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After Grizzlies, Bulls, opponents get tougher; coach says they're ready
By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Monday, Jan 12, 2009
INDEPENDENCE: The Cavaliers will say otherwise, but after watching the team's vivisection of the Boston Celtics Friday night, it's clear that the team bided its time since opening night when they lost to the guys in green.
Before the Celtics rolled into town, the Cavs were just 2-2 in their prior four games. In those two losses against the Miami Heat and Washington Wizards, they looked the worst they had all season. Looking ahead? Possibly. Playing down to the competition? Definitely.
But with Boston baked — for now — the Cavs can return to the rote, the mundane, the boring and hope that it doesn't bite them in the process. In short: Not every game can provide the adrenaline rush like battling the Celtics before a national television audience and a sold-out Quicken Loans Arena. It's not really a position that the team has been in this season. But they will find out Tuesday as they have to take on the 11-26 Memphis Grizzlies. Coach Mike Brown said that he believes his players have the ability to take games independently.
''Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like this is a good enough group to understand the
importance of the next game. If we're not, it will be a good time to see if we are or if we're not,'' he said. ''This won't be the only other time that we have a win that people feel is a good win then we have to go some place and play somebody that people think we should beat.''
Point guard Mo Williams said it's important for the team to maintain some perspective.
''We really want to go out there and take care of business. We don't want to go out and be lackadaisical and think we already won the game,'' Williams said.
Out on the road
Considering the brutal schedule the Cavs face on the road the rest of January, it behooves the team to jump on the Grizzlies. Six of the team's next seven games, including a brutal four-game swing out west, are away from Quicken Loans Arena, where the Cavs own a 19-0 record. Their road record — 10-6 — can still be called impressive, but the Grizzlies and the Bulls, who the team battles Thursday, have a combined record of 27-47. The teams that they play out West — the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trailblazers and Utah Jazz — own a combined record of 83-52.
''We know it's a tough month — a challenging month. Every team in the league has to go on the road. Every team in the league has to play the same teams we play. We just have to be prepared [and] stay as healthy as possible,'' Williams said.
Quick shots
Much is made of the Cavaliers owning the best record in the league right now, but what few have mentioned is that the Orlando Magic have surpassed even the Celtics to reach the second spot in the Eastern Conference. . . . Anderson Varejao continues to impress in his starting role. In seven starts Varejao has averaged 15 points on 57 percent shooting and 8.4 rebounds per game. . . . Daniel Gibson appears to have found his stroke. Against the Celtics he hit 3-of-4 3-pointers and in his last two games is averaging 12.5 points on 75 percent shooting including 71 percent (5-of-7) from behind the three-point arc.
George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read the Cavs blog at http://www.ohio.com/thomas.
INDEPENDENCE: The Cavaliers will say otherwise, but after watching the team's vivisection of the Boston Celtics Friday night, it's clear that the team bided its time since opening night when they lost to the guys in green.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Wooster, OH
Posted 02:43 AM, 01/12/2009
This article echoed my concerns about this month's schedule against some formidable West opponents. But the team seems more focused than ever, and the TEAM mentality make 'em the team to beat. The Cavs' defense quiets even the bigger guns like Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.
Barberton, OH
Posted 08:21 AM, 01/12/2009
I'd be shocked if we swept the rest of the month, so I suspect we'll get caught a game or two out west, but as long as we're not getting blown out in those games, and we come home from the trip having won half or more games, I'll be thrilled.
eatonton, ga
Posted 10:49 AM, 01/12/2009
I hope Cav's can win 3 out of 4 on the west coast trip.
eatonton, ga
Posted 10:51 AM, 01/12/2009
Ihpoe the CAV'S can take 3 out of 4 on the west coast.
The Great City in, OH
Posted 02:13 PM, 01/12/2009
tigerman342
eatonton, ga
Posted 10:51 AM, 01/12/2009 Ihpoe the CAV'S can take 3 out of 4 on the west coast.
_____________
Ha-Ha, you've said it right (literally) the first time!!
Posted 02:57 AM, 01/13/2009
so, are the celtics boston baked "has-beans"?
