Cavs Usher in Another Playoff Victory

Previously I blogged about Jay-Z's involvement with the New Jersey Nets, so in the interest of full disclosure, it is worth noting that Usher is a minority owner of the Cleveland Cavs.


I would also be clapping if I owned part of the Cavs. Every player on the Cavs starting five logged double digits in game two, and LeBron James was truly on fire, scoring 32 points and contributing 12 assists. The Cavs continue to dominate the offensive boards and second chance points with the help of Anderson Varejao, who finished with 6 offensive rebounds.

The Nets didn't help their cause - Jason Kidd had 8 turnovers, which equals the number of turnovers the Cavs roster combined. Ultimately, the Cavs shot the ball 21 times more than New Jersey, so even though the Nets were shooting around 51% from the field, the Cavs come away with the win. In case you're feeling sorry for Kidd, remember that he is an alleged wife beater.

Now the series moves to New Jersey. I previously predicted a Cavs win in six, but I would like to revise that to five, maybe even four. It isn't out of the realm of possibility that Cleveland will steal one of the Nets two home games away from them, and if it is game three then I expect the Nets to be demoralized and worn out in game four.

Nets-Cavs: Dynasty vs. Dynasty

Back in 2004 Bruce Ratner bought the NJ Nets for $300 with the help of an investment team that included Jay-Z .

Make no mistake, this new management team has been making power moves. As well as I thought Jason Kidd meshed with Kenyon Martin, there is no doubt that Vince Carter is leagues better. Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson are an East coast version of the Phoenix Sun's run and gun style of play.

I have a feeling that Larry Hughes and Sasha Pavlovic are not suited defensively to play against Kidd and Jefferson, so I expect to see E. Snow and Anderson Varejao to produce some solid minutes off the bench. The Cavs have an advantage with their big man, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who averaged a double-double during the regular season - watch for the first play of the game to be Z. down and inside on the basket. Lebron James and Vince Carter should be playing each other up and down the court. That's the match-up to watch.


Speaking of LeBron, this is the sort of image that causes the hearts of Cleveland fans to stop for a moment.

For now Cleveland can breath a collective sigh of relief, since LeBron is locked into his contract for a few more years. But if the Jigga man moves the Nets to Brooklyn like he plans to do and Cleveland doesn't close the deal by the end of LeBron's contract...well, I got 99 Problems...

In any case, Cavs win this series in six to advance to the conference finals.

J Kidd and Vinsanity: Double Triple Double

Jason Kidd and Vince Carter both put up triple doubles in the same game.

V. Carter 16-28 FG 16 REB 10 ASS 46 PTS
J. Kidd 4-12 FG 16 REB 18 ASS 10 PTS 9 TO

Yes that's right, Kidd was 1 TO away from a quadruple double. Nuts! Has 2 trip dubs on the same team in the same game ever happened before?

Best Fantasy Line Ever

In 1986, playing fantasy basketball must've been extraordinarily difficult. Playing by adding up the stats from newspapers. No internet. That must've sucked hard. But Larry made things easier to take. Peep his line from the 1986-87 season. ABSURD.

74 games played, 41 minutes per game, 28 points per game, 53% field goals, 91% free throws, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 three pointer, 3 turnovers

That's what you get when KG, Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion are combined into one player with Steve Nash's free throw shooting.

Blurst Trade Deadline Ever!

Well, it came and went. The only moves were Anthony Johnson to Atlanta for a 2nd round pick and Juan Dixon to Toronto for Fred Jones. Bestill my frantically beating heart. No Bibby, Kidd or Carter movement. No Magette, Artest or Pau trades. No 'Shard Lewis to the Knicks. No anything. I am thoroughly disappointante. I was looking for a blockbuster. Maybe the off season will bring more excitement. For now, though, it's back to the grind. Only about 30 games left to go until the real season starts. I have a feeling the playoffs this year will be excellent. The top 5 seeds in the West will all be title contenders, and all 8 seeds in the east will be contenders to be the team that gets humiliated in the finals. I wouldn't mind seeing the Cavs, or Raptors, get swept in 4 by San Antone. Speaking of which, I have a scary premonition that San Antonio is not only gonna cut a bloody swathe through the West playoffs, but will dismantle some very good teams in the process. As good as Dallas looks right now, I think last year was a chance they'll never get back. It's gonna be an even more difficult road (if that's possible) for them to get to the big show this year...

The Deadline Approaches...

It's trade deadline time...

From ESPN:
Bibby going to Cleveland, however, remains a possibility. The Cavs lack the trade assets to complete a trade for Bibby, but one scenario in circulation Tuesday had Minnesota joining in on a three-team deal that would potentially send Mike James, among others, to Sacramento as Bibby's successor at the point.

And also this:
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been trying to get in the mix on Kidd, too, and apparently are willing to discuss everyone on the roster outside of LeBron James.
A package of Larry Hughes and Anderson Varejao would be something the Nets would have to consider, although the consensus in front offices around the league is that Hughes would be worth taking a chance on only if his contract were half as big as it actually is.
Another factor working against the Cavs: They do not have a No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft to trade, having shipped it off for Jiri Welsch two years ago.

Woo smokies, I would love to see JKidd in a Cleveland jersey. Actually, I wouldn't mind Bibby in Cleveland jersey. The question in this tradular game of Russian roulette is, who pulls the trigger on a loaded 13 million dollar Larry Hughes?