Recap: Celtics 86, Cavs 83
2012-02-28
Despite coming back from a 13-point deficit to lead by two heading into the final period, the Cavs came up short in the game’s final minutes.
–Kyrie Irving posted 24 points on 8-for-14 shooting and outplayed Rajon Rondo, who finished with no points and 11 assists. He was great, for the most part. In the last two minutes of the game, however, he missed a pair of running lay-ins (they weren’t easy or particularly smart shots) and threw a bad pass into the arms of Kevin Garnett. Whatever, he screwed up. The Celtics did a good job of pressuring him into bad decisions, and he looked like a 19 year-old for once. Point: old guys.
–The ostensible key to this loss was the Cavs inability to defend the three-point line (the Celts were 7-for-17 from behind the stripe), but they actually did an admirable job against Ray Allen (4-for-8 from long range), who simply got hot. The rest of the Celtics were a combined 3-for-9 from three-point land. The Cavs perimeter D this season has been sub-par, but not nearly as bad as last season. They are currently allowing teams to shoot 35.3% on threes, good for 19th in the league.
–Anthony Parker returned tonight after an extended struggle with back pain. He was completely ineffective, scoring one point on 0-for-4 shooting and committing a pair of turnovers. Beyond the box score, I’m sure that something something veteran presence something something professional was a crucial element in tonight’s game.
–Antawn Jamison was 4-for-15 from the field, got outplayed by KG (as is his wont), and somehow I’m not really that upset with him? He crashed the boards with alacrity a handful of times tonight. Maybe, like a dog whose urine has stained every inch of carpet in my apartment, I am compelled to either fly into a fit of rage every time he does something stupid or proclaim my undying love for him. I’m too tired to be apoplectic anymore. Screw it, Antawn Jamison: my all-time favorite Cavalier. Someone get this husk of a man a number four jersey.
–TT had an eventful night. He was 5-for-9 from the field with 10 rebounds in 27 minutes of action. I know he’s more athletic than anyone on Boston’s front line, but that’s an impressive performance against the likes of KG, and, um… regardless, I remain impressed. Also: never start a post move more than four feet away from the basket, Tristan. It will only end in heartbreak.
–Manny Harris was in the game for six seconds. How did it taste, Manny?
The Cavs visit the Big Apple tomorrow to take on the Knicks. Irving and Lin might hang 35 on each other.
Seeing a shot chart on Casspi would be interesting. I didn’t think there was any way he was 50% from inside the arc. Seems like he misses a lot of layups. One problem I have with the Cavs’ offense, is that the wings don’t seem to get a lot of mid range shots. Maybe it’s the wings we have, but the only people who seem to get mid rangers are bigs and ball handlers out of the pick and roll. At 1.9 assist to turnover ratio, I wouldn’t mind seeing Casspi handle the ball a bit more in the pick… Read more »
Casspi is easily the most hated player in the Cavs lineup. I’m still trying to understand why. However, last night he was the only other Cavs player, in addition to Kyrie, who hit a three pointer. Casspi’s stats are down only in 3-point shots, Because he shoots proportionally more 3-pointers than others, his field goal % is more affected. His 2-point shooting is 50%.
@ HoopsDogg
Agreed, Chandler or Williams would be good pickups. But getting Chandler would allow the Cavs to trade Sessions elsewhere for a pick or other assets.
Mallory, HoopsDoog, Keith,
At 7 million dollars a year, Chandler fits into the proposal of mine from Sunday. Just sayin’.
I’m agreeing with Mallory and James…I’d love to get Chandler. You’re going to have to overpay for Mayo, Chandler, or whomever else…Chandler has a lot of upside at 24.
I will say. Casspi could still rebound next year. His numbers this year are horrible compared to the past 2. It was worth rolling the dice to unload JJ.
Chandler or Marvin Williams would both be good pickups. Very similar numbers, and still some upside (though Chandler has more confidence right now).
@James
Don’t give up on Manny just yet. If Sessions is traded, I’m sure they would pick up Manny for the season.
I REALLY wish we could get Wilson Chandler. I know we had a huge debate about this a few days ago under Kevin’s last post, but I think Chandler could be diamond in the rough type sign (he’s not a superstar, but he can be a good 3rd option). 4 years, 7ish mil a year…that’s a steal for a guy who can do exactly what we’re missing. Plus he’s young (24) and big (6’8). If the Cavs can do it, I’d pull the trigger ASAP. He’s bigger and better than OJ Mayo, he’ll come cheaper than Gordon, and he could… Read more »
Speaking of Omri Casspi, wouldn’t it be nice if he was supplanted by a wing that could create his own shot and, you know, knock down a few wide open ones too. I mean it would be great if someone like that were available. What’s that? There is, his name is Wilson Chandler and the Raptors just decided they aren’t pursuing signing him. Interesting.
I am totally perplexed by Scott’s rotation at the 2. Gibson and Parker were totally ineffective on offense, yet Harris only played six seconds. Is he that much of a defensive liability that Scott can’t give him five to ten minutes?
I guess Manny isn’t going to get a real shot during his ten-day contract unless Gibson or Parker suffer another injury. What a shame, I was legitimately excited to see what he could bring to the table, if anything.
Scuzz —
What’s most disappointing about Samardo is that he’s completely lost his jump shot to boot. He was almost turning into a poor man’s Brandon Bass, but that’s completely out of reach now. As it stands, I’m happy when he comes in, takes one charge, and doesn’t shoot while he’s on the floor.
Hoopsdogg –
I honestly didn’t realize how bad Casspi has been shooting.
Wasn’t this guy touted as a 3 point shooter? What the heck has happened?
I agree that last night was easily Erdan’s best came. He looked like he knew exactly what he was doing out there, and finished nicely at the rim/got some great rebounds. I’m pleasantly surprised with how he’s played thus far.
During that first quarter, it felt like I was watching the Hornets game again. I think they shot 28%. FT% has been consistently bad all year. Tristan played well though. 3-4 FT, plus I was glad to see him score a few times when getting the ball in the low post, and not just by put-backs. Overall, we shouldn’t be unhappy about the loss. Yes, I would have perferred to win. But having it so close without Anderson is a good sign. Is anyone else bummed about Samardo’s season? After last year, I thought he’d make a really good back… Read more »
Anyone else notice that last night may have been Erdan’s best night as Cav? Why he got no run in the 4th was beyond me. Mallory. Gee shoots better from the floor and from behind the line than Casspi (.444 & .342 vs. .412 & .293). The real reason we lost that game was that Kyrie’s didn’t want to let the ball out his hands, and Boston made him pay for not calling a timeout or passing. Thought the play that Scott came up with at the end was really good. No one thinks Parker is going to shoot there,… Read more »
I keep wondering why Gee was on the floor instead of Casspi. In that situation the lineup should’ve been Erdan (to potentially snag an O rebound) Jamison, Casspi, Boobie, and Kyrie. Our best 3 shooters.
Parker is so past his prime it’s silly to think he’s going to deliver on that shot with any real consistency.
I like what B Scott said after the game, telling Kyrie he can look for the open man in those late-game pressure situations. He draws so much attention he can kick it out to someone when he drives. Just as long as that someone isn’t Jamison. (Or Mo Williams…heh.)