Friday night quick hit:
Cavs shot 86.2% FT tonight. They hit six more free throws than the Raptors attempted, and ultimately, that game doesn’t go into overtime otherwise. As Mike noted last night, Shaq’s absence helps the Cavs’ pick and roll defense significantly. But it also helps the Cavs’ efficiency at the line. They’re still not a team of sharpshooters when it comes to freebies, but in a game like tonight’s, even Andy at 66% can make a huge difference versus Shaq at 51%. Just something else minor to keep in mind as Coldstone weighs the situational advantages and disadvantages of the All-Athletic line-up versus the Slow Down Diesel version (once Shaq is healthy again, that is).
The bigger point this reflects on is that, despite their size disadvantage, the Cavs continued to attack the Raptors in the paint all night. They converted 23 of 32 shots “at” the rim (dunks, lay-ups, tips) for 46 points on 71.9%FG. This is especially impressive when you consider that foul trouble only allowed Andy to play a measly 23 minutes, leaving Jamison and Powe to man the 5 for extended periods. In other words, all the ingredients were in place for the Cavs to have one of those games where they decide to settle for a bunch of perimeter jumpers—but they consciously fought that urge, and it’s a big reason they ultimately came away with a win.
I’d also like to give a quick shout to Matt Devlin and Jack Armstrong, the Raptors’ announce team. While I’ll admit to being a little annoyed by the fact that Devlin called every possession from the opening tip as if it was the deciding one, he and his partner made for one of the most tolerable, even-handed broadcast teams of any I’ve been subjected to via League Pass this year. Armstrong was even quick to admit that the foul call on Mo on the second-to-last play of regulation should’ve gone the other way on Jarrett Jack. Really impressed by the intensity of their crowd and the general attractiveness of the female fans and cheerleaders. If the US ultimately goes all Book of Eli, Toronto is at the top of my migration list.
Finally, wardrobe trivia for those of you who didn’t read Windhorst’s beat blog tonight: in all situations, Antawn Jamison puts his shoes on before his pants.
(view comments)
