I have long maintained that in a seven game series, the even numbered games are most important until you get to the seventh and deciding game. If you are up 1-0, then Game 2 means you can take a commanding lead. If you lost game one, then you have an opportunity to even up the series. The Cleveland Cavaliers took that commanding lead in the series with a 94-82 triumph at Quicken Loans Arena last night.
Prior to last night’s game, Pistons’ coach Michael Curry openly discussed how he was going to take the ball out of LeBron James’ hands. His theory of guarding #23 man to man failed miserably in the series opener, with James going to the basket early and often in route to a 38-point performance. So, he doubled James more often and went to a zone look at times during the game.
It didn’t work. James took just 14 shots, but still scored 29 points and dished out six assists as he found open teammates who made shots, thus foiling the Detroit strategy. Early, it was Zydrunas Ilgauskas hitting open looks, and later Mo Williams started to find his shot, and Delonte West took the ball to the hole with authority.
Also, stifling defense keyed the wine and gold effort. The Pistons were held under 20 points in each of the first three quarters as the Cavs built a lead that eventually reached 29 points. The Cleveland defense did not allow many uncontested shots, but they also forced many turnovers, and when Detroit missed, the Cavs cleaned up the boards, led by James’ 13 rebounds.
Unfortunately, the Cavs’ reserves got sloppy in the fourth quarter and allowed the Pistons’ subs to climb back into the game. The Detroit veteran starters seemed disinterested and beaten, but the bench, led by Will Bynum and Aaron Afflalo, outscored Cleveland 32-17 in the last stanza, and actually closed the gap to seven at one point.
Therefore, even though the Cavs lead the series 2-0, they still feel like they have something to prove as they head to Detroit for the next two games. I would envision Detroit coach Michael Curry giving more time to some of Bynum or Afflalo, and perhaps even Jason Maxiell to provide a spark. I would also figure that Mike Brown would come up with a better way to defend those guys based on what they did last night.
The problems in the fourth quarter also came from the Cavs’ reserves turning the ball over way too much, as well as forcing bad shots. If the game were in doubt, the starters wouldn’t have left the floor all together. The biggest concern is the confidence the Pistons gained from making a blowout into a game. This means the Cavs need to come out quick on Friday night and remind the Pistons who had the league’s best record in 2008-09.
If Mike Brown’s crew can get back to the defense they played in the first three quarters last night, this series will not go longer than five games. The difference for this Cavalier team is the offense has improved so much, scoring 90 points almost guarantees a win, especially against a team like Detroit.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 