Red Right 88

Cleveland sports fan and sports writer

Name:
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, United States

quit my job decided to drive west

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Cavs given lesson from Celtics

The only silver lining in last night thrashing at the hands of the Boston Celtics is that Mike Brown and his coaching staff now have visual evidence of what the Cavs are lacking.

The most disappointing part of the game was how the Celtics dominated. Obviously Kevin Garnett did not play but usually the difference maker for Boston is how Rondo plays. Last night Rondo was no factor and the Cavs were still whipped. Boston dominated in the paint. Paul Pierce was the best player on the floor. And honestly the effort just didn't seem there for the Cavs.

Lebron had 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. And after the game he was torched by radio hosts and fans across Northeast Ohio. He had a tough first quarter with a bunch of turnovers and a missed dunk and then it seemed like he was just content to hang out around the arc. I wish I understand what he is thinking when he does this. There must be a reason or a method. He is too smart and talented. There must be a reason.

Big picture this loss makes things harder. Boston restored their confidence that they are the kings and the Cavs have doubts dancing in their heads.

But like I said the Cavs now have visual evidence of their flaws in action. And there is plenty of time to resolve these issues. Not being able to win in Boston makes every regular season game that much more important.

No one said it would be easy.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Cavs find a way

On Thursday the sky was falling. The Cavs had their worst game of the year and lost Ben Wallace to a broken leg. And the schedule didn't look very kind with three games in the next four nights against playoff teams.

The sky is the limit now. The Cavs pulled out all three wins and it would seem Joe Smith is on his way to reinforce the bench.

The win against San Antonio was the only easy one as it should have been with the Spurs missing two all-stars. Cavs did not play pretty in Atlanta or Miami but they grinded out wins after trailing in the fourth quarter of each. This "No Excuse" team is living that motto to the fullest. On nights when their best effort wasn't there, the Cavs turned up the intensity on defense and found ways to win on the road. It warms the heart.