GAME NOTES, Cavaliers at Wizards

As a team, the Cavs played well only at the end, coming back from 13 to lose at the buzzer. But they were average the rest of the time. Mo Williams and LeBron were generally outstanding.

Big Z missing in action is noticeable. His absence brings forth the flaws in Anderson Varejao's game and the Cavs' general offense. Now when Brazil Laimbeer swipes at an offensive rebound, it is tragic rather than playing into the team's trial-and-error offensive mindset. The Cavs simply could not rebound when it counted. Head Coach Mike Brown 4th Quarter ejection may have affected the lineup decisions, however. Ben Wallace, anyone?

J.J. Hickson always looks like he knows how to make moves. Once he learns team defense, he'll be nice and may actually play in the second half.

Delonte West appears to have lost some confidence. He should wear white shoes. Or get a haircut. Stuff like that helps players like Delonte. What am I saying? There are no players like Delmonte Delonte.

This game was played at 1 p.m. 98 percent of NBA games are likely played around dinner time. It showed in both teams. There were great gaps in rhythm. Halfway through the 4th Quarter, Cleveland scored six, Washington three. Though the energy swung back up after that.

Michael James, Wizards guard, is a terrible decision maker. It appears he is trying to win a game of 32. Sometimes the greats can sneak a 2-on-3 hoop or a 1-on-2. Sometimes dopes can get lucky. But no one at the professional level goes 1-on-4 when you have a four point lead with two minutes to play. Except Mike James. That was just in addition to several hungover passes that found nothing but patrons and popcorn.

The Cavs came back in good form though, almost as they did on Christmas Day. LeBron's final three falling short. Had Z played, that shot wouldn't be necessary.

LBJ was also called for a traveling violation in this game. The commemorative NBA figurine will be issued next Fall by that same company who makes pewter Civil War chess sets.


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