The (Early) Morning After The Night Before, LVXIX

Up and at ‘em early here Cleveland, gotta beat this blizzard home. Nothing better than a First-Day-Of-Spring-Snowstorm, is there.

Made for a delightful evening in these parts.

They went a bit berserk here last night when LeBron went past Brad Daugherty to become Cleveland’s all-time leading scoring. Since it was inevitable he’d get there from the day he put the uniform on for the first time, might be a bit of over-kill.

But, let ‘em have their fun, right?

Here we go:

Three Things I Learned

A matchup not made in heaven

I’ll tell you this: Ben Wallace cannot guard Chris Bosh. But Anderson Varejao. I know Wallace left last night in the third quarter with back spasms, but they might have been brought on by Bosh twisting and turning him every which way. But all that meant was more Crazy Haired Andy, who’s spindly and long and athletic and who gets right up into Bosh.

M. Grange ™ pointed it out to Bosh after the game and he said this:

"He’s a slick dude but I’m starting to figure him out. I’d love to see him again. He’s a good player, he’s a good defensive player and rebounder and you really have to think two steps ahead when you’re playing him because if you think you’re just going to put your head down and go, he can beat to that spot and the referees know he’s trying to take charges.”

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What a thespian

Damon Jones might have had the all-time greatest dive in NBA history when T.J. bumped into him in the third quarter. The collision was hardly earth-moving (what’s T.J. weigh, about a buck and a quarter?) but Jones spun and collapsed like he’d been pole-axed and on the replay they showed on the scoreboard, while he’s falling he looks right at the officials with these big puppy dog eyes.

And if I know Jones, he was yapping the whole time.

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Dropping down the ladder

So, it sixth so horrible? No, not really. Orlando’s probably a better matchup than Cleveland but, I tell you, the Cavs were not that impressive last night. Soon as they made that huge trade, I was saying they weren’t any better, they were just different, and I’m sticking by that assessment now. I know LeBron’s LeBron but no way in the  world Cleveland beats Boston in a playoff series.

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On to other matters: Toronto’s Tyler points this out:

Hey, I just noticed something. Turns out Mark Blount, of the Heat who scored 54 (against Toronto), also started with the Denver Nuggets who scored 53 (in the NBA’s second-worst offensive night ever).
Put the guy on suicide watch. Yikes!.

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Here’s a couple quickly from the mailbag

Q: I have never seen this many posts to your blog. I'm opening a pizza stand outside the ACC. Want to invest?

Kevin M, Maple

A: Nah, they’d just boo us.

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Q: Hi Doug, I've never seen Alex English play, but I was looking at his career stats and they are amazing.

Can you give me your general thoughts on some of the following? Is he a head coach candidate? Does he want to be a head coach? What's his relationship like with Sam Mitchell and is he a possible successor?

Robert S, Toronto

A: Alex was one of the greatest offensive players of all time, there’s a reason he’s in the Hall of Fame. Now, I haven’t spoken to him about it in a while but he’s said in the past he’d like to be a head coach, he was one in the D League and got his team to the championship in his only year. His relationship with Sam is fine, mutual respect and friendship. Possible successor? Who knows, let’s see what happens in four years when Sam’s gone. If he is.

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Bet it’s crowded when we get on I-90 in a few minutes. Tons of travelling Toronto fans, including 40 from the Mississauga Monarchs basketball association who were down here, I’m told, to kick some Ohio butt.

And given that one of the coaches used to carve up all of the Niagara Peninsula as a high-scoring guard, I’d expect nothing more.

And to the fella who said hi during a quick break for some halftime fresh air, that was some Bargnani performance, wasn’t it?

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Speaking of Bargs, do you think Sam cancelled the orders for more masks?

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Here’s how the Cleveland Plain Dealer played its LeBron Love In; and here’s what they said in Denver today about the Noogies, who beat Voldemort and other Nets last night to keep their scant playoff hopes alive.

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In a shocking, truly stunning development, you’re killing Sam for leaving T.J. in the game until the final 4 1-2 minutes. Oh, and killing T.J., too, and you know what, it’s really getting tiring.

The only other stoppage when he could have got Ford out was with 6:36 to go and Toronto down three. Of course, he left him in and all Ford did was drill a three and then another bucket to pull Toronto into a tie each time.

So, Ford played two minutes at the end of the third and 7 1-2 to start the fourth. I’ve got no problem with that substitution pattern.

Of course, that’ll set the letter-writers off, but that’s what we’re here for, right?

Can't wait to read the comments when I get home after practice.

Comments

[Mark S]

0 points, 1 rebound: Ladies and gentlemen your starting center, Andrea Binary.

[Aaron Campbell]

I just wanted to be the first to say that TJ should have been pulled earlier, thank you very much. Not enough time for Calderon to get back into the flow of the game last night. TJ was doing his usual dribble through the whole team routine, instead of Jose getting his teamates involved.

I love to hear Bosh coming out and saying that they can beat the Cavs. It's nice to see his confidence rub off on the rest of his teamates. He did look a little gassed last night, and when he gets his wind back added with them making some more shots, they may end up on the winning side next time(playoff time?).

[Ted S]

Doug,

Let's see the Cavs are 10-6 since the deadline (including an impressive win versus Detroit). The Raps are 6-11 since the big Brezec signing. The Cavs got stronger defensively and are still waiting for Gibson to return. I don't have to tell you how the Raptor defence has been this month (against non-D League competition that is). I'm thinking everybody wants to play the Raptors first round. Cleveland not so much.

As for Bargnani's train wreck last night, I have seen enough. The free passes and patience-preaching is done. Statistically, he is down in every major NBA category accept assists per game. Makes me wonder what he (and the coaches) have been working on. Last night made me think of Hoffa without the rushed 3 pt. attempts. He gets softer by the day. B-U-S-.....I thought of a great place he can staple his mask last night....

Kapono is starting to steady himself offensively and his defensive ineptitude has been obscured by his supporting cast. He's getting starter's money. I say give him a start. Something needs to change before this team fades even further. Could he steal a play-off game or two a la Glen Rice did for the Lakers?

Despite the team's poor play, it is great to see you have brought your blogging "A" game down the stretch. The blog has been incredibly entertaining.

Still waiting for you to admit this team is not as good as last year's version......but I can wait.....

[John Park]

I totally agree with you on playoff matchup. I think Magic is easier team for the Raps in the first round. Even though they lost, I felt good as they played. If they are healthy, especially CB4, and CB4's jump shots comes back, I would the Raps will go to the 2nd round with 4-2.

[Arun]

Doug, do you have a team you're pulling for in the NCAA tourney?

Blogger's note: Davidson. Or Villanova.

[Kevin D.]

Doug,

If the entire team (including the coaches) wore masks like Bargnani's, would we become a tougher and more intimidating team?

Blogger's note: Nope, just funnier looking.

[Short Shorts]

Doug what is really getting tiring is T.J.'s selfish, destructive play and your incessant attempts at defending your little pet. I don't know whether you're just trying to keep a potential quote source happy and that's why you, at worst, half-heartedly criticize the guy, but to stand on your soapbox and patronize the thousands of fans who don't fail to see the obvious is just, in your words, "bush league". Your ongoing defence and denial reminds me of Michael Vick before he finally cracked and revealed what everyone else had known for months and months.

[Rob]

Doug, the 4th quarter substitution wasn't a big issue but as Leo pointed out on the tv broadcast Calderon had sat for 25 actual minutes which is a long time. My preference would have been to sub Calderon in at 6 and 1/2 minutes or let TJ play the rest of the 4th quarter.

[Ali Nasjji]

Doug I don't think the fans are blaming Sam as much as dealing with frustration of seeing two point guards good enough to play 35+ minutes relegated to the bench when they are playing well. The problem is that there seems to be a pre ordained time when T.J will go in and Jose will go out and vice versa. The problem is that Jose was playing well and had the lead when he was taken out. Then when T.J hit two big shots and was dishing it he was taken out for Jose who hadn't played in 30 minutes.
I think it might be in the best interests of the team and the point guards that one of them is traded so that first the Raptors can plug all their other holes and second so that one of the point guards gets to be a full time starter.

[Dinosty]

Hey Doug, Horns up to you. (This is my new salutation)

You think Sam's going to be on the bench another FOUR years? C'mon Doug, that's just crazy. I know you've got to be careful what you say about The Mothership, but Mitchell should be given half a season next year (after our eventual first-round loss in April) before he's shipped out in favor of a coach who can help us take 'the next step'.

For all of Sam's bullheaded chirping about 'playing to matchups', what makes him start Bargnani over Rasho against Z? Isn't Rasho the perfect equalizer to The Big Cigarette?

[Arsenalist]

The Cavs have what it takes to neutralize Bosh, Anderson Varejao gives Bosh fits and Joe Smith matches up very well against him, that’s what gives even more importance to the play of Andrea Bargnani. So when he's a no-show, the chances of winning drop dramatically.

If we by some fluke had made the threes we missed, had managed to double Lebron and not allow him to go off, had Bosh shoot a high percentage and had Sam now screw up the TJ/Jose sub, we would've won the game but there's not a chance in hell that we can beat Cleveland in a 7-game series. We got outrebounded 51-35 and Wallace didn't even play half the game. Cleveland simply has more size, more athleticism, better rebounding, more scorers and most of all, they have a true superstar. So maybe we should all be thankful that we were in this game for so long.

[virn]

is it me or does delonte west have huuuge feet?

[bballer]

i love the smitch bashing. it is just crazy when coaches are blamed for the lack of talent or complimentary role players on a team. raps are lacking a scoring sg/sf. until we get one, the raps are a .500 team. as for coaches, who out there is better that can implement bc's vision - carlisle, fratello or van gundy? all were fired for not having an open offensive style of play. larry 'the wannabee gm'? if there was a better coach to be had, maybe i will agree with a smitch firing. but who is out there? names!

[bballer]

as for tj ford, even when the raps were winning last year and tj was playing well, people wanted him gone. slumping this year just allowed those people to scream louder. tj has more potential to run a team if he puts his mind to it, which is a tj problem. but for his sake and hope that he gets humbled, he needs to be traded. a trade to the clips for maggette would be nice. through in delfino if necessary. the reality is, next year, calderone wouldn't be better. teams will adjust as they are now and he will struggle. without another scoring threat, his game will regress even more. smitch will get the blame whether they win 50 or 40.

[Huseyin N]

Will these bangwagoners stop ripping up Bargnani. It took Bosh 5 years to get to this playing ability. Bargs is the key and X factor of every game.

[sol]

Doug, I enjoy your blog and read it regularly. I was at the game last night and must say, "hats off to the Raptors" they played well (other than missing shots that they can make). If they would have hit some of those open shots there's know doubt they could have won. What amazes me is you response to our applause for LaBron passing Brad D. as our all time scoring leader as "a bit of over-kill" since there's no doubt he would since the day he began playing for us. We here in Cleveland take pride in our sports (even though we have never had much to take pride in)! We knew he was going to pass that record the day he started, we knew at the begging of the year he would pass it before the end of the season and we knew it before the beginning of the game last night. We applauded him because he deserves it and we take pride in the way he plays basketball, he has shown up every game and plays with heart night in and night out. You call it "over-kill" we here in Cleveland call it "Celebrating the greatest player to put on a Cavs jersey" (even though there aren't many). I would hope any team that has a player like LaBron would celebrate such an accomplishment in the same manner.

[Jim]

Mitchell in for 4 more years? I think not. Here's a great article explaining why:

http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story/?ID=232119&hubname

Blogger's note: An interesting read that was pointed out to me on several occasions since it went up. And I've resisted any urge to comment. Until now.
The item would carry much more weight had the author even once attended a game, practice, shootaround or road trip and spoken to a player, coach, trainer or front office official.
It is the opinion of a fellow precisely the same as it would be of any fan who sits and watches games on television, scalps quotes from other publications to suit his theories and expounds from a background of a fan, rather than someone who's actually been around the team.
The only difference is the platform afforded him

[Eric]

I believe the time has come to call the coaching into question. The team has not improved, the players have not improved, and yet all we've heard this season is how they are improving.

Doug, I'm not sure you would be in a position to comment from your seat above the scorer's table, but the Raptors coaches this season (as shown by the team's results) look overwhelmed. Or maybe that's not the word for it. Maybe disinterested is. I don't think Alex English has ever said a word to Sam Mitchell without being asked, Jay Triano and Mike Evans only make it on camera when Sam needs to vent to someone, it's disgraceful. The fact the team does not adjust well in-game or prepare for their opponent from the outset is a direct result, I think. They're not creative, they're purely reactive- and they're not even good when they're reacting.

I'm sure Sam Mitchell gives you a good interview in relation to Kevin O'Neill or Lenny Wilkens. But in terms of helping the team take the next step, he clearly doesn't know how to do it. I don't know if firing the man is an option anymore but if the roster isn't going to get better, change will have to come from somewhere else. This has been a train wreck, through and through. Something tells me there are at least a dozen coaches in this league who look at our team and think, "I bet I could squeeze another 10-15 wins out of them. What exactly are they doing out there?"

[John Sonoma]

Dougie, Dougie, Dougie.... you are too funny. You say Sam Mitchell will be around for 4 years??!! If Colangelo is an Exec of the Year then I know he realizes that Sam Mitchell shouldn't be coaching the Raptors for another 4 months!

[Alex L]

Wow Doug you must have some patience to read through some of the junk people post here...I can only imagine your inbox. I am a true longtime fan, but one thing I don't profess to be is an NBA insider or a hoops expert. While I like to engage in bball analysis with my friends, I refrain from sending in long rants stating that my opinion is the one-and-only-truth (like above). I think some of these people are closet wanna-be sports writers who should probably try sending in their "articles" for publishing for a reality check. Unless you're Doug (who IS a professional) let's try to keep it to questions or observations about the blog.

Yes, we all know Sam Mitchell is not Red Auerbach, never will be. His strength comes from his relationships with players, not his X's and O's. That is getting better, it is only his 4th year as a coach. Tell me, oh all-knowing last two posters, when we fire Mitchell, who do you want to take over...Larry Brown?? you gonna lure away Phil Jackson?? Maybe an unproven college coach will solve all your worries?? Honestly, think before you post or at least enlighten us with your plans (Do they include you taking over as GM too).
Yes, we know Bargnani is not busting out like Dirk did in his 2nd year, but bigs usually take time to develop and not all #1 pics end up in the hall of fame either...Patience.

People need to just go back to being fans, supporting our team as they progress to being better, and not pretend to know-all and see-all. Frankly I'm sick of all that. It sure said a lot about how Utah fans cheered even harder when their team was down, and our fans boo during a blow out over free pizza that NO ONE even reclaims I'm sure....disgusting. Real fans its time to stand up and be counted and not let bandwagon-riders hijack this team and this blog.
This is a rant now too, sorry, but had to be done. Ok Im out

[Andy]

I think the article made several, very valid points. You didn't analyze the article at all...just made a rather vague insult.

Blogger's note: I said it was an interesting read, just as many others I get from fans are interesting. I don't feel compelled to analyze "articles" written with no first-hand knowledge.
Some of the points are quite valid, as are those made my many others who post here or send in mail without benefit of a website to publish their opinions.
Okay, I done with this one.
Thanks all.

[Ted S]

"Bargs is the key and X factor every game." Yeah, where X = 0. Andrea couldn't be Bosh's towel boy in Bosh's second year. Dare to compare: development vs. stagnation. Courage vs. Cowardice.

[Shawn]

I think the article can be valid because he hasnt been around the team. the writer doesnt have anyone to appease. he can avoid the feeling that if he comes down negatively on the organization or sam mitchell, he wont obtain quotes for his upcoming rank-and-file story. when a reporter spends most of their time surrounded by the people they're supposed to be reporting on, it undoubtedly skews their 'objectivity'. i realize this is a sports article and doesnt carry much weight, yet it is nonetheless a very pertinent issue in media studies. take a look at the japanese establishment news and how press clubs have literally made mainstream reporting irrelevant - there is no fourth estate anymore because if a reporter negatively portrays a press club subject, he is ousted for future press releases. yet the article becomes near irrelevant because he's not involved in this inner-circle around the organization (as doug attested to). the teeter-totter always crashes down on one side doesnt it?

[bballer]

how has the players on the raps not improve under mitchell. bosh, calderone, tj (except this year, last year he was brilliant), moon went from nothing to top 5 rookie, parker, humphries, delfino (no mins in detroit to 20 mins in to)and nesterovich (discarded from san antonio. the only person that didn't improve is bargnani. if that is what you are basing this team on then you are kidding. the reality is and doug you must be tired of me saying it, but compared to other teams toronto isn't that talented.

atlanta at the number 8 spot and nj has more individual talent than toronto. washington in the 5th spot has more talent than toronto. hell, even charlotte has better individucal talent than toronto. the fact that toronto is a playoff team is a testament to coaching. PEOPLE STOP WATCHING THE LEAFS AND WATCH OTHER NBA TEAMS TO RECOGNIZE TALENT! if you don't realize that toronto is one of the least talented teams in the east, based on individual skills, then you know nothing about the other teams in this league.

Blogger's note: You think I get tired of hearing that? No way. Not a chance.

[Andy]

'Blogger's note: I said it was an interesting read, just as many others I get from fans are interesting. I don't feel compelled to analyze "articles" written with no first-hand knowledge.'

So I'm confused, if it's an interesting read, why not examine it? That doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. The points made in the article aren't relevant to his time spent with the team. He's looking at the on court production, who cares whats happening in practice? Why does the writer need practice time, lockerroom time, to analyze the on court production? What in the article was inaccurate?

You seem, like everyone, scared to criticize Mitchell because he'll make a fool of you on television, or you'll lose the interview. Your job is not to be his friend, it's to look and report on the team in an unbiased way. You are clearly not doing that.

The guy is a decent NBA coach, but still makes the same mistakes, night in and night out. He never takes responsibility for screwing up a game. Why is he above criticism?

Blogger's note: It's interesting, I examined it, I don't care to comment on it because it's no different than the dozens of similiar ones I get every single day from fans saying much the same. It presents an interesting opinion for someone with as much access to the team as, say, you.
He, or you, don't know kind of preparation went into a game in Golden State and whether it was physical breakdowns by players (which is was) that led to the bad start, or whether it was coaching or the implementation of a game plan that went wrong in Denver (and if you'd read stories after the Nugget game there was information from both players and coaches that suggested it was playing, not coaching, that was the problem in the first quarter that night.
There are blanket statements made without any attempt whatsoever to substantiate them with someone -- a player or a coach -- who was directly invovled.
I just don't want it considered "reporting" or anything other than what it is. It cannot be held up to any higher standard than submissions I get often and when it was presented as such I thought it important to point that out.
And now, I am done with the subject. Any or all of you may have the last word. I'm quite bored by the topic.