The city (Cleveland) was abuzz last night as the Cavs took on the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. Cleveland is a simple city right now that's trying to rebuild itself into the respect and prosperity it once had. Its best and driving force in this optimistic growth is the Cavs, led by LeBron James, the best and most marketable player in the league, and visionary businessman Dan Gilbert, who owns the team.
By typical standards of the NBA season, this was a battle of epic porportions and definitely a test game for the Cavs to try to measure themselves up to the best, something they will have to continue to do until they actually eventually win a title. After last night though, the Cavs look well on their way. 93-87, Cavs, in a brutal defensively driven victory that contained a lot of physicality and hustle. The Cavs were able to do it without there 2nd best offensive option too, Mo Williams, who looks to be out 4-6 weeks with a torn shoulder. Delonte West stepped in to take his place at starting point guard, and after an off-kilter and unsure 1st half the Cavs seemed to hit their stride in the 2nd. The ball moved a lot better in the 3rd quarter, leading to change in the lead as an Anthony Parker 3 made it 60-59. For the most part, the Cavs sustained their dominance from there.
There were a few specific keys to the game, and potentially the Cavs' future (and the Lakers to an extent) that'd I'd like to highlight.
1. How will the Cavs do without Mo Williams long-term?
Well, last night things seemed ok. I think the Cavs are going to utilize Shaquille O'Neal more, as seen in the 2nd half last night. The ball was going in to Shaq a lot, who faced little resistance from Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. This brings the Cavs options too, if a double comes, someone will be open. Shaq's a good passer, and the Cavs have one of the best shooting teams in the league (LeBron, Parker, West, etc.) However, on my ride home from school today, I was listening to Tony Rizzo's radio show on ESPN 850, turns out West hurt his left ring finger going after a loose ball last night. This is a problem. Daniel Gibson's about to go from very few minutes to starting probably, or at least playing big minutes. Hopefully he's ready. I will say he's looked much improved this year in the time he's had.
2. Cavs' defense in 4th Quarter...
Its incessant. Kobe had a measly 4 points in the 4th. The Cavs jack the meter up to 11 in the 4th Quarter defensively, and I love it. It makes the injuries hurt their prospects a little less too. The defense can keep them in games.
3. LeBron outshined Kobe...
Kobe may have became the youngest to reach 25,000 points last night (a stupid stat because he took nearly 300 games more to reach it than Wilt Chamberlin), but it was LeBron's night. 37 points, 9 assists, and a more efficient game. LeBron scores more efficiently than anyone else in the league, he distributes the ball and reaches high point totals with less shots, all were apparent last night.
4. J.J Hickson steps up...
Hickson was marvelous last night. He out toughed the Lakers big men, and gained a double-double, including 14 rebounds, he just snatched a ball from Lamar Odom for one of them, as I remember. If Hickson can play close to this most of the time, I feel really good about him, he can really embody the defense and effort of this team.
5. Speaking of defense, toughness, and effort...
Its clear the Lakers lack it right now. Gasol looked weak and uninterested last night. Anderson Varejao shoved him out the way during the game on a rebound. Kobe even said it last night in shootaround before the game. The Lakers don't like the "East Coast style of play", meaning defense, hustle, and physicality. They're ripe for the picking for an Eastern team, or even a motivated Spurs team in a 7 game series.
6. Cavs sweep the series...
If I were the Lakers, I'd be a little concerned. They couldn't get up to defeat a major competitor in the Cavs, either time they played, even after getting embarrassed on Christmas Day on their own floor by them. The strength in the league may be shifting.
Any opinions on this game, or the NBA are welcome.
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