GT: Jan 27 Cavs (25-20) vs Pistons (17-28)

[JebronLames]

Another double digit win for the Cavs since they have LeBron. Their win streak will extend to 7, and will probably be at 16 at the all-star break.

[BigTicket]

This is a revenge game for the Cavs. The last game against the Pistons was the worst loss of the season, and it was the game that made it clear that Lebron was injured, and he had to sit out the next 8 games.

It's a shame Jennings is not playing, he was the one who killed the Cavs in that game, and a Cavs win will be less satisfying with him out (but also more likely).

[lilteapot]

That front court is gonna give Cleveland some problems.

[BigTicket]

That front court is gonna give Cleveland some problems.

Cavs front court is improved now, and the Pistons have no back court with Jennings out, so the Cavs are pretty clear favorites.

[lilteapot]

Cavs front court is improved now, and the Pistons have no back court with Jennings out, so the Cavs are pretty clear favorites.
DJ Augustin put p 35 and 8 in the first game without Jennings and he's as quick as any guard in the league

[BigTicket]

DJ Augustin put p 35 and 8 in the first game without Jennings and he's as quick as any guard in the league

Sure he had one good game (which the Pistons lost anyway), but that does not mean he's as good as someone like Kyrie.

[DukeDelonte13]

Sure he had one good game (which the Pistons lost anyway), but that does not mean he's as good as someone like Kyrie.


he's not as good as Kyrie but he has a history of big games against Kyrie.

Kyrie has been doing a much better job lately and that combined with the fact that the cavs have a legit big man to dissuade PG's from laying it in helps out immensely.

Nothing comes easy in the NBA. This game as all of them can go either way. Trap game.

[Meticode]

Win or lose I hope the Cavs come into this game playing with the same energy as they have on this week streak. The last thing I want to see is them lose this game with negative and sluggish energy expecting to win because Jennings is out for the season and expecting the Pistons to lay down.

If they lose while playing with energy I could accept that.

[edrick]

Hopefully the Cavs aren't looking onto the next game, with Jennings being out.

[JebronLames]

Win or lose I hope the Cavs come into this game playing with the same energy as they have on this week streak. The last thing I want to see is them lose this game with negative and sluggish energy expecting to win because Jennings is out for the season and expecting the Pistons to lay down.

If they lose while playing with energy I could accept that.
I think they put in a great effort tonight because you know they remember getting blown out last game against them.

[AnaheimLakers24]

Kyrie will lead his team to a win with 28/12/2

[Rake2204]

I think they put in a great effort tonight because you know they remember getting blown out last game against them.That is my expectation. Also, I'm certain they're aware of Augustin, particularly due to his 35 point game against Toronto.

The Pistons will require some games to figure out what their team's all about now without Jennings in tow.

[NBAplayoffs2001]

DJ Augustin put p 35 and 8 in the first game without Jennings and he's as quick as any guard in the league

Yeah ok....

[christian1923]

This cavs a starting lineup is so filthy :coleman:

[Hey Yo]

with AUTHORITY!!

[bagelred]

Mozgov's airball. Shaqtin a fool.

[navy]

Ugly game.

[christian1923]

Holy shit,Lebrons new head band is huge lol

He's gonna be the first player in history to wear a beanie in an NBA game soon

[supernova5912]

I'd be surprised if the Pistons (without their star) pull out a victory against the Cavaliers, who have won 6 straight (including wins against the Clippers, Bulls, and Thunder). They're not only a deep playoff team, they're playing very well recently under David Blatt's coaching. LeBron James has played at his best in the 6-game win streak, averaging 29.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.3 steals with a 50.0 FG% (despite 4.5 turnovers). Still, it is possible for an upset but it'd be much fairer of a matchup if Jennings was playing.

[TylerOO]

I'd be surprised if the Pistons (without their star) pull out a victory against the Cavaliers, who have won 6 straight (including wins against the Clippers, Bulls, and Thunder). They're not only a deep playoff team, they're playing very well recently under David Blatt's coaching. LeBron James has played at his best in the 6-game win streak, averaging 29.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.3 steals with a 50.0 FG% (despite 4.5 turnovers). Still, it is possible for an upset but it'd be much fairer of a matchup if Jennings was playing.

Are you a robot?

[Meticode]

Cavaliers starting the game 4-18 from the floor.

[Meticode]

Got up to 4-19 until they finally made a basket.

[TylerOO]

beautiful pass by bron

[christian1923]

Bron looking QUICK

[bagelred]

You can sell ad space on Lebron's headband.

[Meticode]

Cavs close the quarter on 7-2 run. 19-17 Pistons.

[Meticode]

You can sell ad space on Lebron's headband.
Welcome to 2012.

[TylerOO]

Welcome to 2012.

:oldlol:

Good way to close out the first.

[edrick]

Kyrie will lead his team to a win with 28/12/2

Amazing that Lebron haters are still trying to push this. It's :roll: :roll: :roll:

[StrongLurk]

Pistons cant stop Lebron at all...

[Phantom84]

Lebron making it look easy.

[tpols]

Damn Lelayup.. Unstoppable

[navy]

Blatt does not like the high post. Nobody on the team operates on there.

[G0ATbe]

Of course LeBald is quick to score all his buckets with Drummond/Monroe benched. With any of them back in he goes back to passive mode or getting his shit stuffed:lol . Kyrie though:bowdown:

[RedBlackAttack]

Kyrie taking over on both ends. Good stuff.

[Kingwillball]

Cavs have 4 guys who can get on Fire and score in bunches so even when they are cold you know it is temporary..

[Kingwillball]

Of course LeBald is quick to score all his buckets with Drummond/Monroe benched. With any of them back in he goes back to passive mode or getting his shit stuffed:lol . Kyrie though:bowdown:


Stuffed he tried and ally up that was deflected..

[navy]

Stuffed he tried and ally up that was deflected..
It was counted as a block in the box score, but yeah it was an alley oop.

[sportsfan76]

Lebron making it look easy.


as long as he ends this year without a title Im cool

[navy]

Blatt made a mistake. Kyrie was clearly tired the last few possessions and let Augustine blow by him like 3 times. Should have switched Lebron or Shumpert on.

[Kingwillball]

It was counted as a block in the box score, but yeah it was an alley oop.


Which is clearly a pass not a shot..

[JT123]

Blatt made a mistake. Kyrie was clearly tired the last few possessions and let Augustine blow by him like 3 times. Should have switched Lebron or Shumpert on.
Why aren't you watching the Heat game? :lol

[JebronLames]

Which is clearly a pass not a shot..
Everyone against Lebron, even the stat keeper.

[navy]

Why aren't you watching the Heat game? :lol
Im watching both. :lol

[RedBlackAttack]

Blatt made a mistake. Kyrie was clearly tired the last few possessions and let Augustine blow by him like 3 times. Should have switched Lebron or Shumpert on.
Yep. I noticed the same thing. He exerted a lot of energy for about eight straight minutes in the second quarter. Blatt should have relieved him for the last couple minutes of the half. Really no reason for him to play 21 minutes in the first half against the Pistons.

LeBron only played 18. Those guys should mirror each other as closely as possible. I could see Kyrie playing a bit more when absolutely necessary because he's younger, but it was obvious he was gassed out there.

[supernova5912]

Are you a robot?

Do I sound like a robot?:wtf:

[RedBlackAttack]

Damn... Mozgov is an athletic cat for being so big.

[G0ATbe]

KingSwish:applause:

[RedBlackAttack]

Augustine is a starting caliber PG in this league. It's too bad Jennings went down, because they have a pretty talented squad and a good coach. I would like to see what they could do in the playoffs.

[navy]

Augustine is crazy.

[G0ATbe]

Wow Augustine:wtf:

Kobe-esque:applause:

[AnaheimLakers24]

Damn dj.
This cavs tean went from stacked to whatever comes after that. Mozgov was such a steal

[navy]

Kick ball is such a dumb rule.

[navy]

Cant tell if bad shot by Bron or another alley oop pass.

[jayfan]

Good guys hanging in there. Not sure why Jerebko isn't getting any run. He was effective in Cleveland.

[navy]

Cavs have 5 ft attempts all by Bron. Chucking 3s though so they cant be mad.

[TylerOO]

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

WHO the **** IS SPECNER DINWIIDDIEE

[jayfan]

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

WHO the **** IS SPECNER DINWIIDDIEE

Rookie from Colorado. Dude is going to be nice.

[G0ATbe]

Kyrie:applause: . Brought the Cavs back when everyone else was playing like shit and hasn't stopped beasting since.

[christian1923]

Kyrie:bowdown:

What an amazing second option

[D-Wait]

Damn Ky, dont do em like that!

[Kingwillball]

Irving and Lebron leading the way once again would love to see Love more involved. I mean he is a good player but on this team right now is a glorified role player at best. In fact I would say TT is more important to this team right now.

[TylerOO]

Kyrie:applause: . Brought the Cavs back when everyone else was playing like shit and hasn't stopped beasting since.

How you bring a team that was winning the entire game "back"?

[Kingwillball]

Terrible Call on Smith there.. Was not even near Toliver on that 3.

[Meticode]

Refs reacting to bullshit. Tolliver shot that three and J.R. didn't even touch him and they called a foul. :lol

[edrick]

How you bring a team that was winning the entire game "back"?

No shit. If anything, Lebron brought the Cavs back in the first period. :roll:

[navy]

Irving and Lebron leading the way once again would love to see Love more involved. I mean he is a good player but on this team right now is a glorified role player at best. In fact I would say TT is more important to this team right now.
His three point shot has abandoned him this season. Might force him to stop shooting them.

[ctown4eva]

Refs have been shit all night. And I never complain about refs.

Don't you have to touch a guy to foul him? JR didnt even touch him.

[JT123]

Refs reacting to bullshit. Tolliver shot that three and J.R. didn't even touch him and they called a foul. :lol
Yup. Tolliver should get fined for that one. :facepalm

[DukeDelonte13]

Drummond looked non existent tonight.

[JT123]

Bron and Kyrie padding their stats right now. :oldlol:

[navy]

Lebron and Kyrie padding them stats

[Trollsmasher]

Bron and Kyrie padding their stats right now. :oldlol:
I like how they are taking turns at getting some stats:lol

Does Drummond normally have such a shitty touch around the rim?

[JebronLames]

covered -7.5 :dancin

[DukeDelonte13]

A road win is a road win. I'll take it.

Mozgov had another impressive game even though it didn't show up in the box score. He's really been just what the doctor ordered for the cavs.

[Meticode]

Well, chalk tonight up to Irving and LeBron being on and the Cavs playing decently defensively. All the Cavs freethrows came from LeBron until the end of the 4th quarter when Irving finally shot one.

Love not being utilized at all how he should. 8 of his 11 shots tonight were three pointers and he was 3/11 from the field overall.

Irving: 38pts/6ast/3reb/3stl/1blk
LeBron: 32pts/7ast/6reb/1stl

Anyone know why Mozgov didn't get much burn? Only played 20 minutes.

[TylerOO]

On to Portland. Lets keep it going!

[Meticode]

Bron and Kyrie padding their stats right now. :oldlol:
Pistons did it for them.

[lilteapot]

ugly game

[RedBlackAttack]

If Kyrie isn't an All-Star it will be a crime.

38 points on 13-of-22 shooting, 6 assists, 3 steals. Great energy defensively.

Another day at the office.

[navy]

Anyone know why Mozgov didn't get much burn? Only played 20 minutes.
Blatt doesnt have a solid rotation. Pretty sure it's what he use to do in Europe as well. Wing it on the fly.

[DukeDelonte13]

Well, chalk tonight up to Irving and LeBron being on and the Cavs playing decently defensively. All the Cavs freethrows came from LeBron until the end of the 4th quarter when Irving finally shot one.

Love not being utilized at all how he should. 8 of his 11 shots tonight were three pointers and he was 3/11 from the field overall.

Irving: 38pts/6ast/3reb/3stl/1blk
LeBron: 32pts/7ast/6reb/1stl

Anyone know why Mozgov didn't get much burn? Only played 20 minutes.


kinda a double edged sword with slowing the game down to get Love touches down low. Drummond and Monroe seemingly went MIA in the second half, no need to work them. I'd rather see the cavs play up tempo against a team like DET.

I'm fine with Love firing away from outside. They traded for him specifically for that reason.

EDIT: I don't think Mozzy was in foul trouble, i would have like to see more of him as well.

EDIT2: just heard on post game only cavs players to get to the line tonight were Kyrie and Lebron. Weird.

[RedBlackAttack]

I'm honestly not even that concerned with Love. He will eventually find his way on this team. He's too good a player not to. In the playoffs when the game really slows down, he is going to present matchup problems. Right now, we are playing more of an up-tempo style and I'm fine with it, especially against a giant, slow team like Detroit.

Love will be fine.

[Meticode]

On to Portland. Lets keep it going!
What's nice is the Cavs play in Cleveland against them. :rockon:

[bluechox2]

love again odd man out

[Meticode]

I'm honestly not even that concerned with Love. He will eventually find his way on this team. He's too good a player not to. In the playoffs when the game really slows down, he is going to present matchup problems. Right now, we are playing more of an up-tempo style and I'm fine with it, especially against a giant, slow team like Detroit.

Love will be fine.
Only way he's finding his way on the team is if they incorporate him into the offense. They're not doing that right now all for him. They should be running at least 5 plays a game with him on the elbow, he's so deadly from there, but they almost don't run anything there. It's going to bite us in the ass I think.

[Meticode]

kinda a double edged sword with slowing the game down to get Love touches down low. Drummond and Monroe seemingly went MIA in the second half, no need to work them. I'd rather see the cavs play up tempo against a team like DET.

I'm fine with Love firing away from outside. They traded for him specifically for that reason.

EDIT: I don't think Mozzy was in foul trouble, i would have like to see more of him as well.

EDIT2: just heard on post game only cavs players to get to the line tonight were Kyrie and Lebron. Weird.
Not really, the game slows down plenty of times. There are at least 5-10 times a game where LeBron or Irving barely get the ball up past halfcourt before the clock hits 16 seconds. That's 8 second just wasted off the clock just to get the ball up the court, and it's only the 2nd or 3rd quarter.

[DukeDelonte13]

Love is averaging 17 and 10 and playing on a winning basketball team.

Not earth shattering, but not too shabby either.

[Meticode]

Love is averaging 17 and 10 and playing on a winning basketball team.

Not earth shattering, but not too shabby either.
True, but you'd think he'd be more efficient considering the other weapons around him, instead of he's having the least efficient year of his career from the field. 43%. (not counting '12-'13 when he played injured and only 18 games that season).

[navy]

True, but you'd think he'd be more efficient considering the other weapons around him, instead of he's having the least efficient year of his career from the field. 43%. (not counting '12-'13 when he played injured and only 18 games that season).
Blatt doesnt seem to run any plays from the high post for any of the players. The opening play was a carousel from the three point line. Ran it a few times actually Odd because Lebron and Love are both good from the elbow. Cant argue with the results I guess.

[Lebronxrings]

lebron for mvp

[navy]

Kyrie for mvp
fixed

[RedBlackAttack]

I've been calling for more stuff from the elbow from Love all year. That's really always been his sweet spot and we haven't utilized it at all. But, it's still relatively early in this whole process (looking at the grand scheme) and I would be shocked if that kind of stuff isn't eventually put in.

Right now, he is basically playing a Mike Miller role out there which obviously isn't ideal. Like I said, I'm really not that concerned. He will figure it out and Blatt will figure out ways to work him into the offense more effectively. As long as they keep playing defense this way, the offense will take care of itself.

[Meticode]

LeBron and Irving to be co-MVP team-mates first time ever.

[tpols]

I've been calling for more stuff from the elbow from Love all year. That's really always been his sweet spot and we haven't utilized it at all. But, it's still relatively early in this whole process (looking at the grand scheme) and I would be shocked if that kind of stuff isn't eventually put in.

Right now, he is basically playing a Mike Miller role out there which obviously isn't ideal. Like I said, I'm really not that concerned. He will figure it out and Blatt will figure out ways to work him into the offense more effectively. As long as they keep playing defense this way, the offense will take care of itself.

Why would you be shocked? Chris bosh's sweet spot was the high post elbow as well.. Heat used it very well in 2011 and then gradually moved away from it.. Why would that change with love?

[J Shuttlesworth]

Solid game from LeBron, despite his jumper being off tonight. Loving watching him attack the paint in the first half especially. It always led to something. Cavs missed a ton of wide open jumpers in the first quarter.

Kyrie is just a freak man. God damn. It's good to see that Kyrie and LeBron are able to mesh together now. The chemistry looks to be there between the two.

Love... I guess it's already been said over and over, but he needs more looks. LeBron/Kyrie should be a little less selfish to get Love some looks. I just want to see him involved more because he brings a ton of energy when he is involved. Then again, Love isn't going to shine against a front court like the Pistons have, especially defensively.

Mozgov is making a giant difference again. Love his game

[J Shuttlesworth]

Why would you be shocked? Chris bosh's sweet spot was the high post elbow as well.. Heat used it very well in 2011 and then gradually moved away from it.. Why would that change with love?
Not really. That was still Bosh's go to spot even in 13-14. That's where he took most of his shots aside from the paint.

Really no reason Blatt can't implement it

[JT123]

Solid game from LeBron, despite his jumper being off tonight. Loving watching him attack the paint in the first half especially. It always led to something. Cavs missed a ton of wide open jumpers in the first quarter.

Kyrie is just a freak man. God damn. It's good to see that Kyrie and LeBron are able to mesh together now. The chemistry looks to be there between the two.

Love... I guess it's already been said over and over, but he needs more looks. LeBron/Kyrie should be a little less selfish to get Love some looks. I just want to see him involved more because he brings a ton of energy when he is involved. Then again, Love isn't going to shine against a front court like the Pistons have, especially defensively.

Mozgov is making a giant difference again. Love his game
Right now I think they are more concerned with winning games than making sure Love gets better stats. Besides, that's the point of having a coaching staff.

[tpols]

Not really. That was still Bosh's go to spot even in 13-14. That's where he took most of his shots aside from the paint.

Really no reason Blatt can't implement it
Bosh 10-16 ft shot attempts/total since 2011

19%
15%
13%
11%

This year.. 19%.

Year before in Toronto.. 19%.

His touches in that range steadily went down with lebron man. There's very little chance love sees a sudden resurgence in his touches there.

[J Shuttlesworth]

Bosh 10-16 ft shot attempts/total since 2011

19%
15%
13%
11%

This year.. 19%.

Year before in Toronto.. 19%.

His touches in that range steadily went down with lebron man. There's very little chance love sees a sudden resurgence in his touches there.
10-16 feet doesn't imply only shots on the elbow. A shot chart is much more accurate:

Here is his last year in TOR:

http://i.imgur.com/3noJYHi.png
http://i.imgur.com/ObShwvq.png

What I'm seeing is him taking less shots on the baseline, and more on the elbow/outside in Miami. Looks like he became much more comfortable with the left elbow too.

Here's 14 just for reference:

http://i.imgur.com/YLmfDAG.png
So he was still taking most attempts at the elbows (aside from the paint)

[tpols]

10-16 feet doesn't imply only shots on the elbow. A shot chart is much more accurate:

Here is his last year in TOR:

http://i.imgur.com/3noJYHi.png
http://i.imgur.com/ObShwvq.png

What I'm seeing is him taking less shots on the baseline, and more on the elbow/outside in Miami. Looks like he became much more comfortable with the left elbow too.

Here's 14 just for reference:

http://i.imgur.com/YLmfDAG.png
So he was still taking most attempts at the elbows (aside from the paint)

Your shot chart above shows a very clear outward movement in Chris Bosh's game.. Where as he used to be primary midrange he took way way more shots long and close proportionate to what he used to.

We're seeing the same thing with love except even more outward.

[J Shuttlesworth]

Your shot chart above shows a very clear outward movement in Chris Bosh's game.. Where as he used to be primary midrange he took way way more shots long and close proportionate to what he used to.

We're seeing the same thing with love except even more outward.
Sure, obviously Bosh was a floor spreader because of his mid-range game and developed the 3 pt shot. He still got plenty of looks on the elbow though... about as many as he got in Toronto.

I didn't watch much of Love in Minnesota, but if you guys are saying Love's sweet spot is also on the elbows, I can't see a logical reason why he wouldn't be able to get as many looks as Bosh got at that spot.

[tpols]

Sure, obviously Bosh was a floor spreader because of his mid-range game and developed the 3 pt shot. He still got plenty of looks on the elbow though... about as many as he got in Toronto.

I didn't watch much of Love in Minnesota, but if you guys are saying Love's sweet spot is also on the elbows, I can't see a logical reason why he wouldn't be able to get as many looks as Bosh got at that spot.
It's tough because Lebron is better than love from there.. He causes way more mismatches and is literally getting layup drills.. And if double comes it makes more sense for love to be at the 3 line for spacing reasons. If you give love touches there LeBron will have to camp the 3 line and that wouldn't be as efficient. Love really doesn't fit well with this team.

[J Shuttlesworth]

It's tough because Lebron is better than love from there.. He causes way more mismatches and is literally getting layup drills.. And if double comes it makes more sense for love to be at the 3 line for spacing reasons. If you give love touches there LeBron will have to camp the 3 line and that wouldn't be as efficient. Love really doesn't fit well with this team.
Actually I want to see more of Love handling the ball on the elbows and in the post. He's a good passer and LeBron is actually one of the most elite catch and shoot players in the league. Kyrie is solid on catch and shoots too, and JR's shot has been going in. Love's passing is one of the things the're not utilizing at all, aside from occasional fastbreak passes.

I also want to see the offense built around Love when LeBron is resting.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

lebron for mvp
Seconded.

[RedBlackAttack]

Actually I want to see more of Love handling the ball on the elbows and in the post. He's a good passer and LeBron is actually one of the most elite catch and shoot players in the league. Kyrie is solid on catch and shoots too, and JR's shot has been going in. Love's passing is one of the things the're not utilizing at all, aside from occasional fastbreak passes.

I also want to see the offense built around Love when LeBron is resting.
As well as Kyrie is playing? Love is a solid player, but I've seen nothing so far that leads me to believe he's a better go-to guy than Kyrie. Love needs to find his place on this team, but it is likely to be as a third option. Based on results thus far, that's where he should fall.

I think there are ways to better incorporate Love into the offense, but it shouldn't at the expense of Kyrie, who has been tasked with pretty much taking over when LeBron sits. Irving's usage is already way down and he's thriving. Why mess with a good thing?

At some point, it's on Love to adapt, not everyone else.

[J Shuttlesworth]

As well as Kyrie is playing? Love is a solid player, but I've seen nothing so far that leads me to believe he's a better go-to guy than Kyrie. Love needs to find his place on this team, but it is likely to be as a third option. Based on results thus far, that's where he should fall.

I think there are ways to better incorporate Love into the offense, but it shouldn't at the expense of Kyrie, who has been tasked with pretty much taking over when LeBron sits. Irving's usage is already way down and he's thriving. Why mess with a good thing?

At some point, it's on Love to adapt, not everyone else.
Yes, because I think Kyrie is a better off ball player than Love is. Love is a great passer too so he will find some good looks for Kyrie, especially if Love is playing in the post. It seems like Kyrie is still able to get many good looks playing alongside LeBron, and LeBron lets Kyrie get his fair share of ISOs as well.

Honestly, Blatt should give LeBron less minutes and give Love a better chance to prove himself. I agree Love should adapt, but he needs to earn his sets. I feel like Blatt isn't giving Love enough of a chance.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Cavs record is 24-12 in my book. This team is going to the finals.

[RedBlackAttack]

Jason Lloyd:


Cavs 103, Pistons 95; Jason Lloyd's 17 final thoughts following Cavs' seventh-straight win
By JASON LLOYD Published: January 28, 2015

AUBURN HILLS, MICH.: Seventeen thoughts for 17 free throw attempts in a 103-95 win over the Pistons on Tuesday…

1. Since last Monday’s win against the Chicago Bulls, the Cavs are holding opponents to 40.2 percent shooting. That’s third-best in the league behind the Wizards and Hornets. They’re holding opponents to 93.8 points, which ranks eighth and their plus/minus of plus-17 is third behind only the Warriors and Clippers.

2. In short, the Cavs have it rolling. We know this because they’re rolling even on nights when they’re not rolling. Like Tuesday.

3. Forget about the 103 points. The Cavs did not play well offensively. They only broke 100 for the eighth straight game because they scored 10 points from the free-throw line in the final minute when the Pistons resorted to fouling. Otherwise they shot 42 percent and missed a ton of open looks. Big deal. It happens.

4. But they won the game with another stiff defensive effort, by blocking four shots and holding the Pistons to 42 percent while forcing 18 turnovers.

5. “We couldn’t make a shot to start the game but that’s what we’ve been talking about,” LeBron James said. “You have to be able to rely on your defense to be able to get stops until your offense gets some type of rhythm.”

6. Only James and Kyrie Irving ever really developed that rhythm Tuesday. James scored 32 and Irving matched his season high with 38, including 16 in the fourth quarter. They combined for 70 of the Cavs’ 103 points on a night no one else was giving much offensively.

7. J.R. Smith missed his first seven shots and ended the night 2-for-11. Kevin Love shot 3-for-11. The rest of the Cavs’ starters (outside James and Irving) combined for 18 points and 16 rebounds. But the Cavs gutted out a win because they defended.

8. David Blatt refuses to give specifics about the defensive turnaround. Asked about it again tonight he said simply: “Tactic, principles, personnel and commitment.” But the pick-and-roll scheme the Cavs have used to fuel this turnaround does a better job of cutting the floor in half. Teams talk all the time about swinging the ball from side to side offensively. The Cavs’ defense right now is preventing that from happening.

9. How good is this team right now? So good that apparently the opponents are no longer even worrying about Kevin Love, who struggled through another tough shooting night. He made only one basket in each of the first three quarters and went scoreless in the fourth when Irving and James combined for 26 of the Cavs’ 28 points.

10. “Everybody did a pretty good job on Kevin Love tonight, I thought. I thought we defended him pretty well,” Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said. “That’s how talented they are. You go into a game and, I don’t know, Kevin Love’s been an All-Star for what? Three, four years? You don’t even talk about him in your preparation hardly. That’s how good the other guys are.”

11. James had an injury scare late in the third quarter when he landed awkwardly after going up to defend a shot from Jodie Meeks. James was flat on the ground for a few minutes – while Pistons fans booed – flexing his right wrist and rotating it to make sure it wasn’t broke. When he did stand up he came out of the game, but returned minutes later to start the fourth. James broke his left wrist in an AAU game while in high school when he was undercut while going up for a basket. He had flashbacks to that play Tuesday night.

12. “I broke my wrist before landing on my wrist like that,” James said. “Tonight I was on my way to either falling on my face or using my hands. My arms both of them numbed up and I was a little scared. I was trying to brace my fall on my hands.” No medical tests were needed, he said, because he returned and finished the game.

13. Andre Drummond blocked six shots tonight for the Pistons, but Irving gave him his own rejection after the game. Drummond sent a clubhouse attendant to the Cavs’ locker room to get an autographed jersey from Irving. But Irving told the attendant he’d already given his jersey away.

14. Irving was huge for the Cavs in the fourth quarter. His 3-pointer with 1:05 left, after Drummond missed two point-blank shots at the basket, was essentially the winner. It put the Cavs up 10 again after the Pistons had a chance to cut the lead to five.

15. “He’s an All-Star player,” Blatt said. “And I sure hope he’s there because he sure deserves it.” The All-Star reserves will be announced Thursday.

16. Big game Wednesday against the Blazers, who have been in Cleveland for a couple of days already after their game against the Knicks was cancelled because of the blizzard. The Blazers lead their division and are currently third in the West. They hammered the Cavs during the early days of the season, but this is a much, much different looking Cavs team.

17. James said the other day the Cavs are mentally tougher now. He expanded on that tonight. “A team can make a run on us and we won’t crack like we did earlier in the season,” James said. “That comes with games, it comes with being together and experience. Even tonight with Detroit they made a little run, we held serve and made plays, got enough stops, got to the free-throw line and made shots. That’s just all part of the process.” Talk to you tomorrow from the Q.


http://www.ohio.com/sports/lloyd/cavs-103-pistons-95-jason-lloyd-s-17-final-thoughts-following-cavs-seventh-straight-win-1.562158

[Cocaine80s]

[QUOTE=RedBlackAttack]13. Andre Drummond blocked six shots tonight for the Pistons, but Irving gave him his own rejection after the game. [B]Drummond sent a clubhouse attendant to the Cavs

[J Shuttlesworth]

wtf is this supposed to mean? :biggums:

why would drummond even ask that lol
Probably his kid wanted a signed Kyrie jersey

[Cocaine80s]

Probably his kid wanted a signed Kyrie jersey
isnt Drummond like 20 tho?

[inclinerator]

Probably his kid wanted a signed Kyrie jersey
he doesnt have kids

[RoundMoundOfReb]

wtf is this supposed to mean? :biggums:

why would drummond even ask that lol
Players trade signed jerseys as memorabilia sometimes. Drummond signs his jersey and gives it to Irving and Irving does the same to him...


https://twitter.com/peanuttillman/status/503053090699087872

[RedBlackAttack]

Drummond is a weird cat. Let's face it.

[J Shuttlesworth]

he doesnt have kids
Maybe a niece of nephew :confusedshrug:

[inclinerator]

Maybe a niece of nephew :confusedshrug:
naw bruh

[J Shuttlesworth]

naw bruh
Is drummond really that weird? :biggums:

[J Shuttlesworth]

BTW, Cavs schedule looks pretty good the next couple weeks. Out of the next 8, the only ones I see them potentially losing is tomorrow against Portland, or against the Clippers. they did beat the Clippers recently, so maybe they can win at home too.

Plus aren't the Blazers dealing with an Aldridge injury? Possibly 8 more wins coming up

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Cavs would win 60 games if they had their current roster healthy for the whole season.

[BigTicket]

BTW, Cavs schedule looks pretty good the next couple weeks. Out of the next 8, the only ones I see them potentially losing is tomorrow against Portland, or against the Clippers. they did beat the Clippers recently, so maybe they can win at home too.

Plus aren't the Blazers dealing with an Aldridge injury? Possibly 8 more wins coming up

Yeah, 6 out if 9 games before the allstar break are against sub .500 opponents, and 6 of 9 are home games as well. With this schedule it should be possible to go 7-2 or maybe even 8-1 if the Cavs can maintain their current level.

The toughest matchup is today against the Blazers. If the Cavs can win that one, they have an excellent chance of stretching the current winning streak to 10+, which would be great for team morale and confidence.

[DukeDelonte13]

super excited for today's game. It's going to be a loooonnnggg day at work.

[RedBlackAttack]

super excited for today's game. It's going to be a loooonnnggg day at work.
+1

[lilteapot]

super excited for today's game. It's going to be a loooonnnggg day at work.

Y'all are gonna lose

[El Gato Negro]

super excited for today's game. It's going to be a loooonnnggg day at work.
Should be a win with all the blazers injuries but we shall see.

[DukeDelonte13]

Y'all are gonna lose


eh :confusedshrug:

who cares.

I'm going to eat wings drink beer and watch basketball. I'm going to win in the end.