remy23

VS

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (25-23) @ CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (28-20)

When: Sunday, Febuary 13, 2005
Time: 12:30 pm PT, 3:30 pm ET
Where:: Gund Arena
TV: ABC

COACHES

Frank Hamblen / Paul Silas

PROBABLE STARTERS

Chucky Atkins / Jeff McInnis

Caron Butler / Sasha Pavlovic

Jumaine Jones / LeBron James

Lamar Odom / Drew Gooden

Chris Mihm / Zydrunas Ilgauskas

6th MEN

Brian Cook / Robert Traylor

* The lack of concentration and energy were several factors present in Cleveland’s loss to Denver. The Lakers like to push the ball for fastbreak points too and if they sense Cleveland is a step slow or if their transition defense is lacking, the Cavaliers run the risk of being run out of their own gym again. Coming fresh off a loss, Cleveland has no excuse not to be prepared and motivated. It’s time for Cleveland to avenge their disappointing loss to the Lakers from earlier in the season. The Cavaliers failed to snatch the game on the road, so at least defend the homecourt. Take no prisoners.

* Odom is going to test Gooden and might force the Cavaliers to adopt help defense on this assignment. If the Lakers are hitting the perimeter shot, it might come to a decision of letting Odom get his points or letting his teammates try to beat you.

Benedict_Boozer

Oh great, we catch the Lakers right as Kobe Bryant comes back to play.

Gotta love the luck on that.

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Futuristxen:

"This season has been one giant pile of suck. It's been just good enough to keep paying attention. But horrible enough that you were better off if you didn't."

remy23

Boxscore: Cleveland 103, Los Angeles 89

Big Z was huge and LeBron came on strong in the 4th quarter. He started off really slow and off-key but didn't lose his heart and get discouraged. It was vital for Cleveland to win after that disappointing loss agianst the Nuggets (where the team looked good in the 1st half but sluggish in the 2nd). Drew had a double-double, Sasha scored in double-figures and the team just came together.

The OUTLAW

Z was the man today 11-13 mainly from outside and we needed that outside shooting since nobody else was consistently hitting jump shots. Good win eventhough the team definitely didn't look as good as I'd like them to.

__________________
One thing a non-conformist can't stand is another non-conformist who doesn't conform to the prevailing standards of non-conformity.

Benedict_Boozer

We played a sloppy game, but picked it up in the 2nd half. Z really kept us in this one while Bron struggled in the 1st half, ever since his all-star selection he has really stepped up his play.

By the way it's pretty amazing that watching the game it seemed like Lebron had a horrible night, then you look at the boxscore and he ends up with 25 9 8.

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Futuristxen:

"This season has been one giant pile of suck. It's been just good enough to keep paying attention. But horrible enough that you were better off if you didn't."

Pioneer10

We're not going to be a great team till we add a shooter. Basically the game plan for teams now is to double triple team Lebron hard and clog the lane. Luckily, Z was hot but with the lane clogged (i.e. Denver game) Gooden and Z may become ineffective. This really only option the outside shot.

Sasha's been impressive but he's more of an American player then European. He's a slasher/driver and not a great shooter. Add Redd or Joe Johnson to this team and watch out.

Pioneer10

Lebron was off in the first half (missed a lot of shots he normally makes) but like future mentioned he didn't force it too badly. His second half was very impressive

Benedict_Boozer

Yep, Denver could get away with it because they have size inside to match up with Z and Gooden (Nene/Camby/KMart etc.)

The Lakers have no one outside of Mihm who even has a chance of stopping Z, good teams with size in the post are gonna employ this strategy and we're gonna need Sasha to step up and knock those shots down (by the way credit to Silas for subbing him in for Snow late in the game!)

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Futuristxen:

"This season has been one giant pile of suck. It's been just good enough to keep paying attention. But horrible enough that you were better off if you didn't."

Pioneer10

^ Agree Silas actually did a very good job with the subs this game.

Took Jeff out when his defense was slacking but then took Snow out when the Lakers adjusted. For once, I can credit Silas for an in game decision

The OUTLAW

I thought that he sat Z a bit too long (pretty much the entire 3rd) but he didn't blow the game and frankly thats a good thing.

__________________
One thing a non-conformist can't stand is another non-conformist who doesn't conform to the prevailing standards of non-conformity.

Larry Hughes for Retirement

I think we all need to give Sasha credit he is really playing some good basketball. And is guarding people like Grant Hill and Kobe Bryant along the way.

He might be the outside shooting that we are looking for. Its a shame during all these injuries (newble,harris) that Luke Jackson wasnt around. But Sasha is taking advantage and playing great.

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Benedict_Boozer

Yeah it would have been nice to see Luke get some playing time in this stretch. I was real high on him at Oregon but he seemed a tad slow for the NBA game before his surgery.

Hopefully he can come back 100% and give us an additional perimeter threat.

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Futuristxen:

"This season has been one giant pile of suck. It's been just good enough to keep paying attention. But horrible enough that you were better off if you didn't."

remy23

Sasha is a good shooter but his ability to slash has been more impressive. He is closer to an American player than the stereotypical "Euro player" in terms of style. Sasha does help open up the floor.

I'm sure the Cavaliers will rest Luke all season long. But he said he wants to try and practice with the team in March. Jackson probably wishes in some twist of fate, he could join the team for the playoffs but that won't happen.

The OUTLAW

I like the way that Sasha gets to the basket, just wish he finished more often.

__________________
One thing a non-conformist can't stand is another non-conformist who doesn't conform to the prevailing standards of non-conformity.