^ I think this is some passive aggressive work to shorten the season as well.  Almost all players want a shortened regular season.  Im sure most coaches do as well.  Owners probably not because of the money, and NBA probably not because of the money.  In all reality, playing each team in your conference 3 times (3*14=42)...and playing each team in the other conference twice (2*15=30)...would shorten the season 10 games...which is probably about the rest the players want anyway.  For whatever reason, they a fourth game with 10 other conference opponents in. A 72 game season would probably go a long way in terms of rest and eliminating back to backs.

 

Conversely, if the season was shortened 10 games, it wouldnt be as easy for people like Lebron to break scoring, assist and Rebounding records

 

More interested in spacing than shortening, I suspect.  And prioritizing.  You may have to schedule an Eastern team to play back to back in LA in March, but make it someone unlikely to make the playoffs.  Not the defending champs with a 13 year veteran superstar.

 

Nothing "passive" about it.  They could have picked either game and picked the national TV one.

^NBA season is already too long.  Finals ends in June and regular season schedule starts just four months later.  They can't really space it out any better. 

^ I think this is some passive aggressive work to shorten the season as well.  Almost all players want a shortened regular season.  Im sure most coaches do as well.  Owners probably not because of the money, and NBA probably not because of the money.  In all reality, playing each team in your conference 3 times (3*14=42)...and playing each team in the other conference twice (2*15=30)...would shorten the season 10 games...which is probably about the rest the players want anyway.  For whatever reason, they a fourth game with 10 other conference opponents in. A 72 game season would probably go a long way in terms of rest and eliminating back to backs.

 

Conversely, if the season was shortened 10 games, it wouldnt be as easy for people like Lebron to break scoring, assist and Rebounding records

 

More interested in spacing than shortening, I suspect.  And prioritizing.  You may have to schedule an Eastern team to play back to back in LA in March, but make it someone unlikely to make the playoffs.  Not the defending champs with a 13 year veteran superstar.

 

Nothing "passive" about it.  They could have picked either game and picked the national TV one.

 

I'm sure the players were told, you are sitting out one of the next two games...which one?  They aren't going to sit out the Lakers game. Even though they suck compared to the Clippers and they play in the same building.  I can't imagine them sitting out the lakers game.

Goosebumps....

 

"The Block"

 

By Richard Jefferson:

 

Korver back tonight.

Defense still not back last night

^Chris Fedor in today's PD noted this is Thompson's first full season at the 5, but he appears to be wearing down.  Frye was even worse last night -- a disaster in the paint, and neither got a lot of help from Love.  Maybe Sanders can give us a tad bit of help in the paint, but we shouldn't count on it.  Fedor correctly tabbed Sanders as a "Wild Card."  Cavs have their work cut out for them and only 12 games/3 weeks till postseason.

... oh and did I mention that, within the course of a week, the Cavs will dine on a diet of Washington (a very tough opponent who, in our last meeting in D.C., we squeaked by in a thrilling OT game on a desperation tying 3 by LeBron to force OT), the Bulls, who we have yet to beat (although pesky D. Wade is out for the season), and San Antonio, which even without LeMarcus Aldridge, will still be a royal pain... and, oh yeah, Boston is just 1 game behind us with the Wizards, who we go head-to-head with, Saturday, not far behind.  Oy!

I'm still not concerned with seeding. A lebron team has won a road game in like 20 something straight playoff series. But the bigger issue is how in the world they are losing to this podunk teams with no name guys? I mean it just makes no sense that a team of stars and veterans can eat night in and night out humiliated like that. Anyway, I think the Cavs like going into the playoffs with people doubting them, it seems like they are more comfortable like tht

I honestly think they are just not motivated at this point.  I won't start to be concerned until the lack of defensive intensity carries into the playoffs.  That is where we are lacking at the moment.  We are a team that thrives on effort on the defensive end, not so much system.  I personally don't want them burning themselves out over the course of the last 12 games of the season.  Cruise into the playoffs and then flip the switch.  The playoffs are so damn long (2 full months), they have those first two rounds to get things rolling again.  It's not a talent issue, it's not a chemistry issue, it's not an issue with the ability to score.  Their recent issues have been all about lack of defense.  They've probably grown tired of getting the other team's best shot night in and night out.  I realize that may say something negative about the team.

I'm officially concerned.  This downward spiral is unsettling.  I thought it was just a hiccup.  There seems to be larger issues here.  Not confident at all going into this post-season.

^the way i look at it is they were in probably the worst scenario you could be in, down 3-1 to the best NBA team ever, with no home court and dug out of that.  I think their mentality is that they can so whatever they want, when they want...and based on his post game presser last night, he doesnt seem too concerned.  my question is, are they actually that bad at defense or are the conserving energy on that ened and not giving 100% because they have a somewhat aging roster and they dont want to burn out.  i dont really know.  One thing ive learned about Lebron and his teams, there have been so many times you want to sell his stock becuase of spurts like this...and then he proves everyone wrong.  Part of me wonders if he likes the media and everyone counting him out...like he plays better that way or something

There doesn't appear to be enough communicating and coordinating the various defensive assignments. That usually happens when there's a number of new players and the existing players who have been injured haven't had enough games together to know their roles and tendencies yet.

My brother has been concerned that the Cavs were old -- to his credit, he's been saying this since we won the title... And they look old and slow, ever since the Houston game where, I was proud of them even in losing because they left it all on the floor in a close battle and, at the time, had a legitimate excuse for "tired legs."  Last night was truly the low point of the season, but I don't think we've 'quit' as I've heard some people saying.

 

Now we really need to forget about Boston and Washington for the best record, and focus on protecting our players.  LeBron has literally been taking a beating and done practically all the heavy lifting for the team of late -- especially last night, where Thompson's 11 points were the only other double-digits... I would not object to sitting 23 for several games down the stretch.  Starting a series on another team's floor shouldn't be a huge deal for this team -- still the deepest and most talented in the East (and maybe the League).  We just need to enter the playoffs with all our troops healthy.

They do keep getting older and more perimeter oriented.  One thing that doesn't get discussed is they should've paid Delly.  He brought that toughness and grit to our perimeter defense that has been lacking all year.  He stabilized the bench bunch, made numerous momentum swinging play, and was often on the floor in crunch time.  Mozgov was not as valuable IMO, but it was nice to have him when we played against the bigger, more physical teams.

Cavs are bored out of their minds. And they truly believe it doesn't matter where they place in the playoff picture. You are going to see minimal effort for the rest of the regular season as they prepare for the playoffs. Let's hope they are right.

^ yeah they sure are sandbagging it -- only 9 regular season games to go.

 

korver's foot, shump's knee, jr's progress, that love guy, and then tristan and lebron's mega minutes all need to be resolved somehow.

 

http://www.sbnation.com/2017/3/29/15105072/cavaliers-nba-playoffs-2017-lebron-james-worried

Apparently TT didn't travel with the team to Boston...

 

Tristan Thompson's MRI is precautionary though his 447 consecutive played game streak in jeopardy. Cavs have recalled Larry Sanders from D-League.

^ Test was negative and Thompson could still fly to Boston and keep his streak alive. Sanders has been called up and will be available tonight.

TT is out tonight.  AC Green's streak is safe for another generation.

^ And seing that TT is dating a Kardashian he will not be breaking A C Greens other streak either :-D

Sooooo the Cavs turned it on last night and demolished Boston, on the second night of a back to back, which they were 0-9 for the year as the away team.

 

That was good to see, apparently the plan is to do just enough for the 1st seed in the east.  Barring any major injury, who is a serious challenge for them in the East? They have had their problems with Washington and Chicago, Toronto and Boston are pretty good, but I don't see anybody taking more than 1 or 2 games in a series.

Ok anybody just a little worried now after two abysmal losses to Atlanta?  Everybody still think they'll just "flip the switch" in the playoffs?  Other than LBJ I don't believe they're mentally strong enough this year - hope I'm wrong....

Ok anybody just a little worried now after two abysmal losses to Atlanta?  Everybody still think they'll just "flip the switch" in the playoffs?  Other than LBJ I don't believe they're mentally strong enough this year - hope I'm wrong....

 

I'm worried.  However, they should have won the game in ATL today.  What a horrendous display of officiating all at the end which (after blowing the 20 point lead), ultimately did the Cavs in.

They're a mess. The officiating was bad for Atlanta too. When I saw the lead slipping away, I turned the game off. That plus the Tribe getting swept make this one sh!tty sports weekend.

Ok anybody just a little worried now after two abysmal losses to Atlanta?  Everybody still think they'll just "flip the switch" in the playoffs?  Other than LBJ I don't believe they're mentally strong enough this year - hope I'm wrong....

 

I don't know a single person who thinks the Cavs will win again. They have been borderline unwatchable this season anyhow. This has not been a fun season.

 

Then again, I'm personally still in a great mood, courtesy of last season's spectacular finale.

 

Can't change that.

Too much reliance on the 3, not enough attempts to score in the paint the way teams are scoring on us.  Also, once again, we're getting no push from our bench.  The Cavs had a 26-point lead going into the 4th and should have been on cruise control, but it all unraveled when that Deron Williams'-led bench entered the game.  Only Korver added any punch off the bench.  Shumpert had only 2 points and was -23 for the game.  Our miserable bench has been a ball-and-chain to this team all season long.

 

 

I've never been more disinterested in a Cavs regular season.  Funny how that works.

I've never been more disinterested in a Cavs regular season.  Funny how that works.

 

I'm jealous, in a way, of the GS fans last year. Their entire season up until game 7 was mass hysteria. Our last two years? Fragility and melodrama.

 

Anyhow, it's gonna be great when they flip that switch [half-hearted clapping].

 

And we won last year.

I've never been more disinterested in a Cavs regular season.  Funny how that works.

 

Makes sense.  If they don't seem to care, why should we?  ... But if this in/out effort adversely affects the team in the playoffs, especially to the extent it results in their early exit, then there will be trouble.

^I have to say that I stopped caring before they did.  I used to watch the Cavs religiously.  Every game I would watch live or DVR.  Now I just flip to them every so often and check the score on my phone. 

Hopefully no more injuries and TT comes back, we see more of the performances like we saw last week in Boston. 

^^Yesterday was so weird and awful.  We're hard-pressed to say the starters didn't try... I mean, LeBron and Kyrie combined for, what?  some 72-odd points (too lazy to look it up). I know Kyrie had 45 and LeBron, yet another triple-double before being fouled out by awful officiating... And even though Love didn't score much, he grabbed 15 rebounds... (they tried to foul him out, too, until reviewing the video which showed an obvious blocking foul inside the protected area -- of course, Kevin didn't help matters when he went into Full Brain Lock on that botched in-bounds pass and then choking on that OT one free throw whose miss turned out to be the difference in the final score.)

 

... it's that damned bench that has killed us time and time again... The starters handed the bench a 26-point lead going into the 4th.  Why shouldn't those guys get a chance to rest especially going into the playoffs. Frankly if NBA players can't protect such a lead with less than a quarter to go, then I question their viability in being in the League -- and this includes the rightfully-praised Richard Jefferson who had a goose egg in 18 minutes of play; and also inconsistent Iman Shumpert and generally terrible Deron Williams.  Obviously their firepower was hampered by the fact that normal benchie Channing Frye was starting for TT.  But yesterday was inexcusable especially given the ramifications with first place in the East on the line.

 

... and you're right Hts, all of us who deeply care about this team, especially those of us on the road using NBA League Pass (and paying a pretty $$ for it) should feel especially punked by the team when they pull what they have for the last several months and especially these last 2 Atlanta games.

CAVS still not running on all cylinders, mental lapses, inconsistent....but man are these pretty.

 

I had this dream that the Cavs were getting blown out by 26 by Indiana (25 at halftime), but came back and won going away... No, wait ...

I had this dream that the Cavs were getting blown out by 26 by Indiana (25 at halftime), but came back and won going away... No, wait ...

 

Words can't describe the CAVS play in the first and then in the second half.

Kudos to LeBron and Lue on that win. They had no reason to be in that game after the first half.

I had this dream that the Cavs were getting blown out by 26 by Indiana (25 at halftime), but came back and won going away... No, wait ...

 

I was casually watching the sh!tshow in the first half, and ultimately changed the channel when I saw the Cavs were going into the half down 25. But I checked back on the game in the mid-third quarter and saw they were down only about 13 or 14. So I sat my butt down and paid attention to this game unlike any other this season (I'm usually doing something else when a game is on). Glad I did! What an amazing comeback.

 

But can LeBron please re-learn how to shoot free throws?? Geez, Tristan is better at the free-throw line nowadays than LBJ!

^He just tried to re-learn by working with Korver.  He changed his stance, but then switched back towards the end last night.  He probably just needs to accept that he will never shoot much better than 75% from the line and stick with whatever form he is most comfortable with.

I'll take 75%. 50%? Nope.

i wish i could show you my text thread with my buddies saying that the cavs regular season is the same team that is now in the playoffs all first half last night.  I kept saying, big picture they know they are better than everyone in the east.  I dont think they respect anyone in the East and i dont think they try unless threatened.  i think every series in the playoffs they will look like @$$ but always ultimately be in control of things.  The Finals i assume they know they cannot have spurts like the first half last night.  They will have to bring the second half effort for that entire series.  I honestly just dont think they look at anyone in the East and believe they can beat the Cavs.  I think Washington and Wall has caught Lebron's eye, and not that we are dodging teams...but i honestly think they saw Washington in the 4 spot and were OK with the 2 seed knowing thats the path of least resistance to the finals

I'll take 75%. 50%? Nope.

 

He is a 74% career FT shooter.  He shot 67% this year.  Like I said, he needs to accept it and stop trying to make adjustments.  Very hard to be a great free throw shooter with hands the size of his.  Not impossible..... but difficult.

Last night he shot 50%

^Exactly.  He used two different stances.  First the one Korver just taught him and then back to the one he used for a good chunk of the season.  Playoff time is no time to experiment with your form.   

 

But a lot of those misses came at the end when he was exhausted.  He's always been notorious for missing FTs at the end of a tough game.  The question is why was the inbound play going to him when they knew Indy was going to foul.

^... and of course we'll never forget after Draymond Green's 'hard foul' of LeBron with 10 seconds left and a 3 point lead in THE GAME, LeBron promptly split the free throw pair.  Fortunately it made it a 2 possession game so that, if Steph had have sank his desperation 3 we still would have had the lead.  Obviously, though, LeBron's hitting both FT's would have allowed us all to breathe a bit easier.  LeBron usually hits just enough FTs to win in big, close games.

"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve"

 

-Larry Bird.

Thank you Admiral Yamamoto!

when bird gets that funny sad sack look on his face you know you are doing something right!

Lue sent a message to Kyrie on Thursday: No. 2 can be replaced -- I don't mean permanently, but during this playoff run.  If he has one of those funky games where he hogs the ball/kills the offense, misses shots, lollygags on D and makes a bunch of turnovers on lazy passes, Lue has a viable point guard in the wings in Deron Williams who is battle/playoff tested and who is starting to mesh with LeBron.  Kyrie is a great ball player ... one of the best pg's in the league, but he's not LeBron -- who obviously cannot be replaced by anyone in the league...

 

I put that miserable first half in Indiana primarily on Kyrie's shoulders.  Kyrie ran the offense and ran it right into the ground ... Lue must have seen it that way too and banished him to the bench early in the 2nd not to be seen again.