Good news tonight as Anderson Varejao, who has missed the last two games with a soar hip, will return to the Cavaliers lineup. He again will come off the bench against the Pacers, as J.J. will make his 7th straight start at power forward. In the starting lineup, Hickson is averaging 13 points and 4 rebounds a game. Mike keeps challenging J.J. to get those board numbers up through good box out technique.
The key match-up at 10 year-old Conseco Fieldhouse of course surrounds the two All-Stars, LeBron James and Danny Granger, who have had a few verbal duals in the past...nothing of note, just two guys going at each other. LBJ owns the lifetime series, 13-3, and remember, two seasons ago, had back-to-back triple doubles in trips in Indy. LeBron has become a premier defender of course, and that's where Granger wants to get to. Last season The NBA's Most Improved player earned his first All-Star berth, and now he wants to be known as an All-NBA Defender. Tonight though, look for Dahntay Jones to challenge LBJ a lot at the Cavs offensive end. He is a gritty defender who usually guards the opponent's best scorer and that was the case when he was in Memphis as well as Denver last season.
As a result, we'll see plenty of "cross match-ups"...LeBron on Granger at one end, Jones on the King at the other, which means J.J. or Anthony Parker will have to be ready to pick up Granger when the Pacers have the ball. That's assuming LBJ has to stick with Jones following missed shots at the Cavs end. It's one of the things to look for in this one.
See you on the broadcast tonight on Fox Sports Ohio...
LeBron spent a long time after the game expounding on how the NBA and its players need to pay tribute to Michael Jordan.
LBJ says he's been thinking about what he could do for MJ...and seeing him in Miami reinforced it even more. LeBron says he'd gladly lead a petition to have the number 23 retired, meaning he and every other player would give up the number as a salute to the best who ever lived.
6 would be the King's new number...his Olympic number and practice jersey number. He says he's 60-40, leaning toward starting the move to retire 23.
LBJ says MJ can't be the NBA logo, that's Jerry West...but the best ever needs a permanent salute...and 23 will always belong to Mike.
Thursday, November 12, 2009, 12:22 AM EST
[General]
It's on to Miami...I think the Cavs are finding their defensive identity with his group, very steadily.
Yes, I know Orlando is still short-handed, but the Cavs were swarming at the defensive end all night, and as we know, that is how this team is built.
LeBron said it best, Shaq's presence was huge against the Magic...at both ends. As a result, Dwight Howard was not able to dominate...and with great players, sometimes that is good enough.
Now, a rugged back-to-back again in Miami, just like the Atlanta-Miami dual trip last season..
Saturday, November 7, 2009, 12:23 AM EST
[General]
Next up, Orlando, and a rematch with the Magic...
J.J. Hickson's sudden starting role caught him by surprise, but he loved being on the floor with the regulars and played more relaxed.
LeBron said kudos to Mike for coming up with the switch that helps J.J. and gives the Cavs juice off the bench with Andy's boundless energy. He's on the second unit where he first made his mark in this league, and out there with Z takes advantage of their chemistry.
Mike says he'll continue to look at the change as he ponders other rotation combinations...again, he's like that chef looking to combine the right ingredients to come up with a masterpiece.
Wizards and Cavs will always stir the pot when it comes to fans, here and in DC, 3 straight playoff series will do that. According to DeShawn Stevenson, when the Wiz came to town last month for their preseason game, the player got off their bus at Hopkins, and an airport attendant said "I hate you", obviously not forgetting his silly comment two seasons ago, that LeBron is overrated. He's coming off the bench these days, but will still get his usual Cleveland greeting tonight.
Z says he's actually enjoying coming off the bench more than he thought he would. He's coming off the 5 block effort against Charlotte, and has scored 25 points over the past 2 games, shooting 12 of 19 from the floor. The big fella says he has been able to stay loose in between warm-ups and when he comes into the game. He says the secret is Flexall - that's the topical muscle pain relieving gel. Seriously though, Z says he's been keeping loose on the bench, verbally helping the young guys, and generally staying ready, which you knew he would. Even in the preseason when Shaq did not play or when Andy missed a game, Z told Mike to keep bringing him off the bench, so he could catch that rhythm.
On another note, it's an annual rookie chore to chase loose basketballs in the stands and today, after practice, LeBron and the vets got to punt them into the 2nd deck. So you guessed it...Danny Green had to go get 'em one, by one. LBJ is also a left footed kicker in addition to writing and eating with his left hand by the way (he had good hang time). Danny's sure looking forward to being a vet!
Good news tonight as Anderson Varejao, who has missed the last two games with a soar hip, will return to the Cavaliers lineup. He again will come off the bench against the Pacers, as J.J. will make his 7th straight start at power forward. In the starting lineup, Hickson is averaging 13 points and 4 rebounds a game. Mike keeps challenging J.J. to get those board numbers up through good box out technique.
