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| (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) |
The score seemed closer than what it was, but the Cavs dominated both ends of the court tonight. At one point in the game, the Cavaliers had a demanding 20-point lead, with the offense looking head and shoulders better than it has all season. Ball movement, which was essentially non-existent all season, was as solid as it could get. After having six assists against the Jazz, they had 21 assists on 30 field goals. Also, seven guys were in double figures, by far the most this season.
LeBron James, shooting 41 percent from the field on the season, had an all-around performance tonight, which included a near triple-double. James had 22 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, but it was his leadership that seemed to have the biggest impact. Whether it was directing guys on offense or coaching from the sideline to guys on defense, he led people know that he was doing everything in his power to return this franchise to the one they had before LeBron left.
Defensively, the Cavs looked a lot better (albeit against a Nuggets team that is 22nd in offensive rating) than they have compared to the first four games. After allowing opponents to shoot 49.5 percent from the floor, the Cavs held the Nuggets to 43 percent shooting tonight. The effort, most importantly, seemed to be at a higher pace than it was against the Jazz and Trail Blazers. If the Cavs can continue to get just enough stops on defensive, this will be a good sign for future.
With the win tonight, the Cavs end their road trip going 2-2. Lucky for the Cavs, nine of the next 11 games are at home, which will help get the Cavs back on track.
Three Things
1. This is a better example of what the Cavs will look.
Fans around the NBA have waited for the Cavs to play up to their potential, and tonight was the first sign in that direction. This team tonight looked head and shoulder different than the team that played in the first four games. The ball movement was splendid, the defense made stops when it needed to and they blew out a team they were supposed to beat. There was a Spurs-esque style of offense tonight, with the team totaling (( assists on (( field goals, including a number of extra passes that would make Gregg Popovich crack a smile. This is the game the Cavs needed to get their season going and I expect this only to be the beginning of a hot streak.
2. LeBron leadership is having an effect.
LeBron's attitude and effort has been shoddy for most of this young season, and his play has been equally as unimpressive. Tonight, however, LeBron looked like a guy who was disappointed in what he has seen this year and wanted to make a change. His numbers were so-so, but his leadership showed throughout the entire game. He was constantly pointing at guys to get in the right place and communicated with his teammates nonstop. This team needs LeBron to be more than just the best player in the world. He needs to help these learn how to win and play like a team. Tonight, he did exactly that, and the team effort and final score showed.
3. Hey there, Dion Waiters.
You saw the good Dion Waiters, aaaaaaand you saw the bad Dion Waiters. The good thing about tonight, the good heavily out-weighed the bad and his big plays down the stretch helped eliminate a Nuggets comeback that was putting some threats into Cavs fans. Waiters has STRUGGLED the first four games, including being played in favor of Matthew Dellavedova. If the Cavs want to go far, they need Waiters to have games like he did tonight. He seems to be adjusting better to his role, and this is extremely positive for the Cavs.
Statline of the night: LeBron James. 22 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds. 8-18 from the field.
Who better to look to when your team needs a spark? After having only six assists as a TEAM last night, LeBron nearly doubled that himself tonight with his 11 assists. This might be the game that gets LeBron going, which will be scary for the NBA.
What's next: Nov. 10, home against the New Orleans Pelicans. 7 p.m.
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