23 or 24?

In lieu of Kobe's recent run, which by the way is probably the most impressive 3-game run in recent basketball history (and oh yea they've won all 3 games), we here at CursedCleveland.com figured it was time to do a little comparison of Lebron and Kobe...so without further ado here we go:

Outside Game: Lets keep in mind that LeBron is not even through his fourth year of play, and let me also say that we are more than thrilled to have LeBron in Cleveland, and that we are well aware that our franchise lays primarily within his wings. That being said, Kobe Bryant is far and away a better shooter than LeBron, and the big argument is that Kobe wasn't as good as LeBron at this point in their respective careers. Well, Kobe did average 22.5 pts, 6 rebounds and 5 assists a game in his fourth year, while winning an NBA championship and shooting 46% from the floor and 83% from the foul line. LeBron, so far this year, is averaging 27 pts, 7 rebounds and 6 assists a game, while shooting 48% from the floor and a miserable 69% from the foul line. Yes we know Kobe played with a dominant Shaq at that time, however his supporting cast is average at best now, and you have to wonder if LeBron will ever be able to take over a game from the outside like Kobe does on a nightly basis shooting jumpers that have a ridiculous degree of difficulty...Edge: Kobe Bryant.

Inside Game: Lebron can get to the basket whenever he wants...but isn't that the problem considering he often seems content hoisting up bad shots and fadeaways that simply aren't a strong suit of his? Does anyone else notice that if 'Bron makes one jumper, he launches another on the next possession without fail? Kobe doesn't go to the basket quite as much as he used to, but when he does he is very efficient and is still on of the most dynamic dunkers in the game (stay tuned,our staff is in the process of compiling a dunkers analysis). LeBron is simply unstoppable in the paint, and at some times so is Kobe - who is the superior post-up player, however we have got to give the edge to LeBron here...Edge: LeBron(When he wants it).

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Big Time Win!

Detroit, Michigan - How about the Cavaliers goin into the Palace of Terrible Referees and coming out with a huge overtime victory tonight!! I can't tell you how into this game I was, and for the first time since last year's playoffs I actually found myself screaming at the television, fist pumping, and complaining like crazy...but man does this one feel good. Part of the reason for this blissful high is a result of my hatred for the thugs from Detroit, who get every single call and then complain like babies any time a call doesn't go their way (First half stat: Cavs shot 10 free throws, Detroit shot 29). Everybody stepped it up on the defensive end, forcing 13 turnovers and more importantly playing help-side defense (most of the time).

As big of a Lebron James critic as I have been this season, I am thrilled with his reemergence as a team leader and tonight he made one hell of a statement (If you didn't get out of your seat when he swatted Rip Hamilton in overtime you shouldn't call yourself a Cavs fan). Lebron scored a season high 41 points this evening, which is most impressive because he hasn't fared too well against Detroit over the years (He certainly gets a Cursed Cleveland GameBall for this performance). I'll even forget about the missed free throws...and ok fine even the one in overtime that could have made it a two posession game. Larry Hughes has started to really impress as well (12-8-6 this evening), taking the point guard position and really getting out and running with the ball. Also, Damon Jones has apparently decided that coaching is the best way for him to get involved in the game, since he hasn't sniffed the floor in weeks... and I gotta say I like to see him in there helpin out the troops in the huddle while Mike Brown is too busy spitting in cups (Man I loved to see the intensity out of the Coach tonight, you could tell he really wanted this win).

This evening, the Cavs drew to within two games of Detroit for the coveted #1 seed in the East. With the Pistons heading out west for some very difficult games over the next few weeks, if we can keep this train runnin' we just may be sittin' on top of the conference at the end of the month. Finally, I'd like to apologize to those of you who count on me to be eternally negative regarding this Cavs team (And well pretty much everything else). I tend to be a little funnier when ripping on the teams I love, but right now I'm going to enjoy this win and get ready for the certain let down that will take place when the Cavs travel to Milwaukee on Saturday.

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Cavs vs. Hornets Complete Recap

First Quarter: First of all lets go ahead and say happy birthday to Daniel Gibson, who turned 15 today, and is said to be eagerly anticipating being able to get his temporary drivers license this year. As for the start of the game, the Cavs seemed to be able to get any shot they wanted... however making them was a different issue all together. It was nice to see Sasha return to the court from flu-like symptoms (I suppose he's a little run down after spending the bulk of his time starring in Fox's hit show Prison Break). After one quarter of play: Cavs 25, Hornets 18.

Second Quarter: The second quarter started off at a make-up sex pace...bodies flying everywhere and a look of anger in the combatants' eyes. The Cavs were able to overcome an early run by David West and company, and Lebron finished off one of his most complete halves of the year: 13, 6 & 5 (He also had one of his best dunks of the year, which drew the oohs and ahhs of about 17 die-hard fans). He looked well on his way to a triple double, and the Cavs defensive effort seemed to have them well on their way to a home victory. Halftime: Cavs 52, Hornets 43.

Third Quarter: I started off watching the second half with a pretty good feeling about the way the Cavs were playing, and that's been a rare occurrence as of late....aaaand then jump shot time began (I don't think that Mike Brown's halftime speech included the words "Hey guys, I want you to go out there and forget about what's been working for us; just stand around and launch fadeaways for a while." However, the way the team came out, you could easily convince me that this was the plan). Thankfully for the Cavs, the Hornets forgot how to play defense as the quarter dragged on, and Chris Paul figured it'd be a good idea to get into foul trouble and not attack on the offensive end. The Cavs also switched gears and started attacking the basket again, and what do you know they extended their lead. At the end of the third: Cavs 77, Hornets 65.

Fourth Quarter & Final Thoughts: A couple of questions to start with: Why is it that Larry Hughes can't dribble a basketball? And, how many times during this game can he drive to the basket, and just lose control of the ball without anyone even swiping at it? Those being asked, the Cavs came out in the fourth extremely flat, and the Hornets quickly cut into the lead. With four minutes left, the game was tied at 83, my remote was broken and King Nick's lock of the night wasn't lookin so hot. I don't know why when the end of the game comes around, the playbook really gets creative and has LBJ holding the ball at the top of the key until there's only five or six seconds left on the shot clock, but hopefully we can resolve that in time for the playoffs. Just because I wrote that, Lebron went ahead and hit two consecutive 28-foot three pointers to ice the game, and although I don't agree with the shot selection, I will shut up because they went in. The Cavs had 16 turnovers tonight, which is certainly something to improve on, although they showed resilience in being able to hold off a few big second-half runs to get the home victory. Was great to see Lebron show the ability to finish a game again, man I missed that. All in all, not a bad Tuesday night. Cavs 97, Hornets 89.

photo courtesy of Mark Duncan/ AP

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Agent Zero Rips LeBron

"LeBron Bashing;" it seems to be a growing trend in the local media (See Branson Wright, Brian Windhorst, CursedCleveland.com, AmandaBynes.com). Now other star players are getting into the act, such as Hibachi himself.

"The guy LeBron needs is Sam Cassell," says Arenas, "He needs someone who wants to take the big shots at the end of the game." I interject that LeBron would never stand for that -- it would kill his ego. "LeBron would much rather have Cassell take the final shot," says Arenas. "People don't realize that LeBron doesn't want it." - DCS ports Blog

Wow, Sam-I-Am getting more fanfare than LeBron. Perhaps the "King" will be launching his own revenge tour. Only instead of scoring 50 on an opponent, he'll try to make at least 50% from the foul line. Continue Entry»

If You Like Guys, You Better Let Ya Boy LeBron Know!

CLEVELAND, OHIO - On the eve of a very important confrontation with the Miami Heat (Who's season we may have already resurrected letting them steal one from us last week), Lebron James feels it's important to let his opinions on homosexuals in the NBA be heard. According the cantonrep.com, Lebron thinks that trust is very important between teammates, and that if you are gay and don't let your boys know, then you aren't trustworthy. Personally, I think he should be more worried about the current problems with the Cavs offense than who is looking at him in the shower, but hey priorities are different for everyone. Note to other Cavs players: Watch the way you slap Lebron's ass from now on, you might lose his trust! Continue Entry»

Cavs.com Caption Contest

One of our favorite websites, Cavs.com, is really rolling out the wacky internet gimmicks with their newest "Create a Caption" contest. This would have been a good idea had we not picked up on it. Here are the instructions:

"Submit your best caption using your humor, wit and creativity and we'll post the best ones"

Granted, we're a website that often lacks in the humor, wit and creativity department, but we thought we'd give it a whirl anyway. Hey, Ira Newble can't dribble or shoot, but he plays in the NBA right? So here are the captions we will be formally submitting.

"Look at all those guys on the floor not faking a toe injury!"

"Three perimeter players who can't shoot"

"We are continually disappointed with this administration's failure to provide a lucid, intelligible solution to the current middle-eastern quagmire, with respect to the current geopolitical realities that persist between the separatists and the other warring factions"

"Hurry up and make this our default image on Facebook...oh wait, LeBron doesn't have a valid college e-mail address"

"Reaction to one of Eric Snow's jumpshots"

"What happens at Synergy, stays at Synergy"

photo courtesy of Getty images Continue Entry»

Lebron Jr.

photo courtesy of espn.com

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Bears star linebacker Brian Urlacher will reportedly sit out the worst event in sports (Yes, I'm obviously referring to the Pro Bowl) due to a toe injury that he suffered while not stopping the run in the Super Bowl yesterday. Fellow star athlete Lebron James can certainly understand where Urlacher is coming from...

"You hate to see one of the great players in the league go down with a fake toe injury," James sympathized. "His only mistake was not faking it earlier. He could have then milked it as an excuse afterwards; a little 'wrinkle' I picked up this season."

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Nationally Televised Embarassment

AP Photo/ Alan Diaz

MIAMI, FLORIDA - This evening two of the NBA's superstars went head to head in the most popular city in the country, and one man came out head and shoulders above the other. That player was not Cleveland's Lebron James, who has been a shadow of his former self this year. Lebron now falls to 0-7 in Miami for his career, and went a miserable 3-for-8 from the free throw line tonight to go with 6-for-18 from the floor (Maybe he should take lessons from D-Wade, who consistently went to the basket all night long, got to the line, then actually made his free throws, and took over a very important basketball game for his team). Dwyane Wade outclassed, outwilled and outplayed Lebron during this contest, and even went as far as outscoring the entire Cavs team 24-23 in the fourth quarter. I don't know about the rest of you Cavs fans, but I'm getting real tired of watching Lebron miss clutch free throws down the stretch that cost us games (Let's not get started on the flagrant foul that was totally unnecessary and pointlessly gave the Heat a two-possession lead).

Perhaps we got spoiled with Lebron last year (Remember the guy who went to the basket, seemed to have a will to win, and wasn't lazy on both ends of the court), and it's starting to become apparent that he may not be the same player until he realizes that he's not a jumpshooter.

Bright spots for the Cavs were the career-high 19 points from Daniel Gibson (who inexplicably wasn't in the game with 3 seconds left when we needed 3 points to tie, but yes Z was in the game), and the continued impressive offensive game from Sasha Pavlovic. Cavs coach Mike Brown, who seemed to have found something in the third quarter and early into the fourth with his bench bunch, came back with Z and Lebron at the end and that proved to cost us the game. Just a thought: The high pick and roll with Z and Lebron DOESN'T WORK, nor does it take a very intelligent basketball mind to figure this out. Clearly that is why we ran that miserable play on every possession in the last 6 minutes of this game.

It should be interesting to see if Lebron gets suspended by the league for his hit on Wade, considering how Kobe Bryant just received a 1-gamer for something not nearly as bad. If so, the Cavs will probably win another game without him when they host Charlotte tomorrow night, and then we'll find ourselves wondering again "Are we really better without Lebron right now?"

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LeBron Will Play Tonight

According to the Miami Herald, LeBron will play tonight. It's not like this was predictable or anything, I mean, this is a nationally televised game.

Also, some crazy message board rumors have been circulating regarding Bibby and Artest coming to Cleveland for Gibson, Hughes and Gooden. We will not even begin to dignify such a ridiculous trade with valuable CursedCleveland.com space. Continue Entry»

Former 3 Point Champion Disses Cavs

AP Photo/Mark Duncan

In today's installment of ESPN's Daily Dime, NBA analyst (And former terrible NBA player) Tim Legler predicted the playoff seedings for the Eastern Conference. According to Tim, the Cavs will finish in 5th in the East, behind Detroit, Washington, Chicago and New Jersey. In his analysis, he stated that the wine and gold were the proud owners of the least creative offense in the league (No Shit... I guess this is why they pay him the big bucks, to point out things that 3rd graders know). He also noted frustration in Lebron's body language (Something one dude shouldn't say about another dude), and claimed that the guys on the set as well as the cameramen could have done damage against Golden State last night. The Cavs continue to be easy targets for criticism from commentators around the league (Yes, even ones who never averaged more than 9 points a game for their careers and switched back and forth between the NBA, the CBA, the ILA) and I can't wait to see what Charles Barkley has in store for the Cavs after Thursday's matchup with the defending champs.

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Cavs Improve to 8-2 Without LeBron

CLEVELAND - Mike Brown is the best coach ever. First he benches Eric Snow for the rookie Daniel Gibson. Then he decides to insert Sasha into the starting lineup in the spot vacated by LeBron James. He then tells the team to pretend they are the Phoenix Suns for one game. And what do you know, it actually all worked. The Golden State Warriors have a way of making coaches look really good - with the exception of their own. A few things that were either learned or reinforced tonight:

Gibson made the most of is starting lineup-debut. Count us as temporarily leaping on the Daniel Gibson bandwagon. Counts us off as soon as he has an off game. We're consistent like that.

LeBron was in a better defensive stance on the bench than he's been in all season. We kid Lebron, we kid.

The Warriors couldn't play defense if their lives depended on it, literally. Reports circulated that Don Nelson threatened his team before tonight's game that they would have to keep the Cavaliers below 120 or they would receive the Uday treatment.

Donyell Marshall must have taken his DeLorean back to the mid 90's. Two dunks on two consecutive possessions, with an actual team of basketball players attempting to protect the basket? That's precisely why they inked him to that $5 million a year...to come up big on January 30th, 2007.

Fred McLeod has some interesting angles. At one point or another, he praised just about every Warriors player as having a "career" year. At 21-24, looks like they can only get worse.

Free throw shooting is still inconsistent, even w/o LeBron! Cavs went 28-39 from the stripe.

Sasha can really play (once in awhile). 24 points on 7/11 from the field. Could there possibly be a better time to trade him?

And finally, ball movement was the best it's been. Look, we know LBJ is a phenomenal talent. We know he put on a show last year in the playoffs. But what's clear to us is that the offense is stagnate with him in the game. We know he's unselfish (for the most part), but he needs to keep the ball moving for Brown's offense to work. He can't just pound the ball into the floor at the top of the key while the defense gets set - that's not good basketball.

photo courtesy of cbssportsline Continue Entry»

Stars Align for NBA Skills Challenge

Photo Courtesy of hammer.yirku.net

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - This year, the NBA Skills Challenge will play host to the 4 biggest stars in the league today: Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash and Lebron James (Nash and Wade are past champions....Who Cares?). I wonder if they forgot that this is the worst competition that All-Star Weekends have featured since "2-Ball." I don't know about the rest of you, but I can't wait to see the superstars of this league dribbling around an obstacle course and passing balls into nets before shooting one non-climactic shot to stop the clock (Way more exciting than watching three of the league's best dunkers in the dunk contest and Nash in the 3-pt. Shootout). Personally, I'd rather watch the rookie game, the old-timers game, hell I'd rather watch a badminton game than this terrible event.

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All Toe Up: Lebron Might Rest Big Toe

There are so many heroic stories in sports, but none is quite like the plight of LeBron James. Alonzo Mourning came back from kidney cancer, Pat Tillman died fighting in Afghanistan and Kobe Bryant came back from rape charges (well that's not heroic but the fact he was able to keep his ridiculously beautiful wife after the ordeal was). LeBron James, well LeBron James hurt his big toe and played through it.........for awhile.

It appears James is contemplating sitting out a few games to rest his toe. As anticipated, X-Rays and an MRI confirmed #23 needs to grow a set and man up. Doctors aren't exactly sure how he hurt it but they did confirm that the injury doesn't look like the result of any overexertion on the defensive side of the ball. James was able to shoot around, stretch and toss the pigskin around at practice with fellow cavalier Sasha Pavlovic, but it is still unclear whether he will be ready to go this week.

"We're playing every other day and we have back-to-backs and there isn't much rest time.....It's something I need to think about and sit down with the coaches and come up with a solution," James said.

It's not all sad news though in the world of LeBron James. His foundation hosted a celebrity roast on Sunday to raise money and to well... honor himself. LeBron hosted the likes of Cedric the Entertainer (who hasn't come up with any new material since the Original Kings of Comedy), Paul Rodriquez (who can only make Hispanic people laugh) and Ralphie May (who has never made anyone laugh). After dinner, the "King" showed a video about his foundation and then, of course, finished it off by thanking his mother for raising him and for the tab he still has for her DUI and kicking out the window of a police cruiser.

Photo Courtesy of cnnsi.com

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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!

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Cavs Earn Split Against Lowly Sixers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Looks like LeBron's supporting cast isn't so bad after all. As much as we wanted to make jokes galore about splitting a home-and-home against the Oden-bound Sixers, the Cavaliers were able to get back on track in what was a much needed victory. Some things we definitely learned tonight:

Daniel Gibson is going to get more playing time. His penetration and shot making is desperately needed on this team.

Andre Miller still has a ton of game - A Jason kidd-esque 12-13-12 triple double. The guy can play in the half court, and get out in transition. He's doing everything he can to sabotage the Sixers chances of getting the first pick. You know Billy King is trying to acquire Darius Miles as we speak.

When Damon Jones goes 5-7 from behind the arc, the Cavaliers can beat anyone. We also know that when he goes 0-8, they will lose to everyone.

The DuckTail still has his moments. Gooden throws up a much needed 21 and 10.

Rodney Carney can score , leap, and do nothing else. One assist and one rebound in 34 minutes...but gotta give him some credit, the rookie has a jumper.

Apparently Fred McLeod lived the 2005-06 season vicariously through Michael Reghi. He often regales us with stories about last seasons team as if he was front and center.

"This comeback was reminiscent of last season's effort at the Wachovia Center"..I even remember what suit I wore, and what me and Austin had for Dinner. I think I even said that we could 'Book this one to the Cavs.'"

I'm not even commenting on the "Fathead" reference for Larry's Dunk. Let's just say thank goodness Gilbert doesn't own Viagara.

photo courtesy of cbssportsline.com Continue Entry»

Nothing to Worry About?

photo courtesy of espn.com

CLEVELAND, OHIO - I'm at a loss for words (actually no, I'm not). After the loss to the Magic Monday night at home, Cavs star Lebron James told the media that the team was still close to the top in the East and that there was "Nothing to worry about (and boy was he ever wrong)." Tonight, the Cavs played host to the Philadelphia 76ers, a team who was coming in on the second night of a back to back and had previously been 5-20 on the road this year (they were also 1-11 on the second night of back to back games this year). The Cavs let another one slip away 118-115 in double overtime, and now we have to wonder when things are going to turn around. Andre Iguodala played a fantastic game, scoring 34 points (including 12-12 from the line). He came up very big down the stretch, taking it to our beloved King, and scoring at will (Did anyone else see Lebron stand and watch Andre shoot and make the three pointer at the end of regulation that cut it to a 1 point game? Or maybe you saw Lebron escort Iguodala to the basket at the end of regulation to sink the basket that put the game into OT? I must have been having a bad dream).

Let me first say that yes, Lebron James is one of the best players in the NBA today. He is our only realistic chance at a championship anytime in the near future, and for that reason maybe we're expecting too much out of the 22 year old. Tonight he scored 39 points, but allowed his man to score 34 (The problem here is that Iguodala hit all of his free throws, and James missed 3 huge free throws down the stretch. Is this ever going to stop being a point of concern with this guy?). But hey, there's nothing to worry about! Tonight's "Average player who played out of his mind against the Cavs Award" goes to Samuel Dalembert, who went off for 20 and 10 (This is double his yearly pts. average). Congrats Sammy!

After the game, Mike Brown told the media that the team needs to "reestablish it's defensive identity." Hey Mike, there is no defensive identity! Lebron James has proven to be unable to cover anyone 1-on-1, and the slow lateral movement of our enforcer in the middle (Yes, I'm talking about Z, who's hardly an enforcer and eats more elbows than any center in the game) has proven to be a major crutch in our helpside defense. Offensively we don't run, we don't shoot for a high percentage, we don't move without the ball and we don't make free throws (Things are lookin' good). Friday the Wine & Gold pushovers go into Philly to mix it up with these same feisty Sixers, and then they'll host Phoenix on Sunday (We match up about as well with these guys as Dennis Rodman did with Carmen Electra). However, all of these problems that I just discussed aren't significant, because King James says there's "Nothing to Worry About."

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Microsoft Befriends Cavs Superstar (Who hasn't?)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - The Associated Press is reporting that Cavs star forward Lebron James will be a part of the new advertising campaign for Microsoft's new operating system: Windows Vista. He will make what are said to be "cameo" appearances on tv commercials which will begin airing on January 30th. King James is the first ever NBA player used in the promotion of Microsoft products. There has been no report on the terms of this deal, though James is already worth about $150 million in endorsements. Last year, James told the Associated Press that one of his primary goals was "to be the richest man in the world." Here's an idea, how about listing winning an NBA championship as your primary goal, after putting a scare into Cleveland fans by only signing a 3 year deal this past offseason. I'm glad to see that Lebron has had extra time to film commercials and become an advertising icon over the past year, and I do understand that this is a business before anything else. However, as the man that we as Cavs fans have put our faith into to bring us a title, I'd like to see him focus more on addressing the problems with this team's lack of offensive production instead of television appearances (although if these ones are as solidly produced as "The Lebrons" commercials for Nike, I may be a little easier on him).

Photo courtesy of jumpingadvantage.com

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Effort-LESS

CLEVELAND, OHIO - Tonight the Cavs showed some real backbone by coming home after a big road victory and getting smoked by the Orlando Magic. Lebron led the sissies in wine and gold with 18 points and 5 assists (More importantly, he stayed hot from the free throw stripe going 6 of 13). I'm especially proud of Big Z, who came out tonight and really made a statement (5 points on 2 of 5 from the floor, with 4 personal fouls and a lacerated eye). Even more impressive were the fans in attendance who I don't think muttered a cheer or even bothered to get out of their seats once (Although who could blame them watching this lifeless team). The highlights of the game included Lebron going 1 of 5 shooting Michael Jordan's patented turn around jumper, and Darko Milicic going baseline and stuffing home a dunk that could have easily been prevented by something high-school coaches call weak side help. Go Cavs!

Photo courtesy of espn.com

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Stepping Up

CLEVELAND, OHIO - As much as I don't want to like him, Gilbert Arenas sure is making it tough on me. He did nothing but impress his critics last year in a hard-fought playoff series with my beloved Cavs, and I think everyone who is a true fan of the game who watched that series gained a new level of respect for the former Arizona star.

Seeing the way that he has come back hungrier in the '06-07 season (much like Lebron James...?) has caused me to admit that "Agent 0" is moving up my list of favorite players to watch in the NBA (Of course he's not going to rise above Kobe, well unless he is traded to the Lakers, wears the number 8, goes to trial for supposedly.... I'd better stop here). Seriously though, isn't that what you want from your star player, to come back better and stronger every year? Don't you want him to be so upset about losing a playoff series that he spends the entire offseason striving to come back and win it all the next year?

After another abysmal performance by the Cavs last night, the Wizards are now tied for the top spot in the Eastern Conference (Which is a hell of a feat considering neither team would be seeded in the top 6 in the West if the playoffs were to start today). Monday night in Utah, Arenas hit what in my opinion was one of the sweetest game winning shots I have ever "Witnessed." It wasn't the degree of difficulty, or the pressure situation (the game was tied so a miss didn't mean a loss), but rather it was the premature celebration displayed right when the ball came off his fingertips (see above picture). Bottom line: I'm a sucker for players with a chip on their shoulder (A "Nobody Can Stop Me" attitude doesn't hurt either), and lately I've been struggling to find one in my hometown.

photo courtesy of espn.com Continue Entry»

West Coast Slip

This column is the first in our series "Serious and Legitimate Sports Articles. " Any jokes will be minimal and at best, accidental. Anyone looking for hilarity can either scroll down, or check out MargaretCho.com.

When NBA teams embark on their mid-season coastal swings, it’s generally a time where players learn a little bit about themselves and their teammates. Gone are the distractions of family and friends, replaced instead with team building excursions, or in Stephen Jackson's case, trips to and from various crime scenes. Five games into the most challenging road trip thus far for the Cavaliers, fans are also starting to find out just what this team is all about.

Last night’s loss to the 16-24 Trail Blazers might not define the season. The Cavaliers, after all, still have the top spot in the East. But they won’t for long, if they continue to put forth the lack of effort that’s been plaguing them of late. Losing to a Seattle team without Rashard Lewis is one thing, but getting routed by the unremarkable Blazers is another.

A cursory look at LeBron’s shot chart indicates it was one of those games, the type that features an affinity for outside shots on offense, and a lack of resolve on the defense end. Last night was not the time for such a night; the Cavs needed their captain to get through a game-long malaise. What they didn’t need was an 8 for 21 night from the field. He hinted that fatigue was probably a factor.

“My legs weren't under my jump shot," James said. "For some reason, I just couldn't get under it. I started to attack late in the game but it was too late.”

Tired legs do not explain his continued plight at the free throw line. James made only 6 of 13 attempts to bring his average down to 71 percent. Perhaps he should take a cue from Greg Oden and switch hands. The freshman center is shooting 75 percent with his opposite hand in his last 6 games, while LeBron continues to struggle with his dominant hand.

Rookie Daniel Gibson was the lone bright spot. He went 4-of-7 from the field, adding 10 points and three assists. On the defensive end, he still looks like a rookie, getting lost in the half court as often as Fred McLeod says "rubber rim." Although his attack-first mindset will earn him more minutes and will hopefully rub off on the rest of his teammates.

The Cavaliers still have the chance to right the ship. They have winnable games against Denver and Golden State to round out their west coast tour. Unless the Cavaliers either make a personnel change before the trade deadline, or start to find their identity; the team that has emerged during this trip might actually be exactly who they are.

photo courtesy of CBSsportsline

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