BIG win Friday

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

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

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

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

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

Runnin' in Charlotte

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

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

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

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

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

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

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