Cavs 06-07 season thread

[crazybuckfan40]

The Cavs really need Hughes back in the next game or 2. Without him they are going to have a hard time winning back to backs. I'm not too worried about the Washington loss. Going in that's a game that you expect them to struggle in thanks to being a back to back. I was celebrating and didn't see much of the Cavs/Wiz game, but I'm really looking forward to Gibson in the next year or two. He is quick (i.e.- where the guy hurt himself trying to foul him). Hopefully Gibson and Brown will develop into good guards for the future so that the Cavs can focus on another big man in the next draft.

I agree on Gibson. I love his game and his quickness. Him and Brown are going to be names that we are all going to be praising in a couple years...

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Hughes won't be back quickly

Cavs guard will miss at least 2 more games with high ankle sprain

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

CLEVELAND - The Cavaliers are continuing to be conservative with Larry Hughes, which is another way of saying he won't be back soon.
Monday, the team said Hughes would miss tonight's game with the Memphis Grizzlies and Wednesday's game against the Raptors in Toronto. He is scheduled to receive a second MRI on his right ankle and to be examined by team physician Richard Parker this morning. Afterward, the team will have a better idea of when he'll be able to return to the lineup.
Chances are slim he will be back this week. The Cavs have one off day, Thanksgiving, before going into another back-to-back Friday in Indiana and Saturday at home against Philadelphia.
If the exam yields positive results on the ankle, which Hughes injured Wednesday in the victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, there's a chance he could return next week when the Cavs host the New York Knicks. The team has three off days before that game, which would give Hughes extra rest and the possibility of getting in two practices before playing.
With all high ankle sprains, however, recovery time estimates are approximate. Hughes could be out for the rest of the month.
LeBron wins award
For the ninth time in his career, LeBron James has been named Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
In four games last week, James averaged 29.5 points on 51 percent shooting along with 6.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists. It is the fourth time he has won the award in November and he would be a candidate for Player of the Month for the third consecutive November if the Cavs finish the month strong.
They owned the conference's best record at the start of the week.
James ranks in the top 10 in 13 NBA statistical categories.
Rhythm and flow
After struggling for about a week, Zydrunas Ilgauskas has rounded back into form over the past two games.
Since Hughes went down, Ilgauskas is averaging 15 points and seven rebounds on 63 percent shooting.
`` `Z' is a rhythm player and I think he's gotten his rhythm back and I think that has been helping him out,'' Cavs coach Mike Brown said. ``I think he's getting a feel for what we are doing on offense.''
Meanwhile, Drew Gooden has moved into a low-production period, scoring a total of 25 points in the past five games.
It is becoming clear that this is a pattern that will continue this season as Brown distributes his minutes among his big guys.
Ilgauskas, Gooden, Anderson Varejao and Donyell Marshall are averaging at least 21 minutes each.
Combine their production and that group is averaging 35.9 points and 27 rebounds per game, which is extremely potent.
Consequently, Brown and the individual players seem to be unconcerned with individual numbers ebbing and flowing as long as the group continues to produce at the current rate on a nightly basis.
``This season has been up and down with everyone's minutes,'' Gooden said. ``You have to be ready to play, and if it isn't your night, you have to cheer for your teammates on the bench. We've been winning playing this way; that's all that matters.''
Dribbles . . .
Brown said he will stick with David Wesley as his starting shooting guard. He's averaging 6.2 points and shooting 44 percent in place of Hughes.... Monday, the Golden State Warriors waived former Cavs first-round draft pick Dajuan Wagner, who was making a comeback attempt after missing a year to recover from having his colon removed.... Over the past six games, Damon Jones is shooting 54 percent from the floor, and over the past four games Eric Snow has 13 assists and one turnover.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

Solid win tonite. I didnt get to see much of it, but we were running away with it when I was watching.

I saw that the biggest lead was 21, we must of started to play lazy.

The final was 97-94.

Gooden and Jones with 22 and 21 respectively. DJ has really stepped up his game. If he can keep playing like this we are going to be going places.

Shannon Brown also got a solid 6 minutes tonite. If that can continue to creep up I will be very happy, b/c that means he is making progress.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Cavs barely hold off Grizzlies

Gooden has 22 points, 15 rebounds

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Branson Wright
Plain Dealer Reporter

Drew Gooden's recent play was so weak that his pregame proclamation of "playing like an animal" was on the level of wishful thinking.
Gooden claimed Tuesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies would bring the best out of him.
It did.
Gooden rebounded from his previous sub-par efforts with the 94th double double of his career to lead the Cavs to a 97-94 victory over the Grizzlies at The Q.
Gooden, who had shot 25 percent from the field and averaged 7.2 rebounds in his past five games, scored a season-high 22 points and collected 15 rebounds.
Gooden averaged about 20 minutes in his previous five games. He averaged 31 minutes, 17 points and 11.8 rebounds in the first five games of the season.
"I figured no matter how many minutes I got and no matter how many minutes I was going to be out there [Tuesday night], that I was going to go hard and have a good game," Gooden said.
"It worked out that way, and I'll continue to play even harder."
The victory did not come easy.
The Cavs led by 21 in the first half and 14 in the fourth quarter before the Grizzlies (2-9) rallied. Memphis trailed by one with seven seconds left, but consecutive Donyell Marshall free throws and a solid defensive effort - that produced a miss in the final seconds - led to the Cavs' victory. LeBron James was 7-of-21 from the field for 15 points. He had nine assists and one rebound.
Gooden's night was especially satisfying because he performed well against one of his former teams.
"I like them a lot," Gooden said of the Grizzlies. "I'm sure [Grizzlies President] Jerry West was watching somewhere."
West would have seen plenty of good plays by Gooden early.
In the first half, Gooden was 5-of-6 from the field for 12 points and 10 rebounds. Hakim Warrick, Stromile Swift and Mike Miller could not do anything with Gooden, who dominated the inside. The paint belonged to Gooden, and his effort helped the Cavs to a comfortable, 54-36 halftime lead.
The Cavs, however, became too comfortable, and things changed in the second half. Eight second-half turnovers and a rally by the Grizzlies got them back into the game.
"We did a nice job moving the ball around and moving bodies in the first half," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "In the second half, because it was easy for us, we got careless with the basketball. A lot of our turnovers in the second half led to points for the Grizzlies."
The Cavs (8-3) led by 14 in the fourth, but the Grizzlies went on a 12-0 run, capped by Dahntay Jones' layup, for an 80-78 Cavs lead. The Grizzlies trailed by one moments later following Mike Miller's layup. But Gooden's tip-in followed by Damon Jones' 3-pointer gave the Cavs an 88-82 lead with 3:25 left.
"I had some great looks," said Damon Jones, who nailed five 3-pointers. "It's a product of guys moving the ball and moving bodies."
The Grizzlies trailed by one following another Miller layup, but Marshall's consecutive free throws with 6.7 seconds left and a 3-point miss by Brian Cardinal ended the game.
"We were fortunate to win this game," Brown said. "We played a decent game for 24 minutes, and in the second half, we came out and lost our focus. We didn't bring effort, and we didn't bring energy. . . . We still have a ways to go."
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4671

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

MorningJournal

Jones sorry for getting ejected
Bob Finnan, Morning Journal Writer
11/22/2006


CLEVELAND -- Cavaliers guard Damon Jones might have been trying to head off a possible fine by the NBA.


He apologized for getting ejected and for his post-game comments in the Washington game on Saturday.

After getting ejected -- he said for the first time in his career -- Jones referred to official Mark Ayotte and said he was acting ''out of spite'' against the Cavaliers.

He said he was sorry to Ayotte and NBA director of officials Ronnie Nunn. A league source said he didn't think Jones would be fined.

''It was truly unprofessional,'' Jones said. ''I acted out of frustration. I want to apologize to the people who were watching. I don't want to be portrayed as a guy who loses his cool. I don't want to be a negative influence on the kids out there watching who think I'm a great and handsome guy. I accept the ramifications for my actions.''

Jones said he doesn't think he'll be fined by the NBA. He knows he'll have to pay at least $1,000 apiece for the technicals. He said it was the first -- and last time -- he was ever kicked out of a game, and the final time he'll ever get a technical foul.

''That's not my character,'' he said. ''I made mistakes and so can they. To bad mouth those guys, I'm truly apologetic. Hopefully, we can move forward.''

Larry's MRI

Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said guard Larry Hughes' MRI yesterday was negative. He's likely out for the rest of the week with his high ankle sprain.

They play New York on Nov. 29 at Quicken Loans Arena. That might be a logical date for his return. Then he can practice with the team on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Cavaliers forward LeBron James said they aren't getting used to playing without Hughes.

''We don't want to, honestly,'' he said. ''We don't expect him out that long. That's tough for us with four (games) in five nights.''

Orange retros

The Cavaliers will unveil their Cavaliers Hardwood Classics orange jersey this Friday in Indiana. It will be the first of nine games that the team will wear the retro jerseys.

''It's kind of strange to open up on the road with our new uniforms,'' James said. ''I think it's strange, but I don't make (the decisions). They look like (orange) sherbet.''

The Cavaliers wore the orange jerseys from 1983-87 (they were 124-204 during that span).

They wear them at home on Dec. 6 against Toronto.

Noted

After waiving guard Dajuan Wagner, the Warriors have reportedly inquired about swingman Luke Jackson, traded by the Cavaliers in the preseason and cut by Boston. ... James said he didn't get a plaque for winning the Player of the Week award for the ninth time. He said he is trying to put build an awards room in his house. ''I try to, but my mom comes and steals most of them and takes them to her house,'' he said. ... James endorsed Jay-Z's new CD, ''Kingdom Come,'' which he got about two weeks ago. ''I know every song on it already,'' he said. ''This will probably be the best one.''

[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Cavs keep Grizzlies caged

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

(AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) dunks on Memphis Grizzlies' Mike Miller (33) in the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006, in Cleveland.
More photos

• Brown must instill passion in Cavs
• Damon Jones offers apology
• Scouting report
• Around the NBA: 76ers' Iverson misses game against Pistons

CLEVELAND - Prudence and scouting reports were at odds with each other in the Cavaliers' collective minds Tuesday night.
On one hand, they were playing a bad team on the tired end of a back-to-back. On the other, they had been sternly warned on paper, on the dry-erase board and orally that the opponent saves its best for last.
Ahead comfortably and enjoying another sellout at Quicken Loans Arena, though, the Cavs took the path of least mental resistance. The result was an uneasy and unnerving victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, 97-94, in a game that might have gone the other way had one more minute been added to the clock.
The Cavs (8-3) impressively built a 21-point lead in the second quarter and still enjoyed a 14-point edge heading into the fourth quarter. But the fourth is when the meek Grizzlies (2-9) have shone at times this season, including Monday night, when they put a 21-2 fourth-quarter run on the Orlando Magic to break their seven-game losing skid.
Memphis made another gallant effort Tuesday, clawing to within one point and getting a fairly clean look at the buzzer to try to send the game into overtime before falling short. There were several reasons why.
As has been an issue at times this season, the Cavs let down at both ends after working to construct a cushion. Then there was the off night of LeBron James, who had a season-low 15 points for a few reasons. Then there was the small lineup that Grizzlies coach Mike Fratello -- who is on the hot seat with his job, though that didn't show on this night -- put on the floor in the stretch run.
Had it not been for excellent shooting from Damon Jones and effort from Drew Gooden, the night could've had a much different taste.
Fratello trotted out Damon Stoudemire, Brian Cardinal, Dahntay Jones and Lawrence Roberts from his bench and added starter Mike Miller. That gave the Grizzlies a pint-sized point guard, three wing players, and an undersized power forward playing center. The combination not only started working but also seemed to befuddle the Cavs.
Cardinal immediately drilled four 3-pointers because the Cavs were confused as to who should guard him, and he repeatedly found himself wide open. Dahntay Jones got to the basket effectively and played strong defense on James, refusing to allow him space to shoot or to get past him. And Miller caught fire, scoring all 15 of his points in the second half.
Meanwhile, Cavs coach Mike Brown, trying to find an antidote, rotated in a strange mix of players -- groupings that hadn't played together all season, in fact. At one point, Eric Snow, Damon Jones and David Wesley were on the floor as the Cavs tried to figure out who should guard whom.
``I thought Memphis executed their stuff really well when they went small, but I don't think our focus and our energy were there,'' Brown said. ``I was searching, I kept trying to mix and match to find a combination I thought would work.''
The search didn't yield positive results. After holding the Grizzlies to just 36 points in the first half, the Cavs allowed them to shoot 58 percent and score 58 points in the second half. It nearly cost them the game.
But Damon Jones nailed three huge 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to finish with 21 points, and James made a key basket in triple coverage with 1:15 left. The Cavs also hit free throws in the final minute to hang on.
``We've got to find a way to sustain the effort that got us the lead,'' said James, who made just 7-of-21 shots but had nine assists. ``We had to figure out how we were going to play them; we just didn't execute on the offensive end.''
Gooden, however, sustained his effort the whole way. He always seems to get up for playing the Grizzlies, who traded him in his rookie season. He scored a season-high 22 points and pulled down 15 rebounds.
``I just like playing Memphis a lot,'' Gooden said. ``I just think (Grizzlies President) Jerry West is watching somewhere.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Brown must instill passion in Cavs

By Terry Pluto

CLEVELAND - It's time for Mike Brown to challenge his team, to tell the Cavaliers that the way they played Tuesday night at Quicken Loans Arena is utterly unacceptable.
It doesn't matter that the Cavaliers squeezed out a 97-94 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The Cavs coach has to make sure his team understands he will demand more of them, that he'll pull starters or do whatever it takes to avoid another scare like this.
The Cavs had this game won in the first quarter, when they were in front 25-13. They had it won when it was 54-36 at halftime. They had it won in the middle of the third quarter, when it was 68-49 and Memphis looked like a team that was 2-8 and had played 24 hours earlier in Tennessee.
Then the Cavs nearly lost it.
They nearly lost it because they assumed the game was won. They nearly lost it because LeBron James and several of his teammates seemed to be just coasting. They nearly lost it because this team is still trying to figure out how to play like a consistent winner.
The Cavs had another home game like this early in the season, when they came from 25 points behind to ambush the Boston Celtics. That night, they seemed asleep until late in the third quarter. This time, they went to bed just as the action was waking up.
Good teams, even those with an 8-3 record like the Cavs, don't play like this. Brown needs to have a talk with James and explain what's needed as the Cavs attempt to become an elite team.
Consider that James didn't grab his first (and only) rebound until 2:27 left in the game. James is 6-foot-8, 240 pounds and can jump as high as anyone in the league. But here he was not getting a rebound until he was on the court for 40 minutes? He usually can come up with a rebound simply by standing on the court, averaging 7.3 per game.
He scored only one basket in the final quarter, a driving layup with 1:14 left. When he wanted to turn on his offense, it was shut tight. He finished the game with 15 points on a dismal 7-of-21 shooting.
Here's how you know that James was somehow disconnected to the proceedings: He attempted only one free throw, a technical he missed. He averages 11 free-throw attempts per game, as he usually dribbles, drives and skies to the basket with a mission in mind.
James was not alone stuck in the malaise, but he is more than a superstar -- he wants leadership of this team. This was a night when James should have roared out of the dressing room at halftime and made sure Memphis had no hope of coming back.
Instead, he shot only 3-of-12 after the intermission, nearly all of them long jump shots -- on a night when his jumper was shaky and the Cavs were facing a team with few shot blockers or quality big men who could keep him from the rim.
Brown should be giving thanks for Drew Gooden and Damon Jones, the only Cavaliers who seemed to be in it. Gooden was relentless with 22 points and 15 rebounds. The rest of the Cavs had only 16 boards.
That's another embarrassment, because they are one of the league's premier rebounding teams, Memphis one of the worst. When you have quality big men -- and the Cavs do -- a poor rebounding performance like this comes down to a lack of effort.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 12 points and eight rebounds in 25 minutes, but played only one minute in the final period. Brown believed the Cavs were struggling defensively against a smaller Memphis lineup, so he played three guards for most of the fourth quarter -- David Wesley, Eric Snow and Jones.
It was Jones who saved the night, delivering 11 of the Cavs' 17 points in the final quarter. He swished three long, pretty 3-pointers. He made a couple of free throws.
For the game, the revived Jones piled up 21 points on only 10 field-goal attempts. He's moving so much quicker on offense and defense, and he's delivering a real spark most nights.
In the last seven games, Jones is averaging 14 points, shooting 60 percent in 25 minutes. He's doing his part. So are a few others. But the Cavs need so much more if a drive deep into the playoffs is to become a reality -- and that's a message Brown has to deliver with far more passion than his team played with Tuesday.

 

[exhawg]

After reading the Pluto article Lebron better come out tonight and play his ass off or the Raptors will run them out of the gym. This is the type of back to back the Cavs need to win. Checking out the minutes from last night no one except for maybe Jones and Gooden should be worn down for tonight's game. Lebron played 41 minutes, but he didn't draw any fouls which means he wasn't driving to the hoop.
I wish someone could brainwash Gooden into thinking every team had dumped him so that he would always play like he did last night.

 

[scarletngrey11]

Another shitty start for the Cavs.

Is this team lazy, stupid, or both? Seriously. Every shot by the Raptors is uncontested.

Ridiculous that they get paid for performances like this... where its easy to see there is no hustle whatsoever.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

I think this team would lose about every back to back game without Hughes, unless LBJ would assert himself more. He played to passive and tried to get other people involved and the shots just werent falling tonite.

They made a nice effort to come back, but in the end when LBJ should of just taken over he let the guys continue to shoot the long jumpers that werent falling.

I will say this I was impressed with the way that Brown gave Gibson all that PT. He showed that he is not afraid to go in there and mix it up and shoot a clutch shot. He made some key baskets. I would not be suprised to see him taking minutes away from Snow by mid season. No NBADL for him.

Really frustrated with the starting lineup with Wesley and Snow together.

I am not sure if the team just isnt ready to play yet b/c they are vetrans, and are waiting till the games that mean a little more, b/c they seem to play better when the game means something...

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Cavs lose discipline

Offense sputters at crucial time in loss to Raptors

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

TORONTO - The Cavaliers came and left the Air Canada Centre with the Eastern Conference's best record Wednesday.
While that might make the Thanksgiving meal and the loss to a rather sorry Toronto Raptors team easier to stomach, it doesn't truly indicate where the Cavs are right now.
After taking an enormous early lead, then blowing through it, the Raptors out-executed the Cavs down the stretch to claim a 95-87 win.
Toronto (3-8) had previously lost six straight games. Meanwhile, the Cavs dropped their third road game this season to a sub-.500 team.
The generic reason was the same as the one that almost saw the Cavs let the Memphis Grizzlies come back from a 21-point deficit Tuesday and various other moments in this early season. Periods of unfocused play continue to either cost the Cavs games or make winning them much harder than they should be.
With the Cavs enjoying what is probably the softest part of their schedule, one could argue with their talent and flashes of dazzling potential that the Cavs are somewhat disappointing at 8-4. They certainly seemed disappointing during the fourth quarter, when they forgot how to play offense for a five-minute stretch that cost them the game.
Not even with a great night from LeBron James, in which he delivered 30 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and four steals, could the Cavs overcome their own faults.
``That's three road losses where we haven't been able to get it done in the fourth quarter,'' Cavs coach Mike Brown said, calling to mind previous hiccups at Charlotte and at Washington. ``Winning on the road in this league is tough; it takes a lot of physical and mental discipline.''
The discipline issue is where the Cavs seem to be currently lacking.
Coming back off a five-game Western trip and looking to jump on the Cavs as they played on the second night of a back-to-back, the Raptors made nine of their first 11 shots and leapt out to a 35-20 lead after the first quarter. So the Cavs quickly figured they were not going to win in a walk.
Over the next two quarters, the Cavs played generally strong defense and effective offense to claw to the lead.
They got contributions from their bench players, even an unlikely lift from rookie Daniel Gibson.
Heading into the fourth quarter, they had momentum and a slim two-point lead.
Then, in a flash, it all went wrong. The offense failed on eight straight possessions. Picks didn't get set properly, the ball didn't move, players forced bad shots and missed open ones.
The Raptors didn't exactly put on an offensive clinic but put up enough resistance on defense and made a few baskets to take a nine-point lead.
``We just didn't execute the way we wanted to in the end,'' said Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who had 12 points. ``It was frustrating.''
Often the only course of action was to attempt a 3-pointer. Chucking those 3's is often a symptom when the Cavs' offense wheezes.
They took a season-high 25 Wednesday, making just five. In the fourth quarter, they were 0-of-10. They are 1-3 this season when they attempt 20 or more 3-pointers.
All this against an opponent that was allowing the opposition to score 105 points a game this season.
Forget attacking the basket. The Cavs didn't get a free throw in the fourth quarter and had just 12 for the game; the Raptors had 13 in the fourth quarter alone and 34 for the game.
After playing solid earlier in the game and scoring eight points, Gibson couldn't deliver on several open jumpers. Damon Jones had 12 points but missed three 3-pointers in the fourth. James was 0-of-4 from behind the arc in the fourth while taking just three shots in the paint, all of which he made.
The Raptors got 25 points and 14 rebounds from All-Star Chris Bosh, who gave the Cavs headaches all night. Also Joey Graham had 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
``I don't have a magic potion for us to win on the road,'' Brown said.
``We just have to present the facts and keep talking about it.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Cavaliers game day

Buffett puts money in LeBron's shoes

Famous power lunch chronicled on TV's CNBC

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

TORONTO - LeBron James is a big-name millionaire. Warren Buffett is a big-name billionaire. It is no wonder their new association has caught the attention of big media.
James, who met with Buffett over the summer in Nebraska seeking business advice, was featured in an hour-long special on CNBC this week chronicling Buffett's life. The other celebrity along with James featured in the piece speaking about Buffett? Bill Gates.
``I just really admire him a lot, everything he's made for himself,'' said James, who filmed the segment after a practice last month. ``One of the things he told me was that even when he's sleeping, he's making money.''
James understandably won't reveal what investment advice Buffett gave him. But perhaps James gave Buffett some of his own.
Last week, Buffett's firm, Berkshire Hathaway, announced in an SEC filing that it had recently purchased 1.5 million shares of Nike stock, which sent the shoe giant's stock soaring.
``Nah, I didn't tell him to do that,'' said James, Nike's $90 million man. ``But it was a good idea.''
In the locker room
After James expressed some displeasure over the Cavs debuting their all-orange jerseys on the road at Indiana on Friday, the Cavs reacted. The team got NBA clearance Wednesday to wear them at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. The team wasn't supposed to wear them at home until Dec. 6 against the Toronto Raptors.... Wednesday was Morris Peterson Figurine Night at Air Canada Centre. The little doll carried the title ``NBA Ironman,'' as Peterson was set to extend his NBA-long streak of 371 consecutive games. Oops, Peterson was a late scratch with an elbow injury, missing his first game in five seasons.
In the coach's office
Free-throw struggles? Pfft. Once dead last in the league in free-throw shooting, the Cavs have surged to 28th in the league. Over the last four games heading into Wednesday, the Cavs had gone 80-of-98 (82 percent) from the line. Have Mike Brown's demanding free-throw drills paid off?
``I felt like in time we'd be OK; you'd like to think the extra work helped,'' Brown said. ``We weren't that bad and we're probably not this good.`
In the news
Raptors coach Sam Mitchell was looking to shake his team up before facing the Cavs. So after a five-game West Coast trip that ended in Utah, Mitchell made his team board a 6 a.m. flight back to Canada and then immediately called a practice after the team landed.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

Toronto too much this night
Thursday, November 23, 2006
By ROB GILLIES Associated Press Writer

AP Adrian Wyld WORTH THE EFFORT Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao (left) knocks the ball away from Chris Bosh during the Raptors? 95-87 victory Wednesday.
​

TORONTO Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors were grateful to be home after a woeful road trip.

Bosh had 25 points and 14 rebounds as the Raptors ended a six-game losing streak with a 95-87 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
Joey Graham added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Raptors, who lost five of the six on a Western Conference swing.
?We needed this,? Bosh said. ?We had our road woes on the West Coast, but we wanted to protect our home court and just get the monkey off our back.?
The Cavaliers, who played the night before, missed their first eight shots of the fourth quarter and finished 6-for-26 in the period.
?Can we get some defensive credit today? Damn,? Toronto guard T.J. Ford said. ?I believe it was us. We gave a great effort, and I think it kind of wore them down. When it came down to the stretch those open shots they got were either long or short.?
LeBron James had 30 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Cavaliers, who are 0-3 in the second game of back-to-backs this season. Cleveland beat Memphis on Tuesday night.
?I would hope that playing in a back-to-back had nothing to do with that loss,? Cleveland Head Coach Mike Brown said. ?I do not want to be an excuse team.?
The Raptors blew a big lead and struggled in the fourth quarter, but Cleveland was worse than Toronto in the final period. Toronto went just 5-for-15 in the fourth.
?We definitely needed this win to boost our confidence,? Graham said. ?If it took us not to hit shots and play great defense, than that?s what we needed to do.?
Toronto started the fourth period on a 10-0 run capped by Fred Jones? 3-pointer and Bosh?s layup.
Ford?s short jumper and layup gave Toronto a 93-85 lead with 1:17 left.
James made a jumper, but Jones followed with two free throws and Cleveland missed a number of shots in the final two minutes.
?We used a lot of energy coming back, and on the road it is difficult to get down like that,? James said.
Bosh had 12 points and Toronto led by as many as 19 in the first half, but Damon Jones scored 10 points during a 19-2 second-quarter Cleveland run. Fans booed after Damon Jones? 3-pointer tied it at 47.
Cleveland?s starting backcourt of Eric Snow and David Wesley combined for just six points and five assists.
Peterson?s streak snapped
Morris Peterson was scratched because of a slightly torn muscle in his left elbow, ending the longest consecutive games streak in the NBA. Peterson played in 371 straight games since Feb. 12, 2002.

Raptors 95, Cavaliers 87
FG FT Reb
CLEVELAND min m-a m-a o-t a pf pts
James 39:55 11-24 6-9 0-10 8 1 30
Gooden 20:41 4-9 0-0 2-5 1 4 8
Ilgauskas 33:35 6-13 0-0 5-7 2 5 12
Wesley 15:30 1-5 1-1 0-0 2 1 3
Snow 21:06 1-5 1-2 0-2 3 2 3
Marshall 13:37 0-6 0-0 3-4 0 1 0
DaJones 32:30 5-13 0-0 1-2 2 2 12
Pavlovic 13:39 1-3 0-0 3-5 2 1 2
Varejao 27:54 5-8 0-0 3-10 0 5 10
Gibson 21:33 3-8 0-0 0-1 1 1 7
Totals 240 37-94 8-12 17-46 21 23 87
Percentages: FG .394, FT .667. 3-point goals: 5-25, .200 (James 2-7, Da.Jones 2-7, Gibson 1-5, Pavlovic 0-1, Varejao 0-1, Marshall 0-2, Wesley 0-2). Team rebounds: 8. Team turnovers: 8 (5 pts). Blocked shots: 4 (Varejao 2, Gooden, Pavlovic). Turnovers: 7 (James 2, Ilgauskas, Da.Jones, Marshall, Varejao, Gibson). Steals: 8 (James 4, Da.Jones, Pavlovic, Snow, Varejao). Technical foul: Defensive three second, 5:34 first.
FG FT Reb
TORONTO min m-a m-a o-t a pf pts
Parker 30:58 5-9 1-1 0-2 1 2 11
Bosh 43:14 7-13 10-14 4-14 6 3 25
Garbajosa 27:53 2-8 0-0 1-6 0 0 4
FJones 37:12 4-9 5-5 0-2 4 3 14
Ford 30:24 4-6 3-4 0-3 4 2 11
Bargnani 24:53 3-8 1-1 1-5 2 4 8
Graham 27:50 4-11 8-9 3-8 0 3 16
Calderon 17:36 3-6 0-0 0-1 2 0 6
Totals 240 32-70 28-34 9-41 19 17 95
Percentages: FG .457, FT .824. 3-point goals: 3-17, .176 (Bosh 1-2, Bargnani 1-2, F.Jones 1-6, Calderon 0-1, Graham 0-1, Ford 0-1, Parker 0-1, Garbajosa 0-3). Team rebounds: 10. Team Turnovers: 15 (19 pts). Blocked shots: 1 (Bargnani). Turnovers: 14 (Bosh 5, Ford 4, F.Jones 2, Garbajosa 2, Graham). Steals: 2 (Parker, Garbajosa).
Cleveland 20 32 23 12 ? 87
Toronto 35 21 17 22 ? 95 A?19,800 (19,800). T?2:12. Officials?Joe DeRosa, Courtney Kirkland, Ed Malloy.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Cavaliers can play far better than this

Yes, it's early in NBA season but team seems to lack focus

By Terry Pluto

Talking to myself about the Cavaliers...
QUESTION: It's Thanksgiving, and the Cavaliers have the best record in the East at 8-4, so why are you so grumpy about them?
ANSWER: Grumpy? Who's GRUMPY? YOU TALKIN' TO ME? I'M NOT GRUMPY!!!
Q: So why are you yelling? You complained about the Cavaliers after they WON over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, and you've been grumbling ever since. What's your problem?
A: My problem is I don't like how they are playing. My problem is the team is capable of winning 55 games, given the depleted state of the East since the Miami Heat's Shaquille O'Neal went down with knee problems. My problem is these guys are driving me crazy. They lost 95-87 to the Raptors Wednesday at Toronto, a team that was on a six-game losing streak. They lost 92-88 to the Bobcats at Charlotte, a team still caught in the claws of expansion. They lost 111-99 to the Wizards at Washington, a game where they seemed to act like it was a run-and-gun-and-fun summer league affair with no one keeping score.
Q: You can't win 'em all, just look at the standings...
A: OK, let's dig a little deeper. The Cavs are 6-1 at home, 2-3 on the road. The schedule has smiled upon them as only one game has been against a team currently with a winning record. That's the Spurs, and the Cavs won 88-81 at San Antonio in perhaps their most impressive performance of the season.
Q: It just shows they can beat a very good team on the road.
A: And lose to some bad ones. They nearly blew a 21-point, second-half lead at home to the Grizzlies. The next night at Toronto, they gave up 35 points in the first quarter to a team averaging only 87. There should be no excuses about being tired or tough travel. They haven't had more than a two-game trip. Besides, these guys are on a PRIVATE JET! It's not like they went by wagon train to Toronto.
Q: It's early. Don't you think they can and should get better?
A: They've had 7-of-12 at home. Compare that to the Chicago Bulls, who are 3-8 but have played only three home games and have been out West. The Cavs have their demanding seven-game West Coast trip in January. Now is the time for them to pile up the wins and build up a homecourt cushion for the playoffs.
Q: No argument, but why are you so worried?
A: They are 2-2 since Larry Hughes went down with the sprained ankle. I don't know when he'll be back. I don't understand why David Wesley is starting for Hughes. In the past four games, he's playing 21 minutes, averaging 5.2 points, shooting 35 percent. He's 36 and doesn't bring much quickness to defense.
Q: So what would you do?
A: Start Damon Jones. Never thought I'd say that, but Jones is in tremendous shape. He's one of the most consistent players. Without Jones scoring 29 points in New York -- and who'd ever dreamed he'd do that? -- the Cavs would be 1-4 on the road. Since Hughes is out, he's playing 30 minutes, averaging 13.5 points, shooting 49 percent and moving well on defense. Start him.
Q: Does Mike Brown say he likes Jones coming off the bench?
A: He does, but Wesley is giving them so little -- Jones has earned the minutes. I'd also look at one of the rookies instead of Wesley, don't care if it's Daniel Gibson or Shannon Brown. Pick one and see how he does.
Q: What about Sasha Pavlovic?
A: Pavlovic is very streaky. Since Hughes was injured, Pavlovic is averaging 7.8 points, shooting 38 percent in 19 minutes a game. He plays better in quick tempo. I'd rather see him than Wesley, too. But I'm not sold on him making a real impact.
Q: Doesn't Brown usually mention a lack of defense when the team loses?
A: Yes, there are breakdowns. But the Cavs are allowing only 93 points per game, third lowest in the NBA. The real trouble spot is offense, which ranks 21st at 96 per game. That's low for a team with LeBron James and some other scorers. They have a bigger problem on offense.
Q: Why say that?
A: In the past three games, in the fourth quarter they scored 12 points against the Raptors, 17 against the Grizzlies and 41 points in the second half against the Wizards. In Toronto, they went 0-for-10 on 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, but didn't shoot a single free throw. They just heaved up long jumpers. It was the same against the Grizzlies.
Q: OK, connect the dots on those numbers.
A: In the fourth quarter of close games, they should be driving to the basket. No one draws fouls better than James. He led the NBA in ``And-ones'' last season, which means he made the field goal and was fouled, sending him to the foul line. Zydrunas Ilgauskas can draw fouls inside, if you work to get him the ball. But he rarely plays in the fourth quarter. Drew Gooden also has some strong inside moves.
Q: You aren't going to start up about Brown's offense again, are you?
A: In a word -- YOU BET!
Q: That's two words.
A: I don't care what it is, I just know the Cavs have lost three road games to teams with a 10-23 record. In their first 12 games, they've played only one team (the Spurs) that advanced past the first round of the playoffs. They have to get better.
Q: Weren't you going to talk about the offense?
A: I'm getting there. Brown has installed a system that creates more movement. It has helped Jones, Gooden and Pavlovic. In early games, James would get the ball near the basket at the low post, but that seems to have faded. I just wish he'd have some plays to consistently target a player to get the ball inside at key parts of the game.
Q: Anything else?
A: I'm thankful the Cavs have James, that they are a contender in the East. I'm excited about what they can do in the playoffs. I appreciate how Brown is able to handle his players and keep peace on the team. I just believe they can be better, and they should not be fooled into thinking they are playing especially well despite their 8-4 start.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

More 4th-quarter play in his future

Cavs' Gibson didn't change outcome in Toronto, but getting more game time

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

TORONTO - When Daniel Gibson returned to the Cavaliers' bench late in the fourth quarter Wednesday, he was fighting a little frustration.
As he took his seat and wiped the sweat from his face, it was a different sensation for the rookie, who had usually spent the fourth quarters of close games either wearing a suit at the end of the bench or waving a towel. He had been in the game and hadn't been able to deliver a difference-making performance on this night, his first under fire in the NBA.
He missed two open shots in the fourth quarter as the Cavs were attempting to pull out a win, which ultimately failed.
But his teammates didn't let him get down. Within seconds of arriving back on the bench, veterans Eric Snow and David Wesley were grasping Gibson's head and shoulders and giving encouragement. There will be many more nights, and maybe soon.
Cavs coach Mike Brown has slowly been giving time to rookies Gibson and Shannon Brown, especially since Larry Hughes went down to injury. Wednesday might've been the breakthrough, as Gibson scored eight points in 21 minutes and helped the Cavs overcome a 19-point deficit during the second quarter.
Wesley has averaged four points and shot 35 percent in four starts in place of Hughes, not exactly the offensive numbers the Cavs need. Snow hasn't been able to deliver offense, either. Gibson and Brown lack experience, but are both quicker and seem to have a more offensive upside, which appears to be intriguing the coach now.
Several times Wednesday, Shannon Brown was victimized on defense, but all the Cavs were in the loss. Gibson's infusion of energy, however, no doubt earned him some more time in the future.
``I didn't feel I played as well as I'm capable of, but I think I've made some strides,'' Gibson said. ``It was a new experience for me, but it is an experience I have been waiting on.''
Ever since the first day of training camp, Brown has consistency told the media that he's been impressed with how fast Gibson and Shannon Brown have picked up on things. But he's resisted using them because he has so many veteran guards.
``I wanted to give (Gibson) some late-game experience,'' the coach said. ``I think he did a decent job. It is something to build on.''
With Hughes out for tonight's game at the Indiana Pacers and Saturday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, Brown could extend his rotation even further.
``All the guys had confidence in me out there, they got me the ball,'' Gibson said. ``Just knowing that means a lot.''