Live Thread: Cavs vs. Kings (#TheRoyalWe)
2016-02-08With the Cavs taking on the Kings in the penultimate game before the All-Star Break, they might just have discovered a more schizophrenic opponent than they themselves have been lately. After all, Sacto rides into town, a fairly unmajestic loser of seven of their last eight games (after they had gotten close to making themselves a threat for the 8th playoff seed in the West with an impressive five game winning streak), and with rumors that George Karl may finally be on the verge of losing his asylum to his inmates. We may just enjoy this one…
Reports recently surfaced that Karl might be dismissed before the All-Star break, and the Kings (21-30) haven’t really denied it. Still, George could have been using the “royal we” to defend his team’s disappointing play of late…
“We’re in a losing mode,” Karl said. “We’re losing games, but our basketball has not been bad basketball. It’s been not good enough to win basketball, which happens in the NBA every night. Just because you lose doesn’t mean you don’t play good basketball.”
According to ESPN, the numbers don’t really back him up, as the Kings have allowed 111.3 points per 100 possessions during this 1-7 stretch, 6.4 more than it was giving up in its first 43 games. Boogie Cousins also cited the disease of “we” in his comments on the losing…
“Biggest thing, I guess we’ve got to find a better energy and effort as a team,” said Cousins, who indicated the team had a bigger issue than just energy and effort. “We’ve got to find a solution, because right now whatever we’re doing isn’t working.”
The Cavs meanwhile, are way ahead of the Kings, having already dispensed of their Head Coach nine games ago. With a 6-3 mark after a bounce-back win over the Pelicans, they are looking to close out their pre-ASB schedule by taking care of affairs on their home court to remain the ruling class of the East.
“We need to win every time we play, but coming off those two losses we had to show our mental toughness and understand we have to take care of home floor,” said Kyrie Irving.
Of course, to do that, the King himself needs to use less of the “royal we” when criticizing the defensive efforts the Cavs have provided of late, and take more of the onus for lapses on that end of the floor on his highness’ own shoulders. Hopefully, we’ll soon see if Ty Lue’s “culture of accountability” starts having its desired effect.
Even though the wine & gold will miss the services of Matthew Dellavedova for a fourth consecutive game (he likely won’t play again until after the ASB), they will have Kevin Love back in uniform following a game off to recover from a thigh bruise. The Kings may be without Rudy Gay (ankle) and Ben McLemore (wrist).
Probable starting lineup for the Cavs includes: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson. And for the Kings: Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinelli, James Anderson, Willie Cauley-Stein and DeMarcus Cousins.
Game time is 7 p.m. (EST), and the action can be seen on FSO, or heard on WTAM 1100.
Prediction: The King and his court hold off the jesters of Sac-town 117-109… and Vivek Ranadive says “We are not amused” before offing Coach Karl’s head…
We should get to commenting…
Mike Ortiz Jr. @xOrtiz4x
Sources: With George Karl gone, Mark Jackson could be in line for the SAC coaching gig. Jackson intrigued by the Kings job.
10:53 PM – 8 Feb 2016
God…..
Anything to get him out of the booth.
Better the Kings than the Cavs, but I feel for those guys…
Everyone ready for Kobe and Lebron to go one on one for like an hour on Wednesday? Let’s hope the Cavs are up 25 points by the time they start going one on one…cuz if not, the lakers have been playing well lately. Would be a shame to waste a loss on kobe’s farewell tour
KOBE! KOBE! KOBE! KOBE!
(most overrated ‘star’ ever, and most selfish player since I have followed the NBA from the mid ’70s)
How many times has the roll man scored on Irving Pick and roll. What he and LBJ do is pick and pop with a Lebron drive in my opinion
Hey, I agree with Rondo about something:
“Last one from Kings PG Rajon Rondo tonight: “We’ve got to stop making excuses, bottom line. We make too many excuses as a team.”
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) February 9, 2016″
What did Love say about the camera man? Was there another collision with the camera man?
Kyrie’s interview was interesting. He really put in another plug for Andy again. ‘I’ve played with him for almost 5 years now. I’m not dribbling as much when he’s on the floor . He knows the spots and the pocket pass”
Lue also commented on playing all 3 Bigs. He was happy he could do this.
ESPN sources say that the Sacramento Kings are going ahead with a coaching change and plan to fire George Karl in coming days — Stein
Gonna be Corliss Williamson….and then they try to get someone this summer.
Way to go Vivek! Keep the dysfunction going.
I don’t disagree, and this is hardly Karl’s fault, but I think they have no choice.
DO WE START TO THINK OF THEM AS SERIOUS CONTENDERS IN THE EAST/ AM SURE THEY ARE LOOKING TO BOLSTER THEIR ROSTER ( MY MAN ” MARKIEFF ” IS BROUGHT UP ALOT )—WHEN DO WE PLAY THEM NEXT AND WHERE
I think they are contenders. I sure wouldn’t take it as a given the Cavs beat them in a series. I think they make some move, no idea who they get, though.
Play on the 26th in Toronto. Our end of February schedule is a bit tough.
Raptors won again, 14 of 15 now. Beat the Pistons.
A reporter for LeTV informs Ty Lue that tonight’s Cavs-Kings game was broadcast in China and actually had more viewers than the Super Bowl – McTen
Cols, there you go! Cavs are bigger than the Super Bowl!
Craig Ehlo on FSO… great to see him!
Yeah, cool interview with him.
As I recall, he took the Kings job over the Cavs. Bet he would like a do over on that.
I recall a game where the Cavs finally clobbered the Lakers. Ehlo made about three 3’s in the last minute to increase the blowout. If it had not been he Lakers, that would have been bad form!
Tyronn Lue on Cavs celebrating Chinese New Year: “I have a great Asian following … They think I’m Asian because my last name is ‘Lue.'” —- McMenamen
Funny and true story, My brother in law lived in San Francisco and was an AT&T rep. His first name is Stanley and the Asians loved him because they thought his name was Stan (first name) Lee (last name) . Lol They wouldn’t talk to anyone else but him..
Wow, that sounds like a sketch from key and peele or something
I know but it really happened. It was the 70’s.. Damn that is a long time ago.
Interesting comments in a public press interview. Somewhat awkward joke. Public speaking is definitely not one of Lue’s strengths.
Yea, Lue is handing out moronic quotes every press conference. I think he is a really intelligent person, but has no idea how to talk to the media.
Funny I thought Lue was Asian because his first name was Tyronn!
That is why he is so bad in press conferences.
Are we going to hear criticism on Cavs didn’t get the ball to Love’s spots?
He got the ball in good spots… he just didn’t hit many. Still got to the line a few times… and might have still been slowed by thigh…
I thought so too
They def read Cavs the blog!!
I listened to the first five and last five minutes of the podcast.
High fives all around ??????
Too bad, you missed the parts where they all said the Cavs and Leb were awesome.
Lebron complimenting Kyrie . JR video bombing
Kings are horrific.
I expect Karl to be fired tomorrow.
are their still guys proposing kyrie trades? smh
At this very moment in the season, I think the Kings are the worst team in the league.
I think they know their coach is getting fired, and they have pretty much quit. They actually were decent with Cousins on the floor earlier in the season. (I don’t think you’re wrong, though…if they have quit, they are the worst team)
Seems to be the NBA theme these days. Fire your coach February.
Where do all these fired coaches go to hang out?
ESPN and TNT/ TBS…
No.. Lol I meant like what bar and what activities to they partake in? I’m picturing Derek Fisher and Blatt becoming the 2 Wild and Krazy Guys picking up Babes in Hawaiian shirts.
There are worse things than to be Derek Fisher and collect pay checks for the next 2 1/2 years.
Glad the bench got emptied. He should have done it sooner. Cavs had game handled.
PHI beating the Clips, LA beating Indy.
This is what happens when Austin Rivers breaks his hand.
The thing about all the trade kyrie talks on the blog and in the podcast.
No one disputes Kyrie’s abilities or talents or his ceiling.
The issue is just one of fit. Does he make guys around him better. Tonight he did. That’s what the Cavs need.
Can’t we put it to bed for a while now?
I understood what you meant… my point I made last page on EG’s comment is that Kyrie is probably the best pure shooter on the team along with JR. On a team that isn’t exactly flush with pure shooters… it would be trading away a guy that has a specific skill which LBJ desperately needs to create space and the team needs in general.
They don’t need him to make other guys better. That’s what LeBron does.
They need him to play defense and play within an offensive system. Kyrie has so much to learn regarding both of those parts of the game.
You are absolutely correct and I think people’s views on trading him, including mine, are colored by whether or not they believe he can learn. I think he can learn and so subsequently believe he should in no way be traded.
I think that players like Kyrie who want and can make the game winning shot are rare. I an unconvinced that he cannot learn how to play D and pass the ball.
It sure looked like Kyrie fit well from January to May of last year with about the same personnel He’s still rounding into shape. They were the best team in the league, until…ya know
Cavs still averaged 30 a quarter tonight.
NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!! /s
Wow, Sixers might beat the Clippers.
Austin broke his hand… patting his dad on the back I think…
I assumed he was fending off a Blake attack in the locker room…
Well played sir
Nice boost of confidence win. Got another one against Kobes Retirement Party on Wednesday.
I know the Kings probably aren’t going to do it, because they have a new arena soon and they want to sustain interest, but I would trade Cousins right now, if they get the right offer. I’d make damn sure they get the Nets #1 pick if it’s the Celtics. But I know they won’t do it.
I would trade him to the lakers for their first round, Randle and or Russell plus filler.
I don’t think the Lakers are in play – a traditional power in California, don’t think the Kings would do that unless it’s a godfather offer.
Could be right. But it is not like lakers will be any good any time soon even with Cousins.
Probably not, really depends on what free agent interest they get, though.
They going to have a lot of cap space? How much space will they have after Kobe comes off the books?
I believe they’ll have enough for 2 max guys…Their payroll is actually pretty low, outside of Kobe.
Wow ok didn’t realize that
Need one more point!
Damn!
Stupid Sasha…
KAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNN!!!!
This feels like an overreaction. Should have included it in the pod!
/s /s /s /s /s /s /s
Kaun is a poor man’s Mozgov
WOW! I forgot how ugly Kaun’s FTs are…
I thought the same thing. It looked….Transylvanian.
Kaun just raised his PER…. I think?
So I think that podcast was officially an overreaction.
But you didn’t listen to it.
Oh he definitely didn’t listen to it.
LOL…. why would you expecting any different Arch?
And you know all about overreaction, amirite?
Or… maybe it was an inspiration?
Seriously, did you watch the game? That might be the worst team the Cavs played all. The Kings left ten points off the board on missed layups alone.
And they get the second worst team next!
Come on Kaun!!!!!!
Cavs need one more bucket for 30 in every quarter! Come on guys!
Shump making sure we don’t trade for Casspi, nate will be upset.
LoL Did you guys see James Jones try to give Mozzy a jive hand shake and he just waved him off after a failed attempt. Funny stuff
LOL. really? I need to see that
It was like a Robin Williams from Mork and Mindy 1 hand clapping thing
hahaha… I think that is actually part of the dap routine.
Johnny Manziel is amazing.
At doing drugs……..
Peyton Manning won a Super Bowl!
And beating women… (allegedly)
Seems less and less like allegedly. Dude is a spoiled rich kid with more braggadocio than talent.
I did the allegedly merely to protect myself from accusations of slander/libel whichever applies in this situation LOL.
What he do now? Still cannot believe they thought he would make a good NFL qb. Not even talking about his off field issues coming out of college.
Busted his ex-GF’s ear drum completely. Threatened her life. all this according to her affadavit for a TPO filed @ Tarrant Co.
Needs to go to jail. Didn’t see the ear drum part. Someone needs to beat that punk.
He’s lucky a video hasn’t surfaced yet.
Kaun siting, generate that trade interest
Nomads favorite player Kaun is in.
I’ll only be completely happy if there’s an MDN dunk tho…
Moz getting some love from LBJ as he heads to the bench. Good to see.
Coming back from a major injury takes time, often more than a year from the initial injury. Talk about Kyrie underperforming should be kept in this context. His jumper will come back
Trading Kyrie would incredibly short-sighted, if not dumb. He’s an All Star on offense, he’s young and can improve, and he was a key part of a team in the second half of last year that was clearly good enough to win a title (i.e he can co-exist effectively with LeBron).
Yep, agree completely. Jumper looked good tonight.
Benches clear time
This was a good sign…
Yep. Lue has been fantastic so far.
Learned everything he knows from Glenn Rivers and David Blatt.
Cols’ hot takes are so fat and out of shape.
Timo’s really good at remembering all those handshakes.
Why is KI still in?
LeBron is so great.
Are you really a bot?
I thought this was common knowledge…?
Kyrie’s shot already has more trajectory.
Doin the Lord’s work, Ben.
Shump still hustling for the ball… love it!
GO TO A PITCHING MACHINE AND INSERT TENNIS BALLS FOR THE MOZ
IS JR THE “OFFICIAL REPLACEMENT ” FOR KEV ( ON OFF NIGHTS ) AS PART OF THE” BIG 3 “—-GOT TO LOVE J.R !!
LeBron is awesome.
HOT TAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He’s not even playing!
Not sure why Ky and Kev are still out there?
Kyrie just needs to get right. Kevin is a puzzle, he’s coming off injury
Yeah time to put the bench in. Trust the bench.
Cavs need to assign Moz two kinds of drills: 1) something for his hands (catching with the ball in Kyrie’s plastics bags?); and 2) a modified Mikan drill where someone tosses him the ball at all kinds of angles as he’s cutting to the hoop and he has to dunk without dribbling.
How about the Rip Torn “if you can dodge a wrench…” drill from Dodgeball?
Those football machines that fire out balls for wide receivers to catch
Well kyrie slicing and dishing. Glad to see he is exploiting the kings d and getting his teammates essy looks. Needs to have this mentality every game.
Low blow, Marc Stein…
Feel like Marc Stein is no longer relevant. When was the last time he broke a story?
Good point!
Someone is letting Caspi have a layup drill.
Boogie now at DEFCON 1…
No that’s why you don’t trade him.
It’s all why you don’t trade him… singular talent…
Hehehehe wth Moz………
Timo is going hard tonight though