Off to Detroit

It's on to Detroit - a short flight of course - so, maybe a little finger food on the plane. Daniel should provide the hook-up with McDonald's since he is their latest spokesperson with Moondog in their radio and TV commercials.

Boobie is a natural on camera of course, although he said the toughest part was not to smile all the time (gee, what a shocker). Being "serious" took some acting for the Cavs guard. Daniel finally got a chance to see the spot, where he and Moondog pull up to the drive-thru and Boobie orders for the Cavs mascot, because dogs can't talk of course. Boobie saw it during March Madness last night and thought the spot was cool and felt his was debut ok. He says he'd like to do another spot again some time.

Damon Jones of course is the resident TV critic and now calls Daniel "Sweet Tea" as he recites Boobie's lines in the commercial with the same delivery. Boobie ordered two Snack Wraps and two Sweet Teas. Of course Moondog can't eat human food either, so Daniel got some extra food, and that's the punch line.

On a basketball note, Daniel again took part in his third full practice and would love to play for the first time in 5-and-a-half weeks. That call will be made at game time in all likelihood.

By the way, if you are going to drive to The Palace for the game, note that I-75 is closed near downtown so you'll have to take a detour which will add about 20 minutes to your drive. Hope to see there, if you do.

Other wise see you on FSN at 7pm.

Returning From Injury

The wait is finally over for Sasha Pavlovic - 7 weeks to be exact - as he makes his return from his mid foot sprain. It's his left one which experiences a little pain when he goes to his right, but Sasha says...."I don't care...I want to play". He's missed 23 games and says this has been the toughest wait of his basketball life. He says it has seemed like 10 years, not 7 weeks...

If he comes off the bench, he just hopes to make an impact any way he can. Certainly at the defensive end, where he was playing his best basketball before he injured his foot...

Timing is always an issue when returning from an injury. Anderson Verejao has said not only does he have more lift from his ankle sprain, but his timing is coming back. Knowing again, where he can get his shots - the last two games he has 31 points and 25 rebounds, getting back to his boundless energy.

I know I've relayed this many times of how entertaining Damon Jones is during shooting games, just talking junk. DJ often yells..."get me to the 9th...get me to the 9th", meaning he'll close out the competition by hitting the clinching 3. Today, DJ failed as a closer...admitting..."even Mariano Rivera has a bad day". Damon explained why he had three consecutive misses to possibly win for his group, "sometimes I just get tired of all the applause". He is a riot!

See you tonight on FSN...

And the 3-Point Shootout Winner Is...

Hats off to Jason Kapono...must be something about those Cavalier 2nd rounders.

Daniel was gracious in his long distance finals defeat...but 2nd place in his first run? He was pleased...so was Damon Jones, who was courtside.

All in all a pretty amazing weekend for Boobie, who said, "and did you see who said hello to me at the end?" I sure did...only Magic Johnson, Doctor J and Dominique Wilkins...they all congratulated Boobie on his weekend sharp shooting.

Boobie had never met Doc or 'Nique before. Julius told him, "you're young, you'll get one" (meaning a 3 point title) Daniel beamed.

Runner-up, not a bad finish....now, Boobie says he can't wait to support LeBron in the All-Star game on Sunday night.

BIG win Friday

In case you are wondering about the significance of the win over Charlotte, consider the fact, not only did the Bobcats win in Boston on Wednesday night, but playing without two more starters, (Raymond Felton and Jeff McInnis) the Bobcats left Cleveland and 24 hours later, took the Pistons to overtime. So, that is one scrappy team. Thus, the double OT victory is one of those you gladly take, because it's a win, period.

Damon Jones continues to fight his way into the rotation, giving the Cavs a dependable second unit, along with Anderson, Boobie and Devin. The intriguing aspect of Damon Jones is not the threes he is hitting...you expect that...but he's challenging on the defensive end...even on switches, where he is often times the marked man.

DJ has been fighting the bigger post-ups and more than holding his own. He says he loves that challenge.

This is a guy who has aired his frustrations, but has bought into what is being asked of him. As Damon says, "he just wants to play"...but he also had to earn those minutes from Mike Brown, hitting shots, playing D and running the offense on occasion.

Damon is as outgoing a personality as there is in the league, but he does have a serious, business-like side and we're now seeing that...to wit...he did not "turn on the faucet" after he hit the 2nd overtime three the other night, as he did last season. Damon said, with a smile..."I've grown up...I've matured now...I'm being more serious". Many a true word said in a joke.

Runnin' in Charlotte

Just a 24 hour respite, but it was great to get outside today and smell the summer air in December since it is 70 degrees in Charlotte. Austin Carr wishes he had brought his clubs. I would have borrowed his, but he swings from the wrong side(left handed as you may know).

The Charlotte marathon course ran right in front of the team hotel so, Damon Jones joined the runners (for a couple hundred feet) which cracked up everyone. DJ was ready to soak up the marathon glory.

If we see Larry Hughes tonight, it will mark a return in 3 and a half weeks, ahead of the 4-6 week prognosis, as he has recovered from the deep bone bruise...just having one of the regulars back will provide a boost.

Not only do the Cavaliers have the most games lost due to injury in the league, but when you add in the games Andy and Sasha have missed due to contract negotiations, the number is off the charts.

Plus, according to teamrankings.com, the Cavs have played the most difficult schedule in the NBA and with tonight's game, the Cavs will equal Orlando with 13 - the most road games played.

The point is, the recent slide has a cause and effect...no excuses...and no one on this team is using any, but the reality is, it's almost been a perfect storm scenario for the Cavaliers with the above factors. The good thing is, it's early December, with plenty of time to recoup the losses.

See you tonight at 6:30 p.m. on FSN Ohio HD.