Cavs Take Game 1

 

The Cleveland Cavaliers won Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semi-finals by knocking off the New Jersey Nets, 81-77 at the Q yesterday.  Two big defensive plays down the stretch clinched the victory, including an incredible block of a Jason Kidd layup by Sasha Pavlovic, a player not exactly in there for his prowess on the defensive end.  The other major factor was the wine and gold’s dominance on the boards, out rebounding the Nets, 51-37.  However, the series really starts Tuesday night.

 

I say this because yesterday’s game featured a rusty Cavaliers team versus a tired New Jersey team.  The Nets just finished their opening round series against Toronto on Friday night.  In fact, the Cavs need to take advantage tomorrow night because New Jersey will only get one more day of rest before Game 2.  In typical NBA scheduling, there are three days off between the second and third games of the series.  Obviously, this is due to the tremendous distance between the two arenas, a one hour flight normally. 

 

There are many who say a playoff series in basketball doesn’t start until the road team wins.  So, don’t be surprised if the Nets come back and win on Tuesday.  Don’t be concerned, either. 

 

The Nets have some players who can be explosive, no matter who tough Mike Brown’s squad plays defense.  Jason Kidd and Vince Carter can just go off regardless of who or what is guarding him.  However, over a seven game series, the Cavaliers have more depth than the Nets.  Even though Zydrunas Ilgauskas had only 8 points, he hauled down 14 rebounds.  Drew Gooden continued his excellent play in the post season with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

 

For New Jersey, outside of Richard Jefferson, the Nets shot horribly.  Carter and Kidd combined to miss 25 of their 34 shots.  The Cavs cannot count on that happening on a nightly basis.  New Jersey shot just 37% from the floor and hit only 5 of 20 three point shots.  The wine and gold wasn’t much better, hitting just 40% from the field.  Hopefully, the Cavs will heat up from the floor as well.  Besides Z, Larry Hughes and LeBron have room for improvement.

 

This was a very close game from beginning to end.  If the series stays that way, it means whoever makes the big plays down the stretch will pick up the win.  The Cavs made the big plays yesterday.  It also means the best player on the floor has the advantage.  Look for #23 to take over more and more as the series continues.

 

JK