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Preseason game just practice, but playoff loss adds extra motivation
By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Friday, Oct 10, 2008
INDEPENDENCE: In the grand scheme of things, tonight's Cavaliers-Boston Celtics game means absolutely nothing.
The games don't count until Oct. 28 when, coincidentally, the Cavs open the season against the Celtics.
But given the contentious nature of their semifinal playoff series last spring, which went seven games, it wouldn't be surprising if this game generated more interest.
''They're the champs; they have a bull's-eye on their chest. We want to try to knock them off their pedestal,'' guard Wally Szczerbiak said. ''That's where we want to get. But it was very motivating watching them celebrate and win last year. We got to keep that in the back of our mind, remember how close we were and get the job done this year.''
Motivation? Sure. But the NBA preseason serves a practical purpose, said LeBron James, who will play limited minutes once again against the Celtics.
''We just want to continue to get better. We did that with Toronto. We
did that the last few practices,'' he said. ''You can't carry a playoff series into a preseason game; there's no comparison.''
Coach Mike Brown also discounted the value of getting worked up over an exhibition game.
''Even during the regular season — and this is just me personally — I don't know how much of a statement you can make in the regular season. If you look at our history, we've lost series against teams in the regular season and we end up winning them in the playoffs.''
The Cavs will concentrate on improving the skills they want to take into the regular season. That includes adjusting to what point guard Mo Williams brings to the team — the ability to break down defenses and ignite the Cavs' transition game.
''It's something different for us getting the ball and getting it to the other side of the court really fast,'' said James, who stands to be the biggest beneficiary of that strategy. ''We want to make a conscious effort to get out running and continue to communicate on the defensive end because we know that's our staple, just defend the best way we can and learn from it.''
In their first preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors, the Cavs lost big in the post. That's something that Brown wants to change. The Raptors' big men dominated the game Tuesday night.
Missing: still no action
Brown said he doesn't know if guard Delonte West would join the team in time to play against the Celtics. He was excused last week to take care of some personal issues.
''Anything's possible. There's no plan right now other than Delonte take of what you need to take care of,'' he said.
When asked whether the missed time would hurt West's status, Brown said: ''He's missed a lot and he's got to catch up when he gets back. The more he misses the more he has to work his tail off and we have to work our tail off to get caught back up to speed.''
Ben's back issue?
Forward Ben Wallace, who endured back problems much of last season after joining the Cavs, only participated in the noncontact portion of practice Thursday because of a back issue. Brown downplayed it, saying he chose to err on the side of caution in dealing with the injury, much as he would any other starter.
''Could he have gone today? Yes,'' he said. ''Could he have taped it up and gone if it was a playoff game? He probably could have.''
James takes a pass
It's no secret that James supports Democratic nominee Barack Obama for the presidency. On Thursday a reporter asked whether he'd seen that Browns backup quarterback Brady Quinn had thrown his support behind Republican nominee John McCain. James handled his answer in a way that fit the moment — with the skill of a politician.
''Good luck to Brady Quinn,'' he said. ''Hopefully he continues to work at it and maybe he can be the starting quarterback for the Browns.''
Injury update
Sasha Pavlovic also sat out a portion of practice after injuring his right ankle and will not play against the Celtics.
George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/sportsblitz/.
INDEPENDENCE: In the grand scheme of things, tonight's Cavaliers-Boston Celtics game means absolutely nothing.
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