Prepping for another round
Posted June 4th, 2007 by Brian Windhorst
Some things I’ve been thinking about The Finals and other stuff, in random order:
–You know I like to keep weird stats. I’ve decided what I’m going to track in this series, who flops more: Anderson Varejao or Manu Ginobili. These guys are the South American champs in this regard. I give Varejao the edge. I know Ginobili can sell it better because he’s smaller, but Varejao has convinced me he’s the greatest in the world. Why? Twice this year, the man has drawn charges on jump balls, including one against the Pistons. By the way, he’s drawn seven charges and 13 overall offensive fouls in the playoffs…by my unofficial count, of course.
–Keep an eye on Bruce Bowen going under LeBron on jumpers. Supposedly he’s cleaned it up but earlier this year Bowen slid under James as he landed from a jumper and caused him to crash to the deck.
–Also, let’s see who Varejao gets into it with in this series, the Mikki Moore role as I like to call it. Here’s a bet on Francisco Elson.
–As Daniel Gibson’s Q-rating explodes, I have noticed that the Cavs have bought the rights to danielgibson.com, but folks, boobiegibson.com appears open for the taking.
–As an aside, what’s backtracking faster, Billy Donovan or his hairline?
–It occurs to me that the Spurs, all-heralded as they are, may be in for a bit of a surprise with the Cavs. They have not faced a defense this good in a long time. The Nuggets don’t play defense at all, the Suns are better than before but really just want the ball back, and the Jazz are good for a Western team but still the middle of the pack. I’m not saying they can’t handle it, I’m just saying. Meanwhile, the Nets and Pistons are both pretty good defensive teams.
–Not to pile on, but the Cavs seemed to have more trouble with the Nets than the Pistons. The Nets outplayed the Cavs during a couple games, the Pistons didn’t really.
–For his interview after practice today, LeBron wore a Yankees hat. Counting down until I get by first e-mail about it…5, 4, 3…
More to come once I get to San Antonio tomorrow.
June 5th, 2007 at 3:12 am
so freakin what he like the yankees, who cares. lbj is a cavs for life. and if not so be it life goes on. I notice bw, you are keeping your options open in giving the cavs some dap, so when they win you could say, “I knew they could do it”, go ahead dude have some heart and say the cavs in 7, you do not have to be a homer, to know that they will beat the “sperms” and the help will come from unlikely over due players, ie. marshall, sasha, and jones. june 22 the cleveland cavs will be the 2007 nba champs.
June 5th, 2007 at 3:14 am
as far as billy d, what kind of example is he setting for the kids, who he is trying to help mold into adults. dude have your mind made up before you make an important decsion.
June 5th, 2007 at 3:17 am
do not forget about robert horry and his famous hip check, i expect boobie will get a little beating going to the hole, hope he man up and handle himself, and also i hope he does not fall in love with the three, two pts, is good to.
June 5th, 2007 at 4:18 am
Thanks for the blog; I look forward to your entertaining insights daily, especially floating along in the middle of the Pacific Ocean vice being home. Can we expect the depth of breakdown for SA that we had for Washington or NJ? Look forward to it.
June 5th, 2007 at 6:02 am
Next year they will add the following to
the all star festivities:
The all world flopping contest:
Representing Brazil-Varejo
Representing Argentina-Ginobli
Representing America-Mikki Moore
Representing Croatia-Sarunas
Representing China-Yao Ming
Winner recieves free pass to nearest flop
house.
One big key to SA series.
Defending Finley and Big Shot at 3 line.
Also prevent Duncan from passing to cutters
in the post.
Oh where oh where has Alan gone oh where
oh where can he be. With his tail cut short
and his ears cut long.
June 5th, 2007 at 6:06 am
Good point about defense. I heard you last night on Andre’s show. True, the Spurs have not played a team that presents a level of defensive intensity anywhere NEAR the Cavs. The “Defense wins Championships” truism doesn’t merely mean that good defense makes it harder to score baskets. As Detroit learned from our defense, good defense permeates both sides of half court, tires you out, makes you scramble, and can cloud your focus. The Cavs incredible team defense, combined with our 2-0 regular season record against (we’re a much better team now), will help to explain the Cavs incredible upset in hindsight when the smoke of this series clears.
As an aside, I ran into Lebron at a downtown Cleveland restaurant yesterday. When I saw him wearing the Yankees hat I thought to myself–”Well there’s proof that nobody’s perfect!”
June 5th, 2007 at 6:13 am
I had the e-mail written about Bron’s hat, but deleted it, figured he led us to the Finals so he can wear whatever he wants…
I totally agree about the Nets/Pistons. For some reason those games seemed tougher, even from a fans point of view. Even the two games the Cavs lost to Detroit seemed to be more of a case of the Cavs losing the game than them getting beaten…
As for Billy Donovan. I know Bud Selig gets alot of heat, but baseball does a great job of not letting outside news affect the post-season, especially the World Series. In the past week there have been not one but TWO stories, that have had nothing to do with the playoffs, take the focus away from the Conference Finals and Finals. David Stern isn’t as all powerful as people might think…
FTS
http://www.fearthesword.com
June 5th, 2007 at 6:18 am
Yeah, I wish LeBron would wear only Cleveland gear, but it’s no big deal. I even saw Eric Snow wearing a Yankees cap at a Kent State football game (Minnesota) this year, so everyone does that. I notice it a lot with other sports figures in other cities.
June 5th, 2007 at 6:19 am
Possibly dumb question regarding Bowen going under on jumpers. Can he get called for anything? Can the refs T him up on that? (I suppose they can do anything they want.)
June 5th, 2007 at 6:59 am
I just can’t wait until LeBron goes out wearing his Cowboys jersey–I’m sure Clevelanders would love that! And sure, anyone can wear anything, but I guess I’m thinking back to a couple days ago when Pluto wrote:
“Because he’s from Akron, because he grew up with few luxuries, because he has spent all of his 22 years in Northeast Ohio — there’s a feeling that James does get it. He’s worth more than $100 million, but he’s still one of us.
He knows what sports have been like around here. Perhaps that’s why there were tears in his eyes as he held up that trophy.
It’s like he had been feeling the weight of Northeast Ohio sports history on his shoulders — and suddenly it was lifted in Game 6.”
I have no doubt that LeBron wants to win a championship, both for himself and probably even the city of Cleveland. But just because he’s from Akron, it doesn’t seem like he really cares about the history of Cleveland sports or anything like that, as Pluto suggests. I’ve only heard him ever mention watching the Bulls, never the Cavs or the Browns (though he is able to cite milestones in Cavalier franchise history). I just feel like Pluto is trying to interpret much more than what’s really going on and infuse it with some homegrown faith.
June 5th, 2007 at 7:00 am
Also, thanks Brian for noting the masterpiece theater that is about to be played out before us on the NBA’s finals stage–the world championship of flopping! I was wondering if you would give this the proper acclaim it deserved. The two athletes/thespians promise to give an entertaining show, but I would also give the edge to Varejao.
June 5th, 2007 at 7:56 am
It doesn’t mean he LIKES THE YANKEES!!!!
LeBRON will be witnessing the INDIANS vs. the RED SOX in the ALCS this year.
June 5th, 2007 at 7:58 am
I saw a comment on the Cavs message board that wondered if the universe would end if Ginobli runs into Varejao. Hilarious.
I want Pollard to average 15 minutes and 4.5 fouls per game. Hack-a-Tim all day.
June 5th, 2007 at 8:08 am
if lebron wants to start a run of 26 championships like the yankees that is fine by me.
June 5th, 2007 at 8:43 am
Does anyone know much info about watching the away games at the Q? Do you just show up?
June 5th, 2007 at 9:04 am
Yeah Brian: It’s free and the gates open
about 1 hr before game time. Only the lower
bowl was seated when I went(NJ game 6). Its
cool because the game is on the JTron and
Nicole and the Cav girls (WOW) are there.
Concessions are open and the Scream team is
there. I guess they had 11k for Det Game 5.
June 5th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Was it pretty packed? I’d have to assume it’s going to be for the Finals. I’m planning on going Thursday, pretty pumped for it. Just curious if people are going to have a hard time getting in. Is it a mad dash for seats?
June 5th, 2007 at 11:20 am
So what if “nobody” thinks the Cavs can beat the Spurs. The same people were saying that we couldn’t beat the Pistons, either. And who is “nobody”? The “nobodies” must be the Spurs fans only. After what I saw on Thursday, May 31st, I have no doubt that we have what it takes to beat the Spurs, and let us not forget we already beat them twice this year. What a year for LeBron! A new son, and a championship ring!
June 5th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Cavs fans, do me a favor and wait ’til after the game to start the whining. Spurs will demonstrate the first tier of defense in the NBA. Looking forward to a fun series. Good luck.
June 5th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Brian, what is it with the hat…doesn’t he know they are nearly in last place? Still don’t think he will leave. Isn’t he building/built a HUGE house in Bath? Maybe it’s just homage to his buddy Jay Z.
On the dirty foul situation. I think the NBA knows who the face of the league will be and just as in the Pistons series the officials will not let anyone hurt the King. It may be subtle, but I think the officials tightened it up in games 3-5, which frustrated Det as they are used to having their way. No way the league lets the King get hurt.
June 5th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
I know that we’ve been talking about a flopping contest, but if it’s a whining contest we’re in for, the Spurs will win going away. I was the first person whining about the no-call on LeBron in Game 2. I thought that Coach Brown absolutely had to yell and scream and get fined to make sure that it didn’t happen again. Turns out I was wrong, and the Cavs were just fine.
Meanwhile, the only time the Spurs *aren’t* whining is when players from the other team are getting suspended.
And personally, I can’t wait for Manu Ginobili to run into Anderson Varejao. They’re going to end up 50 feet away from each other when they land.
Go Cavs.
Mike C
June 5th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Well, the Ball is Round, either the Cavs or Spurs will prevail. Let’s hope for the best. May the CAVALIERS bring home the bacon. (I’m optimistic because the Cavs beat the Spurs 3 times during the regular season)
Go Cavs!!!!!!!
June 5th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Spurs fan here checking in - you guys have not watched the Spurs enough if you think Ginobili is the best flopper. Oberto makes World Cup soccer heroes look like bad actors. He is hands-down the best at this. And he had wild hair, kind of like Varajeo.
June 5th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
I have to admit Cavs team is impressive and the fans are cool. It’s going to be bittersweet dismantling your team. But it’s not your time yet.
June 5th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
kyle, you will be the first one crying about the refs, and how the league wants lebron to win, when we win the first game. you will eat your words, we are going to “SHAKE UP THE WORLD”
June 5th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Oberto the assasin they call him down at
the Alamo. Cavs better have a plan for this modern day Tarzan. He is a load.
June 6th, 2007 at 1:37 am
Its been a long hard week for me. Swallowing my pride, is like trying to swallow some cum with a piece of hair, but I manage. Yes you guys have been ripping on me and rightly so. I have said some bad things about your beloved basketball team and during the time I was saying those things I really believed it. But after watching them destroyed the Pistons, I would like to say one thing. Yes I am A Witness. Lebron is the man, and I want him, he is a mean lean black basketball machine and I need him. I know now for a fact that the Cavs will dismantle the Spurs. I am sorry for all the sarcastic post on this awesome blog. Please find it in your hearts to forgive me. I am a sad lonely old fat bald middle age white man with know life. Hell you guys are my life. Thanks for missing me when I did not post, yes I was reading the post and it took all I had not to respond but it was nice to be missed.
June 6th, 2007 at 5:48 am
hey BW.. if you’re going to delete my posts about slavic sandwiches involving eva longoria and sasha/Z, what about Tucker imposters who use a bad word for semen?
June 6th, 2007 at 6:22 am
I’m extremely concerned about the rumors of a contract extension for Mike Brown. Everyone in the media is so eager to compare LBJ to MJ and label another player as his “Pippen. But when are the Cavs going to get rid of his Doug Collins and get him his Phil Jackson?
June 6th, 2007 at 6:35 am
Does anyone know why the NBA switches to a 2-3-2 format for the finals? It seems to me that the 2-2-1-1-1 format is much more fair, maybe for both teams. I can’t imagine they do it to save money at this point.
June 6th, 2007 at 7:25 am
Uh East West travel McGriddle.
June 6th, 2007 at 7:42 am
And Russ:
As I have said before in this blog and I
will say again. The Cavaliers don,t want
somebody three times their age coaching
this team. Brown can relate to their hip
hop culture because he has been exposed to
it. These guys really consider Lebron to
be a player coach. If you watch the games,
look at their huddles. Brown is doodling
off to the side on his etcha sketch while
LBJ does the talking. The players have massive input into play calling and situations. Brown does the defensive schemes
and the actual offensive play drawing(the
etcha sketch). LBJ makes a lot of the decisions. So why would you waste a lot of
money on Don Full Nelson, Paul Greasehead,
or any other Cialis, Viagra popping old
man whos completely set in his ways who
they wouldn’t listen to anyway. LBJ knows
and understands the current NBA way more
than any of you think he does. He reviews
a ton of film, knows all the players tendencies, and has amazing court skills
and awareness. Brown will be here as long
as LBJ is here which as it looks right now
will be a freakin long time. If you want to
see Jackson move to LA and watch him squabble with Kobe over every Buddhist mantra he tries to shove up his playa nose.
I would rather stay here and watch somebody
trust his players and be willing to give up
some decision making to the people that actually play the game.
June 6th, 2007 at 8:05 am
Brian, great interview w/ Bomani Jones on local Raleigh, NC radio station this morning. (Bomani sez watch ESPN’s Page 2 around noon for his article on whether the Cavs are the worst finalist ever. Oh joy… I think Bomani is picking Spurs in 2 or 3.)
Brian’s best point: Cavs defense is fantastic (something the talking heads ignore, even though Bomani did say in the previous segment that the Cavs’ D was excellent) without a defensive “stopper”, and Mike Brown deserves credit for that.
I wish someone would come out and say that the reason that the Pistons weren’t “playing their best” is because they were facing an excellent defensive team and scheme.
Brian, please don’t leave for ESPN till the Cavs win a title, OK? You rock!
June 6th, 2007 at 9:00 am
It occurs to ME that the Cavs, all-heralded as they are, may be in for a bit of a surprise with the Spurs. They have faced only one player during the playoffs (Kidd) as solid and effective as Duncan, Ginobili and Parker. The Wizards without Arenas and Butler are pathetic, the Nets are a mess and the Piston’s offense is a joke.
The Cavs may win the series but please let’s not underestimate the West. The Nuggets, Suns and Jazz would each have blown through the Wiz and Nets, same as the Cavs.
June 6th, 2007 at 10:14 am
But would the Nuggets, Suns or Nets have systematically undressed the Pistons like the Cavs did? I don’t think so, and that’s why the Cavs can’t be compared to the also-rans from the West.
Even if I agree that the series with the Nets was almost as competitive as the series with the Pistons, I think the reason is obvious: The Cavs elevated their game in the ECF. I don’t know how much better they can get, but I know that the only thing that matters is how the Cavs are playing now. And right now the Cavs are a suffocating, smart defensive team that has the ability to close out tight games. They did that in Games 3, 4, and 5, then they closed out a veteran team in a blowout. We won’t have any idea what’s going to happen until these two teams get on the court.
Which makes the possibilities that much more exciting.
Go Cavs. Rise Up.
Mike C.
PS: I’ll be blogging the Finals over on FearTheSword.com. C’mon, you know you’re not doing work. Surf on over and take a look.
June 6th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
the cavs are not intimidated by the spurs, and they should not be. i feared the suns more then the spurs, actually this team or utah is the team in the west i prefered to play. true enought they may have a large edge at guard but other then that we are even. the best thing about this summer is that when the cavs finish winning the trophy then we could watch the indians challenge for the world series. man this is going to be a fun summer.
June 6th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Andrian Wojwarowski wrote an article today on Ehlo and the MJ shot, why do every one talk about that shot. It was only the Ecf first round, winning that series meant another series. Now on the other hand the drive, fumble, puts us in the super bowl and the bottom of the ninth wins the world series, so to me the shot by Mj was nothing. Now red right 88 would of send us to san diego against the chargers, so that would of been a good game. But all that will be 4gotten when we beat the spurs in 6 or 7 games. I am not worry and I am not saying that because I am a homer. I really believe they could beat this team. Just like Mj in his early days beat the Lakers with magic, worthy, cooper and kareem and no one gave them a chance but they did what they had to do. well here is dejavu for ya.