Will the Cavs Respond Tonight?

 

After a loss in Game 2 to the Washington Wizards, it’s the Cavaliers turn to adjust and respond.  Although fans of the wine and gold now think all hope is lost, it says here the Cavs will answer the Wizards victory on the road with one of their own this weekend.  Coach Mike Brown will make the necessary changes to bring the series back to Cleveland tied at 2 games each.

 

Just as you knew the Washington big three was going to shoot better in Game 2 than in Game 1, you know LeBron James will have a much better game tonight and Sunday.  The coach talked about limiting turnovers, and on Tuesday night LBJ was the chief culprit with 10 of them.  Remember that even with James’ subpar (for him) performance, the wine and gold only lost by five points. 

 

Another thing that has to happen is establishing Zydrunas Ilgauskas in the post.  Washington is under the mistaken idea that Brendan Haywood can handle Z by himself.  The Cavs must get the ball to their big guy early and often tonight.  If Z can get going in the first quarter, Wizards’ coach Eddie Jordan will have to think about changing his defensive strategy, giving the King more room to reign.

 

Cleveland won the first game because they stopped the Wizards from getting second shots.  That didn’t happen in the next game, but the Cavs have to get back to their good work on the glass for the rest of the series.  Limiting Washington to one shot will be a key.

 

The last issue was the chatting by the Wizards after the game, and the reporting of the Baltimore/Washington media.  They claimed that James was intimidated by the physicality of the Wizards.  I don’t think LBJ is intimidated by anything.  LeBron will take it to Washington, and will do it with authority.  The lip service done by the Wizards will only serve to fire up James and the rest of the Cavs.  Someone on the Cavs, either Drew Gooden or Anderson Varajao will level Gilbert Arenas or Antawn Jamison on the way to the hoop to send a message that the Cavs won’t be pushed around.

 

The series will be even going into Game 5.  Get ready for intense playoff basketball.

 

JK