Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball

The Cavs lost yesterday night to the Bobcats 88-91- blowing a 9 point lead in the 2nd quarter.  The Cavs played into the Bobcats game plan and never seemed in control of the game's tempo, even when they had the lead.  The Bobcats were able to hit key shots in the 4th quarter to secure the victory. 

This game is a prime example of what I talked about yesterday.  The Cavs never put a team away in the first half- they always wait until the 4th quarter to make their move, and yesterday this strategy cost them the game.  Remember last year when LBJ wouldn't even play in the 4th quarter because we were up by 20 going into the 4th?  The Cavs are a much deeper team this season; and yet, they cannot pull away from teams or sustain their lead.  Like I said yesterday, this strategy is going to bring many problems- especially when playoffs start.

Click on the videos icon for a recap of the game against the Bobcats.

The first half of yesterday's afternoon game against the Nets was brutal.  At one point the Cavs were down by nine in the 2nd quarter to a team that has only won three games this season.  Nonetheless, the Cavs clawed there way back, playing consistent basketball and eventually pulling away with the 94-86 win. 

The problem with the Cavs recent winning ways is that they think they can turn it on come the 4th quarter and win.  Yes, this has been working as of late; but, we cannot use this philosophy against the Lakers, Celtics, and Magic.  These teams would never allow the Cavs to get back in the game.  This is what has me alittle worried. 

I don't know if you saw the game, but in the 4th quarter, Anthony Parker had a tremendous steal and pass to LBJ, who slammed it.  It was a great hustle play, and it was nice to see the Cavs embrace Parker after the play.  To see a recap of the Cavs vs Nets game, click the videos tab.

I was lucky enough to have tickets to last night's 106-101 victory over the Hawks.  All I have to say is WOW!!  The first three quarters were horrible.  The Hawks could not miss, and the Cavs were playing there lackadaisical defensive- leaving Joe Johnson and Mike Biddy wide open.  But the fourth quarter was different.  The started playing defense (Hawks only scored 16 points in the 4th) and the Cavs started setting up plays.   Most importantly though, the Cavs, especially LBJ's, attitude changed.  You could tell that they wanted to win.

The entire fourth quarter the fans were on there feet dancing and screaming.  I have never heard it be so loud in the Q.  And when Andy hit the game winning three, the place exploded.  I still cannot believe that he made that shot.  

The fourth quarter of this game proved that the Cavs can turn it on and take over the game whenever they want.  I do not understand why we cannot play with that hustle and intensity the entire game.

A great defensive game helped to the Cavs to a victory over a very talented Hawks team last night.  The defense, which gave up 26 points in the first quarter, hunkered down to only allow 10 points in the fourth quarter.  Mo continued to have the hot hand scoring 20 points.  Delonte was just as explosive, scoring 17 points off the bench.  Its good to see other guys stepping up when LBJ is having a poor shooting night (6 of 20 for 14 points). 

I am very impressed with the win last night.  Its been awhile since I have seen such heart and determination on the defensive end.  The Hawks are a scoring machine- lead by Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, and the Cavscompletely shut them down (both scored 15 points each).  Tonight is the true test- the Cavs host the Hawks.  Can the Cavs have a repeat performance? Its hard to say.  The defense has not been very consistent this year; but, I am sure that its going to be another battle.     

On the December 29th and 30th, the Cavs play the Atlanta Hawks. The 29th is an away game and the 30th is a home game. I think these two games will be a hard fought battle that could go down to the final minutes of the game. The Hawks are a very explosive team and seem to bring there A game when they play the Cavs. The Cavs defense needs to pressure Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson in order to keep them uncomfortable and out of rhythm. But with the way that LeBron and Mo have been shooting, we might not have to play defense (haha). There is no doubt that these final games of the year will be great.