Cavmen Update – November 20th

After an underwhelming loss to the Washington Wizards a couple nights ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Indiana Pacers Friday night by a score of 105-95. In this game, the Cavaliers seemed to try to go punch for punch with the Pacers by simply trying to outscore them. That strategy looked to be one that would fail as it did in Washington on Wednesday night. Then in the fourth quarter, the Cavs decided to play some defense, and that not only slowed down the Pacers, but it created some nice opportunities in transition. Coach Mike Brown had to be happy that the team got back to what has made then successful in previous years. Now the test will be tomorrow night to see if they can do the same when they host the 76ers at The Q.

Welcome Back, Wild Thing!
After missing a couple games due to a hip injury, Anderson Varejao returned to the lineup on Friday night, and played 28 minutes. His impact was noticeable as his aggressive play on both ends of the floor helped the Cavaliers defensively, and also gave them some second chance points that they had lacked in previous games when he was out. The one referred to in Cleveland as The Wild Thing had 10 points, three offensive rebounds, and four defensive rebounds. He also had one nice steal that led to a quick dunk by LeBron James. The Cavaliers need the physical play of Varejao if they are to play a complete game and not just rely on offense. Hopefully he can remain healthy and on the floor for the Cavaliers.

Drama King
In the last three games in Indiana, LeBron James has not had under 40 points. Tonight, he dropped 40 on the Pacers and in the previous two games, he had 43 and 47. James showed no ill effects of the wrist injury he suffered at the end of the Wizards game, leading the Cavs in scoring. After the game, when interviewed by the Cavaliers post-game crew, he was asked why he does so well in Indiana. He stated that it’s because of the rich basketball history in Indiana and also mentioned the impact of having legend Larry Bird watching as well. LeBron, I love you and we know you respect the history of the game and all, but please. Enough already!

So because of the history at Madison Square Garden, you light up the Knicks at home. You have also referred to the basketball history in Boston as a reason for a big game or two there. Now you are in Indiana and you do well because of the history there? Maybe it’s because the home teams in those arenas (except Boston of course) are not very good defensively, so you have little resistance put up to you lighting up the scoreboard. Then again, maybe I am wrong. If so, I look forward to December 13th when the Cavaliers visit Oklahoma City, so you can light them up in honor of their rich basketball heritage.

I will now go to confession at the basketball altar of Wilt Chamberlain, and ask for forgiveness for questioning The Chosen One. I am sorry…..no, I really am. I just couldn’t help myself.

Combat King
The mural that covers the wall of an office building across the Quicken Loans arena, has become a sort of landmark in Cleveland for the last couple years. The mural features LeBron James with is arms outstretched and states We Are All Witnesses. Many fans even take pictures of the mural, and it’s part of the new Cavs pregame introductoon video as James emerges from the mural and the giant-sized James joins the rest of his teammates hovering around The Q.

Now Nike has proposed a new mural featuring a shirtless James “ready for battle” in a marketing campaign for Nike’s Combat line of sportswear. The mural has hit a wall (pardon the pun) with the Cleveland city planning committee objecting saying that it doesn’t stress Cleveland enough, and that it doesn’t portray black athletes in the proper way. So one has to wonder….would the mural be welcome in New York??? Miami? You get my drift?

Tags: Anderson Varejao, LeBron James