Cavaliers Pull Away, Beat Boston 104-93
by Jeff at the BBC on Mar 14, 2010 5:41 PM CDT
in 2009 Post Game Recap
58 comments
Thank Heaven this game didn't come down to free throws. Cleveland missed 17 free throws Sunday afternoon, but the Cavaliers' hustle and desire made them unneccesary in a big win over the Boston Celtics, 104-93.
LeBron James dominated the game, scoring 30 points, dishing out 7 assists, and pulling down 8 rebounds. The stat sheet was filled with stars for Cleveland, which included;
- Antawn Jamison, 15 points and 12 rebounds
- Anderson Varejao, 17 points and 10 rebounds
- Mo Williams, 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists
- J.J. Hickson, 12 points
The Cavs won this game by outhustling Boston and wearing down the Celtics. By midway through the fourth quarter, they had taken a close game and blown it open to a 17-point margin. The aging Celtics couldn't keep up and their shooting suffered as a result of being tired. Boston missed their first 9 shots from the floor to start the fourth and never recovered.
Cleveland has now gone 22-4 in their last 26 games and have seemingly shaken their bad record against quality opponents. Last season, their biggest weakness was their sub-par record against Boston, Orlando and the Lakers. this year, they are now 6-2 against those same three teams.
Boston is now 10 games behind the Cavs in the playoff hunt, and is the 4th seed. They have played below-.500 ball since Christmas and are struggling with their chemistry as the season rolls on.
Early on, the Cavaliers decided that they would win this game through sheer hustle. The Celtics were unable to keep up with the younger, quicker Cavs. Excellent snap-passes were key as Cleveland burst out to a 9-4 lead. Cold shooting in a very physical contest allowed the Celtics to get back in the game, but a late 8-0 run gave the Cavs a 24-18 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter began with sloppy play at both ends, but Cleveland was able to extend their modest lead when Mo Williams caught fire from behind the three-point stripe. The first half was well-rounded, as seven different players scored, but the hero of the first 24 minutes was Anderson Varejao. Varejao had 15 points, 6 rebounds in the half, and was clearly in the heads of Boston's big men. Kevin Garnett and Glen Davis both retreated to the bench with three fouls trying to contain him.
Cleveland led 54-48 at the half despite LeBron James only taking four total shots in the half, totalling 6 points. One of those shots was vintage King James.
With one minute to play in the first quarter, the shot clock began winding down as the ball slipped from James' grip. He gathered it on the left wing, dribbled out around Rasheeed Wallace and launched a 26-foot three-pointer, fading away as the shot clock expired. Nothing but net.
LeBron's low shot count changed drastically in the third quarter. James scored 13 points in the stanza and took over the game at several points. Boston had tied the game up, but James and Mo Williams wouldn't let them stay tied. A 12-4 run to close out the quarter gave Cleveland an 80-72 lead.
Then came the 4th quarter, and defense carried the day for the Cavs.
NOTES
The Cavs magic number to win the division is now 2
The Cavs magic number to win the #1 Eastern seed is now 10
The Cavs magic number to win home court advantage throughout the playoffs is now 12
Rasheed Wallace shot 1-for-8 from the floor. I just like typing that.
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sixth man
If they consider not only rb & pts, but plus factor & effect on a game as a individual. I say hands down he’s my choice. Other tha LBJ he has most effect, especialy on guys like Garnett & Wallace
by micksgol52@yahoo.com on Mar 14, 2010 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions
if he developed a consistant jumper
he would be an all star and theCavs would win 70 games next season
I'm Polish...what's your excuse?
hickson
Hell no ! doesnt anyone really watch him closely ? He wants to be a offense player only. LBJ makes him look good. Watch him on D. He doesnt hustle, crash the boards & fight for rebounds. See him just stand there at times. Drops alot of passes & wont give the ball up no matter how many guys are on him or if guys are open near by. Just watch next game. Since Brown made him a starter he’s all about offense. My opinion he no way should be starting over Varejoa. He’s aguy that makes things happen, not just pts ,rebounds,assists. His D drives the best in the league go crazy & shuts them down. Watch ! Why does Brown pull him & JJ seems to be his guy. Cuz Andys better. Check the stats they dont lie & see all of everything else he makes happen. There is no comparison. Every coach in this league would take Andy over JJ in a heartbeat. Over all impact = wins Watch each one individually in a game for awhile, just them , thentell me what you see. Bet you’ll agree- Go Cavs
by micksgol52@yahoo.com on Mar 14, 2010 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Hickson has a very well defined role. He plays the first quarter and not much after that, but in that quarter he’s very effective because he draws so little coverage. You misunderstand the point of Varejao’s place in the rotation. He gets more minutes than J.J. for a reason; no one would doubt his value.
in brown's rotation
starters doesn’t mean they are the best/top five. It’s more like combination. Andy and Delonte are definitely better than JJ & Parker. The reason they are not starters because we need a stronger 2nd line.
Exactly. Nice explanation.
and with Shaq’s absence the rotations are clearly different. Doesn’t matter at this point. Just work everybody in and get ready for the playoffs.
Did you notice Moon against Celtics instead of Jawad Williams. Just getting everybody some work.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 15, 2010 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Anybody watching bobcats magic?
I’m rooting for Charlotte…they may face the magic in the first round.
the way they are playing we might see them matched up with
Boston in the first round as a 4/5 seed…… but Orlando would be better
I'm Polish...what's your excuse?
before losing todays game orlando had won 7 in a row against charlotte so we aren't particularly worried about facing them in a series
i don’t think our interior defense could have been any worse than in this game and we were close enough to win the game. turnovers and freethrows are what lost us the game, that and untimely three point shots.
recent history can be a telling predictor too.
Captain Jack and Company were tough before they got Tyrus Thomas. If they are healthy, they are gonna be a force come playoff time. Larry Brown will have them ready.
I think Charlotte will probably take anybody they play to seven games.
I'm Polish...what's your excuse?
Bobcats...
I’m rooting for the Bobcats to be anything other than 8th seed. The Cavs have tremendous match up problems with them. Gerald Wallace and the rest of that tema shifts their game into another gear when they play the Cavs. I would be very worried in a first round match up with those guys. It would easliy go 7 games. They’re are a scrappy bunch and well coached. I hope they come in as 6,7 or 5th seed.
Orlando chanting "refs you suck" again
Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! God. Dwight has 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 free throw attempts.
I’m utterly confused as to how JJ Hickson was a “star” for scoring 12 points. His performance is a frightening reminder that he currently possesses nothing but point-blank range. His flurry of bricked open shots killed our momentum at one point and let the Celtics back into it. He’s also become extremely predictable when catching the ball on the block – he makes an instant move to drop his shoulder and head for the basket. That earned him one charge today, and those offensive fouls are starting to pile up. But maybe I’m obtuse; maybe he was secretly awesome and I just didn’t notice.
Also, LeBron’s shot clock-beating three was not “nothing but net.” That just sounded weird to hear someone describe it that way.
Sure....he's not a star now but
you have to admit he’s miles ahead of last year. After all, he should be a college sophmore and he got nice hops.
I'm Polish...what's your excuse?
They don’t invite you to many family reunions, do they?
The Buckeye Battle Cry
SB Nation's official Ohio State blog
by Jeff at the BBC on Mar 14, 2010 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m simply baffled at the Hickson lovefest. It’s one thing to say he has potential – he most certainly does – but it’s another to proclaim him to be something he’s currently not. For example, he was not a “star” today. Recently another FTS recap declared that he is a “dominant forward.” It’s just the editor in me that recoils at seeing this stuff.
I must say that I prefer his drop-the-shoulder move when compared to last year’s tentative approach. No doubt that’s part of his growth. And it’s also a pretty good idea for him to take that mentality, considering he’s so often uncovered when LBJ delivers him the ball. But at this stage, it’s a kind of one-note offensive repertoire.
Yeah Hickson shot 4 of 10, not exactly “star worthy” numbers for a 4 or 5 whose shooting pct should be at least 50%
I’d say Powe (albeit in fewer minutes) played a better game than Hickson. But one has to look beyond pts scored to see this.
Jamison may have been a star too, but it wasn’t for his 15 pts, which came on 6 of 17 shooting including a dismal 1 of 7 from 3pt and 2 of 8 from the free throw line. Suffice to say, he was not at all efficient offensively. He led the team in rebounds (12) and played good enough defense, particularly on Rasheed Wallace who tried to post Jamison up more than a few times and ended up shooting 1 of 8 from the field.
Careful now, such actual analysis might result in your being barred from family reunions.
Yep, it was a pretty dreadful game for Antawn. 15 points in 17 shots is awful, especially with 8 FT attempts tossed in. Hickson was bad, Jamison was bad, and Mo shot a poor percentage. And yet we cruised in this game. That must be frightening for Boston fans.
tabler
In a game where Hickson was overmatched at the center position, he managed to score 12 points.
That’s worthy of mention, whether you like it or not.
Show me one single instance where you ever said anything written on FTS was good, and I’ll happily back down from my opinion that you are a petulant little poopy-pants.
The Buckeye Battle Cry
SB Nation's official Ohio State blog
by Jeff at the BBC on Mar 15, 2010 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Jeff,
Go back to last season when Turk and Brad were heavily involved. I have all kinds of love for the concept of FTS and there has been quite a lot of very good stuff. As I’ve said before, I’m not petulant, but I have high expectations. And insisting that J.J. Hickson was a “star” in this game when no one else would make the claim is simply obstinate.
I guess I’m just being the recalcitrant but well intended guy who wants more game reporting than quasi-cheerleading. I’ve read plenty of your stuff, Jeff, and you write very well. But to list Hickson and Jamison as stars of the game when their performance was poor, well, that’s either misunderstanding the game or writing like a fan. You won’t find a bigger Jamison fan than me – I was begging the Cavs to take him instead of Amare – but he was hardly a “star.”
Really, though, I visit FTS because it’s a good website and has all kinds of potential. I’m no troll who stops by to lob insults. Trust me on that.
Not a game to get worked up over. But Tabler isn't all wrong.
Of course Jeff reports as a fan. Its a Cavs blog. Now to be honest he does point out the teams flaws when they exist such as bad shooting, bad defense, ect. This particular game was interesting because James only showed his flash when the team started to falter. Otherwise he let the rest of the team work together to get what was needed. I thought the defense was stellar. This I think is what Jeff was reporting.
Hickson has been a “star” when you look at his defense at the Center position. Much better than anyone anticipated. No, he’s not Shaq. But it is nice to know that he has learned another position.
Free throws. A real Cavs weakness. Come playoff time I would foul Shaq and Jamison all night long. I’m not sure what MB has in store for curing Jamisons FT woes but Jamison has been much better throughout his career. I tell you what I see. The same thing Boston use to see. Powe being used in the 4th quarter. He loves those free throws. No matter how it hurts the rotation right now he has to get some playing time in with the first squad.
I see no one calling out Parker this week. He sure looks better when he makes those three’s. His defense was much better than Mo’s. But of course he didn’t have to guard Rondo either.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 15, 2010 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with the analysis on LeBron; he seemed to view that game as so easily winnable that he was content to let his teammates do the work. I think that’s a healthy mentality, and LeBron was right. Yes, he needed to crank up his offense in the second half, but he could have sat out the fourth quarter if we didn’t miss 17 free throws.
This team can shoot free throws but it is a mental block.
This is a sign of how good MBs coaching really is. Between now and the playoffs he has got to get this team focused on making free throws.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 15, 2010 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Tabs, you’ve always been a great asset whether it’s here or LGT. Not too many folks who can offer such valuable constructive criticism without being a total ass. I wish I could be contributing as much as I was last year, but I’ve been devoting lot of time to grad school stuff — plus I don’t have cable anymore.
"You are an LGT success story" -- Jay
by Turkmenbashi on Mar 16, 2010 7:02 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree. Tabler is just trying to make this blog better by providing constructive criticism, and that’s very necessary. This is a Cavs blog, but that doesn’t mean we all need to be overzealous homers in everything we write.
This site has the potential to be great, but we need to keep striving to be better and demanding more from everyone who participates to bring it to the level that other Cleveland sites like LGT and DBN have reached. If people back up their statements with facts and analysis then the level of discourse is raised above the usual message board babble.
by Buckeye Brad on Mar 16, 2010 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
In a game where Hickson was overmatched at the center position, he managed to score 12 points.
I really suggest looking beyond cumalitve points scored / game, to justify your point.
As I think about it a bit, I do agree that Hickson had what can be considered a mediocre game, partly because he did not exploit the slowness of the interior defenders (Perkins, Davis, Garnett) as he was able to do in the previous game against Boston, but this had more to do with the pace the Cavs were playing at, it didn’t favor Hickson’s strengths (driving to the basket). His mid-range game was and is not good. And this was demonstrated in the game where he missed the majority of his mid-range shots. He certianly didn’t play at a “star” level and after-all this is what you claimed he did and supported with his 12 point performance.
All I would be asking for is a little more depth and context in supporting your analysis.
I confess that I’m obsessing over every free throw that Jamison takes, and I wonder if the fact that everyone else is now obsessing over it means that he’s more apt to obsess over it. Either way, I’d love to see this mess cleaned up. Love the guy and I’m sure he’ll be fine.
Yeah I wouldn’t worry too much about Jamison’s free throws, he’s simply not that bad of a free throw shooter, give him the rest of the season and then reevaluate.
Hmmm
I always was told that you shoot FTs and jump shots with “tips” of your fingers and not with your hand on the ball. I have noticed Jamison shoots with his entire palm on the ball. I think it gives him less control and he seems short on his shots at the line and from 3pt. distance as well. Lets get Chris Jent to fix it?
I'm Polish...what's your excuse?
I think Jamison has been around so long that "fixing" his unorthodox shot will be impossible.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 15, 2010 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions
But why has he ft % gone down since his arrival in Cleveland? Is it the water?
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 15, 2010 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions
The Cavs are looking good for their first NBA title. They outplayed the Celtics again. Orlando seems to be the one team that could give them trouble, but I don’t see them beating the Cavaliers in the playoffs.
LeBron is the key to this team and it is scary, when you realize everything depends on him. He is a beast and can take a beating, but no one is invincible. Another serious poke in the eye and the Cavaliers season could be over. I hope that he can stay healthy.
There is only one magic number that counts for anything and that is 23.
Check out this article:
“LeBron James Has Hopes High in Cleveland: OMG Not Again!”
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/361893-lebron-has-hopes-high-in-cleveland-omg-not-again
Does this count as trolling?
I’m afraid if we allow this kind of posting its going to lead to others simply posting links to articles they write to drive up internet traffic to their sites. Not exactly something you want to start fostering.
Plus this comment is pretty lacking in substance. Once again, take away Dwight Howard from Orlando, or Kobe Bryant from the L.A. Lakers and see what that does to their championship hopes, to fear monger Cleveland fans about Lebron to pump up internet traffic is pretty absurd.
Well, I don’t know about trolling, but I can some it up pretty well without the link:
“OMG We’re looking pretty good this year!!”
“OMG!! What if we lose!?”
“OMG!!What if Lebron Leaves!?! "
Hey Jim!
Next time try not to have every sentence end with either OMG! or an explanation point! This isn’t Sports Illustrated for Kids!!
(OMG?! it isn’t!?!)
Also…before I forget (OMG! I almost forgot!)!!! Next time try adding a little more to the story other than ’It would be turrible if Lebron got hurt! Or even if he left!" "…Bad people would make fun of us!!! OMFG!!!! "
I think …OMG…we’re all well aware of that!!!
by johnnyphoenix on Mar 15, 2010 3:18 AM CDT up reply actions
OMG!!! I said ‘explanation’ point!! I meant ‘exclamation’ point!
by johnnyphoenix on Mar 15, 2010 3:19 AM CDT up reply actions
It's Bleacher Report....
So YES, it is Sports Illustrated For Kids.
The Buckeye Battle Cry
SB Nation's official Ohio State blog
by Jeff at the BBC on Mar 15, 2010 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions
We're done
I support the Celts. And if the C’s face the Cavs in the 2nd round they’re toast. There’s no way in their condition right now that they will be able beat you.
Honestly, I don’t want you guys to win the Championship this post-season, because this is the best chance of Dallas (my team) to win it all, IMO. However, a Finals with LeBron in it isn’t bad at all, especially if he faces Carmelo and the Nuggets (i’d prefer them rather than the Lakers). I don’t like the LeBron-Kobe rivalry because of the age/era disparity between them, especially that Kobe won his three rings in a different era (pre 2003 draft class). I would like to see a new interconference rivalry ala Magic-Bird, and that is in the form of Melo-LeBron or LeBron-Melo (in which way you want it, LOL).
And hopefully, LeBron stays in Cleveland whether there would be a championship banner next season in the Q or not. It’s nice to see a player start and end his career with the same team.
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell
Yes, intimidation is the key to domination.
Honestly
I don’t like LeBron. But you can’t help but respect a player with that kind of abilities and skills like he is. Much like with my treatment of Kobe; don’t like hime, but respect his game.
P.S. IMO, his best position is in PG or PF.
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell
Yes, intimidation is the key to domination.
by Marjun Raposon on Mar 15, 2010 4:49 AM CDT up reply actions
so basically the opposite of Dirk
everyone seems to like him and no one respects his game? (7ft jump shooter)
because I couldn't go for 3...
by SouthBayBuckeye on Mar 15, 2010 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
I love to see these kind of games from Varejao! He’s no longer lacking that offensive game, and it makes him incredible valuable to this team because his defense is already amazing. The flopping has cut down a lot over the last two years as well.
Willingness to take get in the way, set his feet, and take the hits should not be mistaken for flopping.
Varejao
Need to start a Wild Thing club. LOL My opinion, next to LBJ he has probably the most effect in a game in so many ways that no stat will ever show.
by micksgol52@yahoo.com on Mar 15, 2010 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Second in the NBA in +/- numbers. I think his stats do show up.
It’s just that no one else in the league wants to admit it.
Winning is not everything but it sure feels like it sometimes
by lifelongvike on Mar 15, 2010 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
If life is fair Varejao will get the 6th man award.
by CavsLebronFan on Mar 15, 2010 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions
If there is a weakness in this team that can haunt them, it would
be the FT shooting. If they keep missing so many FTs, it can cost them a championship.
if they can shoot 70%, they should be ok
not at around 50%. Jamison needs to stay after practice and keep shooting FTs as punishment. He was shooting 70% at Washington, now he is shooting below 60%.
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