Preview: Cavaliers at Spurs, November 20th
2010-11-20
Cleveland Cavaliers (5-6) vs. San Antonio Spurs (10-1)
Relevant Statistics:
Offensive Efficiency: Cavaliers 101.2 (22nd) vs. Spurs 107.8 (4th)
Defensive Efficiency: Cavaliers 105.3 (20th) vs. Spurs 99.6 (7th)
Pace: Cavaliers 95.3 (16th) vs. Spurs 98.3 (7th)
Notes:
– The Spurs are 10-1, and they’re doing it by playing fast, scoring in bunches, and getting a ton out of the Parker/Ginobili/Jefferson triumvirate. Duncan’s only averaging 14 a game, and the team is 10-1 anyways. This will not be an easy game, especially since transition defense and wing defense have been major issues for the Cavs.
– Hickson needs to get back on track tonight. He needs to be aggressive early and use his speed advantage on Blair to open things up — he might be tempted to shoot over him, but I think he’d be better served making Blair move.
– Tim Duncan might not be the featured guy on offense anymore, but he’s still the key to the Spurs’ defense. Cavs have to keep the ball moving, because Duncan still shuts down the paint as well as just about anybody. Some threes would be nice as well.
– Stopping penetration and locating shooters in transition aren’t easy things to do, but the Cavs are going to have to do them if they don’t want to get whooped against the Spurs. That’s all I have for now — check back here after the game for the recap.
I don’t feel too bad about losing these last two games. I just wish we had won more of them when our schedule was so easy.
At this point, I’m not sure if Hickson is ever going to get it on defense. He still, after two fulls seasons, looks totally lost at times. You have to wonder at this point if either this kid is just stupid and can’t retain information in scouting reports or if he just doesn’t put in the work outside of practice to know his opponent. But, when I see him totally leave Matt Bonner for who knows what reason, I have to think it’s one or the other.
Hey John and/or Colin: I’m getting confused by the bylines. Is Colin taking over everything or just links? Is he mimicking your style (John) really well on the write ups or is there a problem with the bylines? Either way they’re good I’m just getting confused.
This could be a rough one boys.
Can I just say that I’m Tired of ESPN mentioning LeBron in every single game review? We get it, he left. now can we please get a real preview?? Thank you Krolik Colin and Mark for filling that void