Brown looking for answers
You have to wonder what Cleveland coach Mike Brown is really thinking when he goes over the game films of the Cavaliers series against Orlando. My guess is that the NBA Coach of the Year is uttering something along the lines of: “Where did my team go?” (There might be a few other words sprinkled in as well.)
The Magic have put Cleveland on the brink of an unwanted and certainly unanticipated May vacation, leading their Eastern Conference Final series 3-1. Only five percent of the teams in Cleveland’s predicament have managed to win the series.
The Magic could just as easily be chilling in Hooterville, awaiting the Western Conference champion, had not LeBron James hit his spectacular buzzer-beater at the end of Game 2. But the Cavaliers are going to need more than James’ heroics to pull this one out. If it’s not already too late, they’re going to need to return to the style of play they showed over 82 games in the regular season and the first eight of the post-season.
They’re going to need to defend.
That is what champions do. That’s what the Celtics did last year and that’s what the Spurs did in winning their multiple titles. That’s what Cleveland indisputably did over the course of the regular season, when the Cavs were arguably the best defensive team in the league. That’s what Cleveland did in the first two rounds of the playoffs, suffocating the Pistons and the Hawks.
But, as James himself noted after the Game 4 loss to Orlando, “we have broken down in areas that we haven’t broken down in all season.” And, amazingly, “we got to get one stop.”
That wasn’t much of a concern for the Cavs – until they ran into the three-point firing Magic, who are shooting with impunity when not dumping it into Dwight Howard. Orlando thus far has managed to do what no one else has managed to do this season – turn the Cavs into Warriors East on defense.
During the regular season, the Cavs led the NBA in points allowed, surrendering 91.4 a game. That was almost two points ahead of No. 2 San Antonio. Cleveland finished second in defensive field goal percenage at 43.06. (The Celtics were at 43.05.) History has shown that these types of teams, as long as they play a little at the other end, tend to do very well in the postseason.
Cleveland then continued its stranglehold ways against the Pistons and the Hawks. Detroit averaged 78 points a game while shooting 41 percent. Atlanta averaged 78.3 points a game while shooting 38.5 percent. Both the Hawks and Pistons went down in four.
That was Cavs Basketball, version 2008-09. Until now.
Orlando has treated the Cleveland defense as it was some mere impediment at a county fair booth. The Magic are averaging 104 points a game – or 26 more per game than Detroit and Atlanta. The Magic are shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point territory. Those are numbers that, if maintained, will make Orlando a very, very tough out.
“We’ve tried everything,’’ lamented Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
Cleveland looks confused on defense, which is surprising given that Orlando’s preferred style of play is not exactly a trade secret. The Magic like to go inside-out with players who can score at every position. Howard is a certifiable beast who the Cavs have not decided needs to be double-teamed or not. You can book him now for a double-double; he’s had 26 in 31 playoff games.
Orlando’s titular power forward (Rashard Lewis) is shooting an astonishing 58 percent from three-point territory, his last being the dagger at the end of Game 4. The Magic’s so-called “small” forward is the 6-10 Hedo Turkoglu, who, when’s he on his game, is the Turkish Larry Bird. Both present major mismatch headaches.
Joined by starters Rafer Alston and Courtney Lee, that gives Orlando four outside shooting threats to go with Howard’s inside presence. Reserves Anthony Johnson and Mickael Pietrus also have three-point range. Heck, Stan Van Gundy hasn’t even bothered to use JJ Redick (10 minutes over four games) and shooting is what Redick does.
What can Cleveland do to counteract this? One possibility is the Cavs elect to fight fire with fire and go to a smaller lineup, with James as the power forward and three shooters to spread to floor. That would mean eliminating offensive anchors like Anderson Varejao and Ben Wallace in favor or more scoring. That would also mean that Cleveland is playing to Orlando’s strength.
Putting points on the board hasn’t been Cleveland’s problem, however. Stopping Orlando from putting points on the board has been Cleveland’s problem. Stopping teams is how the Cavs got this far and it’s had to envision Brown throwing the baby out with the bathwater at this point.
And, as Brown noted, the games have been close at the end, despite some wild swings. The first two were decided by one point. Game 4 went into overtime (thanks to a questionable call against Orlando) and was decided by two points. Even Game 3, a 10-point Magic victory, was close.
Something that sometimes gets lost in the discussion is that Orlando plays defense too. Pretty well, in fact. The Magic were among the top five teams in the league in both points allowed and defensive field goal percentage. Howard is the Defensive Player of the Year.
And ever since Orlando was pistol-whipped by the Celtics in Game 2 of their conference semifinal series – the Magic played like total wimps in that game – it has shown a toughness and a resiliency that now has it on the precipice of what would be a surprising, and network-cringing, victory.
Cleveland still has James, the human embodiment of “anything is possible.’’ He’s averaging a stunning 42.3 points a game in this series and his team is still down 3-1.
But, contrary to what you may see, hear or read, this series has not been All About LeBron. It’s been about the Magic’s ability to play at both ends a little bit better and about Cleveland’s inability to be the defensive team it was and has been all season.
“Where did my team go?”
Brown better find it – and soon.
frank B Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 11:25 am
Cleveland’s offense to me is the problem. Lebron dribbles the ball up, makes a move, and then either dishes off or tries to get to the rim. It is way too predictible. Orlando stays at home with the three point shooters lining the perimeter, leaves Howard and Gortat to protect the rim, and lets Lebron wear himself out playing point guard. Can’t anyone else on that team handle the ball?
Jack Ramsey on ESPN radio describes the Cavalier’s offense as “looking like something from the 1950’s”.
Everyone on the team is relegated to being a spot up shooter waiting for Lebron to pass to them. As Phil Jackson says in one of his books, long shots, especially from the corners, often result in fast breaks that are difficult to defend.
Mike Brown, coach of the year? He is getting outcoached and his team is getting outplayed. The Magic have made adjustments to Cleveland’s strategy but what have the Cavaliers changed? If Lebron scores 50 and has 10 assists and 10 rebounds and the Cavaliers can only manage 85 or so overall points, they aren’t going to beat Orlando.
It reminds me of the Bulls before Phil Jackson when Jordan used to have incredible stats but couldn’t break through for a championship. Teams will always defeat a collection of individuals.
Right now the Cavaliers are being beaten by a better team.
javaman Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Well, here it is! For all the myopic fans unable to digest realty as it actually is, it’s time to put down the pipe and hop in to a new bandwagon. The KING’S ship have just left for summer fishing. Le Bron’s team is finally exposed for what it really is. All the ESPN experts are about slit their wrists because The King (once again) failed to live up to their hype. The GOLDEN CHILD is beginning to look more like Vince Carter every year. I hear N.Y. calling…
Nick Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 11:54 am
The problem with the Cavaliers is that they are constantly double teaming Dwight Howard which is unnecessary. Howard is a beast, but he is no Abdul Jabbar Post-Player. The Cavaliers should let Dwight Howard have whatever he wants in the paint, as long as they do not allow the Magic to get off 3 point shots. This article brings up interesting points about the Cavaliers first two sweeps, The Hawks and the Pistons however were not hitting 15 3point shots per game. That is where the 20+ extra points allowed is coming from in this series. Mike Brown needs to adjust the Cavaliers defense. Instead of playing a pseudo zone and double teaming Howard, (Which ultimately results in a kick out to a wide open 3 point shooter) The Cavaliers need to play good old fashioned Man defense and take away the 3 point shot. Another thing that is killing Cleveland is having Varejao chasing Lewis on the perimeter. Cleveland, a good rebounding team is not getting many second chance looks in this series. Varejao, Smith and Wallace are usually in the paint where they normally grab a decent amount of boards, but in this series a shot goes up and the only people under the basket are Dwight Howard and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. I think you know who wins that rebounding battle.
Jerome Woods Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 1:11 pm
Basketball isn’t as complicated as it’s made out to be; Orlando is just simply the better team. Cleveland still hasn’t gave Lebron enough help to win a title, although they aren’t that far away. They are still just a bunch of good role players around him, but he needs another great player next to him. Mo Williams was a good pickup, but they failed to do anything else. Had they pulled the trigger for a Shaq or Amare deal, they would be in a better position right now. Lebron does everything on his own, they don’t have anyone in the paint to throw it into and get easy baskets, and Mo hasn’t stepped up to take any pressure of him. Simply put, the Cavs still aren’t good enough to get to the top, but they are probably one big move away.
Porky Appleyard Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
The 2009 playoffs have finally shown me how great D. Howard is. He is a monster rebounder and shot blocker and a fairly good offensive player. With him anchored in the post, all Orlando needs to do is hit their shots- which they have been doing. Mike Brown has no answers/players to combat this. Cleveland needs to shore up their team off season because its all over- Orlando is winning the series. As for Lebron, if he does not see offseason help arrive, he is history.
Michael Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
Does anyone here watch sports? The problem is not defense or offense.
All the games (except one), have been awfully close and decided by one or two points. If Mike Brown had a brain, he would not have:
Game 1: Have Verajao guard Lewis for the game winning shot.
Game 4: Have Ben Wallace guard Lewis for the shot that brought the game to OT.
Without these stupid bonehead defensive assignments designed by M. Brown, the Cavs could be up 3-1 right now.
As a Cavs fan, I would seriously prefer Isiah Thomas as coach instead of Mike Brown.
P Lewis James Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
Mike Brown has to stop being in awe of Lebron James and coach him! If he does not he will be fired. Put in some offensive sets and run them. Require Lebron to be a part of the team. The last coach who dared to coach Lebron, Paul Silas was fired because he estabished a player coach relationship with his players, Lebron included. Yes lebron is a once in a generation talent but basketball is a team game. This Cavs team has enough talent to win the title. So does Orlando! Unless Mike Brown starts to act like the coach and the Cavs play as a team they will be on summer vacation real soon!
Porky Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
Hey Mike-
Why not must cut and paste that article you stole your ideas from?
Your second blunder was mentioning Isiah Thomas as Coach. You truly are an idiot.
Shane Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 4:53 pm
The problem is simple. The CAVS big men can’t score. B. Wallace. Can’t score. A Verejo…not a scorer. Big Z. used to be a scorer but now slow and can only hit a wide open jump shot. L James and Mo Williams are the only scorers and when Mo isn’t hitting that leaves the bulk of the scoring on James. Contrast this with the Lakers…P Gasol..scorer….L Odom…scorer…K Bryant..scorer even T. Ariza is showing some offensive flash.
In the off season the CAVS should sign Rasheed Wallace to a 1 year deal. They need a 6-10 big guy who can drain it from the inside and outside. Until then they will fall short every year. The CAVS are only one player away from being a perennial NBA championship contenter.
leon Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 5:00 pm
this article said if not for a questionable call on Orlando the CAVS wont force overtime. hey if the refs called an illegal pick on HOWARD, Lewis 3 points wont be counted to give them the lead. watch the replay and how about the basket interference by HOWARD.
leon Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 5:02 pm
can u also still remeber the 1 sec shot clock the Cavs have and before MO touch the ball, the buzzer went off.
ericktmd Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 7:21 pm
mike brown is the one killing the cavs!!!! so many weapons but if you dont know how to use them they are useless. who the heck made him coach of the year?!! if you analyze all the games so far its the coaching decisions that kills the cavs. bye bye lebron-kobe finals.
john marshall Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 11:51 pm
Well the series is 3-2 and it not over. It is not looking pretty but if you think about it if they beat Orlando one game at hoem they are favored to win the series again. I have not seen a very dominant any team in this series so to say Orlando is better is inflated. They are good obviously but the Cavs can win because Lebron is not over hyped. He is hands down the best player in the NBA which is not a crack on Kobe he was the best in his day. The game evolves every 5-10 years and he is the next stage. Dwight Howard is the future of big men. The bar has been raised live with it. Could you even imagine Kobe and Lebron trading places haha. Lebron would be waiting in LA for the finals to start not battling the Nuggets and Kobe would have been home because they would at best got knocked out in the first round. Can anyone remember the years after Shaq left when Kobe was looking at being traded and trashing his team publicly. Lebron has lead his team with no major 2 man to the finals and now they are back in the conference finals. I am not a fan of either team and give props to Dwight and Lebron but lets be realistic about Lebron he is the man. As far as Mike Brown there were some bad assignments but the game should not have been that close. Cavs need there big men to step up Wallace on D and Z post scoring they are living and dying on the out side shot.
Shane Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 12:03 am
Yes, I do believe that M. Brown is overhyped as a coach; but the CAVS do not have that many weapons outside of Lebron. At least not that many offensive weapons. As I said before, the Lakers have L.Odom, A Bynum, P. Gasol…all big men that can score 20plus a night. Then you add Kobe. Thats why the Lakers will win the championship.
The CAVS need a Rasheed Wallace…someone tough and a big man who can score from the perimeter.
Arka Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 1:21 am
Cavs are reminding me of the Iverson Sixers when they went on their 2001 run to the Finals. The entire Cavs roster is very talented just like the 2001 Sixers; but, they are also in Cleveland mainly to play off Lebron just as the 2001 Sixers roster existed to play off Iverson. When the Superstar is as good as Lebron or AI and the supporting cast is well assembled, these teams can do extremely well; however, I am convinced that balance is necessary to be the last team standing.
Superstar perimeter players need other powerful offensive threats to get to the Finals. And these threats really have to be more consistent and daunting than Mo Williams, Delonte West, and Z have been playing. To beat the best teams Jordan needed an absolute assasin - Scottie Pippen. Last year - Paul Pierce played alongside a monster shooter/scorer veteran in Ray Allen and a frontcourt MVP in Garnett. Dwane Wade played with Shaq in the Post. The list goes on: Kobe/Shaq; Duncan/Ginobili/Parker; Chauncey/Rip/Rasheed.
And Orlando has that offensive intensity and balance in the form of a mismatch nightmare - Turkoglu and Lewis can not be guarded - especially not by Delonte West and Wally Z. Add the playmaking of Rafer Alston on top of that and you have gravy. Orlando has legitimate offenive balance alongside the powerful post threat of DHoward.
I do believe the Cavs have a roster of guys that can be offensive threats alongside Lebron. Mo Williams/West/Z/ and Pavlovic are all extremely talented. But they are standing around watching Lebron.
Like Charles and Kenny on TNT, I wouldn’t expect the 1 on 5 plan to work again in game 6. I think we are seeing the limits of Lebron as a 1 on 5 player.
So I hope the Cavs adjust a little to give Lebron some rest in the first half and push Mo Williams and Delonte West to use their playmaking skills.
That would also leave Lebron with enough energy to check and deny Turkoglu during crunch time.
How does that Rashard Lewis contract look now? When he’s the 3/4 option, he is a nightmare matchup.
Drake G. Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 8:53 am
Even though I think that Mike Brown has improved as a coach, he still has a long way to go. He knows nothing about offense and has no creativity in him. Lebron is making a lot of turnovers because he is being forced to do way too much. People think that Danny Ferry put this great team around Lebron, but he has not. It’s definitely a better team than the one that went to the finals a few years ago, but not much better. If Mo Williams is suppose to be your second best player you are in trouble. The team starts two midgets and has a rotation of slow aging big men. They still have a chance to win it all, but I think they would have been wise to go after Joe Johnson when he was a free agent instead of making Larry Hughes and Michael Redd the top options. But again you can’t change the past. Moving forward…
Cleveland, if you want to win make some changes. Bench Wally and only play Z when Howard is out. Wally and Z are too slow for their matchups and Wally definitely is not the shooter that he used to be even a few years ago. Play Varejo and Wallace at Center, start Lebron at PF and start Pavlovic. Not saying that he is great, but at least he can get a hand up in the face of Hedo or Rashard. Also, bring out Joe Smith. He can give you some offense and is going to be a little more comfortable stepping out a little bit as opposed to some of your other guys.
Ronald Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 9:15 am
Regardless of what anybody says first of all the Cavs are going to win the series in seven, also I agree with nick, let Dwight get his and guard the 3 point perimeter no 3’s, stop going under there screens and go over the screens and switch effectively no lazy D, also ( directed at the Cavs bigs ) foul Dwight, make him shoot freethrows, he still cant hit them and make sure you hit yours, man to man defense, lastly Lebron should not be sticking rafer alston or courtnee lee, put him on hedo or rashard, whoever is hot, and run the ball, use your advantage of having two guards and the best finisher in the game on your team, beat Dwight ( DPOY ) up the court, he cant block your shot if he’s at half court, Lebron watch out for charges, God bless!
tdiggs Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 10:17 am
Bottom line- talent wins in this league. West is finally playing like the Delonte I expected him to be and Mo Williams is back to his overrated self. Wallace and Sideshow Bob are stiffs and Zydrunas looks exhausted.
It gives me great pleasure to see this team falter as they are far too full of themselves. They’ll take a step backwards next year too.
shirley sullivan Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 10:28 am
What really frustrates me is every time Lebron has the basketball you can count on a foul even when there isn’t one. It takes away in my opinion the enjoyment of watching Lebron. Yes he is awesome however, why wouldn’t he be when everytime he has the ball he gets to go to the line and get extra points. C’mon now! They don’t call him for fouls, or traveling. The sports announcers are bias all you hear is ‘LEBRON JAMES”. For me it takes away the enjoyment of watching a great ball game! Dwight Howard tries to do his job and gets bogus calls left and right and then you have LEBRON JAMES!!! GIVE ME A BREAK! I hope Magic kicks their butts on home court!
yackity yack Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 11:16 am
I was glad to see the Cavs pull out game 5. Mo became a timely playmaker once again and delonte was finishing his opportunities. Varejo and Z really fed off Lebron like they have done most the season.
Orlando is such a dynamic team in terms of mismatches and finishers that they become extremely explosive offensively. Defensively they are not without holes. Their style can shoot themselves into games or shoot their way out, and if the Cavs can keep them from posting up Howard they will have them right where they need them.
Although I don’t see the Cavs jumpers going down on Orlandos home court so I am afriad it will end for the Cavs in game 6.
I like the 1 yr. flyer on Racheed Wallace idea. Lebron needs more help. The Cavs are lacking athletic swingmen. If they can pull one away from the warriors or knicks I think it would be a big help.
BUCK Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 11:19 am
Orlando lets Lebron get his, no matter how many, and they contain everyone else. So why doesn’t the coach of the year(joke) let Howard get his and stop everyone else ? How can Brown be coach of the year(joke) when Lebron runs the team as MJ did for the Bulls till Phil came to town ? How come the Cavs only have one true center and 5 PF who play at center ? How come Brown(joke) has not learn the 1 on 5 will not win a championship ? I hope I am wrong, fact is, i pray i am wrong, but i have said for 4 years, the Cavs will not win a championship as long as Brown(joke) is the coach. Yes, they will get close and if this was horse or hand-gernade, that would mean something, but this is basketball. At the end of each game Lebron can hardly walk,yet everyone else looks as if they are ready to hit the clubs. Brown(joke) makes the Orlando”s coach look like the coach of the year. But being one of those die heart Cavs fans, i’m still hoping and always carry in my pocket the one thing all Cavs fan have, the “WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR” cards. But i seem to be running out of them.
Joey Deegeling Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
The Cavs play too static, they came out great in game 5 moving like hell and from the 2nd quarter they stopped.
After which they had no plan for 2 quarters and finally went to the 4 corners for LeBron.
They should play some pick and roll between LeBron and Mo Williams, it would be very effective like Turkoglu Howard pick and rolls are.
Joey Deegeling Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
And you HAVE to put LeBron on Lee because he’ll tire way too fast on Lewis or Turk. They need him more offensively than defensively at this point.
Keep shootin’ Rafer! Go Cavs
Boi Boi Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
MAGICS ARE JUSS A BETTA TEAM.
satch Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
shirley ,i agree with you.i,m starting to dislike lebron because of the blatant favortism shown him by the refs.if orlando don,t beat them at home they will get screwed by the refs in cleveland.
Jams Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 9:27 pm
javaman you are a hater
Lebron is averaging 42, 9 and 7 in this series. If the Cavs lose this series all it does is reveal how much he lifted his chump teammates during the regular season. No one has ever done more with less.
ArnauIguodala Said,
May 30, 2009 @ 9:30 am
“The Magic could just as easily be chilling in Hooterville, awaiting the Western Conference champion, had not LeBron James hit his spectacular buzzer-beater at the end of Game 2.”
Yeah and Michael Jordan wouldn’t have 6 titles had not he hit a couple buzzer-beater. More points in 48 minutes = win, did you know that?
Big J Said,
May 31, 2009 @ 10:31 pm
Javanman there’s no room for hate here. The Cavs got out coached and out played by the better team,all year I was telling myself how do they do it,well here’s my anwser. Great regular season team with one great player and lots of good role players,however the playoffs a totally differenent monster. You need at least two allstar players and I really didn’t see Mo as a allstar and it proved out in the Orlando series. Out of the four teams left the Cavs had the least amount of talent, Boston had more talent without KG. LeBron is fabulous and coach Brown is still learning. Look out for my Celtics next year when healthy!
javaman Said,
June 1, 2009 @ 12:07 am
This is not the same song that I’m hearing from all of you looneys when the Cavs swept through Detroit and Atlanta. The Le Bron was all that, Cleveland this, Cavaliers that! Life was good till you played a legitimate championship team. No hate here! Just an observation. Have fun all summer making excuses for another year of failure…
javaman Said,
June 1, 2009 @ 12:29 am
By the way, stats are for LOSERS!
Gin Said,
June 1, 2009 @ 10:03 am
I watch basketball almost year round, and one thing I noticed about the Cleveland team from the very beginning of the season was that Cleveland did not have a bench or scorers. I mentioned this same fact a few times during conversationS with friends that “Cleveland did not have a bench or scorers.” Playing in the Eastern Conference, Cleveland was not exposed of their short comings during the regular season because the challenge was not there unless Cleveland was playing against Boston, Orlando, and no other team in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland cruised playing against weak Eastern Conference Teams and probably did not take notice because they were never exposed due to winning weak games.
The two post season victories were against teams that did not want to play (Detroit) and against a team that did not believe (Atlanta). I did not believed that Boston would have beaten Cleveland because Garnett was not around, but after watching Orlando crush Cleveland; maybe Boston could have won without Garnett. Orlando exposed Cleveland’s bench and scoring situation. Orlando stretched Cleveland’s defense and took away one of the three scorers (West, Williams, Lebron), which really exposed their weak bench. Joe Smith and Ben Wallace don’t bring offense, Wally was suspect ever since leaving Minnesota, and Gibson had a problem with back stiffness and soreness. Every other bench player that Cleveland had was in street clothes, and I’m sure Van Gundy took notice of that situation. Cleveland had no answer for Howard, Petrus, Lewis, Turk, or Orlando’s guards for that matter. It was just a matter of time before an opposing coach recognized the weaknesses of Cleveland and exposed it, if not for Orlando it would have been what-ever team that came out of the West. Big “Z” appeared as if he could no longer move laterally or jump, Howard abused him and if Cleveland uses Big “Z” next season the results of this season will be the same. Vereijo spends too much time trying to attract the officials attention, besides, he has no offense and can’t play defense away from the painted area. If Veriejo opts out, let him walk and go after Zack Randolph.
What this season boiled down to for Cleveland was a collection of personal awards and nothing else. Mike Brown benefitted from a weak conference as did Lebron, the real champions will soon be crowned and exposed (LA).
frank B Said,
June 1, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
It will be such a pleasure to not have to hear about how Lebron is:
So fast
So strong
So smart
So good
Such a great passer
Loved by his teamates
The Best
The MVP
The triple double machine
Better than even Kobe!
anymore this season!!!!
Porky Said,
June 1, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
John Marshall above said “its not over” that Orlando would beat Cavs as I predicted.
Fact: It is over.
Another Fact: LeBron has become LeBum with his pouting.
Final Fact: Celts will moist banner #18 next year. I guaranty it.