I got caught working all day today, so I didn’t get to watch the game until about 11:30PM my time. Now it’s 2AM and I’m not overly enthusiastic about writing more, so this will be rambling…
I have to admit that my lust affair with the “bulletpoints” after every game column idea is waning. This is because a) everyone does it and b) the bulletpoints take away from potentially more unique, disruptive posts. Please tell us if you’d like us to keep the bulletpoints going.
Ok, first off, the caveat: everyone will tell you that the first game back at home after a road trip should be considered a road game - so this was as much of a road win as it was a home win.
Before tonight, the Cavs defense was 8th in the NBA, which as you know is not good enough for this team. After tonight, I assume it’s worse. I’m looking for causation, but I don’t have it yet…I suspect it has a lot to do with perimeter players getting into the lane like they didn’t last year, thanks to Delonte.
This also suggests that while Parker and Moon’s length may be helping on contests, neither guy is a lock down defender…
Which brings me to my first installment of “Your Team Sucks, Let’s Make a Trade”: Philadelphia 76ers…time to dump salary…why not trade Andre Iguodola to the Cavs for Z’s expiring contract?
Side note: I don’t mess around with that ESPN trade machine business so I don’t know if that deal could actually work financially, but you get my point.
I’d have to look at all of the defensive numbers while Z is on the floor, but it’s becoming increasingly likely in my opinion that Z should and will be dealt before the deadline if Mental Lapse keeps producing. The reason is Leon Powe. There are no minutes for him unless Andy is playing back up 5. Plus, we all want to believe Z’s offensive efficiency will get back to what it normally is, but right now it isn’t looking good, especially since he’s playing farther away from the basket than normal with Shaq in the line-up.
Can we please talk about the minor myth of Deron Williams? The idea that this dude is as good, or as close to as good, as Chris Paul is absurd. Eric Maynor played a very good game tonight - and no one on the Cavs could keep him out of the paint - but if Williams was so great, the Jazz could not have waxed Philly last night and nearly beat the Cavs tonight. I’m sorry. This is a value above replacement player scenario. I’m being hard on him, and I should look into D-Will more closely, but I’m sure there’s no comparison between him and CP3…and Rondo.
Do you think that when Boozer catches the ball and the boos begin Bron thinks about what it would sound like every time he played in the Q if he left the Cavs in free agency?
I heard typically uninformed Tony Kornheiser say on PTI Friday that Bron insisting he’ll change his number after the season is the best sign yet that he’s leaving Cleveland, citing Julius Erving’s change to #6 when he left New Jersey.
I would like to counter TK’s assertion. Let’s talk about jersey sales. If Bron is going to go play somewhere other than Cleveland, there’s no need for him to change numbers because he’s changing jerseys. If he stays in Cleveland, then a new number means new jerseys need to be bought…
I don’t usually read reports on the game from other sources until after I write about it, but I just checked this incredible headline on Windhorst’s blog: “JJ Hickson, LeBron’s Unofficial Third Son” <—— I suggest you read that immediately.
I barely talked about the game, I know. AP hit a huge 3P, I’ll say that much. I applaud you not-so-young man. Also, the Cavs offense in the first quarter was one of the most beautiful quarters I’ve ever seen them play. LeBron made some insane passes, including one from the mid post that he snapped off to Anthony Parker on the opposite wing for an open 3…the way he passes cross court is immaculate.
Finally, Brandon Jennings was spectacular tonight. 21-34 from the field, 7-8 from 3P with 5 boards, 5 assists, and 4 TO. 55 points. Youngest player to score 50 (he beat Bron by days), Bucks rookie record, and 3 shy of the NBA record (Wilt got 58 twice). But…
Watching the highlights, the Golden State Warriors defense against him was hilarious. Sure, Brandon didn’t score a basket in the 1st quarter and was 4-13 going into the locker room at the half, but in the 3rd period he did not miss a shot until there were 6 seconds left in the quarter. He scored 33 points. And the Warriors were giving this dude wide open looks from 3 off the dribble. Incredible.
