So here we are, the most anticipated regular season game the Cavs have played in . . . well, let's just say it wasn't during the Darnell Valentine days. So what should you look for?
1. Defense. The Cavs and the Celtics are the top two in the NBA in points per possession allowed, with the Cavs leading the way. DO NOT expect a high scoring game.
2. Who can win the rebounding war? This year, the Cavs have fallen down in their rebounding percentages, rebounding only 73% of the opponents' misses. The Celtics are doing better, rebounding 75% of the opponents' misses. The Cavs recently were hammered on the boards by the Wizards. If this happens again, the Cavs will lose.
3. Sasha Pavlovic goes nuts and scores 25. No way this happens. I just want to see if you were reading. Actually, Sasha may get some minutes. The Cavs play 3 guards, and two of them are not good defenders - Mo and Boobie. If Sasha can come in and play some defense on Ray-Ray while Delonte can slow down Rondo a bit, that will be a huge contribution from Sasha (let's hope he doesn't give it away on offense).
4. Guarding Rondo. As detailed by Truehoop, Rondo is sweet at the Rim- 61%. Everywhere else? Eh, not so much.
5. Most importantly, dealing with Rondo's ball pressure. Against the Heat and, to a lesser extent, the Wizards, teams pressured the ball coming up court. Mo Williams is a good scoring PG, but he's no ball handling wizard. The answer? Let Delonte bring the ball up court, and force Jesus Shuttlesworth to play some on the defense on the ball.
That's it. If the Cavs can win these battles, I predict a Cavs W.
I leave you with this:
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"Lebron James, with no regard for human life, give the Cavaliers their biggest lead of the game." - Kevin Harlan. That announcing is great.
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