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First month of play is revelation for offense, defense
By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Monday, Dec 01, 2008
INDEPENDENCE: While many expected a certain other pro team to garner the sports headlines this fall, the Cavaliers have stolen the spotlight.
And why not? They own a 14-3 record and are regarded as the best hope for bringing a championship to a title-starved region. The Cavs have developed into a complete team in less than one-quarter of a season.
Offensively, the Cavaliers rank fourth, averaging more than 103 points per game and third in field goal-percentage, with more than 48 percent per game.
How proficient have they been offensively? Saturday night's 97-85 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks represented the first time that the Cavs had not scored more than 100 points in a game since Nov. 22.
''We aren't just trying to find each other,'' guard Mo Williams said. ''We are trying to help each other at all times.''
Stats are up offensively, ever so slightly, across the board. Turnovers are down; rebounds are up; and the quicker pace that Williams and Delonte West bring to the game cannot be overlooked as one of the reasons for the improvement.
Another: The bench has played an integral part in the offense.
In the two games against the New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder, the reserves averaged more than 60 points.
That provides tremendous comfort to a team that in the past had to wonder whether the Point Fairy would show up while LeBron James got a much-needed breather.
''We feel like we have a deep team and we have confidence in everybody that's on the team,'' Cavs coach Mike Browns said. ''Those guys have confidence in themselves also. So when they go out there, they seem to not miss a beat and they're exciting. There's really
nothing I'm doing; it's just those guys bring it.''
Brown used to focus on developing a defensive identity and hope that the offense would take care of itself. It looks as if the Cavs have reached that point, and players such as Williams have bought into it.
''The good thing about it is that we're clicking on the defensive end,'' Brown said. ''When you play together on the defensive end, it's kind of ironic how it happens on the offensive end. You look for each other more.''
The Cavs' most impressive defensive statistic is point differential, which has increased dramatically. The Cavs are beating opponents by an average of 11 points, second only to the Los Angeles Lakers' nearly 14.
Add it up and you have the making of a complete basketball team, and Brown knows it.
''The first couple of games, we didn't put the whole game together. As of late, we've been putting the whole game together, so that's exciting to see us try to execute on both sides of the floor,'' he said. ''We're further along on both sides of the ball since I've ever been here. These guys are intelligent, play hard and they want to win.''
Intended benefit?
A major advantage to the way the Cavaliers have blown out teams: The starters have been getting plenty of rest.
How effective is the Cavs' first team? It's ranked the best starting combination in the NBA, according to the league.
''At the end of the ballgame, if we're fortunate enough to rest LeBron, Mo, Z and Ben, that's great,'' Brown said.
Significant rest came into play Saturday night against Milwaukee. On several occasions, the Bucks closed to within three points, but the Cavs delivered the victory in the fourth quarter.
Quick shots
Cleveland finished 13-2 in November, which ties for the most wins in a month in franchise history. . . . The Cavs have won 13-of-14 games for the first time since the 1988-89 season.
George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read his blog at: http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/cavs /ep
INDEPENDENCE: While many expected a certain other pro team to garner the sports headlines this fall, the Cavaliers have stolen the spotlight.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 08:41 AM, 12/01/2008
My hat's off to Coach Brown for resting the starters and his star. Allowing everyone to get involved certainly is a big boost to team chemistry and will pay dividends in a long season. Maybe the point differential can also be attributed to much improved foul shooting ,with Lebron leading that improvement. I really believe that if Lebron,who lives on the line, can shoot 80%;we'll win a championship.
Posted 11:18 AM, 12/01/2008
Right-on, Mike!
The FT improvement goes along with the FG% improvement.
Every shot is important. Every rebound is important. Minimizing your opponent's chances for success is the name of the game. Crush 'em!
Posted 05:06 PM, 12/01/2008
This is cleveland's best pro sports team. They have a legitimate championship contender, not the cleveland clowns. Jump on the L-train and ride it to the NBA FINALS!!!!
