Cavs 08-09 Season - Central Div Champs (official thread)

[Brutus1]

Bare in mind, not everyone who posts on this board lives in Ohio

Duly noted. My bad.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

After watching Monday night's game against Dallas again, I think the Cavs can stand pat. I may change my mind in the future, but I was impressed at how these guys are starting to play together. I hated West last year at the point,
but he seems to be a different player at the 2 guard.

Next year, JJ Hickson will be much better, another first round pick, Wally and Snow's contract money to get a star Big, why screw it up now?:)

This is my opinion right now as well...I was going to post this and then saw that you had...

I stay pat, don't mess with chemistry...The only way I think about making a move is if we see injuries in the front court...

Mo Williams is #2 to LBJ may not be a legit #2 to say a T-Mac, Kobe, etc...In terms of them probably needing all-stars, but LBJ is the best player in the league...If he has a #2 that is an all-star, then we start a dynasty here...But right now Mo Williams is a #2 that can get us over the hump and win an NBA championship...

We need to cut down on Turnovers, but I love the uptempo, press the ball up the court, agressive rebounding...

We have 5 problems right now with this team...

1. Turnovers
2. 3rd quarter
3. Road Games
4. LBJ's jump shot
5. Free Throws

If we can limit turovers, and hit free throws we can be a very good team...I think that LBJ has showed tonight that he is going to rely more on the post game, but he still needs to find the jump shot, and consitsently get better and then play better on the road and in the 3rd quarter...

 

[exhawg]

Mo Williams can't hit a shot to to save his life tonight. Larry Hughes must have infected him.

 

[TooTall]

1. Turnovers
2. 3rd quarter
3. Road Games
4. LBJ's jump shot
5. Free Throws

Glad you noted these and I'd say the Cavs EASILY handled all 5....

1. TO's were even at 12-12... I'll gladly take that.
2. 3rd Quarter was tied 26-26... Again, I'll gladly take that.
3. Road games, eh... Give it some time. Seems to me this teams chemistry is improving.
4. I'm not complaining, LeBron hit the 40+ point mark for the 28th time in his career with 41 points. (Cavs are 23-5 when he does so)
5. Free throws, apparently they heard you... 28-33 including 15-16 from LBJ..

Statistically, an impressive game... The hustle that I'm seeing out of this team is great.. Ben Wallace is looking like a younger version of himself and he's covering just about anyone he can. Another GREAT night on the boards for him with 14... Again, he gives 10+ boards and ZERO points, I'll take it. Good game Cavs! 3-2

 

[OState29]

I'm not worried about the Cavs on the road they lost to New Orleans and Boston, I have a feeling we won't be alone in that respect. The other four had much more to do with those two losses. Including the last 2 wins, I am predicting the Cavs go on an 8 game winning steak.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

we seem to turn the ball over and not make shots on the road...

If the team that played tonight plays against Boston or NO we win both of those games...

LBJ seems to let the crowd dictate his game at times...And it seems that our jump shooters don't shoot well on the road...Boobie, West, Wally, Z...

 

[osugrad21]

ABJ

Cavs put Bulls to pasture LeBron scores 41 points, adds nine rebounds
By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal sports writer

Published on Thursday, Nov 06, 2008
CLEVELAND: The Cavaliers got a good look at Chicago Bulls rookie sensation Derrick Rose on Wednesday night at Quicken Loans Arena.
But Rose got even a better look at LeBron James and the Cavs, who beat the Bulls 107-93 in front of a crowd of 20,562. James scored 41 points, had nine rebounds and four assists to lead the Cavs.
It was the 25th time that he had scored more than 40 points in his career. When he scores that many, the Cavs are 20-5 record. More important, he drove to the basket, 15 of his points came on free throws.
''I really liked the way he was attacking the rim,'' Cavs coach Mike Brown said. ''The last couple of games, he's attacked the rim very well. He's going strong, quick and decisive. Tonight was no different than in Dallas.''


Not that this one turned out to be a runaway for Cleveland. In fact, the Bulls played the Cavs relatively close through two quarters. But after taking an early lead in the first quarter, the Bulls spent the rest of the game chasing the Cavs.
Cont..

 

[osugrad21]

ABJ

LeBron taking new position: mayor of Akron Brown not ready to say America has changed
By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal sports columnist

Published on Thursday, Nov 06, 2008
CLEVELAND: Apparently Don Plusquellic missed a memo, or a meeting.
LeBron James made that point Wednesday night before the Cavs' 107-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls at Quicken Loans Arena.
Politics was the topic of discussion ? prompted, of course, by the election of Barack Obama ? and James was asked if he might join Kevin Johnson in politics after his career. Johnson, the former NBA player, was elected mayor of Sacramento, Calif. Would James run for mayor of Akron?


''Mayor of Akron?'' James said. ''I'm already mayor of Akron. I've been that for about 10 years now.''
There was no followup about bond issues or the selling of sewers.
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[osugrad21]

CPD

James leads Cavs to a good 'ol beatdown of Gooden and the Bulls

by Brian Windhorst Wednesday November 05, 2008, 10:58 PM




For the most part, LeBron James liked Drew Gooden when he was a member of the Cavaliers. However, he wasn't exactly thrilled when Gooden passed along some private conversations to Washington Wizard DeShawn Stevenson, a friend, after Gooden was traded to Chicago last season. It kicked off a high-profile feud between James and Stevenson during last spring's playoffs.
So perhaps James on Wednesday night delivered a little payback. Or maybe it was the complete exploitation of the Bulls' defensive strategy. Whichever, it resulted in James' biggest scoring output of the young season and the Cavs' second consecutive win, 107-93 over the Bulls at The Q.
James scored 41 points, which combined nicely with nine rebounds, six assists and four steals, as he pounded the Bulls with an incessant attack of the basket. Many drives came over, around or plain through Gooden.
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[osugrad21]

CPD

Cavaliers Insider: A battle for McDyess?

by Brian Windhorst Wednesday November 05, 2008, 8:24 PM

Duane Burleson/Associated PressDealt to Denver, it's assumed veteran forward Antonio McDyess will soon become a free agent. While Detroit would like to re-sign their former backup big man, the Cavaliers are among several teams who might also be interested.
This week's big trade between the Nuggets and Pistons only indirectly affected the Cavaliers. Or did it? While most fans are eager to see how All-Stars Chauncey Billups and Allen Iverson fit in with their new teams, league front office members are more focused on the immediate future of Antonio McDyess, and that likely includes the Cavs.
McDyess, who was sent to Denver with Billups, has made it known he doesn't want to play for the Nuggets and is working on a buyout to become a free agent. There have been reports that if a deal can be reached, McDyess will head back to the Pistons. Perhaps, but that's far from assured for several reasons, which is where the Cavs come in.
Still a little concerned about their big man depth, the Cavs will likely make a pitch to McDyess if he becomes a free agent and they will probably not be alone. Other than the Pistons, who must wait 30 days to re-sign him under league rules, the Celtics and Spurs are among other teams that may be interested.

McDyess is a versatile player who can play both power forward and center who is a strong shot-blocker, rebounder and outside shooter. He's also a strong locker room presence. All of which would make him a perfect fit with the Cavs. It would probably come at the sacrifice of playing time for rookie J.J. Hickson, but would fill the role vacated by veteran forward Joe Smith after the trade for Mo Williams.

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[osugrad21]

CPD

James rejoicing in Obama's victory

by Mary Schmitt Boyer Wednesday November 05, 2008, 8:04 PM

Roadell Hickman/The Plain DealerLeBron James was all smiles Wednesday following Barack Obama's victory Tuesday night. I think it's unbelievable," he said. "Congratulations to the whole Obama campaign, his family. It's a great day in history."
CLEVELAND -- LeBron James walked into Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Bulls wearing a Barack Obama T-shirt, and he could hardly wait for reporters to ask him about Obama being elected the first African-American president of the United States. "It's kind of unbelievable," said James, who had endorsed Obama and hosted a Last Chance for Change rally with rapper Jay-Z last week in Cleveland. "I had a few people in my family over last night to watch the whole thing. I had a few people who were a lot older than myself, in their 50s and 60s.
"I asked them: How does it feel for them, going through what they went through when they were younger, and going through slavery times, going through segregation times?
"A lot of people in my family said they never thought they would see a day like this happen. Times have changed. I think it's unbelievable. Congratulations to the whole Obama campaign, his family. It's a great day in history."

James said he did not tear up when the victory was announced about 11 p.m. Tuesday night, but many in his family did. He was particularly happy his two young sons were part of the gathering, although he admitted they had no idea what had happened.

Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

CPD

Brian Windhorst's Cavaliers Blog: Cavs developing some positive trends five games in

by Brian Windhorst Wednesday November 05, 2008, 8:03 PM


Cavs 107, Bulls 93
? In the first five games of the season the Cavs have: Not given up more than 47 percent shooting and three times haven't given up better than 44 percent; have only given up more than 90 points once; have won the rebounding battle every game; are averaging eight steals. That is good defense a bunch of different ways and a massive improvement over the shaky defense to start last season. I write a lot about the offense and for good reason, but the effort level on defense is setting a tone for this season.
? Here's another trend, LeBron James has yet to play 40 minutes in a game as so far Mike Brown is sticking with the plan to lower his court time. Against the Bulls he had 41 points in 35 minutes. And if you think that is efficient, please consider the fourth quarter when he played less than five minutes and scored nine points, grabbed two rebounds and had a steal to put the game away.
? More trends. Folks, how about Ben Wallace is averaging 20.6 rebounds per 48 minutes and a whopping 7.5 offensive rebounds per 48 minutes in the first five games. Tonight he had 14 rebounds in 28 minutes and in the same 4:54 he played in the fourth with LeBron, had four rebounds.
? OK, one last one: After looking very rusty in his first game back from his leave in the preseason, Delonte West is shooing 32-of-60 over the last nine games.
Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

CPD

LeBron to Detroit rumblings must mean it's not quite cold enough here -- Bud Shaw Blog

by Bud Shaw Wednesday November 05, 2008, 3:59 PM


The Allen Iverson trade will help the Pistons and carries the potential to hurt the Cavs in other ways. But it's hard to believe it could impact them in the way suggested by ESPN Wednesday when NBA columnist Marc Stein mentioned the Pistons now being in the running to land LeBron James when his contract expires because of the Iverson deal.
I can think of three reasons James would be interested in leaving Cleveland for Detroit.
1) He thinks it's too tropical here
2) He likes the shape of their potholes better
3) He'd like to see Canada from his porch
These stories of James' impending departure are going to keep coming up. They go with the territory when a superstar like James is within even a few seasons of free agency. Stein said the Pistons would now be in position to push for the signing of James and maybe Toronto's Chris Bosh "if they have the salary-cap space." Well, sure. Who wouldn't if they had the salary cap space?
But the Cavs would also have the space to push for the signing of Bosh while still being able to pay James more.

Call me crazy, but if James is going to leave Cleveland, it's going to be for a market like New York, or L.A. --- somewhere to pursue his mission of becoming a global icon. It's not going to be Detroit.
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[osugrad21]

Canton

James comes alive in win
Cavs All-Star nets 41 points ... and makes his free throws
Thursday, November 6, 2008
BY MIKE POPOVICH
[email protected]

CLEVELAND It didn't take LeBron James long to have a monster game this season.

One consolation for the Chicago Bulls is the big night James had against them Wednesday won't be his last.

The Cavaliers forward racked up 41 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals in a 107-93 win over the Bulls at The Q. James is expected to shoulder the load less often this year because of Cleveland's depth. However, there still will be some nights when he takes over a game down the stretch.

Chicago's only leads came early in the game, but the Bulls stayed within striking distance throughout the night. Ben Gordon's running bank shot as he was fouled and free throw with just under seven minutes left cut it to 90-83.

James slammed the door with a 7-0 run. A Mo Williams steal set up a driving layup with foul and free throw. James followed with a turnaround jumper and a tip-in off his own miss to make it 97-83.

"When it's time for me to go out and try to close a game, that's what I'm capable of doing," James said. "And I was able to do it tonight."

James' 41 points came in 36 minutes. He tweaked his left ankle when he stepped on Kirk Hinrich's foot in the first quarter but continued to attack the basket on his way to the 25th 40-point game of his career. It was also the sixth straight time he poured in at least 30 against the Bulls.

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[stowfan]

Link to the box score
cleveland.com