Posted by VDesai:
The Cavs squeezed all they could of out of Boobie tonight...
Okay I couldn't resist.
This was a tough loss. No reason to make this out to be the end of the world. I saw some good things from this team offensively, but obviously there's a lot to work on defensively. That was a given. I don't understand why Balkman wasn't out there more to bother Lebron a bit (I know he got 3 fouls early, but that shouldn't make him dissapear), but hopefully Coach Thomas realizes the error of his ways and makes that adjustment.
And we really need to learn to box out and close a defensive stand. Part of that is lack of discipline on the D. We're swarming everywhere and can't stay with our man. That's gonna take time to learn. Can they learn it? Who knows- it'll be interesting to see.
In regards to Balkman I thought I saw him come down a bit gimpy at one point and I wonder if that is why we did not see him again. Also he was rusty and you don't want to jeopardize a close game just to work a player back into shape. He'll come around.
Defensively we were as bad as I think I've ever seen us. That will change but probably not much. The thing that stood out was Gibson's 4th quarter barrage which was seemingly wide open. I don't know if Marbury was tired or just plain lost out there but that's what did us in. Missed FTs certainly did not help matters and you can't miss that many when you're playing a team whose top player will see the line 20+ times a night.
Now it's time to try to beat down the Wolves tomorrow. If they do then last night will be forgotten.
...thanks for the welcome, fellas.