Larry at the Point

Larry Hughes' return to the point may not be his first choice, but it may be what the Cavs need most...Even when Larry is not scoring, as he is still searching for his stroke, he makes sound decisions with the ball...A year ago when the Cavs made the switch of Larry to the point, the team went 29-11 from the beginning of March through the Eastern Conference Finals until he could no longer go with that sore heel...He admits the team appears to find a comfort zone when his hands are at the wheel.

This again becomes the tallest starting five in the NBA, averaging 6-7...And the biggest impact comes at the defensive end, with length...Perhaps the switch will enable this team to rediscover it's defensive identity...Over those 40 games I spoke of last spring, the Cavs allowed just 90 points a game.

See you Saturday night from New Orleans on FSN Ohio.

Trouble in NY

In a town famous for theater we'll have some more tonight at the Garden in NYC. Chants of "Fire Isiah" have become popular as the heat is really, really on the Knicks and it's sad to see because Isiah is truly one of the greatest competitors I have ever watched play. Unfortunately now, every button he pushes seems to be the wrong one.

Isiah used to say as a player, the New York basketball fan was the most knowledgeable in the league. Now, he has to coach and try and block out the masses when things go wrong.

After the most recent home blowout loss to the Pacers on Monday night, Thomas questioned among many things, his team's heart. That can go either way when you play that card - either the Knicks come out fighting against the Cavs to prove him wrong, or they bail on him.

The Cavs can't get caught up in any of this and just go about their business and put it to them early. This is where Damon Jones had a field day 13 months ago, raining 3's on the Knickerbockers en route to 27 points.

Certainly no time to feel sorry for what has happened in the "Mecca of basketball".

See you on FSN Ohio...

DJ Goes Live

Damon Jones will go on national TV at NBA Entertainment when the Cavs arrive in New York where he'll join Ahmad Rashad in studio. First of all, know that DJ will be nattily attired, that's a given, and he'll be on meaning they have not made a camera the Cavs guard doesn't sparkle in front of. Oh yeah, by the way, it's live.

There will be some lifestyle conversation and of course Wine and Gold Talk. DJ says he'd always be open to doing TV once his playing days are over, but he's not thinking that far ahead. He still enjoys playing too much to think about the NBA after life.

Damon sees the game so well, I've wondered if he might consider coaching some day instead. He said...ooh..."Too many personalities there." Takes a personality to spot them and that's partly why he'd be good.

Check him out Tuesday on NBA-TV 7:30, prior to the Bulls-Lakers game.

Gibson is a "Go"

Looks like a go for Daniel Gibson tonight, coming off the wisdom tooth removal..he got tired of food through a straw. The first regular meal he chowed? Burger and fries...he said he had to cut it into small bites, but the "best burger I've ever had."

LeBron vs. Richard Jefferson will be fun to watch...that's the NBA's #1 scorer against #6. Both are top-3 in getting to the line...so staying out of foul trouble will be a severe challenge for both.

See you tonight at 7:30 p.m. on Cavaliers Live on FSN Ohio.

Payback in Jersey

It's on to NJ for a little payback and the guys aren't talking that way, but good teams usually respond well against a team when they lose to them the prior meeting. The Cavs were 13-5 in those bounce back games a season ago.

Boobie Gibson has made a quick recovery from getting his wisdom tooth pulled. The smile is back, and so is his ability to speak. LeBron asked him to open wide to check out the aftermath and that's what a captain is there for.

The guys got after it pretty good in the scrimmage portion of practice, including a mid air collision between LB, on the drive, and the help out by Anderson....it was called a blocking foul, much to Andy's dismay.

Play of the session was a Larry Hughes' high hand off to Shannon Brown in the half court set in which Shannon caught it with the left hand above the cup and threw it down.

Whew!!!

See you Cavaliers Live on FSN..

Piecing the Puzzle Back Together

The Cavaliers get another piece back tonight as Anderson Varejao work visa and all is ready to go, though he's not sure how many minutes he will get, and I'm sure Mike Brown isn't certain yet either.

Andy's mega watt smile is back and you'll notice his hair is a little lighter (from the Brazilian sun). He hopes you'll notice a better jump shot which he worked on this off season. Andy also says he worked on his jump hook.

He said most of his work was done solo because he didn't want to risk injury, but he says he is excited and feels like he is in good shape.

I'm intrigued to see how officials call the block/charge involving Anderson - the emphasis has not been to do away with "Flopping" but rather reward the offensive quickness in basically the case of a tie when the defender is there on contact.

Andy says he won't change the way he plays, and frankly, he shouldn't. He has very quick feet and very good anticipation. He adds, "I'm not a flopper, people can say what they want. I try to get into good position"

It will be good to have "Wild Thing" back...

See you tonight on Cavaliers Live at 6:30 on FSN.

Hitting the Practice Courts

A novel concept for the Cavs, two practices in a row. That's right TWO - first time in nearly a month with both including contact scrimmages with LeBron able to take part, with protective padding on his left hand. He took some shots to it yesterday and today. He is still not certain if he will go tomorrow night against the Pacers. He says it is still soar, but he's getting used to wearing the protective device. LB says timing and conditioning will not be a problem once he does return.

LeBron added the soar knuckle probably won't feel 100% until he has the summer off, and in the next breath added, in '09...that got a laugh. He'll be in Bejing next summer of course competing for Olympic gold.

Daniel Gibson did not practice and did little talking. He has an impacted wisdom tooth and he's doubtful for tomorrow night. Anderson Varejao is in Canada going through the process of getting his work visa. Andy will play as long as he has the proper paper work.

See you on Cavaliers Live tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. on FSN Ohio.

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.

LeBron Update From Practice

LeBron has broken his silence on his left finger, clarifying, it's more the knuckle where the pain bothers him. Yes, if this was late in the season or playoff time he'd be out there...he's taking his time, being careful...he also knows home court advantage in a series can be regained in 48:00...and the way he's played, I'd put nothing past him.

I loved the line he said: "Teams better get their wins against us now. They're trying to kill us and talk trash about us now because we have guys out. When we get our guys back, it’s going to be a different story."

That's bravado LeBron may have been hesitant to articulate in the past. This again shows a determination to lead AND...back it up.

See you tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. on FSN Ohio from Charlotte.

A Homecoming for Demetris

We're in Boston, where the wind chill feels like it's 20 below zero. Everyone was shivering except the newest Cavalier, Demetris Nichols...the rookie forward is from Boston and went to school at Syracuse...you know winters don't bother this guy.

This is the first time Demetris is home in Beantown since he became an NBA player...so, he knows he has to buy some tickets. Demetris actually attended a private school about 45 minutes away in Rhode Island...sorry, Tribe fans, he is a lifetime Red Sox fan.

Demetris' favorite all time Boston athlete was the late Reggie Lewis, who died of a heart ailment, 14 years ago, when Demetris was just 8 years old. He says Reggie's passing hurt him...he couldn't understand why he left us so soon. He thinks Reggie would have become a Hall of Famer.

Demetris didn't even think of playing for the Celtics or any NBA team until college. He admits he was sort of an average high school player, but once he chose the 'Cuse over Villanova, his career began to take off under Jim Boeheim...and after leading the Big East in scoring last season, here he is...in the NBA. Now, he wants to beat his hometown team....afterall...it's just business.

Oh, Canada.

Hello from Toronto. I know you are all wondering if LeBron will play tonight, so am I! It literally will not be decided until game time and he is in good spirits so we will see...

On shoot around days the guys have shooting games, which they are serious, with a touch of trash talking mixed in. The ring leader is of course Damon and he is hilarious just like today, shooting an elbow 3 only turning around and bowing before it went in. He knew it was good when it left his hand, "heck yeah,” he yelled...

I'm sitting here on the 12th floor of my hotel writing this and a window cleaner is outside. Yes, in 25 degree weather with a howling wind. He's tethered by a rope and suction cups on the window. THEY COULDN'T PAY ME ENOUGH FOR THAT JOB!!!! It's hard to concentrate on the blog when a guy is peering in over your shoulder from 12 stories above...

See you tonight from the floor level (where I feel safer)...

Gibson Explains First Ejection

As we await the arrival of the Celtics, Daniel Gibson had to explain what happened in Indianapolis with his rare ejection as Boobie couldn't remember the last time he was given the thumb. The loose ball foul call on him with Jeff Foster was not a good one, since Foster had hooked him, but it was Daniel's 6th personal of the game. What got him ejected from the bench was throwing his mouthpiece to the floor and that is an automatic good bye. Boobie thought since the mouthpiece stayed on the court he was OK...Nope.

LeBron joked if Boobie had a clear mouthpiece like he has, the referee might not have seen the bouncing protector, but since the mouthpiece is red and white, it's easy to see rolling on the floor.

I asked Daniel what Mom and Dad will say, he said, "I don't know...my one cell phone is dead and the battery on the second is very low, so by the time I get home, it will be gone too."

My guess is he might have a voice mail waiting for him...Mom's usually get in the final word.

It's on to Indianapolis

It's on to Indianapolis, home of Oscar Robertson, and right now LeBron James is playing like the Big O.

Over the last 5 games, LeBron is averaging 39 points 10 boards and 9 assists...it's the best 5 game stretch in 47 years of the NBA when Oscar averaged 40 points 11 boards and 10 assists.

Mike Brown says LBJ is making it look easy, and he's right, because the gaudy numbers are all coming within the flow of the game...he's not forcing anything.

LeBron says it's not as easy as it looks, but he admits he spent this past summer dedicating himself to being the best player in the league...and right now he is.

AC put it best on the telecast...it's like LeBron is back in high school again when he always knew he was the best player on the floor.

He knows it again...and is letting his play do all his talking.

LeBron's Masterpiece Against Utah

I hope you had a chance to see LeBron's masterpiece against Utah. He proudly sat at his locker stall before the rest of the reporters came in. He smiled and said
“just when you think you've seen it all from me, I fool you guys." I would say the tip pass under the bucket to an open Damon Jones was a beaut...even LeBron doesn’t remember ever doing that before. The only way to describe it, is the guy sees the game slower than mere mortals...he knew where the ball was going, but to make that snapshot decision in the air, like he was shooting a photo...few have that kind of capacity to do that...maybe Magic Johnson...even Pete Maravich before him.

But LeBron's favorite highlight was the stripping of Carlos Boozer with the game on the line...and Mike Brown has to love that, when your superstar is committed to playing defense as LBJ now is...he's capable of winning games almost by himself...and that's not intended to slight Z or Drew or anyone else, but it was a do-everything performance at both ends which is what we are now expecting. #23 has raised his own bar, and even he doesn't know where the limit is. That's what makes this so much fun to watch. We could very well be watching an MVP season in the making.

It All Ends in Denver

Final game of a one month odyssey that began on October 13th to Shanghai, China, took us all over the west coast, and eventually back home tomorrow morning...probably about 15 thousand miles, over 30 days...and a win tonight would really cap things off.

This is always a big game for Mike Brown considering this is where he got his start, and met his wife, Carolyn.

And it's always a big one for LeBron and Carmelo as they go head to head for the 8th time...'Melo leads the series, 5-2.

I love the way the Cavs are playing right now...pressuring on D...and trying to get the ball up the floor...LeBron loves it too...and that's huge.

The Nuggets are just coming off an Eastern swing that saw them play 4 games back east...beating Wash and Indy after losing to Boston and Washington...they love to run as you know, and are trying to commit to defense.

A Cavs win means their best 6-game road trip in 22 years, when the coach was...George Karl, whom they'll see tonight.

See you on Cavaliers Live at 8:30 p.m.

Not Your Normal Shootaround

Not your normal shootaround for the Cavs today...a team bus ride into the posh Bel Air hills...and to the home of an apparel exec, whose home happens to have a full sized gym attached.

I mean the full 94 feet with 6 baskets...not much smaller than the old practice court at the Coliseum...it's decked out in Lakers colors, with the half court logo, and retired jerseys on the wall, including Magic, Kareem and the like.

There are even shot clocks and a scoreboard...a basketball junkie's dream!!! I've seen it all now.

Friday Blog

This is a danger game for your Wine and Gold...a Kings team without Mike Bibby and Ron Artest...if the Cavs play as well as they have the past two games on this trip, they will take care of business...

No Larry Hughes tonight...his left leg is feeling better...he feels well enough to shoot...but running and jumping are another thing...minor detail in basketball...he left the door open to go Sunday night against the Clippers...

LeBron is averaging a triple double on the trip...the entire club was really focused this morning at shoot around...and Mike Brown likes the offensive progress, but admits there is a long way to go...once the defensive slippage is cleaned up and the true personality of this sharing offense takes hold, Mike thinks his guys will really be on to something...

See you tonight on Cavaliers Live at 10pm on FSN Ohio...

What Time Zone Are We In Now?

The ping pong ball better known as our west coast trip continues...let's see...the 4th time we've had to adjust our watches...back to the pacific time zone here in Sacramento. We arrived from Utah about 2:00 a.m. in the morning...tough finish to that game...but I liked the way the guys competed.

In fact, LeBron has been very encouraged by how this team has played. After the 2 point loss to the Jazz, I could see it in his face in the lockeroom, and hear it his voice. He knows the Cavs were in position to win all three games out here. That's saying a lot, considering all three were playoff teams a year ago. I really think the unselfish ball movement mentality is taking root. Yes, turnovers are part of the growing pains, as we saw again last night...but you will see a difference in the way this team scores as the season goes along.

The club is very shorthanded right now, but no one is using it as an excuse...and LeBron feels the team is playing better than it did a year ago at this time...and I agree. He continues to have his best start as a defender....adding he wants to become first-team all defense..9 blocks in 3 games is a start...his activity level at that end has been fantastic..

Yesterday, Deron Williams of the Jazz was quoted as saying LBJ was the center of Team USA's defense in August...he was doing most of the talking, helping everyone out. I'm sure it's carried over to the Cavs season.

Talk to you tomorrow after shoot-around...thinkin' about that Browns upset in the 'Burgh on Sunday.

It's a Chamber of Commerce Day in Salt Lake City

It's a chamber of commerce day in Salt Lake City...not a cloud in the sky, clear view of the mountains, but for the guys, this is a day of staying off their feet, with this being a back to back...we arrived about 3:00 a.m. this morning...hit the pillow and out!

We mentioned last night on the broadcast about LeBron receiving a "liquid stitch" over his left eye. Athletic trainer, Max Benton says it's almost like super glue...closing the wound, without a true suture. The fact that LeBron had a straight east to west cut above the eye made it a clean repair. LBJ did keep ice on it for a while on the flight here.

I loved the way he came back and led his team, sometimes taking on Baron Davis at the defensive end of the floor...plus, his open floor blocks from behind are ones he is starting to make routine. It takes rare athleticism and timing to do it. Tayshaun Prince is spectacular at it...and now LeBron had done it three times this season already...the plays are breathtaking and momentum changing.

Mike Brown was beaming last night talking about his team's 30 assists on 41 buckets. It's what he has been preaching since day one of camp...spacing, ball movement.

The hockey assist--the pass that leads to the pass that sets up a score...it's either a drive and kick dish or a pass off a double team...something to watch for when you tune in tonight.

See you at 10:00 p.m. for Cavaliers Live from Utah.

Back in Drew's Neighborhood

This is always a fun game for Oakland native, Drew Gooden to play...back home in front of friends and family, especially, Drew Gooden senior. The Cavs power forward is still known to his pals as "Drizzle" going back to a time when words were often conjoined with "izzle" at the end.

Drew, who was recruited by virtually every PAC-10 school, knew he needed to go out on his own, so he settled on Kansas...and it sure worked out.

Drew senior, who played ball once upon a time in Finland will be on hand tonight to watch his son. I asked our Drew if papa Drew is like him....Junior said..."times 10...he's a real character and should host his own reality show." Now we know where #90 gets his personality. Pops says he is Father-Mom right now, staying at home, taking care of the youngest Goodens...tonight however, he gets a night out to cheer on the Cavs.

See you at 10:00 p.m. on FSN Ohio and Cavaliers Live.

The City by the Bay

We've moved on to the city by the bay...we're staying in San Francisco, with the next game of course in Oakland against the Warriors. Most teams stay in "The City" as the locals refer to SF...and with good reason...it's one of the best in the world, with no shortage of great eateries.

The guys practiced today at the Warriors facility, marking the first bit of contact work for Eric Snow since his knee surgery. Eric says his recuperating left knee felt okay, but he's nowhere near game condition, but this is a step in the right direction....he won't put a timetable on his return because he doesn't feel it's fair to the rest of the guys to do that...but he is encouraged with his progress.

Larry Hughes did some light work, but says his left knee is sore...it's a bruise from getting kneed by Leandro Barbosa in the first half in Phoenix. Larry hopes to be able to go against his old team, but admits the pain affects everything he does, jumping, running, cutting...but he's also relieved it's nothing serious...so, no MRI necessary...just a healthy bruise.

LeBron met with about 15 reporters today after practice...since we only come here once a season, ala Phoenix and the rest of the stops out here, LB's responses to Saturday Night Live, his summer of '07 and other topics are still fresh. For LeBron it's the same old questions of course...but he shows great patience answering each repeated inquiry with a smile and a sincere response...this was after he went through a 40:00 shooting workout after practice.

More tomorrow with hometown guy, Drew Gooden.

Road Trip is Underway

The road trip is underway...it's90 degrees in Phoenix. The Suns will be boiling even more based on their meltdown at home against the Lakers on Friday night. The Cavs expect to get the Suns' best.

It looks like Sasha is a go for tonight, especially with Donyell's wrist sprain (which he hurt taking a charge against Dallas). Mike Brown admits Donyell being out will hurt.

Sasha went laptop shopping once we arrived...he had to leave Serbia so quickly, once he agreed to contract terms, he didn't have time to actually go home and pack...so, the first thing he had to do was wire up....now he's connected again. Sasha says he feels in good enough shape to make an impact off the bench...and he'll do it with his new look facial hair. He says he doesn't know when he will shave...but admits he really doesn't like the look.

If he nails some 3's tonight...the razor may stay in his bag.

See you tonight at 7:30 on FSN for Cavaliers Live, with the game to follow at 8:00 p.m.

Much Needed Win!

A much needed win over the Knicks...40% shooting defense in the 2nd half was a major component…that's what the Cavs do...and they can never stray far from who they are.

Obviously LeBron's 45 was the headliner...loved the way he demanded the ball on the block in the first half, which set the tone.

Daniel Gibson said his 4-point play to open the game was not by accident…he said he likes to draw contact, much like Reggie Miller made famous...in fact, Boobie says that's where he learned the ploy.

Kudos to Dwayne Jones to muscling Eddy Curry during the 4th quarter run. Dwayne tips his hat to his Dad...his off season weight lifting partner. Dwayne added some muscle during those workouts...his Dad is 6-6, 300, plus a former West Virginia football tackle, but Dwayne says Dad is a little bummed that he can't keep up with son anymore when it comes to pushing iron.

See you tomorrow night from Phoenix on FSN Ohio at 7:30 p.m.

The Wait is Almost Over

The wait is almost over...not only for the Cavs, but for 29 other teams who can't wait to get started...coaches usually want some more time, including Mike Brown, who of course lost some practice time due to the China trip...so, ready or not, here comes Dallas on Halloween night.

To me, the most impressive element of training camp and practices, has been LeBron's assertiveness...not only physically, but verbally. I think his natural maturation, thirst for greatness and his USA leadership in August has sharpened his focus, and willingness to lead...his input, along with every player for that matter, is welcomed by this coaching staff. For example today, during a scrimmage, Boobie Gibson wound up hitting a wide open corner 3, after crisp ball movement...LeBron yelled out..."run the offense, that's what I'm sayin".

Moments later, similar ball movement, Donyell Marshall this time with a 3 off Boobie's drive and kick...LB blurted out..."that's good offense"...no one gets it more than 23...and a part of this offense is him demanding the ball in the post...during this scrimmage, LeBron got it 4 times on the block...he easily scored twice and dished another time to a cutting Donyell for an easy lay-up. I just love the focus I'm seeing from him, and it sends a resounding message to everyone else, that if the super star is willing to take the next step, the rest will follow.

Even LeBron today admitted he will demand excellence from his teammates...he knows he has to as the undisputed leader. In fact, guys want him and expect him to demand it. I asked LeBron if he will become more verbal...he said, not as much as with the U.S.A. team because his voice would never hold out for 82 games. He was serious...but my guess is he will pick his spots.

See you Wednesday night from The Q on FSN Ohio and WUAB.

Preseason Coming to an End

The preseason is almost finished...no Andy, no Sasha...the guys obviously want them back, but to be honest their names have not been mentioned at all, unless, we in the media bring them up....Z admitted he texts Anderson on occasion, to make sure his spirits are up, and because they have a friendship, but says contractual matters are not discussed...that's private business.

Z smiled when I told him owner, Dan Gilbert praised him for his focus and said the big man is going to have his best year ever. Zydrunas admitted he worked extra hard this summer because it's a must when you are 32 years old, and have to stay sharp, but even more so, tasting the finals and the desire to get back has driven him even more.

Daniel Gibson did not make the trip to Toronto and Boston to take care of that hamstring. I don't think it's anything to worry about, but to play it safe, he's staying home to give it some extra care to be sure he's 100% for next week's opener. Daniel of course took some good natured ribbing from teammates about "getting out" of this two gamer...Boobie flashed that big smile and shook his head.

Back in the U.S.A.

We're back...and what a week...an 18 hour trip home went pretty smoothly, arriving back last night, 10:30 p.m. We beat the Magic home (ok...so, they had further to travel!!!)

But so many lifetime memories...

Seeing customs agents asking the guys for autographs.

LeBron, Bobbie and Shannon going 3-on-3 with Shanghai streetballers at the LBJ Museum opening.

Drew and Ira buying collapsible mini-bikes to bring home.

Taxi rides through Shanghai which defied description because of anything-goes-driving-and-walking-rules.

Strolling through their markets, where merchants literally grab you by the arm to get you into their store.

Waking up and watching the Tribe before for breakfast because of the time difference.

Learning Mandarin Chinese, then trying to forget the phrases because of the need for Cantonese Chinese in Macao

Awe inspiring casinos going up in that China-Vegas town like impatients in your front yard.

Helicopter and ferry rides to Honk Kong, one of the most amazing cities I have ever seen.

Riding the tram up a mountain in HK with some NBA referees who are just as likeable as you could imagine.

Sampling Chinese food, but searching for an American restaurant to inhale nachos, potato skins and hamburgers.

My wife took 512 pictures...that won't make just a photo album, we'll need binders.

It was a bonding experience for not only the players, but for the Cavs traveling party as well, enabling us to make wonderful friendships with partners, who are fans first, bleeding Wine and Gold.

But in the end, it's great to be back in the good old USA.

A Day in Hong Kong

Ok, I know we live in a small world because of technology...but as I write this blog, I am riding a jet ferry boat from Hong Kong to Macau in total darkness on Friday night (China time)...this, after e-mailing family and co-workers like I was sitting in Beachwood...it's still incredible.

While the guys practiced today, the wives and members of the Cavs family spent the day in Hong Kong...we took a tram to the top of a mountain overlooking this city...and it was breath taking....if you've ever stood high above Pittsburgh from Mt. Washington, looking at the three rivers, it's that view on steroids.

Hong Kong is definitely more westernized of course, with every imaginable store and restaurant...but there are people everywhere...given its population and small area, it would be like placing two million people into Hudson.

Cars are a luxury not a necessity here...because gas is eight dollars a gallon (US) and because parking is so expensive, it costs about $1500 a month to operate and maintain a car...so, trains, busses, taxis and bicycles do the trick.

They also follow the NBA here....we gave one young fan a Cavs pin...you would have thought we handed him a $100 bill...he said "you know LeBron James??? I'm going to see him tomorrow"...He then skipped on to the boat to Macau.

We do live in a tiny world.

Tune in tonight at 12:30 a.m. (just past midnight, Cleveland time) on the Cavs radio network for Cavs and Magic.

Wai from Macau

Wai (hello) from Macau....

We all need our Tribe fix...no game to watch today...but just as well...we got to the hotel at 5:30 this morning (China time) so everyone in the Cavs party crashed and just about slept through breakfast.

This is the same country of course, but Macau, 800 miles southwest of Shanghai, is different in every way...from climate to currency, to language to driving on the other side of the road...and the biggest difference? This is the Las Vegas of Asia basically...we're at the brand spanking new Venetian Hotel and Casino, which has a 13,000 seat arena attached, where the Cavs and Magic will play tomorrow night(Cleveland time)...there are 15 new casinos going up as we speak...Steve Wynn has built a spectacular version of his Vegas showplace...our casino meanwhile has been packed all day.

While Mandarin is spoke in Shanghai, Cantonese is the language in Macau, which is a short ferry ride from Hong Kong...that will be the destination for the rest of the traveling party tomorrow.

This morning the Magic played the Team China All-Stars, with Moondog and the Scream Team helping provide a little entertainment...the fans here cheer both teams because they simply can't get enough of NBA level basketball...I would say they are a very polite crowd, knowledgeable to be sure, but not quite as boisterous as American crowds.

I'll give you a little flavor of Hong Kong tomorrow.

Tribe, Traffic, and Tiny Bikes

Go Tribe from Shanghai! All of us have been glued to the TV, watching the Tribe take care of business...even today, an 8:00 a.m. start our time, left the guys at least an hour and a half of checking out Game-4...then it's been on to the cell phones to keep tabs.

The most indelible memory of traveling around this city, will be the craziness of traffic...not just cars...but buses, bikes and scooters make this a version of dodge 'em cars at Cedar Point. Scooter riders go straight and turn right and left on RED, barely stopping...how there aren't constant collisions, I'll never know...but everyone is simply used to it. Pedestrians cross the middle of the street, almost daring to be hit...but they never are...taxis simply dodge the walkers and scooters making it a hair raising ride, and fascinating viewing from a street corner restaurant.

So, that being said...Drew Gooden and Hassan Adams went out on grabbed a couple of mini-bicycles, barely bigger than razor scooters...seeing a 6'10 power forward on a tiny little seat must have stopped traffic even in this town. I'll make sure not to tell Danny or Mike about that one...hilarious.

LBJ Makes His Mark on Shanghai

LeBron made his mark on Shanghai last night (Monday morning Cleveland time) as he helped open an LBJ museum, similar to the one he debuted in New York City last November...there are framed magazine covers with the King on the front...his old uniforms, pictures, etc...everything LBJ.

He also debuted his LeBron V edition shoes, the China edition...there was an outdoor court for this event only, with probably a couple of thousand young fans, with humongous video screens, stage lights, American rap music filling everyone's ears...the host did a great job, going bilingual, translating LeBron's message to his fans...there were all kind of signs, including "LeBron, we love you"...the highlight might have been a Chinese rap group, "DMZ" who wrote and delivered the song "He's the Man, LBJ." It was actually very good.

LeBron then ad-libbed his way into a contest, getting kids to make free throws with the promise of free basketballs for their school...that was a big hit...including LeBron, Boobie and Shannon going 3-on-3 against a high school trio of Shanghai's best. Mike Brown, I'm sure had to be thinking....guys, don't turn an ankle.

The Cavs trio was then whisked away like rock stars. Our director of broadcasting, Dave Dombrowski and I eventually had to fend for ourselves for a taxi to get back to the hotel, where English is not understood. Our driver had bad eye sight and couldn't read the hotel address on the business card...amazing how sign language comes in handy. Yes, we got back to the hotel eventually, settling for dinner at Malone's Sports Bar...no, not co-owned by assistant, Michael and Dad, Brendan.

It's off to a team photo shoot...talk to you tomorrow.

Shanghai - Day 1 Recap

It's Monday morning here in Shanghai...Sunday night of course in Northeast Ohio...I may never get used to the time difference...you have to stop and think truly what day it is...where you are and where we are...part of the charm of this once-in-a-lifetime trip though.

We took a tour yesterday, and all of us on the bus, kept tabs on the Tribe's huge 11th inning, thanks to cell phone updates from home!!!

There is Wine and Gold all over the place here...from LeBron's bigger than life poster on the facade of the hotel (a Fathead on steroids) to a street corner video billboard with numerous revolving ads...one of them just happens to be Nike, with of course #23 in mid air, throwing one down.

It's back to practice today for the team...they got a chance to hang out and shop yesterday...a true experience in itself...and last night at the hotel, a local tailor came in armed with fabric swatches...none of us could resist the buying temptation, ordering some suits...get fitted, then have delivered 48 hours later a fitted suit at fantastic prices...AC will be jealous!!!

The general public is very well aware of who the Cavaliers are...the guys are signing plenty of autographs, including at the airport, where even the customs agents had pen and paper ready as each player filed through.

We are being made to feel extremely welcome in a city that is buzzing with activity...Shanghai is about the the size of New York City, where traffic jams are routine, even though a license plate for the year costs a motorist, $7,000. In Beijing, the Olympic city, the fee is much less, but they have 3 million cars...but you can only drive into town on either even or odd numbered days, depending upon your plate number. Here in Shanghai, as a comparison, there are 400,000 cars.

Part of the tours today, a ride on the magnet train, which gets up to 268 miles per hour, turning a normal one hour ride to the airport into a 7 minute thrill ride. Talk to you tomorrow.

Good Morning From China!

Ni hao from China....we landed in Shanghai about 6:30 p.m. Cleveland time, which is Sunday morning 6:30 here (Hey, what happened to our Saturday?).

We left just after midnight Friday night, and traveled for 18 hours including a one hour refuel in Anchorage, Alaska.

The players enjoyed the comfort of first class seats...a pod which turns into a bed...Good for point guards and two guards...but not as comfy for 3-4's and 5's....as a result Z hung out with us...we all had plenty of room to spread out.

If you ever take such a trip (first one for me) stay awake as long as you can, then try and get that 7-8 hour sleep....movies sure helped.

Some guys said they ate more than they slept...a thumbs up for this airline food...never thought I'd say that.

LeBron came back to check on us in coach a few times...saying "Everybody OK? Hey, it's not as scary back here as they said it might be...." The team leader always looking out for his Wine and Gold family.

More tomorrow...or is it really today? I'm totally confused!!

A First in 25 Years for Me

Today was a first for me in 25 years of NBA broadcasting…being called into the film room by the head coach, along with the beat writers to view practice tape. But this is what Mike Brown is all about.

Mike was talking to Brian Windhorst, Mary Schmitt Boyer, David Glazier, Joe Gabriele and yours truly about what he has been preaching to his guys this camp about hockey assists, which I had related in an earlier blog. So, to illustrate the point, Mike said "c'mon, I'll show you"…and he did…on the big screen in the Cavs new theatre room. He reviewed two plays from practice, stopping and starting, then illustrating his example of penetration and ball movement, leading to easier scoring chances.

Mike went on to say this camp has been close to a 50-50 split of practice time and emphasis on offense-defense….and I’ve seen that first hand…his first season, he felt defense was stressed 95 percent of the time, and last season, a 70-30 ratio…the point being, defense had to be established first and foremost as an identity for this team, and it has…now, the emphasis is to bolster the offense through people and ball movement to turn the Cavs into a championship team…the result will be a more fluid offense, and they will be much harder to defend.

We’ll see it on display for the first time tomorrow night at The Q against the Wizards…tune in at 7:00 p.m. on FSN Ohio.

Thoughts From Friday's Wine & Gold Scrimmage

Some random thoughts from Friday night's Wine and Gold Scrimmage...LeBron had great energy, as he has all week during training camp...he has really set the tone with his business-like approach...he had one drive from the left side at Rhodes arena, and with a typical tight spin, reversed and scored...how many times has he done that in his hometown before? Too many he couldn't even count I'm sure...LeBron had a similar score in a scrimmage this week, when he was very deep behind the bucket coming from the right side.....got in mid air and said "ah shoot" thinking he was too deep...so, he merely hung in mid air a little longer and scored on the reverse...Filthy.

Shannon Brown had a strong 3rd quarter in the scrimmage, getting in the open floor...he has really worked hard on his ball handling and decision making. Shannon had some hockey assists against the Gold squad...those are passes Mike Brown likes to refer to which set up a true assist.

When the Cavs open the pre-season Tuesday night you will notice there is commitment to ball and people movement...that's been the constant emphasis on offense in camp...get the ball down the floor, and then keep the ball moving from side to side to make the defense react.

Join us for the Cavs and Wizards Tuesday night from the at 7:00 p.m. on FSN Ohio.

The Eye in the Sky

The two-a-days are over for the Cavs as they get back to normal practice sessions here at the Cleveland Clinic Courts.

One thing missing is a camera man...at The Q, a member of the staff would physically shoot the practice drills and scrimmages for coaches to review...now, in the techno world of this facility, there are two remote control cameras above the courts...call them the eyes in the sky...the cameras can be controlled from the expansive video room and then immediately edited, and right on to the laptops of Mike Brown and his staff.

The system is so sophisticated that a play can be immediately called up from practice so Mike can show the guys on a court side monitor for immediate review if necessary.

Wonder if they'll critique the broadcasts that way???? AC just yelled, "they better not!"

P.S. Tribe in 5!! I need it to make up for all those games at the Stadium my dad took me to when the Stankees always beat us up.

It's on to Day 3 of Camp

It's on to Day-3 of camp...so far, 95% of work has been done in drills...over and over...which is typical for NBA teams the first week of October...last night there was a spirited 5-on-5 half court scrimmage if you will, where the guys, really got after it.

The biggest reaction from the players comes during a 2:00 drill, where they run a 3-man weave, sprinting the 94 feet, without the ball touching the floor...then back the other way...they do the length of the floor with 3 passes....the task is to make 20 lay-ups in that 2:00 stretch...it takes about 5-6 seconds to go the length...so, if you do the math...there is no margin for error...in fact, if the ball touches the floor, if there is a turnover or a missed lay-up, the clock starts over..22 is the high number so far, but it really gets the guys flying up and down the floor.

At the end of practice the entire team sprints up and back from the the baseline...LeBron cracks me up...he'll stay near the head of the pack, and then the final 30 feet turn it on, to make sure no one beats him....yesterday, Boobie was in the lead, LeBron took a peak at him, and turned on the jets...I don't need to tell you who hit the baseline first...I'd hate to play the guy in pool or video games...he hates losing period!!!

More tomorrow...looking forward to Friday night's Wine and Gold scrimmage at Rhodes Arena.

First Practice is in the Books!

Welcome back to hoops...the first practice is in the books...it's amazing how much more can be accomplished in drill work with the brand new Cleveland Clinic Courts....four half courts as opposed to two make a huge difference...and I mean four FULL half courts if you forgive the dichotomy of terms...guys have so much more room to work...there is less down time, and thus the pace of the first workout was non stop.

The facility really is incredible, from the weight room to the hydro exercise area to all the amenities...all the guys shook their heads in amazement when talking about it.

LeBron's shot looks more compact to me...he was knocking down long-rangers effortlessly...his hours and hours of work with Chris Jent has paid off...LeBron is certain you fans will see a difference on the floor...King James also said he loved doing SNL and believe it or not did not feel nervous strolling out for the opening monologue...I was nervous for him!!! The guys seemed to like his solid gold skit the best.

Time to get back to practice...the first two-a-days start today.

Summer League Game #4 Update

Four summer games down and one to go for the Cavs...again these games are all about development, and a chance to play...for guys like Shannon Brown and Dwayne Jones, a chance to take all the endless drill work into live competition....and for guys like Romeo Travis, Dijon Thompson, and Darius Rice, a chance to prove they deserve an invite to an NBA camp in the fall.

Melvin Hunt has had to play Shannon a little more than he wanted at the point because of Daniel Gibson's ankle sprain....but initiating the offense has helped the former MSU Spartan...it shows him what areas he needs to improve upon, like decision making with the basketball, and when to deliver the ball...as a two guard he's on the receiving end of those passes...Shannon playing the one on the defensive end is also something which could give the Cavs more versatility as the '07-'08 season progresses...The coaches are trying to get him to get into opponents a little more and use his strength.

Coach Mel loves the toughness Dwayne Jones continues to show...he feels Dwayne can play a long time in this league just based on his rebounding and shot blocking ability because he is a tough dude...Dwayne's offensive game is a work in progress....but I can tell you first hand his work ethic is relentless...Mel feels Dwayne's confidence has gotten a boost from these summer games.

The Cavs assistant coach also loves the attitude Romeo Travis has brought to Vegas...a classic teammate...the other night, when Mel called Romeo's name to enter the game, the Akron Zip jumped off the bench with a big smile and said..."Me?"...Mel told him to go and play hard....Romeo said..."I might as well, I have nothing else to do" he said with a smile...In other words, Romeo knows he'll have to try and outwork people to catch some scouts attention...he scored a pair of hoops against Memphis in the loss to the Grizzlies...He's probably a 3 more than a 4 at the pro level...

According to Melvin, Mike Conley Jr is the real deal...he loves the Buckeye point guard's handle and command of the offense...he likens him a bit to former NBA southpaw, Kenny Anderson, but feels Conley is actually a better finisher at the rim...Mike will get a boat load of minutes this season, and will challenge for all rookie honors right out of the shoot.

By the way, Daniel Gibson will practice, but likely won't play in the Summer League finale on Saturday.

Summer League Game #1 Update

The Summer league is a good chance for guys like Daniel Gibson, Shannon Brown and Dwayne Jones to grow their games...and in the Vegas summer league opener, all 3 Cavaliers did in a 67-53 win over the Spurs...

Boobie ran the point and did a good job according to assistant coach, Melvin Hunt, who is running the bench for the Cavs in these games...and Mel admitted he was nervous early...why? Under his watch, wouldn't you know it, Daniel took an elbow to the face and needed stitches...can you imagine how his phone call to Mike Brown went..."good news coach, we won....bad news...Boobie took one to the face...sorry about that."

Daniel had 3 assists and no turnovers in a solid first quarter, but did not return after taking the elbow..Shannon Brown was aggressive defensively, and was in the attack mode with the ball much of the game, getting to the line 10 times...this is an area I personally saw growth the second half of the season in practice...getting to the rack with his athleticism...Shannon can do some freaky things when he gets off the floor...he finished this game with 18 points, including a corner 3 ball which he shot effortlessly.

6-10 forward, Darius Rice, the nephew of the NFL's greatest all time receiver, Jerry Rice had a 19 point game...Rice is hoping to get an invite to camp this fall...he can shoot it...Rice played at Miami (FL) and spent this past season in China.

More following game two against team China.

Chin up!

Cleveland, let's add to Rise Up...Chin Up!!!!

As a fan base, you have every reason to be proud of yourselves, your city and your basketball team today...It's a great time to be a sports fan here...just like this Cavs organization which oozes the positive culture, so can you as passionate followers of the Cavs, Indians, Browns and Buckeyes.

What I saw last night in the 4th quarter, was a crowd that refused to sit-down, reaching down with every ounce on every possession to try and help carry a team...But in this series they just could never quite get over the hump against arguably one of the best teams in the modern NBA era...The Spurs have not won 4 titles in 9 years by accident...they are the model.

What you have on this side of the fence, is an owner who is driven to perfection...a front office driven to find a way..a coaching staff driven to do it the right way...a superstar who is driven to reach greatness, defined by rings...a young core group driven to improve and give the support #23 deserves...and an entire organization driven to simply be the best.

A brand new state-of-the-art player development facility opens in August, and will merely feed that drive.

Over these past couple of months, I have seen so many smiles around The Q, and loved soaking up the atmosphere outside the building the past two games, witnessing so much pride and hope...and it all feeds into the common goal, to win titles...Jim Brown is poised to hand off the Lawrence O'Brien trophy to LeBron...and you have to believe it's coming, otherwise why invest the emotion.

So, while there is some pain in the pit of the stomach today...that's okay...because the elixir is belief...Remember, getting to the Finals for the first time is merely the start of this journey.

So, Go Tribe the rest of the summer, and right into October baseball...the road back to The Finals is only 20 weeks away...and I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Getting Ready for Game 4

`The Lawrence O'Brien trophy has arrived at the Q....hopefully it will stay packed in it's case...that alone should drive the Cavs tonight...the thought of the Spurs hoisting it in their barn, should make them think, that just can not happen...

Mike Brown will tell his guys, as competitors you have to refuse to allow a sweep to happen...Drew Gooden added, he will lose himself in the game...in other words, not allow himself to think about being down, 3-0, or worry about the score tonight, as the game goes on...get lost in the concentration of the moment...

Eric Snow's take is tonight is all about guts...effort, and leave all agendas at the door...all of the guys do remain upbeat, knowing they, at worst, should be down, 2-1...

Larry Hughes is still holding out hope of being able to come off the bench...the team doctors may make that final call...

Z was asked if he will call upon his experience to help get the younger guys ready tonight...Z said, "what am I going to tell them, about the time I lost 62 games?" All the reporters got a kick out of that one....See you tonight at 8 on FSN Ohio...

Hughes Starting Not Likely

It does not sound like Larry Hughes will go, reading between the lines...this morning he left open the possibility of starting, hoping he'll get an adrenaline rush by 9:00 tonight...he would not put a percentage on how his left foot feels...but he had said he was less than 50% in the Pistons series, and he has only slightly improved..

Considering Larry is probably the Cavs best perimeter defender, consider this...Tony Parker is 6 of 8 from the floor, when he gets into the paint against Larry in the first two games...that tells you Hughes just isn't himself, or close to it..Larry admitted today he has a delayed reaction when he tries to push off...and when you are dealing with one of the quickest guards in the world, that fraction of a second is deadly...

If Daniel Gibson gets the start, he'll draw Parker, and Eric Snow will get some time again...Eric says you have to lead Parker to defensive help...when asked by a reporter, specifically how the Cavs will get that done, Eric gave him a smile and a (are you out of your mind look)..."no, I'm not going to tell you that" he said...

The Spurs will find out what that defensive adjustment is tonight in Game 3...

Game 2 Tonight!

I think you'll see a more relaxed group of Wine and Golders tonight…the whole Finals experience is something you have to go through as a player…at least the first few days…then, you realize it is a basketball game, and stick to what got you here, which is why I think the Cavs will play much better…concentration becomes one of the major issues…attention to detail.

That slippage was exemplified by lack of block-outs on Spurs' missed free throws…they got offensive rebounds on 4 misses the other night, and converted them into 4 points.

Daniel Gibson seems so unaffected by all the hoopla, even with family here…his Mom, Dad, brother and two sisters…the only task Boobie had was trying to convince his 7 year-old nephew to get out of the hotel pool…5 hours of swimming was finally enough!!! Daniel was tired just watching him.

Scot Pollard is always the voice of practice itinerary…when it's time to watch film between media interviews and actual practice, Scot bellows…"Film…..I have my popcorn….let's go watch some film….finals….Cavs….Spurs.

And when it's time to leave the AT&T center…Pollard, again in his baritone voice yells…"time to go….the gym will still be here tonight…those rims aren't going anywhere…time to head on the bus."

I guess it's one of those things where you have to be there…it's the delivery, not the message itself that makes us chuckle.

Media Frenzy

Mike Brown, LeBron, Drew, and all the guys are facing more media this week than they ever have in their careers...under this scrutiny and spotlight, some players view it as a nuisance, while others embrace it as part of the job...certainly, Mike and LeBron have had fun with it, while dutifully answering all the serious questions from reporters around the world.

Those two are always in what's called the media center, facing rows of reporters in a press conference setting, while seated at a podium...it's been that way for the entire playoffs, except now there are media members from virtually every NBA city, all the national outlets, as well as scores from foreign countries...Mike is very relaxed in this setting, because he is being himself...he drew laughter today when asked about Bruce Bowen funneling LeBron toward Tim Duncan and others...On his days as an assistant coach in San Antonio Mike recounted how Danny Ferry played the small forward and funneled his man toward Duncan..."and Danny couldn't guard you...(meaning Rachel Nichols of ESPN)"

LeBron has also been very engaging as usual...he's heard every question imaginable since high school of course, so when asked today what question he might pose to LeBron James if he was a media member, he couldn't come up with a new one...but eventually he did get one he liked...."what do you think will happen to Tony Soprano tomorrow night in the final episode of the Sopranos"....LeBron thanked the questioner for something different...then said he hopes Tony doesn't get whacked, adding he hopes the feds let him go and enjoy the rest of his life...LeBron says he is Tivo-ing that final show...

LB was the asked to critique the last movie he saw..."Spiderman 3...I liked it, but it was too romantic".

See you tomorrow night on FSN Cavaliers Live at 8pm.

Preparing for Game 2

The fellas seemed unphased Friday as they were back at it to find ways to give LeBron some breathing room and take away some of Tony Parker's...as Donyell pointed out, King James will hear the criticism about his 0 for 7 first half, and as we know, he usually responds in kind...

The guys also took note of the downtown celebration and the horn honking which is customary in San Antonio after wins in the Finals...Thursday night's lasted well over an hour, and right in front of the team hotel...

The guys were also pretty loose as Tony Rizzo found out....David Wesley became a Fox 8 correspondent asking Z if a haircut might help him for Game-2, and Donyell why he is so soft spoken....in other words hard hitting stuff...Glad D-Wes wasn't around during my time at 8...I would have lost my job...

The Wait is Over

The wait is over...Game 1 is here, in a town where it is assumed the Spurs will hoist a fourth trophy down a Riverwalk parade...I am finding few who believe the Cavaliers can shock the world...and that includes the national pundits...and that's ok...the Cavs are very comfortable being the underdog...

The guys were focused, but very loose at today's shoot around...you would never know from their demeanor that this was their first excursion into the Finals pressure chamber...part of it comes from Mike Brown and the way he and his staff keeps things relaxed...part of it comes from how close this group has become, especially over these past two years, and part of it comes from the 'us against the world' mentality...

Because of rebounding and defense, plus the inherent knowledge that Mike, Danny Ferry, Lance Blanks and Hank Egan have of the Spurs, the Cavs have a serious shot...trying to keep Tony Parker out of the lane on a consistent basis will be crucial, and keeping the Spurs from going off on the 3-point line will be vital as well...the Cavs have been either 1 or 2 defending the 3 line all season...keep a close watch on that defensive stat all series long...

We' re all intrigued with how LeBron performs in the biggest series of his life...if you get a chance, check out the feature in yesterday's New York Times...my favorite quote came from Pacers president Donnie Walsh talking about LeBron's Game 5 basketball soliloquy..."I thought to myself, things are never going to be the same...it was like watching Michael Jordan before your eyes"...LB has gotten everyone's attention...so, all eyes will be on him...this is what he was born to do...

Join us tonight and all through the Finals for our Cavaliers Live pre game specials, on FSN Ohio, each night at 8pm...

Eve of Game 1

This is old hat for the Riverwalk City of San Antonio....3 tries 3 wins...And speaking of wins...after each Spurs win, in past series, fans cruise the downtown streets honkng their horns, hanging out the windows...not just after the clinching game...

This has always been a favorite stop of mine, even back to the days of the old Hemisfair Arena, and the famous baseline bums, their version of the Dawg Pound...

The scope of this series comes in the gawdy numbers.. over 1500 media credentials are being handed out, all with photo ID'ed from a data base. 205 countries will see the games...that's a record...43 languages will surround the name LeBron James...

For the first time, Brazilian TV is here with an announce team, looking to proclaim falta de ataque when Anderson draws an offensive foul...

Two of the cameras rolling today belonged to Donyell Marshall and Ira Newble, as they walked around before practice interviewing teammates..that would be a video I would buy...

If you're going to the watch party at the Q....enjoy!

Onto the Alamo

It's on to the Alamo, where it will be hot all week....'90s on the thermometer, and triple digits when it comes to the white hot lights of the NBA Finals...

The guys don't know what's coming in terms of distractions, pressure, etc...but they obviously adjusted quickly to the land of the unknown of the ECF, and will do so again on this grand stage...that's just the make-up of this team...

Donyell was close to tears of joy on Saturday night after the game, and he's still soaking up the moment...in fact he said over the weekend he had breakfast on the east side and when he walked in to sit down, he received a standing ovation...and that was before the tip....

Such is the magic carpet ride these guys are now on....

More when we get to San Antonio...

What Curse???

What curse??? The Cavaliers unforgettable Eastern Conference trophy grab was one of those nights you'll say "remember the night when" for years to come...

In the seats, around the concourse and outside in the Plaza, I saw fans crying, bear hugging and screaming. It was all I could do to keep my composure...

Jump on the bandwagon...there's plenty room for more...

And do you think King James will just be happy to reach The Finals?...consider this...LeBron was overheard saying "No champagne! No popping anything yet! Not until we get four more wins!" This tells me LeBron wants it all now!!!!! He has figured it out, and can smell the Lawrence O'Brien trophy...

Join us all week on FSN for complete Wine and Gold coverage from the Alamo City...more on that tomorrow..

Once In a Blue Moon

Welcome to basketball in June!!!

And heck since LeBron’s game for the ages came during a blue moon (when two full moons fall in the same month, as they did on Thursday), you gotta believe…you know what they say about something hasn’t happened in a blue moon…

If you believe in karma, and fate, and a perfect storm, as I do, then you have to believe the stars are aligned tonight for a celebration this city hasn’t seen in a long, long time…not only the Cavs with a chance to unlock the door to the NBA finals for the first time…but to do it against Detroit, with the Indians hoping to BEAT DETROIT as well in front of a sold out Jake…could their be anything better?

But first things first, a closeout win against these Pistons will be the most difficult to get…in the Billups-Hamilton-Prince era..the Pistons are 4-0 in these, down, 3 games to 2, on the road for game-6 scenarios….as Mike Brown likened it to today….it’s like two survivors on a desert island…one has water, the other doesn’t…and the one who has the water, has to fight to keep it, to stay alive…

Larry Hughes will give it a go before the game to see if his injured left arch can take some minutes on the floor…more treatment, more ice, and perhaps another shot of cortisone…he would prefer to play, without another shot, which he admits is an unnatural feeling…he adds, the plantar fasciitis has not subsided…he says it feels like he has a knife in his shoe…but all that being said, he doesn’t want sympathy…not from fans, teammates, or anyone…Larry knows people never know what players are going through this time of year, adding everyone is banged up to some extent by the month of June…and with a smile, he says he just hopes fans enjoy, and appreciate how he and his teammates are laying it out on the line…

One other note from LeBron’s masterpiece from Game-5…during a late timeout, when he was fighting exhaustion, during his video game display…he was asked if he still wanted the plays to go through him…LB said…"C'mon, this is what I live for"…The King and all of his northeast Ohio subjects live for nights like tonight…bask in the experience!!!

Join us tonight for Cavaliers Live pre game, beginning at 7:30 from Gateway Plaza…and we’ll be in the Cavs locker room after the game as well…

We were all Witnesses last night!

We were all Witnesses last night....witnesses to one of the greatest performances in NBA history... I watched Isiah Thomas scored 16 points in 94 seconds of a playoff game against the Knicks, in 1984, and 25 points on one ankle against the Lakers in the '88 NBA Finals...but not even those quite equal what we saw last night...25 straight Cavalier points against an elite team on the road...King James outscored the Pistons by himself, 25-18 when it mattered most...in the ECF...

LeBron literally turned Game-6 into his personal video game...the dunks were majestic, and jaw dropping, but what blew me away were the step back jumpers...the 3's...the strength, and the CALM he showed, while dropping jumper after jumper on the Pistons...this is growth...and think about this...in Games 1 and 2, LeBron was being taken to task for passing up one game winner, and not being able to finish the other...

But do you know what?...#23 has figured it out...and it started in Game-3...he unlocked the door to a new level of concentration, will and desire...but he had to experience it first hand himself, failing in effect, which drove him to the kind of performance we witnessed last night.....Now he has the taste...I think he'll be a glutton for more...

To win a championship, LB will have to reach another level...I'm not saying scoring 26 straight points...but find other ways to make the ultimate sacrifice...and when he does...look out...this is where being 22 years-old makes it all crystallize...those who say he's been in the league four years now, he should be figuring out, fail to remember he would only be a senior in college...

And oh ya by the way...all of his post game comments about teammates, and thanking them, and sharing it with them...he means every word of it...his game shouts that...LeBron's right...without Daniel Gibson's suddenly displayed penetration...Z's inside presence, Andy's energy, E Snow's defensive strips at the end, on and on, The King would not have been able to take over the Palace...

Bring on Game-6...see you tomorrow in the Plaza...

I've always been an avid reader of eyes and faces....and was last night, ever a great night for introspective gazing...From LeBron's piercing concentration, saying this is the most focused he has been in his life....to Daniel "no fear" Gibson, to the other DG, Drew Gooden, whose eyes are the windows to his world of fun...to Mike Brown, who like LB, belies his age of 37, with a calm and assurance that feeds right through his locker room...to you fans at the Q, who displayed the utter joy of not so much beating Detroit, but watching your team again deliver in crunch time...

Tayshaun Prince said it best in today's Detroit Free Press..."they did what we do"...and that is keep games close when necessary, and then take over when it matters most...it's a sign your Cavaliers are growing into title contenders before your very eyes...

The Free Press is also the master of the sports headline double entendre...today's "EERIE FEELING" is right on, since we have another Lake Erie standoff after four games....but while last year, I think the Pistons perhaps viewed the Cavs as more of a nuisance...this time, they know these Clevelanders are legit...that being said, I know those guys in that Piston locker room...they come from the "if it ain't rough, it ain't right" school...so, no fear in their eyes...they will carry their usual swagger into Game-5...the Cavs will have to continue to match it...

Finally, part of the Cavs growth has been something Mike Brown has talked to his team about since training camp, and that is ability to handle success...again, the Cavs have to handle it with care after two stare downs of the Pistons....it all makes for fascinating theatre...

Talk to you tomorrow before Game-5...

The Cavs and Pistons spent the day, mixing in some work with a pause for a little Memorial Day reflection...especially with the daily news from Iraq...

Larry Hughes drew much of the media attention, revealing he has plantar fasciitis in his left heel...remember, that's the arch/heel injury which for some feels like you are running with a golf ball, or a marble in your shoe...Mark Price had it, late in his final NBA season...it was an injury which was prevalent during that time period...Grant Hill suffered from it early in his career, among others...but eventually, better shoes and stretching techniques cut down the incidents of it...

Larry admits it's a partial tear and is doubtful for tonight...assuming he can't go, Daniel Gibson will likely get the start, coming off perhaps his most impressive game as a rookie in Game-3...not only did he hit big shots, but he was the target of 9 back downs and or post-ups by Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince (on switches) and all he allowed was a free throw...certainly Boobie knew defensive help was coming in each case, so, he was never left on an island...Daniel feels he is a better, more experienced player than when he started 13 games at the point in February...

Boobie took part in shooting drills today, as the Cavs used this day to rest and view tape...The Texas Longhorn is very comfortable in this media setting...he was surrounded by reporters again today, just like last night, and answered every question with the cool and calm of a veteran...you can just tell he was made for this, and is having the time of his life...I loved LeBron's comment, that he wants the rook on the floor with him...Daniel helps space the floor, and is fearless when it comes to taking big shots...more on that tomorrow...

By the way...I saw one of my all time favorite license plates today...actually it would be perfect for LeBron...3VOM Y3H...when you check out the rear view mirror, it's perfect for the L-train...

See you tonight Cavaliers Live on FSN...

Gameday!

We will see tonight, how much confidence the Cavaliers bring home, following two narrow losses at The Palace...the problem is, no team in the NBA has more road swagger than these Pistons...they relish the challenge of winning playoff games on the road...

Tempo will again be a barometer for me...can the Cavs get transition and early offense tonight, to take pressure off the half court offense..

Funniest site, aside from LeBron's 92 footer yesterday at practice...little David Wesley Jr, who will soon be 3 years old...he by the way, wants his hair cut like Sasha's...not all the way like Dad's...his favorite Cav? Drew Gooden...in fact...at home, he likes to wear a headband like #90, and wants to be called "Drew"...so, I tested the little guy, (who is incredibly cute by the way)...

He, Dad, and two sisters were leaving the Q...I was walking behind them, and said..."hey Drew"....sure enough, little David turned around and looked at me...hilarious!!!! Dad and I cracked up...See you tonight on Cavaliers Live pregame starting at 8pm on FSN...and then Cavaliers Live post game, immediately after the game...

Eve of Game 3

It's the eve of a critical Game-3 for the Cavaliers....we'll all be watching the first half of the 3rd quarter intently.......that stretch has cost the Wine and Gold a 2-0 series lead....

It's the first 8 and a half minutes of the 2nd half....consider this....the other 39 and a half minutes of both games have been owned by the Cavs.....Game-1, 70-62...Game-2,72-64...

During that series defining stretch of 8 and a half minutes the Pistons went on a 17-6 rampage in the series opener, holding the Cavs to 3 scores in 14 possessions...

In Game-2, the Pistons came out of the locker room with a 15-4 binge...holding the Cavs to 2 Sasha hoops over another 14 possessions....

Donyell Marshall feels the Pistons turn up their physical play at that stage, and the Cavs haven't matched it...Donyell says the Pistons' experience plays into that...and the Cavs will be better prepared for it tomorrow night...

See you tomorrow night on FSN Ohio for Cavaliers Live pre and post game from the Q...

The Game-2 wait is nearly over...when told that Rasheed Wallace said the Pistons feel like they lost Game-1, based on how they played, Larry Hughes smiled and said..."if they want to give us the win instead we'll take it"...The bottom line is both teams know the intensity meter will be turned up tonight...meaning open scoring looks may go down...

I asked Z if he noticed a difference between the feel of the ECF versus the semi's...he said...no doubt...it sort of surprised him...he said he felt like he drank too much coffee, as he listened to the national anthem...he felt the jitters, and added, the guys were probably too hyped...Z feels that led to some second half mistakes...so, settling down will be a key for the Cavs against a team on it's 5th straight appearance in the ECF...

Two signs we may be infiltrating motown...a truck, with Michigan plates, driving up I-75, through the heart of downtown today had scribbled on the back in chalk..."GO CAVS"...yes, with Michigan plates...and right in the middle of an eastside Detroit neighborhood, a lawn cutting service with a worker wearing....a LeBron home white uniform...

See you tonight on FSN Ohio for Cavaliers Live Post game, followed by Cleveland Rants..

The Cavs are back at the scene of the crime...still as confident as ever, despite the coast to coast dissection of the final few seconds of Game-1...every one of the guys feels LeBron made the right play Wednesday night, and LB himself basically said the same thing again today, knowing he came up with the right play...Donyell himself, says look...if I do my job and hit that 3, the entire world is talking about how unselfish that pass was...

He is right...that's the razor thin difference of being the hero or taking the fall, when an ECF game comes down to the final ticks...but frankly, this will just make LeBron stronger...Isiah Thomas had to live with that infamous "Bird stole the ball" highlight in 1987, in game-5 of the ECF...The Pistons wound up losing game-7, but the killer pain of that mistake drove Thomas and his team to the NBA finals the following year...

LeBron knows he is being heavily criticized, but said today, he doesn't care...because in his mind, it's about the team, and he can live with that decision...The Pistons, from Chauncey Billups to Rip Hamilton have taken up LB's defense for that pass...So, one way to remedy that kick in the gut is to come out and attack in game-2...he admitted he can't hold the ball as much as he sometimes does...not against this elite Pistons D, because that's what they want him to do...

By the way at today's light workout, with just over :02 left on the shot clock, Donyell did nail a 3-ball from the same right corner...and the guys then ran over and mobbed him, showing their sense of humor is still in tact...I think they're still loose...they feel certain they will play better in game-2...but you know so do the Pistons...that's why I think this will be intriguing theatre...

Don't forget to flip over from TNT immediately following the game for our Cavaliers Live Postgame coverage from the Palace...

It's too early to say if the Cavs let a golden opportunity slip away, or did Detroit simply "find a way to win"...

Here's my point....If in Game-2 the Pistons win handily, yes, the Game-1 loss will sting even more....But if the Cavs even the series, then last night's closely contested game was another stepping stone, and worth the pain...

I really sensed the latter from the Cavs confidence wise in the locker room....no losses are good ones, but sometimes you learn more about yourself in the white hot lights of the ECF that you couldn't have known before...and maybe you also learn something else about your opponent...Let's see how this series plays out...but I think the Cavs have gotten the attention of Pistons nation.....

This will be a duel of wills between two premier defensive teams...

Join us on FSN as soon as TNT leaves the Palace for Cavaliers Live...Campy is here for his expert analysis...see you then....

Are you ready for game 1? The Cavs certainly are...I think the guys will be loose, knowing very few this side of Bill Livingston are giving the Wine and Gold a chance...Daniel Gibson says his Dad told him to smile and have fun...we've seen that approach from Boobie all year including when he drained those two triples in New Jersey...he remains very calm inside in this, the biggest stage of his basketball life...

Detroit is awash in Stanley Cup disappointment after their beloved Red Wings fell behind, 3 games to 2 against Anaheim yesterday in the Western Conference finals...Slightly off the radar screen, come the Pistons whom everyone here, assumes, will move on...The problem is the Pistons players will not make that assumption and will take the Cavs very seriously...especially after last year's 7 game showdown...

My key in this series will be how much early offense the Cavs can generate...fast breaks or easy hoops...The Pistons will try and make it as uncomfortable as possible for LeBron to get to the rim...so, like in the Jersey series, LB will be looking at four and five defenders every time he tries to get into the paint...The ability to run is an area where the Cavs could have an advantage...but the 5 time Eastern Conference finalists are so good in the set half court defense, they will try and control tempo, as they usually do...

Eric Snow will be important too...no one in the NBA challenges Chauncey Billups physically, the way the Canton Bulldog does...he'll take away Billups' back down game, which sets up the rest of his attack...

The deciding match-up though will be at the 3...LeBron is not only facing a long armed premier defender, in Tayshaun Prince, but an offensive player who is now a triple threat...he will put pressure on LB when he has the ball, so staying out of foul trouble will be critical for LeBron...But usually a King pulls rank against a Prince...

Join us all series long for Cavaliers Live Post Game immediately following each game, on FSN Ohio....

It's on Cleveland!

It's on Cleveland!....let the ECF begin against the team you all want to beat the most...just like the Pistons wanted to topple the Celtics in the '80's, and the Bulls wanted to dethrone the Pistons in the early '90's...The fact these teams are separated only by a lake and a turnpike makes this all the more juicy...

All of Pistons nation is supremely confident...they would only admit to having Cedar Point envy...they point to three NBA championship parades, and a thirst for a fourth....we just want our first....I'm old enough to remember Frank Ryan to a wide open Gary Collins to help beat the Colts in '64...so, I'm just as hungry as you are...

That being said, this series is personally as good as it gets for me...I have so much respect for the Pistons organization and what Joe Dumars represents, going into detail would make it sound like I want them to win another title...all I can tell you is this....like Danny Ferry experienced first hand what made the Spurs a model championship to emulate, I have observed on a much lower level, a similar blue print in the motor city...two different generations, with Dumars being the common denominator...

All of his Pistons have a tough mindedness and single focus that he had as a player...the intangible things you don't see as a fan...the culture breeds it...Mark Aguirre never had it before he became a Piston...neither did Richard Hamilton...soon, they did...

This all brings us back to the Cavs, and why Dan Gilbert on down are trying to institute their own recipe for success...yes, a few borrowed basketball traits from Detroit and San Antonio, but primarily mixed with a tried and true business model promoting teamwork that Dan has brought to the Cavs organization...In the end, no guarantees of a title, but success does breed success...

And part of that winding road means experiencing growing pains....LeBron and the James gang felt the kick in the gut last year, when Flip Murray's one-handed rebound got away...now, the Wine and Gold will run into the Pistons on a whole different level...because this is the NBA's final-4...They'll have to match the intensity and ruggedness on every single possession...

More tomorrow...as we get set for Game-1...don't forget to flip over to FSN Ohio immediately following the game for Cavaliers Live postgame coverage...

What a night....what a wild ride to the Eastern Finals....congrats to every fan, who has stuck it through the tough times...it really reminds me so much of the Pistons years of the mid-late '80's, building from obscurity with a mega star, as they had with Isiah Thomas...

Tonight, LeBron started it, andDonyell Marshall helped finish it...Another hurdle cleared, another building block for King James and this franchise...

I loved how he attacked in Game-6, and how he demanded the ball on the block....This will truly be the next phase of LB's game...and I'd love to see him do the same thing at the Palace...

The guys were happy in the lockeroom, but nothing giddy, just satisfaction of knowing they are good enough to be a Final-4 team, and here they are....

But why stop now...the pressure will be on the guys up north, because no one will be giving the Cavs a chance..They can go there and play loose....

Enjoy the moment Cleveland...you've earned it!!!

We're back in New Jersey where LeBron and Sasha are good to go for Game-6....LB's right knee took a hit and a cut on that 3-way collision with Jason Kidd and that chair...Sasha's right wrist underwent an MRI and it came up negative....

Mike Brown viewed the tape and goes back to what he's always felt....trusting each other and the system at both ends of the floor...Mike expects Larry Hughes to bounce back from his 3 for 17 shooting effort in Game-5 and says you can't tell Larry not to shoot it because he was by and large taking open shots, but simply wasn't making them...

Scorers always believe the next shot is going in, so Larry will not stray from that course....he's the first one to tell you that....But he also knows he has to knock down those shots...

See you for Game-6 on FSN Ohio beginning with Cavaliers Live at 6:30..

Tonight should be a memorable night in franchise history....the chance to not only open the door to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 15 years, but just the third time in Wine and Gold history...to win titles, you have to raise the bar...and that's what the Cavs have been doing the past 12 months...and part of that growth is gaining the ability to close out teams amidst high expectation....which brings us to tonight...

I'm sure a lesson from Game 6 against the Pistons last May can be called upon...playing at The Q is no guarantee...the unwavering focus has to be there from beginning to end...exhibit A, the Pistons' Palace loss to the Bulls last night...now Deroit could find themselves in a seven-game dogfight...the mental toughness it takes to close out the likes of Kidd, Carter and Jefferson would be another part of the Cavs maturation process...and I'm talking about the young core group...LeBron, Sasha, Drew, Andy, and Boobie...heck, even Larry and Z, who have never been to the conference finals before...only E-Snow, Scot Pollard and Damon Jones have felt those burning lights...

On another front, the galvanizing effect of Mikki Moore's flagrant foul on Sasha Monday night was significant in its symbolism as much as its second-half emotional value.....coming to the aid of a teammate in a hostile environment only bonds a team even more in a watershed moment...you see, Mikki is one of those guys whose bark is far worse than his bite...so is Vince Carter's for that matter...some guys act like they want to be physical, when in reality, they don't...Sasha Pavlovic is a lot more rugged than his quiet demeanor would suggest...so is Varejao...Andy says he loves it when the game gets physical...

My frame of reference for rugged folks are the Pistons' three title teams, all built on mental and physical toughness...I saw a major step in that direction by the Cavs on Monday night...this is why Mike Brown's defense-must-be-there-every-night pays dividends in May and June...Danny Ferry has said all along, it's a growth process....and he's right...the next growth step is to lay down the hammer tonight...and this time, 20,562 will be there to help drive the nail...

Please join us for Cavaliers Live pre- and post-game on FSN Ohio...see you then...

Pride is what you felt in that visitors' lockeroom last night....Not only winning a grind out game, but doing it with toughness....and this again shows Eric Snow's value on this team....as hard nosed as they come, taking on the challenge of Vince Carter, down the stretch, helping hold him to 1-7 shooting in the 4th....Carter is now shooting 34 percent in the series...

Happy 70th to a guy who is still as good as there is in our play-by-play business....Joe Tait....A hall of famer, who never lets ego get in the way of who he truly is...Joe taught me a lot in my first go round in Cleveland, at a time when he was just establishing himself as the "Voice of the Cavaliers" and didn't need to take time out to help a rookie....Some of Joe's principles I still find myself using to this day...

He's been a mentor to many over the years, because giving back is Joe's way....one of the reasons why he is a Cleveland treasure....

May we all have the drive for excellence in our jobs at 70 years young....Here's to many, many more "Whams with the right hand"....

Happy Birthday Joe...

I think we'll see the best game yet in this series in Game-4.....It figures to be the most physical game yet, as both teams will flock to those rebounds which have been the difference in all 3 games....

Richard Jefferson appeared on a Sunday night sports show last night and said all the right things about the Cavs, backing off his earlier tone that everyone wants to talk about LeBron....his duel tonight against LB should be huge....

It is funny....the Nets play 15:00 from Manhattan, but there is little evidence the Nets are still playing...This will always be a Knicks kind of town...although the Nets move to Brooklyn will spice up the rivalry...

Walked through the NBA store today.....it really is a fan's dream world....Jumped at an old school warm-up top of wine and old gold, with "CLEVELAND" across the front....The playoff teams T-shirts were on display, including the Warriors' "We Believe" yellow ones...
The Cavs "Rise Up" Wine were down to a precious few....

Saw Donyell Marshall junior in the store.....he was lovin' it....

See you tonight on Cavaliers Live postgame on FSN after the game...

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's day to all you Wine and Gold Moms...

The guys paused today to make sure their Moms were on top of the phone call list....Eric Snow among them...who said it best...Moms keep you stable and accountable...And that also goes for wife, DeShawn with their 3 boys...

LeBron said his Mom requested no gifts again....but LB says this is his favorite day of the year, so I have a feeling he'll find a way to surprise Gloria with a show of thanks...

As for the business at hand....Drew Gooden was asked if the momentum has shifted to the Nets. He said...no...we're still up 2-1...

One final note....it doesn't take much to get NBA players to compete against each other at anything.....like at the end of today's practice at a local college in Manhattan, one of the baskets in the tiny gym was in the "fold up" position, meaning the rim and backboard were about 18 feet off the floor...so, LeBron, Boobie, Shannon, and coaches Hunt and Jent couldn't resist a game of P-I-G...a shorter version of H-O-R-S-E...

LB hit a pair of 25 footers, going bottom in that sky high rim...I missed it, but someone said he also dunked one (Take that New Jersey)...

But truthfully, Melvin Hunt went Tim Duncan on them and banked some close-out buckets to eliminate the field...If ever an 18 foot rim league is born, Melvin will be a lottery pick!!!

See you tomorrow night following Game-4...switch over to FSN Ohio for our lockerroom coverage on Cavaliers Live..

Arrived in N.J.

We've arrived in NJ....a light, but extremely focused practice today at The Q...These guys are really locked in...

As I watch these short scrimmages, I continue to see more and more from Shannon Brown....his ability to get off the floor is extraordinary...today in an offensive weave, he one handed a lob above the square and threw it down...then. during a 5 on 5, he rose above everyone and spiked home a miss with one hand! If he continues to grow his game in the Vegas Summer League. I think he'll force his way into the rotation next season...

A lot is being made here of Vince Carter's struggles....I wonder if he'll make it a personal duel with Sasha tomorrow.....that could play right into the hands of the Cavs...

Join us for Cavaliers Live at 4:30, then Game-3 on FSN Ohio at 5pm...A.C. is stoked for this one...See you then...

Net Expenditures

After a day off, the Cavs had a pretty focused practice today, in advance of game-3 in NJ...too bad LeBron can't include it in his bag of useable tricks, but he knocked down a 30-footer while sitting on the bench, as he was lacing on his shoes...and he did it on the 4th try!!

LB was voted to the all-NBA 2nd team after making the first five a year ago...there is no true small forward on the team, as Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan and Amare Stoudemire comprise the first team front court, with Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant voted in as guards....LeBron blew it off, saying he doesn't worry about individual honors like these...he's just happy to be included among the top players in the game...and I believe him...his game says the same thing too...

His teammates all feel LeBron is a top-5 player, and acknowledge this could be perceived as a slight show of national respect...but Larry Hughes says the time to use this as a motivational tool is in the off season...now, it's all about playoffs and all the motivation comes from wanting to win a title...Mike Brown has all the respect in the world for the five who made first team, but added, while he may be biased when looking at LeBron, don't forget he and Oscar Robertson are the only two players in NBA history to average 26, 6 and 6, three years in a row...so, that speaks for itself...

Join us on FSN Ohio for Game-3, Saturday at 4:30, beginning with Cavaliers Live...

A well-deserved day off for the guys today, with two practices coming up prior to game 3 on Saturday on FSN...

All season long the Nets have been trying to keep the Cavs off the boards in their 5 meetings (including 3 regular season games)...the Cavs have won 4 of the games...and digest these numbers...The Cavs have out boarded the Nets, 227-174...a difference of 53 over 5 games...On the offensive glass...78-30...a difference of 48 over those 5 duals...as a result the Cavs have taken 59 more shots....59!!! That's nearly a disparity of 12 a game..

The point is this...the Cavs are too big and too strong for the Nets...they can talk about gang rebounding, and boxing out, all they want, but the Cleveland bigs are too big for them...can NJ win a game or two in this series? Of course...but it will take a turnover-prone, poor shooting effort by the Cavs for that to happen...

How about Sasha Pavlovic rising to the challenge of playing Vince Carter head-to-head...Vinsanity is still capable of taking over games, and still may do so in this series, but right now, Sasha is staying in front of Carter, and with help from the Cavs'
everyone-on-a-chain defense, Carter can not get to the hole...he's being forced to take jump shots...and at the other end, Sasha is being aggressive...Carter has games of 21 and 26 points...but he is 17 for 49 shooting...that's 35%...Sasha has had games of 17 and 15 points...on 54% shooting...this is more than a case of Carter just missing open looks...

One other observation...the crowd last night was the best one I've heard at The Q since game-6 of the Pistons series last spring...it was a hungry crowd...one that was proactive instead of waiting for something to cheer about...it may sound corny, but 20,562 made a difference....especially in hustle areas of defense and rebounding...two bedrock components for winning a championship...

See you Saturday at 4:30 on FSN Ohio, with Cavaliers Live pre game, followed by Game-3 at 5 on FSN, and Cavaliers Live post game...