Game #1 - Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics - Game Night Open Thread
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 6:00 PM CDT
in 2008 Game Day Open Threads
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PrintCleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics, Oct 28, 2008 7:00 PM CDT
2008/2009 NBA Preseason
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0-0 0-0
October 28th, 2008
Boston, MA
8:00 PM est
Radio - WTAM / TV - TNT
Probable starters:
Mo Williams
PG
Rajon Rondo
Delonte West
SG
Ray Allen
LeBron James
SF
Paul Pierce
Ben Wallace
PF
Kevin Garnett
Zydrunas Ilgauskas
C
Kendrick Perkins
For everything about the Boston Celtics, check out Celtics Blog
The Cavaliers begin their quest for glory in the same spot they saw their dreams dashed in the 2008 Playoffs, TD BankNorth Garden in Boston, MA. The Cavaliers gave the Celtics everything they could handle and then some on their way to a NBA Title, and both teams figure to be right back there this season.
Talk about the game here in the comments! They Auto-Refresh, bringing an awesome game night experience!
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Delonte shows some early agression...
hits a couple free throws, too…Nice start.
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:08 PM CDT reply actions
4-4
Garnett with an easy dunk and these two teams seem to have picked up where they left off…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:09 PM CDT reply actions
I like what I am seeing...
from West. He is aggressive and hitting the open jumpshot…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:11 PM CDT reply actions
Cavs on an 8-0 run despite some sloppy play....
Getting it done on D early, however….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:14 PM CDT reply actions
Mo Williams...
Already showing he can play some D, drawing the charge on Rondo.
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:14 PM CDT reply actions
Williams with 5 early....
He brings a completely different dimension to the Cavaliers.
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:15 PM CDT reply actions
Z active as well...
Cavs came out ready to play….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:16 PM CDT reply actions
Early on...
The Cavs are 5/6 from the line….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:20 PM CDT reply actions
Complete Role Reversal...
James 1/5 early on, the rest of the Cavs are 4/6
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:22 PM CDT reply actions
Paul Pierce is recognizing the Celtics came out slow...
and is starting to take over a bit…..
James and Pierce staged a historic duel in Game 7 and may be on their way to the same thing here tonight.
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:24 PM CDT reply actions
Hey, just thought I'd cehck in
I’m an ambassador for Blazer’s Edge. It’s just something fun we’re doing over there so us readers can scour the league instead of having Dave, the main writer, overwork himself.
I’ve been watching the Cavs since Lebron was drafted so I’m happy that I now have an official excuse to keep up with the team.
Welcome!
I am psyched for the season to start!!!
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Cavs going small....
James playing the 4, only Z has any size.
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:24 PM CDT reply actions
Thanks...
Slow and steady wins the race. I’m confident I’ll get it where it needs to be…..
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I like your gameday stuff so far
over at Blazer’sedge it gets to be such a clusterf*** of people that it’s impossible to keep up with the gameday threads
I know the feeling....
I have a feeling I’ll look forward to the ‘quiet’ once it gets rolling over here…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions
9/10 form the line early on
That might be the best thing I have seen so far…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:27 PM CDT reply actions
Just from a quick look up and down the roster
It seems like any boost from him would help a lot on the aging frontline
He's raw....
but he can play in this League. Once he gets it, he’ll be really good. I expect him to see 5-10 minutes per game, on average…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Celtics getting more active...
Leon Powe is getting all the boards now….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:32 PM CDT reply actions
Another sloppy turnover....
but the Celtics give it right back….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:33 PM CDT reply actions
Pierce hits the bucket at the buzzer....
Entertaining 1st Quarter comes to an end….28-22 Cavs
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:35 PM CDT reply actions
It's been fun watching Mo Williams give them a boost
Whether it’s his boost or the rest of the new guys from last year continuing to gel, the offense looks a lot smoother.
They’re getting much better shots than what i remember from last year
He adds a completely new dimension to the team...
You can already see LeBron doesn’t feel the need to dribble the ball around the floor….
Now we need to see if old habits die hard….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions
From Brian Windhorst's Live Blog
Make no mistake, the Cavs are extremely fired up for this game. LeBron was very animated before the game with a lot of energy both in the locker room and on the floor. This is not an ironclad proclaimation, but when I have seen him like this before games he usually comes out and plays with abandon. I assume he gave a fiery pregame speech as well.
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:37 PM CDT reply actions
Cavs with 7 turnovers already....
Boston with 5 of their own…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:42 PM CDT reply actions
Lorenzen Wright....
so much for him being roster fodder….He gets on the floor early and gets a quick 2.
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:43 PM CDT reply actions
Even with the self proclaimed
“improved offensive game”, AV cannot be shooting 17 foot jumpers….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:46 PM CDT reply actions
Boobie Gibson
with a quick 5 points. Lorenzen Wright playing with some energy and the 2nd unit getting extended minutes. More importantly, the minutes are productive with LBJ on the bench
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:47 PM CDT reply actions
Spreading the wealth....
8 different Cavaliers have scored so far, only 16 minutes into the game.
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:48 PM CDT reply actions
I really do like the depth you have this year
Especially in the backcourt. It’ll be nice to have some guys that can take the pressure off and maybe when a game when LBJ is off
BlazersEdger here
Rooting for the Cavs while waiting (not so patiently) for our game to start.
How do you guys feel about opening on the road against the best team in your conferene? I kind of like it for the Blazers- you aren’t expected to get a W and pulling the upset could be a great kick start to the season.
Boomshakalaka
I think it is great...
LeBron was non-existent in last year’s season opener, and I think matching up against Pierce and the Celts is the ultimate motivation for him…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions
They're looking pretty good so far
I think the Cavs jump the celtics this year with either the added depth or a new player they parlay the depth into.
but what do I know, I’m a Blazer’s Edger too
An interesting thing to follow this year
for Boston: KG, Ray and Pierce were unbelievably motivated last year to get their first title. Will the possibility of a 2nd title be as great a motivator? I say no.
Boomshakalaka
Pierce yeah, KG yeah, Ray no
It’s still Pierce’s team. I think he wants to leave his legacy with a couple championships, not just leading mediocre teams and throwing in an abberation title.
Garnet is crazy. I will never doubt his motivation.
Ray is clearly on the downside. He got his ring and I’d imagine he’d just as soon bow out
Am I going to be chastised for refusing to use the subject line? I’m far too lazy for that. One half of one game but I am pleased with the amount of ball movement thus far.
Not at all...
many times that is all I use…..
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions
First possesion that they've had to jack up a bad shot
Not bad compared to last year. especially against the celtics.
Cavaliers continue to be a bit sloppy...
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:02 PM CDT reply actions
Rondo goes down hard....
Ben Wallace doing what he is supposed to do, making it difficult to get to the basket….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:02 PM CDT reply actions
We're chomping at the bit for the Blazer game to get underway out west, so Cleveland needs to get busy and kick the flabby bottoms of these clowns...
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
They've had the Celts playing from behind the whole first half, which is a good sign.
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
Agreed
Get the game over with so GOd can show the king what championship basketball is all about.
Sorry, that shouldve been saved for BE
Either that or so we can watch him blow chips all over his shoes from nerves. That would also be entertaining television...
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
I think they'll make a move...
unless they are having such a great season that they can’t shake it up….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions
What's the feeling of the typical Cav fan about Mike Brown?
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
You know...
He has his faults/shortcomings…… BUT
He knows what it takes to win in the playoffs, and mosr importantly, he got the buy in from LBJ and the players that it is defense that gets it done in April and May.
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I’m willing to give Brown some benefit of the doubt since he’s never really had a decent PG but I found a lot to dislike about him the past 2 seasons
I had NBA League Pass last season, probably watched about 60 Cavs games. The offense in general was pathetic and I put a lot of that on Brown … he just put up with way too many stretches of completely stagnant offense, awful decisions, horrific shot clock management, etc. He was just far too passive during too many stretches for my liking.
I agree, I’m certainly not under the illusion he was wasting a collection of elite offensive players but I feel completely justified in saying he didn’t do enough coaching. They were particularly bad on scripted plays out of time-outs, to me that’s entirely on the coach. But, as I learned last year, if Doc can win a ring as a coach, almost anyone can.
Good assesment
I never liked the guy. I always thought he was too happy with log jamming the offense and letting Lebron take over.
Last year you could tell exactly when Lebron was gonna drive cause the rest of the offense would just clear out by design.
That’ll work from time to time, but championship basketball takes more than one superstar.
I was absorbing net content today and saw a rumor of a $50M Nike bonus to him if he goes to NY or LA...
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
What do you think odds are that he stays in Cleveland?
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
Is he set on moving to the bright lights regardless of money?
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
James is unstoppable by a single mortal. It takes two.
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
The first look of pain from LeBron after a drive...
LeBron-Face is back….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:09 PM CDT reply actions
Rondo reminds me of someone playing at a local gym
that doesnt practice but get’s by on pure athleticism
Rondo is Faaaaaaaasssssst
He is blowing by Mo Williams….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:10 PM CDT reply actions
kinda dissapointing
The first time i hear his name I started paying close attentino to see what he’d break out for the season opener
I suppose you have to start the season understated with the pastel purple shirt and brighter purple tie...
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
Point taken
If his first impression was too good then it’d be a letdown everytime the public saw him after that
Cavaliers Stats - Leaders
Scoring – LeBron James – 10 Pts
Rebounds – Zydrunas Ilgauskas – 4 reb
Assists – Lebron James – 4 ast
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:18 PM CDT reply actions
Chuck: "I like Cleveland, they're my pick to win the East."
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
Chuck has some smart things to say sometimes
but I don’t think he’s the best predictor of that type of thing.
He was dead on about the Blazers last year— staying firm with his “they take too many jumpers” critique even in the middle of “The Streak™”
Boomshakalaka
He was also one of the first to jump on our bandwagon
I think he jumped a little too hard at first but he saved himself by being the first of the national media to curtail the expectations with the jumper comment
He was right, after all... He called "NO PLAYOFFS" and people were scoffing...
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
yeah he stayed measured in his evaluation of the Blazers
while the rest of the media was falling in love.
Boomshakalaka
Hey, we've got our first 100 comments under our belts...
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
A few thoughts from the first half . . .
1 – Mo Williams looked really good. I’m excited to have him here.
2 – Best depth the Cavs have had in the LeBron era. They played an entire second team for about 6 min in the second quarters, and they played well. This will really help us throughout the year.
3 – LeBron is awesome. I like seeing him play the 4. Browns said they have plays built in to the offense with him there during the game (unlike past years where he just played there out of necessity).
The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay
You pretty much summed it up...
Cavs played well overall….Now lets see if they have cured the 3rd quarter lulls that have killed them in the past…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Now that is a funny LeBron commercial....
State Farm ad…first time I had seen it…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:30 PM CDT reply actions
And it's a 4 point game; Pierce for 3 to make the Celts 1-10 from outside the arc...
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
Wallace can still elevate above the rim. Rather surprising.
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
1 point game. That was fast. 9:23 on the clock, time out Cavs...
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
New Wade Shoe logo for Converse resembles MJ for Nike... (Nike owns Converse)
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
Cavs need to get to the rack. Jumpers right now ain't gonna cut it.
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
Another bad jumper by the Cavs, Celts run the floor and get to the rack...
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
James got to the rim at least. That's what needs to happen.
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
James starting to find his rhythem....
The Cavs seem to have withstood the run we all knew was coming….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:52 PM CDT reply actions
I like how Mike Brown's best coaching decision has come from watching Coach K get a chance to work with LBJ
His best move so far has been getting James comfortable at the 4. Something he never really did till he watched James in the olympics.
Just remember, he's still a valuable trade asset.
Then you’ll feel at least a little better about watching him fail on the floor.
Did you see that he was rated the worst defender in the league on an ESPN the mag poll?
I honestly think that’s overstated, largely thanks to Bill Simmons … I’m not saying he’s good but he moves laterally pretty well and he sure as hell didn’t have a problem with Ray Allen last year. But, yes, I do look forward to seeing what the Cavs get in return for him.
James with 4 fouls….Could play a role down the stretch…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 8:57 PM CDT reply actions
Some all-too familiar trends...
Cavs scoring by quarter dropping — 28-22-13
Slow 3rd quarter turn a decent lead into a deficit heading into the 4th….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:05 PM CDT reply actions
If you are going to foul someone....
Make sure he doesn’t score! Tony Allen, two 3 point play opportunities
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:13 PM CDT reply actions
Cavs have gone completely cold from the field...
Gibson, Williams both miss open shots…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:18 PM CDT reply actions
I can’t believe that the announcers are complaining about the Celtics not getting call, but I suppose I should expect no less.
LeBron has STILL not fixed his issuse from the line....
Starting to believe that will be the chink in his armor…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:22 PM CDT reply actions
That Z has soft hands???
Seriously, with Mo that should change this year…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions
What the hell is Ilgauskas doing???
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:31 PM CDT reply actions
Any continuity this game had is certainly gone now...
22 f’n turnovers for the Cavs….
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:33 PM CDT reply actions
Well, good luck with the game, friends. We’re busily pumping stats over at Blazers’ Edge (pregame thread sitting at 600+, should top the 3000 mark by the end of the game).
Come join us after you beat those Celtic schmucks…
"It's not a joke -- it's not a game." — B-Rex
Thanks Timbo...
Good Luck tonight!
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions
That miss by LeBron....
reminds me of the one he missed in Game 7. A Layup chance, right at the basket, and LeBron can’t hit it…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:40 PM CDT reply actions
It'd be nice to be confident enough in the supporting players to be able to switch it up and pass that off more often.
Although he’ll be roasted for that too. But if Mo Williams can take a couple of those shots, the d won’t be able to key all 5 guys on LeBron in these situations
Cavs will have the last chance....
Look for the Cavs to get the quick two and foul
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions
James 2/6 from the line in the 4th quarter
Until he proves he can step up and hit them, teams are going to put him there at crunch time…
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Oct 28, 2008 9:49 PM CDT reply actions
BEAT LA
BEAT LA
BEAT LA
It was fun watching the game with your insights and stats. I look forward to getting to know the team better this year.
Feel free to join us at Blazer’s Edge if your not busy doing a recap
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