Fear The Sword

Cavs toy with Knicks 100-91

2009-11-07T03:48:28Z

More photos » by Kathy Kmonicek - AP

about 11 hours ago: Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) moves the ball around New York Knicks' Jared Jeffries (20) during the first period of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

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LeBron James travels to Madison Square Garden just once this season. Ever the showman, LeBron wanted to make sure he gave the fans of the home-town Knicks something to remember - and something to hope for. James was nearly flawless - as were his Cavaliers teammates - in a 40-point first quarter pacing the Cavaliers to a 100-91 beating of the New York Knicks.

James 19 point start to the game was filled with everything that makes LeBron so special - drives to the basket, long-range jumpshots, no-look passes and lock down defense. The Cavs shot over 75% for the quarter and the games was never really in doubt again. James finished with 33 on 12-17 shooting. He added 8 rebounds and 9 assists as well.

Mike Brown, in an effort to revitalize the Cavaliers bench, started J.J. Hickson alongside Shaq. Hickson played just 6 minutes, however, scoring 6 points. By having Anderson Varejao coming off the bench, the Cavaliers were able to maintain their energy level. In fact, Delonte West, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Varejao all came in at teh same time around the 6-minute mark of the first quarter. All 5 started for the Cavaliers in 2008-09 and it was amazing how quickly the team seemed to pick up right where it left off.

The rest of the game was filled with bad defense, poor shot selection and seemed to be a complete version of how NOT to play basketball.

Anthony Parker played closer to what he should - 22 minutes - splitting time evenly with Delonte West. While West scored just 3 points, and Parker 7, the true difference between the two is in the +/-. In a game the Cavaliers led by double-digits almost the entire way, Parker managed to break even. West was a solid +18. Figure that one out.

It was also nice to see the return of Z. Gone was the twin-tower experiment - at least for one game - and this allowed Z to find a comfort zone, especially offensively. After going 0-9 last night against the Bulls, Z bounced back with a 9 point, 11 rebound game - his finest of the season in my opinion.

For the Knicks it was the same ole' same ole. I still can see now justifyable reason LeBron would want to play for the Knicks. If winning is all that matters, as LeBron says it is, then the Knicks would be last on my list.

David Lee was high-man for New York scoring 21 points with 6 rebounds. Old friend Larry Hughes finished with 18 while Danilo Gallinari added 17.

A win is a win and this game falls right into that. The Cavaliers now get a few days off to get some of these issues handled. They had better, because a trip through Florida awaits, with Orlando on Wednesday and Miami on Thursday.

GO CAVS!

Cavaliers vs Knicks coverage , Cavaliers vs Knicks preview , Posting and Toasting

Game # 7 - Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks

2009-11-07T00:15:20Z

2009/2010 NBA Regular Season
	VS
1-4		3-3
November 6, 2009
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
8:00 PM
Radio - WTAM 1100 / TV - ESPN HD / FSOhio
Probable starters:
Chris Duhon	PG	Mo Williams
Larry Hughes	SG	Anthony Parker
Danilo Galinari	SF	LeBron James
Wilson Chandler	PF	Anderson Varejao
David Lee	C	Shaquille O'Neal

The bad news? The Cavaliers have stumbled a bit to a 3-3 record. The Good news? A 1-4 Knicks team is up next. The Knicks are on cruise control - wishing to hop in a time machine to July 1, 2010. They want LeBron and in a lot of ways LeBron wants New York. He loves the attention, and loves the 'love' from the fans and media alike. Will all of that be more important than winning? That's the big question.

This is the only trip to New York for the Cavaliers this season - thanks NBA - so we only have to deal with the Knicks-side of things one time. Get ready.....

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Cavaliers vs Knicks coverage; Cavaliers vs Knicks preview; Posting and Toasting

Some more Game Notes after the Jump -- >

Tonight, the Cavaliers will take on the Knicks in Madison Square Garden. Cleveland has won five consecutive games against NewYork, including the last three on the road. In this span, the Cavs have outscored the Knicks by an average margin of 112.2-96.6while shooting .492 from the field compared to .423 from the Knicks. The team has also controlled the paint, 42.8-34.8.
In 10 career games at the Garden, LeBron James has averaged 30.1 points on .469 shooting, including .455 from behind the arc,5.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 2.3 steals. Since 2005-06, James has averaged 35.6 ppg, which ranks 2nd (K. Bryant - 46.7) in theleague for visiting opponents scoring (min. of three games). (STATS, Inc.)
In the last game at New York, a 107-102 win, LeBron James recorded 52 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists. James became thefirst player to post at least those numbers in a NBA game since Wilt Chamberlain (53 points, 14 assists, 32 rebounds) onMarch 18, 1968 and joined Michael Jordan as the only visitors to Madison Square Garden with multiple 50-point games.James also notched 50 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists in a 119-102 win on March 5, 2008.
Against Chicago last night, LeBron James tallied 25 points on 9-17 (.529) shooting, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and oneblock in 38 minutes. For the season, James is averaging 25.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.8 assists in 38.2 minutes.
On Thursday, Anderson Varejao finished with 12 points on 5-7 (.714) shooting and a season-high 13 rebounds in 35 minutes,marking his second consecutive double-double. Varejao now has three double-doubles on the season, all in the past four games ashe has led the team each time in rebounding. It marked the fourth time in his career he recorded back-to-back double-doubles.
Versus Chicago, Shaquille O'Neal recorded his second double-double of the season with 14 points on 7-13 (.538) shooting and10 rebounds in 31 minutes. He also set a season high in blocks with five. The last time O'Neal blocked five or more shots in agame was on November 21, 2007 against the Atlanta Hawks. In his last two games, O'Neal is averaging 17.5 points on 14-22shooting (.636), 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 3.0 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game.
In Cleveland's last four games, the team's defense has held opponents to just .412 shooting (128-311) from the field and 85.5 pointsper game. Cleveland's defense so far on the season ranks 5th in the NBA in opponent points per game (89.7), 4th in defensivefield goal percentage (.424) and is tied for 8th in blocks (6.0) per game. The team is allowing 31.3 points in the paint, the 3rdfewest in the NBA and after only giving up two to Chicago, ranks 3rd in second chance points allowed at 9.8 points per game.
Through the first six games, the team has made 52 three-point field goals, which is eight more than the team's previous best mark of44 in 2007-08 and 15 more than the third best marks of 37 in 2005-06, 1996-97 and 1995-96. (STATS, Inc.)
With Anthony Parker, who went 3-3 from three on Thursday, tied for 11th in the NBA in three-point shooting at 12-22, .545and Daniel Gibson ranking 14th at 14-26, .538 leading the team and Mo Williams shooting 14-30 (.467), the Cavaliers are one ofthe most improved teams in shooting three-pointers from last season (.393) to this season (.444), which ranks 5th.
Daniel Gibson continues to lead the Cavaliers bench, scoring eight against the Bulls on 3-4 shooting (.750) in 17 minutes. Gibson hasscored in double figures in three of the team's six games this season.
The Cavaliers have carried over from last season their skill in taking care of the basketball. Last season, the Cavaliers ranked 6th in teleague at 12.7 turnovers per game and this season, they continue to rank 6th in the NBA for the fewest turnovers at only 13.2.

"I don't tease, I've never teased the New York media by saying I was coming to New York or playing...

2009-11-06T17:58:00Z

"I don't tease, I've never teased the New York media by saying I was coming to New York or playing for the Knicks. I say the same thing every time. When July 1 gets here, I'm going to approach it like a businessman and approach it for the best fit for LeBron and his family.

"I've been a Cav for seven years now and I've never given any indication I was leaving. For me to say I'm not going to be a Knick, I'm going to be a Cav or I'm going to be a Knick, I'm not going to be a Cav, I'm not going to do that. I did the three-year contract for a reason, I'm going to leave my options open."

LeBron James, when asked if he enjoys flirting with the New York media

LeBron's Open Letter to New York

2009-11-06T17:44:38Z

LeBron James loves the Big Apple. We all know that. We all know that New York loves him too - especially if he decides to call MSG his home 10 months from now. With the Cavaliers in New York to face the Knicks at The Garden tonight, LeBron decided to give back a bit to NYC -

Dear New York,

Thank you for welcoming me back to New York City, one of my favorite places to play in the world. The Big Apple has always been good to me so I wanted to do something special to show my appreciation.

With this in mind, on November 7, 2009, I'm going to open seven gyms around NYC to host free open runs for high-school aged players. I remember being in high school and just wanting to play ball as the seasons changed from fall to winter. The Ohio winter made it tough to play outside so I always saw the opportunity to play in a nice gym as a gift.

It is in giving that I've found the most strength, whether it's on the court with my teammates or at home with my family. In giving this gift of the game to New York City, I want to share that strength with people who love the game as much as I do.

Peace,

LeBron James

A nice touch by James to open some local gyms in and around New York City. TO me, he can do all the charity work he wants to do in New York. He can wear a Yankees cap - which he certainly will be sporting tonight, I'm sure. All that is fine with me, as long as he wears the Wine and Gold on the court.

Potent Quotables - Bulls 86 - Cavaliers 85

2009-11-06T17:38:24Z

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP

1 day ago: Chicago Bulls' Luol Deng (9) and Chicago Bulls' Joakim Noah (13) stop Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) from scoring in the final seconds of the fourth quarter in an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, in Cleveland. No foul was called. The Bulls won 86-85. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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HEAD COACH MIKE BROWN
(On tonight’s game): "You have to give Chicago credit. They came in here and gutted it out. They were very gritty tonight. They got to a lot of loose balls, especially a couple of them late. We didn’t shoot the ball well. In a one-point game, we shot 60 percent from the free throw line. We had our chances and we didn’t pull it out. That’s why every night, no matter who you play, it’s going to be a dog fight."

(On the last call): "I thought LeBron drove the ball and Noah came across the paint. As he came across the paint, he jumped. I understand the rule of verticality, but if you’re going across the paint or the lane and you meet somebody on the other side, I don’t know."

LEBRON JAMES
(On the team still getting acclimated on both sides of the ball):
"I think we are still learning. I think defensively with a new team you can always be on the same page because at the end of the day you can fly around, you can communicate, you can help each other and you can get through it a lot easier. On the offensive end it takes a little longer because if you’re not on the same page and if you don’t know the sets right when they are called then you can look out of sync and you get into a lot of late clock situations, which is a lot of one-on-one basketball…stagnant. You’re taking some shots that you wouldn’t take if everybody was on the same page. I think offensively it’s going to take a little while to get our offense down pact. Defensively we look good, but you have got to score the basketball in this league also to win games."

(On if he felt contact on the last play of the game): "I felt a push from (Luol) Deng and I felt some contact up top from (Joakim) Noah."

(On if there is a safe way to chase after loose balls): "Not really. I thought I could get it. The best way to do it is to not go for it. Me being the guy I am, I want to get every last break (I can get). It happens sometimes."

(On why it was such a low-scoring game): "Neither team could make a shot. It’s that simple. Both teams got stops. Both teams rebounded the ball over 40 times. No team could make that backbreaking shot. They had a couple of times where they could have made it, we had a couple that we could have made late in the game. Sometimes you have those games in the NBA where it’s one of those grind-out games."

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL
(On getting aggressive in the second half and scoring down low): "I was trying to (get it going). We just have to keep playing and keep digging down. We had a chance to win at the end. If we limit some of our silly mistakes, we’ll be fine."

(On his scoring in the second half): "I’ve been around 17 years, and there’s not a double or triple-team I haven’t seen. I was shooting them, they felt pretty good. As you saw, a couple of them rolled in and out."

(On the team’s mindset right now): "We have a lot of resolve. In the three games we have lost, we pretty much beat ourselves by what we’re not doing. Once we master that, then we’ll be fine."

"I felt a push from Deng and I felt some contact up top from Noah. But it is a judgement call from...

2009-11-06T04:37:39Z

"I felt a push from Deng and I felt some contact up top from Noah. But it is a judgement call from the refs." - LeBron James, after the game

Brian Windhorst's Twitter

Cavaliers sleepwalk to 86-85 loss to Bulls

2009-11-06T04:17:34Z

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP

1 day ago: Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose, center, jumps to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers' Shaquille O'Neal, right, and Mo Williams in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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Maybe this is the new motivation for the Cavaliers this season. Last year, the Cavaliers seemed to be on a mission the entire regular season to get the 1 seed in the East, to win every game they played. The result was 66 wins, 39 of those at The Q. It also ended in a loss in the Eastern Conference Finals.

No need to worry about that this season - at least through 6 games.

In a game that the Cavaliers seemed disinterested in playing for large parts of the final 3 quarters, a late LeBron James energy boost was not enough to beat a young Chicago Bulls team. First of, credit the Bulls. There were several times a young team could have folded - they didn't. Instead it was the Cavs that played poor perimeter defense. It was the Cavs that turned the ball over at key times and it was the Cavs that couldn't hit the big shot when needed.

Even the final play was flawed - especially in design. With 4.3 seconds remaining and the Cavaliers trailing by one, Mo Williams inbounded the ball to LeBron, with Shaq setting the pick to clear him. Nothing wrong there - except for the one guy I would imaging Shaq was supposed to get to - Joakim Noah - was the weakside help that caused LeBron to lose the ball out of bounds, ending any hopes the Cavs had of winning.

Many will say there should have been a foul called - and in truth we have seen less get called at times. Fairly speaking, however, the officials did a good job of swallowing their whistles for both sides late in the game and there was very little contact - just a lot of long arms.

Even if you think there was a foul, the Cavaliers played poorly enough - for long stretches - to hardly deserve the win. The Wine and Gold had plenty of opportunities to take the game over in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters but failed to pt the Bulls away. It was a team effort for Chicago, with 5 players in double figures lead by Luol Deng's 15. Derrick Rose added 14 points and 11 assists.

For the Cavaliers, it was LeBron leading the way with 25-7-6. His play, at times, seemed uninspired, perhaps because of two nasty falls - one when he rolled his ankle running off the court after a foul - the second when he landed hard on a seat diving for a ball out of bounds. Both shots seemed to take LeBron's energy away, at least until the final seconds when LeBron single-handedly nearly pulled it out for the Cavs.

There was more trouble for an offense that looks more and more like it misses John Kuester. Kuester, now the Head Coach in Detroit, ran the Cavaliers offense last season. The offense lacks creativity and movement, either focusing on giving the ball to Shaq, or LeBron.

The Cavaliers shot just 40.7% from the field, and just 12-20 from the FT line. The Cavs committed 12 turnovers as well. Chicago turned the abll over just 7 times, leading to ZERO points for the Cavs. The Bulls were the faster team right from the start.

The struggles for the bench continued as well - Daniel Gibson scored 8 points on 3-4 shooting. Everyone else? A combined 1-18 for Z, Delonte and J.J. Hickson. Z was 0-9 from the field and once again appeared to have no clue on either end of the floor when paired with Shaq.

Meanwhiles, Jamario Moon was a DNP. Wasn't Moon brought to Cleveland to match up with teams like Chicago that are long and athletic? Something has Moon firmly planted on Mike Brown's bench while Ilgauskas and Anthony Parker(4-9, 11 points) waste their minutes on the floor(Z played 21 minutes, Parker played 35).

One bright spot for the Cavaliers was Anderson Varejao. Andy seems to have found his groove playing next to Shaq, putting together back-to-back double-doubles. Tonight's 12 points, 13 rebounds was a solid effort. Varejao also lead the team with a +11. Shaq added 14 points and 10 boards, along with 5 blocks.

All in all it was an ugly loss. Perhaps it was the way the Cavaliers lost the game - sleepwalking - that bothers me the most. we have heard many times this summer that the Cavaliers can't do anything during the season to make up for their playoff loss. I agree, to a point, but Champions play championship basketball all the time - not just in April, May and June.

Up next is my favorite time of year - LeBron's yearly flirtation with the New York media as the Cavs get right back on the florr tomorrow night against the Knicks.

Bulls vs Cavaliers recap; Bulls vs Cavaliers boxscore

Game #6 - Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers Game Night Open Therad

2009-11-06T00:31:17Z

2009/2010 NBA Regular Season
	VS
2-2		3-2
November 5, 2009
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
8:00 PM
Radio - WTAM 1100 / TV - TNT
Probable starters:
Derrick Rose	PG	Mo Williams
John Salmons	SG	Anthony Parker
Taj Gibson	SF	LeBron James
Luol Deng	PF	Anderson Varejao
Joakim Noah	C	Shaquille O'Neal

There's just something about the Bulls that sparks my interest when the Cavaliers face them. What once seemed to be a budding rivalry never materialized after the Bulls fell far below expectations a few years ago. then came the Larry Hughes/Ben Wallace trade. After pushing the Celtics to the limit in the First Round of the Playoffs last season, the Bulls lost Ben Gordon and once again seem to be a team in flux.

Derrick Rose is one of the most talented PG's in the NBA already which should make Cavs-Bulls games exciting for the next decade.

The Bulls will be without F Tyrus Thomas tonight who is suffering from the dreaded 'Flu-like Symptoms'.

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Bulls vs Cavaliers coverage; Bulls vs Cavaliers preview; Blog a Bull

Some more Game Notes after the Jump -- >

The Cavaliers face the Bulls on Thursday, marking the first time the team has faced a Central division opponent this season.Cleveland was 3-1 (.750) versus Chicago and 13-3 (.813) against the Central Division last season, their most wins against thedivision since its 2004 realignment and the best winning percentage ever against, which surpassed the 1991-92 team (22-6, .786).

LeBron James holds the Cavaliers franchise record for most points scored in a game against Chicago (41), hitting that marktwice in the matter of four days last season in two Cleveland wins on Nov. 5 and Nov. 8. James became the first player sinceNBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry (three games in 1974-75) to have 40 or more points in consecutive games versus Chicago. (Elias)

With their 102-90 win over the Wizards in Cleveland, the Cavaliers have now won three straight games overall (all by double digits),two of three at home this year and 41 of their last 44 regular season home games. It was the sixth straight defeat of the Wizards atQuicken Loans Arena with the victories coming by an average margin of 100.2 - 88.8, and the Cavs shooting .462 to the Wizards.428. Including the postseason, Cleveland has won more games (102) versus Washington than any other team. (STATS, Inc.)

The victory over Washington included a 30-point swing after the Cavaliers overcame an 18-point second-quarter deficit. It markedthe first time that the Cavaliers had trailed by more than 15 points at any point in any of Cleveland's last 60 regular-seasonhome games, which had been the longest current streak of that sort in the NBA. (Elias)

On Tuesday, Shaquille O'Neal posted a season-high 21 points on 7-9 (.778) shooting while pulling down eight rebounds in 28minutes. The Diesel is averaging 11.8 points on .533 shooting, 7.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 blocks in 25.6 minutes per game.

Against the Wizards, LeBron James tallied a game-high 27 points to go along with eight rebounds, six assists and three steals in 36minutes. For the season, James is leading the team in points (25.2), rebounds (7.8) and assists (8.2 - ranks 5th) in 38.2 minutes.

Entering the month of November, LeBron James (26.6 ppg) is the leading career scorer in this month among active players witha minimum of 50 games (A. Iverson - 26.4 ppg, K. Bryant - 24.4 ppg, D. Wade - 24.2 ppg). (STATS, Inc.)

Versus Washington, Mo Williams tallied 15 points, while shooting 3-4 (.750) on three-point attempts, to go along with four reboundsand six assists in 31 minutes. On the season, Williams is averaging 17.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 35.2 minutes.

During the Cavs' three-game winning streak, they've held their opponents to just .413 (92-223) from the field and 85.3 points pergame. Cleveland's defense so far on the season ranks 6th in the NBA in opponent points per game (90.4), 5th in defensive fieldgoal percentage (.427), tied for 11th in blocks (5.6) per game and is 11th in steals (7.8) per game. The team is only allowing 30.0points in the paint, the 2nd fewest in the league and ranks 6th in giving up second chance points at only 11.2 points per game.

On Tuesday, the Cavs connected on 11-26 (.423) from beyond the arc and over the last four games, the Cavs have made 39-82 (.476)of their three-point attempts. With Mo Williams (13-23, .565 - 10th in the NBA) and Daniel Gibson (12-23, .522 - tied for 16th inthe NBA) leading the team, the Cavaliers are one of the most improved teams in shooting three-pointers from last season (.393)to this season (.455). That mark ranks 3rd in the NBA behind Phoenix and Orlando.

During this three-game winning streak, the Cavaliers bench has scored at least 20 points in each game. On Tuesday, DanielGibson came off the bench and scored eight of his 14 points in the second period. Gibson shot 5-8 (.625) from the field, including 4-5 (.800) from beyond the arc. Gibson has now scored in double figures in three of the team's five games.

Potent Quotables - Cavs 102 -- Wizards 90

2009-11-04T17:28:01Z

More photos » by David Liam Kyle - NBAE/Getty Images

3 days ago: CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 3: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers puts up the shot against the Washington Wizards on November 3, 2009 at The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

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HEAD COACH MIKE BROWN

(On tonight's game):
"We had a lot of solid performances after we got out of our little funk early on. We came out and we were flat to begin the game, especially defensively. I thought we had some decent looks that did not go in, but we weren't the defensive aggressors and we have to be. We have to force our will upon people on that end of the floor for as close to 48 minutes as possible and we're not doing that all the time...In the second half, we were the aggressors and I thought we stepped it up a notch. It was also phenomenal to only have seven turnovers for the game."

(On the second quarter):
"I thought us getting to the line was a huge turn of the table in the second quarter. I think we had only (three) free throws in the first quarter, but increased that dramatically in the second. Our aggression defensively also turned up our aggression on the offensive end of the floor."

(On Shaq's performance):
"When we kind of stalled out, we said, ‘let's throw it into Shaq and have him get something for us'. It's nice to be able to throw the ball into him, space the floor, and if they go double or lose vision, we slash. He's such a willing passer and guys stepped up and made plays by either scoring or getting that ball inside out."

(On bench performances):
"It was several different guys; Jamario kept himself ready and did a good job for us. I thought Gibson did a solid job, not only shooting the basketball, but defensively in making his guy work."

LEBRON JAMES
(On what ignited the defense):
"We just played with a sense of urgency. Early on we couldn't make any shots, but our defense kept us in the game. When we start knocking down shots, it just brings a lot of energy to our defense and we just lock down on that end."

(On really noticing the Shaq effect on the offensive end):
"We just sit there and if they double, we put ourselves in position to make sure he has an outlet and give him the ball right back. He made some great post moves and he finally made his free throws so that is a plus not only for me but for everybody else."

(On adjustments at the half to hold them to 36 points in the second half):
"We made some adjustments. We started to be a little more aggressive on Gilbert's (Arenas) pick and rolls. He is a really good player and everybody else just buckled down and helped each other. To hold a team with that many scorers to just 36 points in the second half was a really good game for us."

(On looking forward to Thursday's matchup against Chicago):
"They're a very talented team, young team but very talented. We are looking forward to the challenge; it is still early, but we are looking forward to the challenge. With it being a TNT game, it is going to make it fun but at the same time, we are going to try to get better. We approach every game like it's our last but continue to get better and do the things we do in practice and try to implement them into a game situation so it is going to be a good one."

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL
(On the Cavs' offensive surge in the second half):
"The ball was moving, guys were passing and guys were hitting their shots. We were feeling pretty good out there, but I think that our defense helped with that a little bit."

(On their defense turning the game around):
"We are getting better. We didn't really step up to the challenge (in the first quarter). Caron (Butler) got going and Gilbert (Arenas) got going, but we clamped down there in the end of the second quarter and going into the third and fourth and we were able to pretty much take over the game."

(On him and Zydrunas playing at the same time):
"Z is a fabulous player. He is going to be on the wing a lot so if teams do double, I'm going to be looking for him. I think, at times, it will be a difficult matchup for teams that don't really have two seven-footers out there like we do."

(On getting assists and his teammates involved):
"I have been known as one of the best passing centers in the history of the game. I like to get my teammates involved and I was doing that in the first three games. A couples times I could have taken the shot, but I am looking to get my guys involved. I have got to make sure they are comfortable first because I am going to get mine."

Game #5 - Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers Game Night Discussion Thread

2009-11-03T23:00:38Z

2009/2010 NBA Regular Season
	VS
2-1		2-2
November 3, 2009
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
7:00 PM
Radio - WTAM 1100 / TV - FSOhio HD
Probable starters:
Gilbert Arenas	PG	Mo Williams
Mike Miller	SG	Anthony Parker
Caron Butler	SF	LeBron James
Fabricio Oberto	PF	Anderson Varejao
Brendan Haywood	C	Shaquille O'Neal

First things first. These two teams don't like each other too much - stemming from 3-straight playoffs defeats at the hands of the Cavaliers for the Wizards. Of course, it takes two for there to be a rivalry and in all honesty, the Cavaliers just don't care all that much about the Wizards - at least as much as Washington seems to be concerned with them.

The Cavaliers will likely see a spirited group tonight - but that shouldn't be different than any game this season. When you win 66 games teams are going to be gunning for ya. The Cavaliers are still working out the kinks in their new roster as well.

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Wizards vs Cavaliers preview ;Wizards vs Cavaliers coverage ; Bullets Forever

Some more Game Notes after the Jump -- >

The Cavaliers have defeated the Wizards five consecutive games at Quicken Loans Arena, winning the five games by an average margin of 99.8 - 88.6, shooting .474 from the field to the Wizards .434 and outrebounding Washington 47.2 - 34.6.
Versus Charlotte, Mo Williams tallied a game-high 24 points on 9-14 (.643) shooting, including 5-8 (.625) on three-point attempts, three assists, one steal and one block in 35 minutes. On the season, Williams is averaging 18.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and3.5 assists and is shooting 10-19 (.526) on three-pointers and 18-20 (.900) from the free throw line.
LeBron James notched 14 points, a team-high nine assists and seven rebounds in 37 minutes versus the Bobcats. For the season,James is leading the team in points (24.8), rebounds (7.8) and assists (8.8 - ranks 5th in the NBA) in 38.8 minutes per game.
In his first game of the season, Delonte West scored 13 points (all in the second half) on 5-7 (.741) shooting in 24 minutes to leadthe Cavaliers bench, while adding two rebounds, two assists and a steal. For the second straight night, two Cavs' bench playershit double figures in scoring as the bench scored 25 points on 11-18 (.611) shooting.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 10 points off the bench on a perfect 5-5 shooting from the field in 20 minutes versus the Bobcats.Ilgauskas also had a season-high five of the Cavaliers nine blocks for the game. Over his last two games, he is averaging 12.5 pointson 12-19 (632) shooting, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. Ilgauskas (711 games played, 667 starts) is only nine games away from tying Bingo Smith (720 games) for second all-time (Danny Ferry, 723 games) in games played in franchise history.
On Saturday, Anthony Parker scored 10 of his 13 points in the first half, while shooting 5-8 (.625) from the field, including 3-4 (.750)on three-pointers in 31 minutes. Parker is averaging 10.3 points, while shooting a team-best 8-13 (.615) from behind the arc, 3.0rebounds and 2.5 assists in 35.5 minutes on the season.
Anderson Varejao six points and added eight rebounds to go with a game-high three steals and a block in 33 minutes on Saturday.Varejao is averaging 7.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 31.5 minutes on the season.
After Saturday's win, Cleveland has defeated the Bobcats in seven consecutive games and now has an all-time record of 10-0against Charlotte at Quicken Loans Arena. The 10-game winning streak is Cleveland's second-longest home winning streak tobegin a series behind the 14-game home winning streak against the Charlotte Hornets from Nov. 15, 1994 - Dec. 28, 1998. The Cavaliers have won 40 of their last 43 regular season home games. (STATS, Inc.)
On Saturday the Cavs' toughened up the defense in the second half, holding the Bobcats to just 11-29 (.379) shooting and just 38points. The Bobcats finished with 79 points, marking the first time the Cavs held an opponent under 80 points this season.The team also allowed just two fast break points while scoring 12 of their own.
Cleveland's defense so far on the season ranks sixth in the NBA in opponent points per game (90.5), 9th in opponent field goalpercentage (.435), 6th in blocks per game (6.5) and 8th in steals per game (7.8). The Cavaliers rank first in giving up secondchance points at only 7.6 points per game, are also only allowing 32.7 points in the paint, which is the 4th fewest in the league.
The Cavs connected on 9-16 (.563) shots from beyond the arc against Charlotte after going 10-18 (.556) against Minnesota onFriday. For the season the team is shooting 34-73 (.466), which ranks 3rd in the NBA with Anthony Parker leading the team at 8-13 (.615), Mo Williams at 10-19 (.526) and Daniel Gibson at 8-18 (.444).

Magic, Larry Bird Differ on LeBron

2009-11-03T14:29:44Z

In what is becoming a trend in the sports world, everyone who is anyone has an opinion on where LeBron James should play next season. Perhaps we should keep a running tally - David Stern think James should stay in Cleveland - so does Reggie Miller.

What about Magic Johnson and Larry Bird?

The topic came up during a conference call with the two hardwood legends promoting their new book, "When the Game Was Ours", due out this Wednesday. Much like their playing styles, Bird and Johnson had differing opinions on James as well.

We'll start with Bird, who thinks LeBron should stay right where he is -

I just hope he stays in Cleveland. He means so much to that state. Plus, I like to see players stay where they were drafted.

Short, succinct, to the point.

Johnson has a different take on LeBron's future -

He's an incredible, incredible talent and he would bring a winning atmosphere to New York. He would be someone the city is buzzing about and want to see. He would create an atmosphere where other players would want to play with him. At the end of the day, he would win a championship.

Apparently, Magic forgets he has James Worthy, Kareem, Michael Cooper, Byron Scott, et al when 'ShowTime' was winning NBA Championships. LeBron, alone, isn't going to win a playoff series in New York and as it stands there is no way New York can bring in the help James needs any time soon. I know, details like that shouldn't keep LeBron from heading to New York.

Oh well, on to the Wizards.

Delonte West can get support from the fans, which he did in his first game back. He can get help...

2009-11-01T04:30:11Z

Delonte West can get support from the fans, which he did in his first game back. He can get help from the Cavs' medical staff, which he has diligently over the last two years and especially over the last month. But ultimately his greatest support system is his teammates and they are a major reason why he was back on the floor against the Bobcats.
After the game, Shaquille O'Neal said that he and LeBron James went to coach Mike Brown and Danny Ferry and ask that West be cleared to play as soon as possible. It would not have happened without the doctors' approval, but Shaq left the impression that he and LeBron's request was taken into account. Apparently, West has been petitioning for their help to get cleared to play and they showed faith in him in sticking their neck out and asking for him back.

Brian Windhorst's Blog

Excellent account of the behind the scenes involved in getting Delonte West back on the floor. He was missed.

Delonte West, Mo Williams pace Cavaliers to 90-79 win

2009-11-01T02:09:09Z

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP

6 days ago: Cleveland Cavaliers' Delonte West, right, passes as Charlotte Bobcats' Raymond Felton defends in the second quarter of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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It's Halloween and there is quite a fright going through the NBA. Delonte West returned to the Cavaliers tonight and the results were immediate and ultra-effective. Delonte plays with an edge and attitude that the Cavs were missing the first 3 games of the season. It was back tonight and the Cavs looked much more comfortable - especially in the 2nd half.

West played 22 minutes in his return to the floor - scoring 13 points on 5-7 shooting. So much of what West does, however, isn't found on a stat sheet. His tenacious defense, constantly getting a hand on the ball, deflecting passes - all of it is what West brings to the floor. He did so tonight - and the Cavs followed his lead.

West came off the bench tonight, but to be honest it seemed the team looked at its best when West was on the floor with the other starters - Shaq, LeBron, Mo and Andy - in the 4th quarter. It's a role that fits West better and I'd imagine he will get back his starting spot soon.

Tonight was one of those rare nights when LeBron James took a backseat to his teammates. LeBron scored just 14 points on 5-11 shooting. James added 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Mo Williams was once again hot - scoring 24 points on 9-14 shooting, including 5-8 from deep. Williams, after struggling through the first 2 games of the season, has rediscovered his All-Star form that past couple of nights.

It wasn't anything spectacular - both teams were coming off games last night - but it was the type of win the Cavaliers of 2008-09 were accustomed to.

The Wine and Gold now sit at 2-2. Interestingly enough, the Cavaliers were 2-2 after 4 games last season. We move on to November feeling pretty good about the Cavaliers and where they are headed.

Delonte West Returns!

2009-11-01T00:08:21Z

After missing all of Training Camp, the Pre-Season and the first 3 games of the season while dealing with personal issues, Delonte West returned to the Cavaliers tonight for their game against Charlotte.

West played his first minutes coming off the bench in the 1st Quarter.

West has a court date on November 20th to answer misdemeanor gun possession charges relating to an arrest in Maryland in September.

Game #4 - Charlotte Bobcats at Cleveland Cavaliers Game Night Discussion Thread

2009-10-31T23:00:35Z

2009/2010 NBA Regular Season
	VS
1-1		1-2
October 31st, 2009
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
7:30 PM
Radio - WTAM 1100 / TV - FSOhio HD
Probable starters:
Raymond Felton	PG	Mo Williams
Stephen Graham	SG	Anthony Parker
Tyson Chandler	SF	LeBron James
Boris Diaw	PF	Anderson Varejao
Gerald Wallace	C	Shaquille O'Neal

Now that the Cavaliers have figured out how to win with LeBron, Z, Shaq and Co., let's see if they can get a streak going. Visiting the Q this All Hallow'a Eve are the Charlotte Bobcats. Charlotte blew a huge lead to the Knicks last night before winning in Double-Overtime.

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Some more Game Notes after the Jump -- >

Bobcats beat Knicks 102-100 in 2OTs

2009-10-31T03:09:13Z

Bobcats beat Knicks 102-100 in 2OTs

Cavaliers face Bobcats tomorrow night. They had a much tougher night then the Wine and Gold did.

Cavaliers notch first win, beat T-Wolves 104-87

2009-10-31T03:00:35Z

More photos » by Jim Mone - AP

7 days ago: Cleveland Cavaliers Mo Williams drives to the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves' Al Jefferson, left, defends in the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 in Minneapolis. Williams scored 20 points in the Cavaliers' 104-87 win. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

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Rest assured, Cavaliers fans - this year's edition of the Wine and Gold still know how to win basketball games. In an effort reminiscent of many of the 66 wins from last season, the Cavaliers slowly, methodically beat down on a young, talented - but overmatched - Minnesota Timberwolves team 104-87. For the Cavaliers it was a job well done - mission accomplished. Sometimes the hardest win is the first even when you know there will be more to come.

Tonight the Cavaliers looked like a team - and it goes deeper than the level of opposition. The Cavaliers looked much more comfortable in their own skin - finding the roles that will take them where they are going to go this season.

I'll start with the obvious - Shaquille O'Neal. It was obvious that Shaq was trying to do too much - and perhaps the Cavaliers were trying too hard to feed him the ball. Through the first two games, Shaq was averaging 27 minutes and about 12 shots per game. Tonight, Shaq played 19 minutes, and took 6 shots - scoring 6 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. That is more of how I thought Shaq would be used. He was open to passing out of the post - often to open players. Often the Cavs - Mo Williams and Daniel Gibson - were hitting those shots. If they didn't, Shaq was there to grab the rebound. That is how I thought this Shaq-deal would work

LeBron got to take the 4th quarter off, which was a welcome sight. He undoubtedly set the tone, however, in the first quarter that saw him score 11 points. You got the feeling that James was going to do whatever it took to win tonight - be it score 50 points or simplye what he did - 24 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in 33 minutes.

The defense was also back to form. While the 2nd quarter was once again a work-in-progress(29 points allowed), the Cavaliers were solid in the 2nd half again - 40 points allowed - and for the game held the Wolves to 42% shooting(21% from deep).

The Cavaliers had 5 players in doubles figures led by LeBron(24 points), Mo Williams(20 points), Zydrunas Ilgauskas(15 points), Daniel Gibson(14 points) and Anderson Varejao(13 points). The bench stepped up as well, scoring a combined 35 points.

The Cavaliers are not a finished product, of course, but it was good to see positive signs, and felt great to get a win. The Cavs won't have much time to enjoy it, however. The team is likely already on its way back to Cleveland for a date with the Bobcats tomorrow night.

Game #3 - Cleveland Cavaliers at Minnesota Timberwolves

2009-10-30T23:52:03Z

by Tony Dejak - AP

7 months ago: Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, jumps to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves' Jason Collins, right, in the first quarter in an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 27, 2009, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

View full size photo »

2009/2010 NBA Regular Season
	VS
1-0		0-2
October 30th, 2009
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
8:00 PM
Radio - WTAM 1100 / TV - FSOhio HD
Probable starters:
Jonny Flynn	PG	Mo Williams
Ronnie Brewer	SG	Anthony Parker
Damien Wilkins	SF	LeBron James
Ryan Gomes	PF	Anderson Varejao
Al Jefferson	C	Shaquille O'Neal

Here's hoping the 3rd time is a charm. The Cavaliers travel to Minnesota having lost their first two games of the season for the first time since 2004-05. On paper, this is a game the Cavaliers should win. The Wine and Gold are still a work in progress, however, so nothing is a given. ONly hard word and maximum effort by everyone in that locker room is going to get the Cavaliers out of this....

Tonight I think they do.

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Some more Game Notes after the Jump -- >

The Cavaliers will finish their first road trip of the season tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team holds a seven-game overall winning streak against Minnesota, including a two-game series sweep last season and the last four games playedat the Target Center. This overall streak is the tied with Memphis as the team's longest active winning streak against anyopponent. The road winning streak is tied for second with Sacramento for the team's longest road streak, trailing onlyPhiladelphia at five games. Last season's two wins against the Wolves was by an average margin of 22.5 points.
Last season's 93-70 win at Minnesota, LeBron James scored 32 points to go along with six rebounds, three assists, two blocks andtwo steals and Anderson Varejao tallied a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Through two games, LeBron James has scored 61 points, which matches his career-best from the 2006-07 season. With 27 pointstonight, he would set a new mark of 88 points scored through the first three games of a season. He scored 87 in the 2005-06season. (STATS, Inc.)
Despite the loss on Wednesday, the Cavaliers are 12-3 (.800) against Toronto, which the best record of any Eastern Conference teamin the last four years. Only three other teams have a winning record against the Raptors (Detroit, Boston and Chicago). (STATS, Inc.)
Against Toronto, LeBron James recorded his 25th career triple-double (20-5) and his third against the Raptors with 23 points,11 rebounds and 12 assists. James is the first Raptors opponent to have three regular season three-doubles (Nov. 24, 2007 - 37points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists) and (April 20, 2005 - 27 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists) and two of the three have been inToronto. James' 12 assists are also the most the Raptors have ever given up to one player in a season opener. James has averaged29.2 points per game at Toronto throughout his career (11 games), the most of any player all-time (minimum of two games).(STATS, Inc.)
Against Toronto, four other Cavaliers notched double-figures led by Mo Williams' 16 points in 40 minutes. He also added six rebounds and in two games is averaging 14.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 37.5 minutes (3rd highest on team).
Shaquille O'Neal chipped in with 12 points and seven rebounds on Wednesday and through two games, is averaging 11.0 points and8.5 rebounds in 29 minutes. O'Neal is second among active players with a career mark of 26.1 ppg (44 games) versusMinnesota, trailing only Allen Iverson at 26.7 ppg (STATS, Inc.)
Anthony Parker, in his return to Toronto, added 12 points and five rebounds, and is averaging 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5assists in two games while playing 39.5 minutes, (2nd highest on team).
On Wednesday, Daniel Gibson led the Cleveland bench with 12 points, three rebounds and three assists. Gibson connected on 4-8(.500) of his three-point attempts. For the season, Gibson is averaging 7.0 points off the bench.
Jamario Moon, in his return to Toronto, added nine points and six rebounds in 19 minutes.

Early in my career, I'd get very upset when you lose two or three games, you'd just feel like you...

2009-10-29T13:13:57Z

Early in my career, I'd get very upset when you lose two or three games, you'd just feel like you can't turn it around. But I'm at a point in my career now where I know that you can lose two but, at the same time, you don't look too far into it. You learn from the mistakes and you just try to get better.

I'm still positive. If it was 25 or 35 games into the season and we were going through a three- or four-game losing streak, then I'd be a little bit disappointed, but I'm not at this point.

LeBron James, after the Cavaliers were beaten by the Raptors 101-91

Struggles Continue - Raptors dump Cavaliers to 0-2

2009-10-29T02:03:07Z

More photos » by Frank Gunn - AP

9 days ago: Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh rebounds against Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas during the first half of an NBA baskeball game in Toronto on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Frank Gunn)

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The Cavaliers are going to win a lot of games this season. It might not be 66(remember they started 1-2 last season) but there will be plenty to cheer. In the mean time, as this Cavaliers crew figures out how to play with each other, there are going to be some growing pains. Tonight was one of those.

Looking tired at times, disinterested at others, the Cavaliers dropped to 0-2, losing to the Raptors in Toronto's opener 101-91. For the Cavs the issues through the first two games are too numerous to talk about, but I'll try.

LeBron - Can't really say anything bad about the MVP. 38 points last night, a Triple-Double tonight(23-12-11). He can't do it all but the Cavaliers are forcing him to.

Shaq - The Cavaliers slow start has little to do with Shaq - other than his inability to hit easy shots. That is what Shaq was brought here for. Tonight Shaq missed no fewer than 6 shots inside of 5 feet. That can't happen - especially against a team like the Raptors that lack a true center. If Shaq plays that way he simply isn't helping the Cavaliers.

Anderson Varejao - I'm sure Anderson Varejao worked on his offense during the offseason, but early in the game, when Toronto jumped on the Cavs with a 15-6 start, Andy took shots on 4 straight possessions. To be honest, Varejao should be the 5th option on offense. If he is taking shots(of the fade-away variety) then he isn't in position to do what he does best - hustle for rebounds and get back on defense.

Mo Williams- Williams simply hasn't shown up yet this season. Perhaps it is all the new faces - not knowing how Shaq wants to set a pick, or where Anthony Parker is on the floor - but there really isn't an excuse.

Anthony Parker - Parker wasn't brought in to play 35-40 minutes a night. That is asking him to do way too much. Parker played 40 minutes last night and close to 40 tonight. Of course, much of that has to do with Delonte West's continued absence, the other the fact that Cleveland is getting nothing from the bench.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas - Big Z is suffering the most from Shaq's arrival. Whether it is struggling coming off the bench or something else, Z looks lost on the floor.

Defensively the Cavaliers are really struggling. They are getting burned on pick and rolls and allowing way too many easy baskets. I mean, seriously, Andrea Bargnani scores 28 points? In all, the Raptor front-court outscored the Cavs 'bigs' 49-14.

Let's face it, its tough to put yourself in an 18-point hole at halftime and expect to win. Still, the Cavaliers had tied the game, late in the 3rd, and was in position to get a win. I don't want to hear about new players - Toronto has 9 new players on it's roster and threw over 100 on the board against the Cavs. It goes deeper than that.

Perhaps it was the flu-bug that went through the team during Training Camp, maybe the injuries to Mo, and others. Of course, the uncertainty surrounding Delonte can't be helping.

Whatever the case, the Cavaliers will get it figured out. They have too....Right?