Live Thread: Cavs Vs Raptors
2014-11-22
The Raptors come to town tonight after feasting on the Bucks yesterday to earn a 41 point win. Toronto currently looks like one of the top teams in the East, and they have both a top five defense and offense. The Cavs, however, aren’t looking too hot after being beat soundly by the Wizards less than 24 hours ago. The rotation inconsistencies, defensive lapses, and lack of ball movement make me worry that Mike Brown has somehow hacked into David Blatt’s body and is trying to make Cleveland fans re-experience last season. Hopefully I’m wrong about that, and this game changes my thoughts.
I want the team to look competent on offense and play defense. Maybe they could run some offensive plays I didn’t run with the old man point guard I played pick up ball with at the gym last week, who, I must note, I knew for just five minutes before the game started. Defensively, I’d love it if the team cared. Foul some people and make it count. There are thirty fouls between all six starters, so there should be no fear of using some of them. They aren’t the challenge flags of the NBA.
The Cavs might actually have a five game losing streak before they have a five game winning streak. I never thought that would be the case when the Wine & Gold landed LeBron James. Something stinks about this team; it’d be great if they found the stinky part and made Toronto take it back to Canada on a chartered flight.
What are your predictions?
I’m thinking Cavs lose, 98-105.
Panic panic panic panic panic PANIC!!!!!!!!!!! We’re done!!! Fire Blatt!!! Trade everyone!!! Yeah, cause there’s a long list of panic moves that turn out well aren’t there. If we make any major moves before the new year I’ll lose a lot of the respect I currently have for Griffin. I get why we have a recap on every game but it gets so tiresome. Like Lowe said this week, everything has to have a “narrative”. Here’s the narrative: We’re an average side right now who (at this rate) would still go .500. Everyone’s learning how to play together and the… Read more »
I was tempted not to comment but I will try. Expectations is where the problem is for me. This team is ultra talented. On paper. On the court, I think there are major problems on defense. On offense, I think it is more of chemistry issues and preparation. Then executing the game plan. Clearly the players are not implementing what Blatt and his designs were over the summer. Your frustration of recaps and desire to limit them is understandable. Even necessary because for me, the fun of the games are watching my boys and how they try moves or make… Read more »
Yeah I agree with your evaluation of the team. Defensively I worry about our talent levels where as offense is just something that’ll take a little time (in my opinion). My answers: – Hell no – He should – remains to be seen whether he will. He’s playing for that second contract. – I think it more alludes to the fact that most are mentally weak / mentally unprepared to handle this pressure – at this point in time. Quotes from other team members seems to back this up with references to how they get dejected when the other team… Read more »
There was exactly one guy (maybe two) who was thinking in panic mode. Unfortunately that one guy made many comments so maybe it seemed like majority of us feel that way. For the record I’d find it humorous if George and Cols would comment on each others takes. The two very extreme views of this team going back and forth to each other would be entertaining but yah, it would get old quick. AnywaYs, I think most of us are trying to understand what is going on with the team. For me of late, Lebron just needs to shut up… Read more »
Yeah LeBron clearly means well but it does come across wrong.
If the editors read this PLEASE setup a week long email back and forth between Cols and George. Would be possibly the most entertaining article of the year.
Blatt’s biggest problem as a coach is that he isn’t being ALLOWED TO BE A COACH. LBJ runs this team and it’s his laziness, sloppiness and softness that is trickling down to everyone else on the team. Look at all the Cavs’ biggest problems and LBJ is the worst offender. Missed defensive assignments? CHECK. Hero ball that gums up the offense? CHECK. Sloppy passing? CHECK. Fear of sacrificing your body to foul or contest or EVEN DUNK?!?? CHECK. The only thing he stands alone in is his arrogance — his bs pressers where he talks about the burden of leadership… Read more »
You know, I strongly agree with this comment. Well said Mr. Free, welcome back to Cleveland :).
Yes, it’s not Blatt who out there on the floor. The players need to start own up to their plays, starting with LBJ. Who wanted Love? Miller? Jones? Blatt is not the problem.
Didn’t we learn anything from the 1st time when Ferry tries to make LBJ happy?
Trade Dion, TT? Sht, I rather trade LBJ. The Cavs should get a lesson from Ray Farmer and MIke Pettine on how to run a team.
Guys I am a raptors fan and have been a LNG time but still think LBJ is one of the great basketball players and athlete of all time. Your Cavs may not be doing well but they will turn it around.ctheyxhave too much talent and with LBJ leading this team ,they will do it soon.
Your Raptors look awesome and are clearly winning the East at this rate. Would love that to be the case (if the Cavs don’t) as you’ve built a team without any star signings, and top picks and have done things “the right way” – whatever that means lol
This just in: David Blatt got fired and will be replaced by Mark Jackson………………YOU WISHED!!
I know I shouldn’t post this but here goes —- WIGGINS 29 PTS—–WEREN’T THE CAVS AFTER SWEET LOU THIS SUMMER ALSO ?
Cavs were…and stll are missing that big shooting guard who could also play defense…I lobbied for them to keep him at any cost…even if it meant losing out on Kevin Love
Wow the panic is back. They’ll get to the playoffs. If you think they are done at this point, please leave CtB now.
Yes. Please do George. Or at least just leave one comment at the top of each live thread: “Blatt’s useless. Fire Blatt. Get a real coach. Etc” rather than taking up half the comment space with the same boring, irrational points.
hey chris yeah I am sure stats can be inflated at Minnesota due to most games are not competitive / not the same pressure that love is now experiencing —curious of what you bloggers think—do you think wiggins could have done a better def job on sweet lou than any other cav tonight —- I HOPE TO GOD A MONTH FROM NOW COLS IS TELLLING US ALL I TOLD YOU SO —-I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ” EAT MY WORDS / BLOGS “—ATTEMPTING TO STAY POSITIVE —-BUT DAMN IT IS GETTING DIFFICULT—-WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING TO SHORE… Read more »
I agree about looking forward to cols “I told you so” posts. My concerns now are why would any opposing gm trade with the cavs this early? They are not obliged or should they consider helping griffin shore up the bench. I think the harsh reality is this was lebrons vision and we will see how he can spin his influence. I bet a solid defensive effort would translate into instant offense.
Matt I agree wholeheartedly with you…I’ve been saying from day one defense first…a good defense will translate to instant offense…but it all starts will instilling a defensive philosophy…you can’t fire the players so at the end of the day…good or bad it falls into the coach’s lap,as well it should…if he can’t do the job find someone who can!!!!!
When you have teams come in your house and completely and totally embarrass you something needs to change and it has happened once too many time already…it’s not about a tweak here or there…whatever is in place is not working…plain and simple
With three minutes left in the game this idiot clears the bench and gives up on the game David Blass has got to go
Minnesota scoring tonight so far —-wiggins/ 18—-bennettt/ 12—–dieng / 12—brewer / 12 —-for anyone so remotely curious
I was so worried we got a one-year rental on an overrated power tool, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t keep one eye on Wiggins’ stat lines nightly. What is intriguing is that he is toiling in the same anonymity Love did to become Mr. Double Double. If Minnesota’s not competing/winning, I am not sure how telling their players’ point totals are. I am more curious to see Wiggins and Bennett play against the Cavs…
It should be very interesing
Mike Miller… in the scoring column!
AC and Fred seem to be Jekyll and Hyde. I don’t know George but I can say that I had expectations similar to him going in. While I too am disappointed I think the cavs have to stick out the coaches and players. They will never find fair value under these circumstances
They tried that by bringing Mike Brown back(which was clearly a mistake…that they corrected after just one season)I know that you have to give this guy the benefit of doubt and give him a fair shot…Stevie Wonder can see that David Blatt is the biggest bust probably in the history of NBA coaching…and that says a lot
yes this game had better open some eyes real soon ( like tomorrow )—-dave Collins / George karl give them a call—–I understand at being patient but it is evident no matter how long of time — PROCESSING —-this group of players will not compete for a championship let alone make the playoffs —-deep down Lebron knows this also—-would trade dion straight up for brewer or a decent rim protector —-it is time for LeBron / griffin to be honest with each other and admit their mistakes with this roster and make the necessary moves while the season is still… Read more »
I totally agree…it’s clearly been a failed experiment…as was hiring David Blatt,he has no business coaching in the NBA
GEORGE IS GETTING UPSET!
Lol…I’m a true Seinfeld fan!!!!
Lou Williams has outscored the entire Cavs bench…it’s time for some wholesale changes now!!!!!!!
This pathetic ghost of a coach has Joe Harris on the floor in the forth quarter once again…I like his effort but he can’t check my grandmother on his best night
I don’t care what anybody thinks…don’t go through the entire season with this bum…cut your losses fire this bum now…bite the bullet and go out and hire a “real”coach…this guy is a complete imposter
dion waiters has got to go….dude is beyond horrific…team getting out hustled…nothing to do with coaching….thats on players…raptors just easily getting to basket…another embarrassing him especially at home…no drives to baskets no trying to get fouls
If you truly believe that the flow of the game has nothing to do with coaching…that putting the wrong personal on the floor at the wrong time has nothing to do with coaching…that not knowing when to call a timeout has nothing to do with coaching…then I have some very cheap swampland I’d love to sell you and I have no doubt you’ll by it at a high price
Kevin Love looks very uncomfortable on both ends of the floor…Dumbo Blatt doesn’t even know when to call a timeout to stop a offensive run…this guy is truly a bush league coach
While Griffin is looking elsewhere for more bench players…can he find a”real”coach while he’s at it…I don’t care if it’s early…I don’t want to be patient…I so sick of all the excuses…I am a true realist and think you call it like it is and David Blatt was clearly the worst possible choice as the new head coach of the Cavs…mark my word by the All-Star break many fans will be voicing the same sentiments
Isn’t Mike Brown still under contract?
Mike Brown looks better with each passing game
our bench simply stinks…we get nothing at either end of the floor…at the same time notice who David Blatt rotates off the bench,that has lot to do with it also…James Jones hasn’t gotten any playing time…this team gives too many wide open shots up
CAN ANYBODY GAURD / STOP SWEET LOU ( THIS IS THE DIFFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR BENCH AND OTHER TEAMS BENCHES )—-HAD SOME CONCERN BEFORE SEASON STARTED —–GRIFFIN BETTER START SCOURING THE D-LEAGUE’S / EUROPEAN LEAGUE’S / NEW YORK PLAYGROUNDS TO BEEF UP THIS BENCH—–ALSO LEBRON NEEDS TO SPEAK UP —HE WANTED THE MILLERS / JONES —IF HE TRULY WANTS TO COMPETE IT IS TIME TO SEND THEM OFF—–
I think that’s why LeBron was despondent after last night’s game. He realizes Miller is done and Love is a weenie.
this lou williams guy is on fire…does he keep it up in 2nd half? cavs bench is beyond pathetic….tt is just as useless and kevin love had strong start and hasn’t done much since….be interesting 2nd half.
Dion needs to watch Lou Williams film to see how to play that role.
Raptors bench plays as well as any in the league. They play cohesive team defense as well
Something the Cavs need to learn from if they ever get someone who is willing to coach defense first…clearly something David Blatt is incapable of doing
How are closing half I am completely cut off. Maybe it’s a good thing cuz raptors were closing in
What is up all scores just vanished can’t even find game on gamecast
Griffin needs to get rid of either TT or Dion. They can’t play defense and get annihilated by other teams’ second units when on the floor together.
I doubt any team wants either right now at a fair market value. All things considered no gm would offer talent because they don’t have to.
I agree Dion needs to go asap…he plays no defense and his shot selection stinks
Patented 2nd quarter letdown. Come on Cavs!
just schedule sat night home games —-agree with George—-DON’T LOSE YOUR FOCUS / ENERGY —-KEEP THE PETAL TO THE METAL
I like the defensive intensity this team brings tonight…what I don’t like is all the celebrating(like they’ve done something…way before the game is over)You try to keep your team on a even keel…damn.
Can’t find this game on tv, online radio or a stream of it. Its like this game doesn’t exist.
Anyone got any links please?
Is this the same team?
So far so good fellas.