Links To The Present: May 10, 2010
2010-05-10
“But all of it is secondary to the bigger issue the Cavs have created for themselves with an up-and-down four-game set thus far. It is still unclear whether the Cavs have within them the desire to win 10 more games. Sometimes it looks like a “yes” but quite often it looks like a “no.”” [Brian Windhorst’s Beat Blog]
“More telling in the bigger picture was the Cavs’ alarming lack of aggression and hustle in a game that obviously meant so much. Especially coming less than 48 hours after their aggression and hustle got them control the series. Most especially after an absence of both cost them their first loss in the series in last week’s Game 2.” [Brian Windhorst’s Game Recap]
Through three quarters, Boston had outrebounded the Cavs, 31-27, outscored them in the paint, 34-30, and in second-chance points, 7-0. But with no O’Neal in the fourth quarter, the Celtics outrebounded the Cavs, 16-6, had a 16-10 edge in the paint and 6-0 on second chances. [Mary Schmitt Boyer on The Big 4th Quarter Bench Warmer]
A look at max contracts, and LeBron’s worth on an open market
“Seven of Rondo’s rebounds came in the fourth quarter (the Cavaliers had six in the fourth), and none was bigger than the one he seized with 1:34 to play and the Celtics clinging to a five-point lead. Grabbing a Kevin Garnett miss while surrounded by Cleveland’s Anderson Varejao, Antawn Jamison and Anthony Parker, Rondo tossed in a put-back layup that sealed the game.” [Chris Broussard – ESPN]
“The problem the Cavs would face with such a switch is the possible awakening of Paul Pierce, who had his fourth straight subpar game. James usually guards him. A switch would likely mean Parker would have to guard Pierce, something that might serve to resuscitate Pierce, who is averaging 11.8 points on 32 percent shooting. Just not having to peer into James’ grill all night might seem like an utter emancipation for the beleaguered Celtics captain, who has almost as many fouls (13) as baskets (16) in the four games.” [Peter May – ESPNBoston]
“Consider that for a moment. As Boston’s captain struggles at both ends of the court, it’s Allen — a tantalizing enigma during his six seasons in Boston — who finally seems to have put it together. He expends full effort on defense now, yet still finds a way to get involved on offense, often racing to the basket on breaks and being rewarded with layups.” [Chris Forsberg – ESPNBoston]
Before Yesterday’s Game, the Cavs two best players by +/- against the Celtics were Delonte West and Anderson Varejao. Â The Cavs had been outscoring the Celtics in the fourth quarter by an average of 9 points. Â Delonte posted a -18 yesterday in 20 minutes, Varejao posted a -9 in 25 minutes, and the Cavs were outscored by 8 points in the fourth quarter.
“I get it. It’s the NCAA mindset, the triumph of the underdog, the cute scruffy guy living the dream. You can’t help but love it. And LeBron James in such peak form it should bring a basketball fan to tears — that’s just what we’ve come to expect of the King. When he surpasses his own ridiculously high standard, that too comes as no surprise.” [Bethlehem Shoals on LeBron’s Game 3 Performance]
“There seems to be a mild disagreement among the Cleveland Cavaliers. It doesn’t seem divisive, just an honest difference of opinion over their Game 4 loss to the Celtics that leaves the series tied at two games apiece.  LeBron James said the Cavs played “well.”  Mo Williams agreed. He even said it: “I think it was a well-played game.”  But the Cavs’ coach was not as complimentary. Mike Brown pointed out two statistics that drew his ire, statistics that showed the Cavs were outhustled by the Celtics in Game 4: Boston had 23 fastbreak points to Cleveland’s seven, and Boston had 13 second-chance points to none for Cleveland. He might have also pointed out that Boston point guard Rajon Rondo had more offensive rebounds (four) than the entire Cavs team (three).” [Pat McManamon – Fanhouse]
Anderson Varejao logged 13 offensive rebounds in 3 games against the Celtics in the regular season. Â In the last 3 playoff games, he has 3 (total) offensive rebounds.
Seven point guards have a playoff PER above 19. Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, and Jameer Nelson are all on the list.
Well as soon as Jamison gets more than 10 shots a game maybe he can carry the offense. But as long as the offense is still dominated every single time down the court by one, it is going to be impossible for anyone but that one man to carry the offense.
@ Facts and @Todd – Would that we knew that this team would have these kind of challenges in the post season. I guess most of us (myself included) were seduced with the shine/brilliance of a 61-win season… You say Cavs will not beat the Magic if they meet (based on their performance during the regular season, I would have given the Cavs the edge 4-2), and the fact that LBJ needs to dominate for Cavs to have a chance (he seemed to be doing that fine during the regular seaon) Question is, what’s going on here? Cavs not ready… Read more »
@Colin:
That’s great that Jamison had 30 points in a game where Lebron didn’t play and that he carried a terrible Washington offense. When he carries the Cavs in a game when Lebron is failing, then I’ll agree with you. I won’t go so far as to say he won’t, because as you point out, there is evidence he can do it. As it stands, however, we haven’t seen it happen, yet.
@Patrick: Well said.
Maybe Tom, but I think that it also might simply be that Varajao is a hustle player and is effective in the regular season when other guys generally aren’t working as hard. When the playoffs start and other players turn it up a notch, Varajao doesn’t have another gear and therefore loses his main advantage. The disparity between his regular season and playoff numbers throughout his career shows this to be more likely.
For the last five years (since the first round went to best of seven), every team that went on to win the finals played in at least one game 6 in the first two rounds. I think this is ideal for the Cavs, who are still trying to work Shaq back into the rotation. I’d much rather see the Cavs fight and survive a tough series against seasoned veterans and learn how to work through adversity then to play the Pistons and Hawks again. This is fun playoff basketball. Great teams, great players, great stories and hopefully a couple more… Read more »
I meant game 4.
I think some people are overreacting to game 5. First of all, the Cavs deserved to lose because they lost their poise and absolutely could not hit an outside shot. Second, everyone is making such a big deal of Rondo’s game. He had an awesome game, but spare me the “greatest in celtic franchise history” stuff. you can’t shoot 9/21 and 11/16 from the FT line and have the greatest game in franchise history, unless your franchise sucks. I’ve been saying for 2 weeks now I think there is something physically wrong with Varejao. He is hitting FTs and all… Read more »
Jamison had 30 points in Milwaukee when LeBron was out, and he consistently carried a terrible offense in Washington.
If you put aside the obnoxious nature of the post, and the overly critical hindsight analysis of management (for all the draft mistakes, they did essentially trade Damon Jones for Mo Williams, and Ben Wallace for Shaq, and if you think those were bad trades, you’re crazy), I can agree with the general sentiment of the last post. The problem with the way the Cavs are constructed is that in order to beat the good teams, Lebron has to play at least a very good game. He doesn’t have the luxury of having a bad game. On Orlando, you have… Read more »
Yes I’m back and it looks like a lot of you are now saying what I said last week – the Cavs are not a truly elite NBA team and they have been poorly constructed from the very beginning (and before) of LeBron’s career. I documented a lot of this earlier, but let’s just hit the highlights: 2004: Year after LeBron was drafted, Cavs had the 10th overall pick and drafted LUKE JACKSON. Never heard of him? Probably not because he sucked then and hasn’t barely played in the League at all; he was an unathletic 6’6″ white SG from… Read more »
In Varejao’s defense, he hasn’t gotten the same minutes he got during the regular season. He was certainly ineffective in the playoffs against Chicago, but he is shooting a high percentage, and having hustle plays consistently against Boston thus far. He’s also shooting at an incredibly high clip from the line (albeit 12 attempts, they have been somewhat important for a team that struggles from the line). Noah he is not, but Varejao is still a vital member of this team. I’d like to see him getting more minutes at the 5 with LeBron at the 4 and then 3/2/1… Read more »
If it were just these playoffs then I wouldn’t be so harsh…but his numbers fell into the ocean during last years playoffs too. Wouldn’t it be incredibly if leBron leaves and we are stuck with Varejao, and the only reason we resigned Varejao was because LeBron was crying for it? Just a thought…….but it’s why management has to act like management and players have to act like players. Management doesnt coach, and players dont manage.
He’s looked horrible these whole playoffs. We thought we had a Joakim Noah in Varejao. He’s been dissapointing to say the least. He’s not muscular enough to be effective when other players are giving it their all.
I’m also a little worried about Varejao, Rich, but I’m not giving up on anyone until this thing is totally over in a bad way.
Dude, you are making up the whole Kobe was crucified thing. Everyone in the world blamed his lack of talent around him, and rightfully so.
Now, here we are 9 games into the playoffs and if you still think Anderson Varejao was worth the money then I dunno what to tell you. 3 offensive rebounds against the Celtics so far this postseason. Not even close to getting it done.
Lebron needs to learn from Kobe. Kobe is usually more aggressive on the road to set the tone. He knows his teammates are not as effective on the road, and as a leader, he adjusts his game based on the circumstances. Lebron can’t rely on the refs bailing him out every game, scratch that, he probably can since Stern and the refs are at his corner. The point is, Lebron doesn’t seem to know that the game changes in the playoffs. He’s too accustomed to easy wins against the likes of the Bulls. The Thunder would have been a 4… Read more »
This is a good collection, Tom. Thanks!
As for the Rondo problem, all I want is somebody to pick him up at full-court and play pressure D on him so every time he takes the ball up he has to make twice as many decisions. It’s either that or allow him to walk the ball up and get 10 uninterrupted seconds to think up whatever he chooses.
Another thing that sucks about losing a winnable playoff game: It’s clear that Lebron did not have the energy or confidence to take this game over to his usual standard, but HOLY CRAP, Rondo missed two wide open layups out of fear of the chasedown. On one of the two I’m not even sure if Lebron could have reached him, but it just goes to speak to the disruptive force that the chasedown is. Would be nice to be up 3-1 and have the media fawning over those two plays instead of Rondos behind the back pass to Allen, but… Read more »
Rondo shot 16 FTs in game 4, he averaged 3.5 FT attempts this year.
we need more output from mo, delonte, and Andy. the inconsistancy needs to stop.
The problem yesterday was the CavFanatic jerseys they wore.
Up until yesterday, the team had worn them three times, winning all three games with an average margin of victory at nearly 20 points.
Clearly, these jerseys should only be worn in the games they absolutely have to win. Should have gone with the navy alternates…
I want the real Varejao back soon please.