Observations from Utah loss
Posted February 14th, 2007 by bwindhorst
Salt Lake City — Thoughts following the Cavs 99-98 loss here tonight:
–I didn’t even look at a replay to see if Sasha Pavlovic was fouled on the last play. It doesn’t matter and I don’t care. In short, if the Cavs had gotten the rebound, they could’ve called timeout and set up a play with at least 3 seconds left. Secondly, it didn’t come down to that.
–The Cavs lost the game because they allowed the Jazz to shoot 61 percent in the fourth quarter. Yes they had some terrible possessions in the middle of that Jazz run, but 98 points and 26 in the fourth is enough to win.
–Deron Williams is so amazingly quick for a guy his size. This was one of the best games of his career, so it is hard to judge him on this alone. He has amazing talent. I know he’s pissed he’s not in the All-Star Game, but he’ll be in many in the future.
–Anderson Varejao had a really good game in place of Zydrunas Ilgauskas, 17 rebounds and nine points. But he was outplayed down the stretch by Paul Millsap. He played 38 minutes, maybe he was a little tired.
–Those of you who come here often know I usually support big Z and I put a strong faith in points in the paint. Without Z tonight the Cavs lost that battle 46-28. You can’t win that way. They had 21 offensive rebounds but got baskets on just eight of them.
–The 19 points in the first half from Larry Hughes didn’t make an impression, he was shooting jumpers. But those 14 points in the fourth impressed the heck out of me because he was driving and getting to the basket. He was 10-of-10 at the line. Over the last six games, he’d taken just eight free throws. That is the Hughes the Cavs need.
–The Jazz are good. They’ve won six in a row and they’re 21-6 at home. This isn’t a bad loss. The problem is when you look at the loss in Miami and other losses like at Seattle, at New Jersey, at New Orleans, at Toronto, at Indiana. The Cavs have to at least split those types of games to be a legit contender. Which is why they’re not yet.
–LeBron on the loss: "We have nothing to be disappointed about tonight, we had our chances to win and we didn’t." So if you had chances and you didn’t win, why exactly isn’t that disappointing?
–Daniel Gibson hurt his toe pretty bad in the second quarter. I’d be surprised if he played against the Lakers and he might be out a bit. Eric Snow wasn’t great when asked to play nearly 30 minutes.
–What has happened to Damon Jones? Mike Brown went to David Wesley instead of him in the second half. I’m sure he’s not at all pleased.
–Sasha was complaining in the locker room after the game about the traveling call he got late. Seemed blatant to me.
–On another note, Gilbert Arenas took a little slap at LeBron the other day. He basically said LeBron doesn’t want to take final shots. Before the game, LeBron denied hearing about it, even though it was on all the major jump sites. Yet he seemed awfully glad I asked because he had a ready-made answer: "I made two game-winners in the playoffs against him and knocked him out of the playoffs," James said. "I don’t understand where he gets that from, that doesn’t make sense to me." Well, Gilbert may have a point, but if I were him I’d keep my mouth closed on the matter for at least the next few years after what happened last year.
On a personal note…
It was a miracle I was able to make it here to Salt Lake. I took off from Cleveland yesterday at about 6 p.m. in weather I sure as heck wouldn’t drive in, much less try to get a 737 airborne in. They had to put so much de-icing junk on the wings that they were green. It was a long, tough day because I changed planes in Denver and there was a snowstorm there as well.
After getting in to SLC around midnight, hours late, I had 15 minutes to kill waiting for my ride. So I did one of my favorite things. I sat right where people emerge from the concourse to the baggage claim and waiting family and friends. This is people watching at its finest, it’s better than American Idol.
In the short time I was there, I observed grandparents meeting their newborn grandson for the first time. I saw a bleary-eyed and very nervous boyfriend meet his girlfriend’s parents for the first time. He was too nervous to kiss her on the lips even though it was obvious he hadn’t seen her in awhile. There was a solider returning from Iraq with just his mother waiting for him, their silent and tearful embrace was riveting. As a side note, I find soldiers leaving and coming home one of the most compassionate sights I see and I see it all the time at airports. Usually very moving stuff.
At center stage, though, was a guy about 20 years old with flowers. He was standing way at the front and everybody was watching him from behind. He had such a look of anticipation on his facing and he repeatedly stretched his neck to see those coming out of the tunnel. Nervously looking back-and-forth to the flight monitor, he must’ve been there quite some time waiting. Most of the women who saw him as they emerged smiled and whispered to friends with the word "cute" always included.
All the people behind him were half looking for their loved ones, half watching this young guy. After quite some time, his girlfriend finally emerged and was instantly embarrassed. When he hugged her there was an audible sight from the crowd and even a clap or two.
Call me sappy, but it is moments like these that make all the time on the road more tolerable.
February 14th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Notwithstanding the fact that Ilgauskas gets way too many of his “points in the paint” and his offensive rebounds courtesy of his very own missed shots (I wish they would have destroyed Utah just so I didn’t have to be force-fed the statistical nonsense above), where is he and precisely what is the reason he didn’t play, Brian? I know the Cavs PR mouthpiece asserted “personal reasons/family health issues,” but that’s standard spin.
Has his dog been secretly admitted into the Betty Ford Clinic because of an addiction to liver-flavored heartworm medication? Was his wife arrested for beating up Jason Kidd with a frozen salami? Is he being shopped for a trade? What’s the straight poop? Inquiring minds want to know.
February 14th, 2007 at 11:55 pm
I’d have to see a replay, but live I was questioning the traveling call on Sasha as well. It seemed that he just leaned forward with both feet still planted and took his first dribble.
Could be wrong though. Not that it really was the reason they lost…
February 15th, 2007 at 4:29 am
The one thing that stood out for me in the fourth quarter last night was the fact that the Cavs started switching every pick-and-roll. I thought they defended better when the big man would show hard and recover, like they played it during the first three quarters. Instead, Varejao had to try to stay in front of Williams alone out front. The Cavs chose to do this during the home loss to the Suns, too, and it wasn’t pretty.
What gives?
February 15th, 2007 at 4:30 am
The one thing that stood out for me in the fourth quarter last night was the fact that the Cavs started switching every pick-and-roll. I thought they defended better when the big man would show hard and recover, like they played it during the first three quarters. Instead, Varejao had to try to stay in front of Williams alone out front. The Cavs chose to do this during the home loss to the Suns, too, and it wasn’t pretty.
What gives?
February 15th, 2007 at 5:53 am
poor foul shooting by Lebron made the difference.
February 15th, 2007 at 5:57 am
poor foul shooting by Lebron made the difference.
February 15th, 2007 at 6:14 am
Just so you know, when Alan Tucker starts spouting off about “statistical nonsense,” it usually means he lacks a coherent argument. Or at least that he’s unwilling to support his opinion with anything substantive.
So, Alan, how many of his points in the paint come from rebounding his own misses? Do you even know?
And — to be fair — shouldn’t you also give his shooting percentage a corresponding “bump” since that flurry of shots and rebounds resulted in a score on that possession?
Of course, that would mean giving credit to go along with the blame, and that would mean watering down your argument. And to think, you’re the one who blames Pluto (and Windhorst, et al) for “slanting” stories. Incredible.
February 15th, 2007 at 6:40 am
Classic lebron moment: dishes to a wide open…. um… drew gooden?…. for three in crunch time instead of trying to create a more realistic scoring opportunity. Arenas is right on. Lebron basically made a layup in the playoffs last year because the wizards are a terrible defensive team. You think he would have gone baseline like that against the heat? the bulls? the pistons? It’s not his fault though, because he has no discernible moves other than to dribble ceaselessly and then jack a fadeaway with the shot clock winding down. Not exactly rocket science to defend. And about deron williams being so quick: I think BW would look quick if every time the jazz ran pick and roll, the cavs switched their awkward 6′11″ center on him. Every time. It’s that genius defensive philosophy of our 18 year old former spurs ball boy.. er coach.
February 15th, 2007 at 7:10 am
I have to admit I am getting sick and tired of the “oh well, we played hard and have nothing to hang our heads about” attitaude from the “leader” of this team after losses. Like Brian mentioned above, at some point the Cavs need to win some of these games.
As LeBron goes, so go the Cavs and right now his funk at the line and in the field have affected the team. It would do him well to skip the All-Star game, but that wouldn’t happen, to important to party in Vegas.
Until LeBron grows up a little bit, and learns to HATE LOSING, anytime, anywhere, the quicker the Cavs will take that next step….
February 15th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Losing by 1 in SLC isn’t bad. Blowing a 12 point lead in SLC is. Relying on jumpshots (until Hughes decided to drive in the fourth) is bad. The Cavs losing by 1 and LeBron going 5-9 from the line is real bad.
February 15th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Much ado about nothing. These same people will be screaming he’s Jesus Christ after he wins a playoff game all by himself…like he usually has to do now.
Seriously, why do people care what James says or how he says it? Would they win more games if he was more candid when a guy sticks a tape recorder in his face?
February 15th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Sasha did drag his pivot on that play, but about a minute later Devon did the very same thing and there was no call. There were a boatload of calls that went Utahs way in that game, but it is true that the reason we lost is because we didn’t do what we needed to do.
February 15th, 2007 at 10:00 am
I was just shocked to see Hughes actually making those jump shots and driving to the hoop. I mean, damn, throw some blue panty hose on his elbow instead of white and the guy’s got game!
February 15th, 2007 at 10:02 am
Salt Lake City airport stories, while interesting, would be a lot more juicy if you could include a Donnie & Marie sighting.
February 15th, 2007 at 11:18 am
I don’t think I spelled Donny’s name right. Shucks.
By the way, regardless of the color of the arm pantyhose, when you’re guaranteed five years of two billion a year, you really should have “game” every game, not just when you kinda feel like having it.
February 15th, 2007 at 11:29 am
I love sappy stories…. thanks BW.
February 15th, 2007 at 11:29 am
I saw Reverend Pluto at Hopkins baggage claim last night bearing a bouquet of roses and a giant chocolate bunny, his bald pate glowing red, smile beaming, as Charlie Frye arrived from florida. It tugged at my heartstrings.
February 15th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Don’t you think Lebron should wear pantyhose over his head, like a mugger from some 70’s crime movie, to help him develop more of a killer instinct? Worth a try at this point. Would have to get plus size, obviously, to cover his massive coconut. Is it a coincidence rip hamilton became an all star when he decided to dress up like hannibal lecter on the court? I think not. THE MUGGER STEALS ANOTHER GAME… would read future ABJ headlines….
February 15th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
We will beat Utah with Boozer by 15
on 03-17-07 at the Q. We continue to
have problems with quick guards that can
pull up and shoot. Need to trap and double
team, use Hughes and Sasha. Also why couldn,t Wild Thing stop Okurs 3 and the
and one.
Reverend Pluto will be attending the skills
competition with King James and the 3 point
shootout w DJ to ensure that they follow all
moral rules and pray to Elvis and Wayne Newton every night before they go to sleep.
February 15th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
The refs don’t respect Sasha at all - I’m not even talking about the foul at the end of the game. In the first quarter, he’s backing down Derek Fisher, who FLOPS, and they call him for an offensive foul? EXPLAIN THAT CALL! He didn’t push off with his arm, he didn’t shove his ass into fisher - it was just a backdown move…one which SHOULD have earned him 2 points…instead? Foul #1. A few minutes later, he catches the ball on the wing, jukes to the baseline and then cuts back to the middle of the floor, goes UP and makes a sweet AND-1…EXCEPT..they call it an offensive foul??? First of all, how often do you see them call offensive fouls on swingman who get up high enough to finish the play? He wasn’t out of control flying INTO someone he went UP. Second, replay showed the defender’s foot in the half-circle. So now, instead of 5 points for Sasha - he has 2 fouls and gets to sit until late in the 3rd. The traveling call looked like traveling to me, but I DEFINITELY saw Deron Williams do the same thing TWICE in the second half…
I love when the other team hits a barrage of Threes and LeBron answers by running down and bricking a 22 footer off the front rim, giving them a long rebound and another score.
They get 33 out of Hughes and LOSE! And Drew Gooden looks like Kobe Bryant for a Quarter…still lose. LeBron needs to come out and say “I’m overrated…or…yes, I’m not 100%”
February 15th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
I am intrigued by that Hopkins story. What was Tim Hardaway’s reaction?
February 15th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Hardaway: I hate that Frye. Dont you
come in the lockeroom with me man.
I am one mean straight ass son uf a
gun. I do like Pat Riley though. I like
his Vaseline slick and I like his ties.
But Ameichi better stay out the shower.
February 15th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
BS…Lebron knows he traveled all over the floor against the WIZ last year.
February 15th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I love when the Wiz fans complain about that travel. And yes, it was a travel. But how about how Michael Ruffin mugged James on that play and there was a no call. He tackled him with no whistle. It evens out. And I’m not even going to get started about how Gilbert ran over LeBron the play before and got a blocking foul for an and 1. Get over that call, you lost.
February 15th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I love when the Wiz fans complain about that travel. And yes, it was a travel. But how about how Michael Ruffin mugged James on that play and there was a no call. He tackled him with no whistle. It evens out. And I’m not even going to get started about how Gilbert ran over LeBron the play before and got a blocking foul for an and 1. Get over that call, you lost.
February 15th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
1) Why was AV on Williams for 3 straight possessions? “Mr. Defense” Mike Brown should have a better way to defend a high pick.
2) “Mr. Defense” should have found a way to contain Williams the whole game. Why can other teams figure out ways to stop LeBron but the Cavs don’t know how to double team a hot player and make someone else beat them.
3) The Cavs will not win a championship until LBJ finds that killer instinct. He shows it sometimes (e.g. Playoffs vs. Wash), but that has to become consistent. His comments about not being dissappointed says it all.
4) Why can’t the Cavs show passion like the Jazz bench. The Jazz were up the whole game, and the Cavs bench just got up for the (TOO) late run.
5) We have to listen to Fat boy Barkley tongight talk about how the cavs are no good. Why do the cavs have to keep proving him right?
Overall that loss was frustrating as heck, and it happens way to often with this team. They all need a hug when they come home from the airport.
February 15th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Instead of the Washington Wizards the
Washington Whiners. After reading Arenas
yesterday I hope we face them in the first
round and kick their asses again.
And KC you are not going to be in Sir
Charles five even if you wear a goofy hat.
February 15th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
I loved how the Wizards made fun of the whole “I am a Witness” thing that came out then, and then lost in 6 games. Their Coach has to HATE THEM ALL! We already know he hates Arenas. Butler’s a real treat to.
February 15th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
I hope Drew takes some more 3 pointers tonight…there’s no stopping us when that’s part of our offensive arsenal!
February 15th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
So, i think all the cavs do, is pay off some refs. It would seem that when ever the calls are crucial, they go the way of the cavs, cause they have KID James, oh i mean King james also known as a show and nothing more. And then the refs makeit up by giving the other team the BS calls, that dont mean any thing.
February 16th, 2007 at 10:02 am
I have never heard or read Gil saying anything about Lebron and I read quite a few blogs on the Wizards. When did he supposedly say this?