. The Cav’s need to more effectively and consciously play to their strengths. Shaq should be option 2 on this team, passes are reluctantly thrown in the post which more times than not lead to turnovers. I’m almost inclined to want Shaq to have a bigger voice and demand a bigger presence. He is the most decorated player in that locker room combined! Mo Williams should not shoot over 12 times a game. If all you’re going to do is shoot 20 footers, you’re hurting the team more so than helping it.
There is no reason for James to dominate the ball. his initiating the offense should be considered a luxury, not a necessity. Allow players to play their roles. The team is stronger with Hickson starting and Varejao coming off the bench, with that being said, Hickson needs to be more than just the 5th person on the floor. I’m glad to finally see Jawad Williams get significant minutes. Here is that athletic 6’9″ guy that can get to the basket and knock down the outside shot that seems to be openly coveted, sitting right here at your disposal. Sometimes you have to just put a guy on the floor, give him an opportunity to contribute, have success, work through his mistakes, and earn his time and place. Congratulations J Williams for making me a prophet.
Maybe its me, but James seems to fit better on the floor with Williams than Parker, maybe moving Parker to the 2nd unit will get him better opportunities. There is no reason for him to be on the floor for 32 minutes in a game and only getting 3 shots. I’m overly concerned with James shot selection, especially down the stretch. Just because you make a few don’t make a good shot. Being the best player doesn’t always make you the best option. I think Ilgauskas has been under utilized the past 5 years. He should have a bigger, more efficient role in the offense. The 5 position should account for at least 20-25 shots every game.
it’s my opinion that you don’t need to reach for another piece, especially another duplicate part, rather maximize what you already have. This is the time you let players grow into roles and areas of contribution. I hear the talk about Jamison, Wallace, Martin, Murphy, Bosh, among others being the missing pieces. These are guys that get between 12-24 shots a game to have an impact or be effective. Where will the shots come from? You mean you can find 18 shots for Bosh but not 12 for Shaq? Can James not have an impact on the game shooting 16 times a game or less? The less he shoots, the more efficient he is, and the more likely that you’re getting meaningful contributions from everyone else.
Shots closer to the basket put more presser on an opposing defense than shots 20 feet away from the hoop. At times, and this is just my opinion and observation, James plays like a person that doesn’t plan on being here next year. He hasn’t come out and said this is where he plans to be, and let’s for a moment, take the whole attention whore aspect out of it. When it’s all said and done, this team will only go as far as James allows it, not carries it. The way they have looked so far, I don’t see them getting past the 2nd round. The Playoffs start, and I already see James shooting over 25 times a game. He can go off with the best of them, but its usually at the expense of the others on the floor.
It’s okay to let someone else shine, be the hero for the day, Utah did last night. Together Everyone Achieves More… its a concept you truly have to believe in and adhere to, not just like the way it sounds. I’m not like the official beat writer, or local sportstalk show host, I’m that other guy, with that other point of view. If you’ve found my thoughts and sentiments here interesting, I thank you. Look for my report card from the first half of the season. If not, feel free to respond to me, and we can discuss it further.
My website is http://barksfromthepound.ning.com I apologize for the error
Keith welcome to the site. Your fingers must be hurting after all of that.
Can “Mac’s Picks” get any worse??? Who is this guy? You could have a monkey make better picks. “Take the Cowboys!!!! This is the easiest pick of the year!” Hahaha. If you want to renegotiate my contract, I’ll listen…… But most likely turn you down.
Queen Nicole should Give Mac a break. ESPN’s Chris Berman is 1-7 picking winners this playoffs. Check out the ESPN expert picks for crying out loud. Only Marcus is above five hundo! Jaws and Hoge are both 3-5! Accuscore is 4-4! And sportsnation is 3-5! And that’s just picking winners! Mac’s selections against the spread are bad for sure, but ain’t none of these guys doing much better and all they got to do is pick the winner! http://espn.go.com/nfl/picks
I’m loving your site, used to be a hater but I’ve come around and realized that most of it is in good fun. Funniest Cleveland site out there! You’re extremely talented!
Thank you Dutch! Most end up coming around in the end. Thanks for being a man about it.