Pathetic. Humiliating. Embarrassing. Spineless.
You guys got any better words to describe that game?
Cavs Leaders: Points: Irving, 17; Rebounds: Thompson, 6; Assists: Sessions, 5
Quick Thoughts:
That was so bad. I was incredibly embarrassed watching that game. That was one of those performances that made me sick to my stomach. If someone asked me "Hey you're a Cavs fan, right?" last night, I would have considered saying, "Not tonight I'm not." It was that bad. Utter obliteration in a game that the fans wanted more than any other. Disgraceful.
I talked about how Byron Scott would get his guys fired up and ready for this game. Apparently he didn't, but should it really be necessary for the coach to do that? I mean, this is against the Heat with the craziest crowd of the year. The energy is the arena was obviously crazy, and you come out and start the game down 20-2? Please. That goes beyond Byron. That's just pathetic on the part of the players. Scott had one of the best quotes I've heard.
Byron Scott told Waiting For Next Year:
"It boggles my mind that you're scared of another man."
That sums it up perfectly. How are you going to let one player intimidate you and thoroughly embarrass you on your home court? The Cavaliers looked scared. They looked like they didn't want to be on the floor mere minutes after the opening tip.
Beyond the utter lack of effort, I don't really feel like analyzing the actual play on the court. The Cavaliers could do nothing well and had no chance of stopping Miami on the defensive end. Wade and James did whatever they wanted. Mario Chalmers was seemingly always open for a three pointer.
Kyrie Irving couldn't get going despite a few spectacular layups. He struggled shooting the ball (5-15) and couldn't really get other guys involved (just 2 assists).
Overall, everybody looked overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed. I hate watching my team get curb stomped on their own court and I hate it even more when they just sit there and let it happen.
Notable Performances:
There were no notable performances. Everybody sucked.
Fear The Sword's Player Of The Game:
There were no players deserving of this honor. Not even me -- I turned the game off after the third quarter.
Here's my final thought about this game, just fill in some of the words and make it relate to basketball. That's what we got last night.
0 recs | 3 comments
Couldnt have put it better myself Conrad… I got home shortly after the first quarter started and i think it was like 30 something to 12, and I was told that they started the game shut out and as you said 20-2… That is unacceptable in the NBA if you ask me… these guys make more in one year, and per minute of playing time then some of us working our a$$es off on a day to day basis. Terrible showing, and I myself laughed it off, seeing that its possible that if we can lose a few more games, we may get an even better pick in a loaded draft.
Once again, couldnt have said it better myself.
jdelsandro - February 18, 2012
Not too upset that I was unable to watch this one.
ahowie - February 19, 2012
I disagree in a sense, I don’t believe the team played scared, I thought coaching had more to do with the terrible start, than anything. I can understand, and almost accept a 9-0 run, they Cav’s turned the ball over twice, and missed 2 layups, but to allow it to get to 21-2…? That’s where adjustments cone in. You can’t exercise the same coaching philosophy, and substitution patterns in every game. Every game presents a different match-up situation.
If you’re going to start Erden at C, you have to go through him, and pound the ball in on Anthony in the post. You had to believe Miami was going to attack Jamison with Bosh. They clearly showed their hand there,early, and often. At that point you either challenge him with an equally athletic big, which Scott attempted to do with Hollins, or you challenge with a more physical player in Samuels, either way, you go at him on the offensive end, and FORCE him to defend.
Casspi was no match for James, as I said in my preview, you’re better served at guarding him with Gee, apply some on ball pressure, and not sit back and take jump shots, allowing them to run the break. When the Cavaliers got behind, can you count the number of +20 foot shots they attempted?
Scott, at this point has to understand and recognize the strengths of his team, and personnel. What combinations work best together, and what logical approach you take, to get favorable, on court match-ups. The Cavaliers were only -3, in the final 3 quarters. Their effort was strong, it was the start that doomed them.
I expect to see better coaching decisions tonight.
CLECavsOutsider - February 19, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Fear The Sword to post a comment.