The Cavs have the 2nd best record of Eastern teams against the West at 11-6 with only Boston ahead of them at 11-0. Last season you may recall the Cavs were 19-11 against the West - that's 30-17 in 2 seasons, a .640 win clip. And you know what? I have no idea why, but neither do the players.

I'll take a stab at it, though. The Cavs are built around a great player, defense and rebounding. When all three components are in play the Cavs are hard to beat. The West is so good and deep, they demand your full attention, so perhaps that focus is turned up a notch subconsciously. Who knows.

Tonight the Cavs will be tested by the 2nd best team in the West, the Suns. It will be a game of wills. Can the Cavs' size and strength (LB-Z-Drew combined for 69 points against them on November 4th in their gym) overcome the Suns fastbreak (2nd in the league) and 3 point bombs (4th best pct). You may recall last season the Cavs were run out of the building out there and had trouble with them again here at the Q. But this past November, without Sasha and Andy, the Cavs outplayed them in a slower paced game for a half, then lost down the stretch when Steve Nash took over.

Another compelling match-up tonight.

At the end of practices the guys go through what amounts to shooting contests in groups. The conversation thus becomes lively. Drew professed to recently knock down 12 straight 3's from the corner. LeBron scoffed at the proclamation and Drew had to call upon Boobie to verify. Daniel smiled and said something to the effect of
"I can't lie...he did." Drew roared with approval, as LeBron just shook his head, probably thinking, show me the video tape for proof.