Cleveland Cavaliers & The NBA

by **Cease** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 4:52 pm

I believe an extended game thread is in order for this juicy home and home matchup against the 21-8 Atlanta Hawks. I'm a bit insane, but I'm already amped to watch these games and this is a Cleveland sports board- so I can't be the only one who wants a head start.

Tuesday at ATL 7P
Wednesday at CLE 7P

Atlanta starts:
1. Mike Bibby
2. Joe Johnson
3. Marvin Williams
4. Josh Smith
5. Al Horford
Big Plus: Jamal Crawford, who is putting up 16 a night off the bench.

W-L PF PA HOME ROAD STK L10
CLE 24-8 100.5 93.9 12-2 12-6 W4 9-1
ATL 21-8 105.6 97.6 12-2 9-6 W1 8-2

Last year's ECSF 4-0 sweep by the Cavs was a whoopin, but this Atlanta team has rebounded and is now enjoying near-elite EC status. The addition of Crawford while losing nothing from last year's team has been a real shot in the arm. They won at Boston, which is always big, but are they ready to build on that and challenge Cleveland?

What are you watching for? Any pre-throwdown thoughts?

by **Doc** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 5:15 pm

Atlanta's got a really nice team, and very young to boot. I'm concerned in 2 areas, SG and PF. I think we'll see a bit more Delonte in an effort to lock down Joe Johnson. Ditto Marv and Josh Smith. They are going to go at JJ as much as they can, IMO. If I'm the Cavs, I pound it in to Shaq early and often. Take it at their one, and only, big man presence on the court. Horford's a bit undersized as it is, so let Shaq push him around and draw some early fouls.

I think we match up pretty well with Atlanta. Moon is a nice player off the bench to match up with the length of Smith/Williams, and AV should bother Smith enough to get him off his game. All things considered, we're even at PG, IMO. They're better at SG and PF, and we have a better SF, C and bench. Guys like AV, Moon, and West are nice pieces off the bench to stick Johnson and Smith, but they don't have similar guys to match up with LeBron and Shaq. Cavs get at least the home game, and with the way they've played, I think we get both wins. They're Orlando with a less dominant big man and a bench that's only a few deep. We should beat them, on paper at least, but that's why they play the games. Should be exciting if nothing else.

by rk » Mon Dec 28, 2009 5:25 pm

Cavs definitely have an advantage. Deeper bench to change up the pace over 8 quarters, they get the better end of the HH (always better to play away fresh and home tired), and they can be more physical.

With the added length on the wings the Cavs should be able to keep it close enough to have a chance in Atlanta and then earn a chalupa for a few thousand happy peeps in C-Town.

by **Cleveland Transplant** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 6:15 pm

I'll be at the game tomorrow - should be a very fun one to watch.

by **tired** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 6:48 pm

Thank you sir !!! I'm pumped already !!!

by **davemanddd** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:51 pm

fwiw, crawford always kills the cavs. he obviously has a grudge against the cavs for drafting him and then subsequently dealing him for chris mihm. get over it, dude. that being said, i still think the cavs win both games, although the one in hotlanta will be closer.

by **CharacterIV** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 8:27 pm

Here's hoping for two wins. Neither will be easy. The team is playing their best ball so far this season and this could easily be a test for both teams. For us, it'll be a test of whether this is just a hot streak, or if the pieces are at last, coming together. For Atlanta, it'll be a good indicator of whether or not they're ready to be in the elite bracket.

by **FUDU** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 9:08 pm

When Atl can win a playoff series or two against the likes of Boston, us or Orl then and only then should the words elite be used with them.

Nice team, but way too long to go to know how nice.

by **Cease** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:09 pm

FUDU wrote:When Atl can win a playoff series or two against the likes of Boston, us or Orl then and only then should the words elite be used with them.

Nice team, but way too long to go to know how nice.

Oh, I agree. FTR, I used the term "near-elite."

If they step up and take two from the Cavs, it's a statement. If they play good games and take Cavs to two buzzers, I'll be impressed.

by **noles1** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 12:57 am

Agree to an extent, as well.

Although Crawford off the bench over Murray is a significant upgrade from last year. Throw in Teague and a fortified frontline and Atlanta has improved, no question.

Still when it comes down to it, is their star going to be able to get buckets and easy shots for his teammates when it matters. Against certain teams, I think he can. Not sure on the upper echelon teams.

What I have been impressed with these last 4 games is Mike Brown and his ability to play the best possible lineup based on the opponent and situation. That to me has been SIGNIFICANT progress, rather than constantly throwing Z and/or Shaq out there he has been more willing to actually base it on who he is playing and be flexible.

To me, that has been the single biggest progression I have seen since the Dallas game and my trashing of some of the players, roster makeup and coaching decisions.

by **dmiles** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 3:21 am

Lakers and Celts go down tonight. Rondo 11-18 for 30 points and 15 assists, except Monta Ellis went for 37.

Boston's has Phoenix Wednesday night. Could be another rough one for them. Long season, but at least we seem to be catching stride while the Celts are nursing wounds.

by **Ea$t $ide** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:23 pm

dmiles wrote:Lakers and Celts go down tonight. Rondo 11-18 for 30 points and 15 assists, except Monta Ellis went for 37.

Boston's has Phoenix Wednesday night. Could be another rough one for them. Long season, but at least we seem to be catching stride while the Celts are nursing wounds.

I'm confident that as the schedule starts to even out Cleveland will be right there for the best record in the NBA. The Lakers and their ridiculous amount of home games to road games isn't the only reason they are on top, they're a very good team, but it sure has helped. Can't wait for the Cavs to actually play a home STAND. You know, where you play more than 1 in a row at home.

As for the home and home versus Atlanta, I see a split coming. Although. if Cleveland wins tonight, the Hawks are losing both.

by **diminishingskills** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:14 pm

Ea$t $ide wrote:I'm confident that as the schedule starts to even out Cleveland will be right there for the best record in the NBA. The Lakers and their ridiculous amount of home games to road games isn't the only reason they are on top, they're a very good team, but it sure has helped. Can't wait for the Cavs to actually play a home STAND. You know, where you play more than 1 in a row at home.

This. And ditto it for Boston (notice now they lost to the illustrious Clippers and Warriors over the weekend on their West Coast swing).

I know we as fans like to believe that NBA players are robots who can run out there every night, regardless if the "there" is here in Cleveland or 2,000 miles away, and play just as well every time. It doesn't work that way, and year after year, the numbers bear it out. Teams play better at home than they do on the road; they play better when they are not on the second night of a back-to-back; and particularly when they are not on the last game of a four-in-five-nights stretch.

When you consider those appropriate head/tail winds, it makes the Cavs' record look that much better.

by **JCoz** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:07 pm

FUDU wrote:When Atl can win a playoff series or two against the likes of Boston, us or Orl then and only then should the words elite be used with them.

Nice team, but way too long to go to know how nice.

I agree that ATL is not Elite, but you might want to rethink your criteria.

When is the last time the Cavs won a playoff series against the likes of Boston or Orlando?

by **FUDU** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 8:53 pm

JCoz wrote:
FUDU wrote:When Atl can win a playoff series or two against the likes of Boston, us or Orl then and only then should the words elite be used with them.

Nice team, but way too long to go to know how nice.

I agree that ATL is not Elite, but you might want to rethink your criteria.

When is the last time the Cavs won a playoff series against the likes of Boston or Orlando?

Why, I am simply stating that Boston, Orlando and us are the elite (the last 3 representatives for the EC in the NBA Finals). In order to be the man you have to beat the man.

by **statmasta** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:24 pm

JJ Hickson doesn't block out anybody.

He's one of the worst 6'9"+ rebounders I've ever seen.

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:25 pm

LeBron is gash right now. Don't tell me the boo birds are getting to him

he's taking shit shots and a bit sloppy with the ball

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:26 pm

That man's blazer is awful

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:31 pm

is there a special reason Atlanta fans are being wankers tonight???

sore losers still?

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:46 pm

Turnovers are pissing me off

I mean what was that from Redz?

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:47 pm

Let's ride the Mo train this quarter

man has a sweet stroke going tonight

by **peeker643** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:56 pm

DWest not missing from 12-15 feet and he's making the right plays closer to the basket too.

Next guy to leave Crawford all alone gets a boot to the balls though.

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:59 pm

I'm not having Jamal Crawford on his own keeping this a single digit affair.

He looks like a Kenyan child

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:02 pm

Stupid Crawford

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:09 pm

Z and Shaq really profiting from the height advantage tonight

that's about 3 tip ins for Z

by **Triple-S** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:12 pm

Don't think I've ever seen a Buzzer beat slam dunk before.

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:13 pm

Triple-S wrote:Don't think I've ever seen a Buzzer beat slam dunk before.

That's cos we aint never seen a player like LeBron before

Wooooo!

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:33 pm

LeBron not playing well at all

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:46 pm

Crawford can fuck off and die

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:51 pm

Why were they just playing Careless Whisper?

by **peeker643** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:54 pm

Now Crawford is banking shit in off the top of the square.

Not sure why he bothers to jog down to the defensive end though. He pretty much just stands on the wing defensively and waits for an errant ball to cross his path.

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:58 pm

Peeker643 wrote:Now Crawford is banking shit in off the top of the square.

Not sure why he bothers to jog down to the defensive end though. He pretty much just stands on the wing defensively and waits for an errant ball to cross his path.

He's a tosser

by **peeker643** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:03 pm

What a block by Moon.

1st team to score in the 4th might win.

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:05 pm

Peeker643 wrote:What a block by Moon.

1st team to score in the 4th might win.

I know wasn't it

some great D by both teams

missing everything or having everything blocked

by **noles1** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:11 pm

Atlanta working their way into the penalty and all the calls have been justified.

Cavs have came out and defended the Hawks in the 4th, that's been critical. They have basically played fairly poor, sans Mo.

by **peeker643** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:14 pm

It's a shame LeBron missed the flight to Atlanta and didn't show up tonight. He'd be useful 'bout now.

As poor a game as I can remember him playing.

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:18 pm

make some fucking shots the Hawks are practically down and out

by **peeker643** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:19 pm

Jesus.

23 has his head squarely up his ass tonight.

WOW!!

Delonte West just threw it down on Josh Smith.

by **peeker643** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:21 pm

3:21 left for the Hawks to maybe score this period.

by **British_Pharaoh** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:22 pm

Like that

I did that :nanner:

by **hugerobot** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:22 pm

by **noles1** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:23 pm

Delonte with a ridiculous punch on Josh Smith.

Hawks completely hopeless offensively. They have no answers for our defensive intensity. Too much one-on-one.

by **noles1** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:28 pm

Z says, "This bitch is over!"

by **peeker643** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:30 pm

noles1 wrote:Z says, "This bitch is over!"

Wonder how much room there is for him to get his shoes in bounds and behind the arc?

Big shot.

LeBron's gonna come out tomorrown night and someone will pay for the shit sandwich he served up tonight.

by **noles1** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:33 pm

Bron still ends with 10 dimes and a handful of "would-be dimes" that led to FT's.

Even when he is awful (and tonight was bad), he is still damn good.

by **Doc** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:54 pm

Whatever happens with Z and his expiring contract this winter, I'd love to see #11 in the rafters. I think he's very deserving.

Gotta love Z dropping the "It's Over" hand wave after the 3.

by **hermanfontenot** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:56 pm

How effing awesome is Delonte West? Is he really awesome, pretty awesome, or just sort of awesome?

by **hugerobot** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:00 am

really, really awesome

by **Orenthal** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:33 am

I think "sort of" describes West perfectly... Sort of this, sort of that, sort of yin, sort of yang...

by **hermanfontenot** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:40 am

I'm a little jealous of Peek for getting to do the recap tonight. I'm good for about five paragraphs of Delonte man-love right now. :dead:

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