Sun Sets on Helpless Cavaliers

AP Photo/Mark Duncan

CLEVELAND, OHIO - For 3 quarters this afternoon, the Cavs were able to keep up with the hottest team in the NBA. When the fourth quarter began, the Cavs decided to score 2 points in the first 7.5 minutes and watch the Suns run away with a game that the Cavs desperately needed to win (They also decided to allow uncontested jumpers to rain through the nets one after another).

For a team in search of an identity, losing games at home and being unable to score on a team that is known around the league for a lack of defensive prowess certainly doesn't help the cause. Larry Hughes looked absolutely dreadful this afternoon (Who could have predicted that?), going 3-13 from the field with 3 turnovers. Lebron went for 30-9-5, but down the stretch wasn't able to entice his troops into forging any sort of resistance to the Suns barrage of wide open three-point shots (On a side note, I have gained a new level of respect for Steve Nash after watching his unparalelled level of efficiency at the Q today).

The bright spot in today's game was the play of PF Drew Gooden, who went for 19 points and 14 rebounds (8 of which were on the offensive end). I wonder if the Cavs lack of consistency this year has anything to do with differing rotations on a nightly basis? Nobody gets consistent minutes (Z played 13 minutes today), and it's causing problems throughout the lineup (I heard Danny Ferry is going to get a few minutes in the next game).

Having heard no real rumors of any potential trades, we must wonder what the front office is thinking watching this team continually underachieve. The Cavs have too many average guys who can come in and produce minimally, but lack that one other stud to compliment Lebron and take this team over the top (Larry just doesn't fit into this style of offense). If nothing is done to bring in some help, this team will continue to be miserable to watch and bow out in the first or second round of the playoffs....AGAIN!