Another Big Win

The Cavaliers' (36) point win last night, 118-82, was the biggest margin in the lifetime series between the Knicks and Cavaliers. The Cavs ran out to an explosive 61-35 halftime lead, and then built on that lead in the 3rd quarter - unlike 3rd quarter gone past. Every Cavalier got into the scoring column, and the Cavs notched their 10th straight home victory of the season, while upping their record to 15-3...but this win wasn't about the numbers. Last night the Cavaliers answered a challenge, and earned valuable experience.

The challenge was from 'Kevin' who posted this comment yesterday in our preview post:

Its time to let LBJ sit more and keep him rested for later in the year. I would be very upset to see LBJ tire down the stretch due to the Long Season last year, Olympics, and playing 40+ min against the Knicks of the world.

Kevin, your point is well taken, and I was glad to see the Cavs answer that call. LBJ certainly sat for extended minutes last night, and didn't play in the 4th quarter at all, and that is certainly paramount for the reasons you stated.

Additionally, the fact that Z and Big Ben have been earning rest in games like this of late is big too. A fresh, active and effective front line can only help this quest for a title. This blow-out win saved some miles on the old legs of those two veterans, and that is a good thing. This win is also big because it allowed guys like Hickson, Sasha, and Darnell Jackson to get big minutes. Down that stretch, you never know when you'll need a guy like that to step up and contribute, and this is just creating a deeper bench, and a deeper team.

Knicks Preview: Handle Success

Tonight's is an opportunity for the Cavaliers to show that they are a team that can handle success, and continued to stay focused on both ends of the floor when things are going good. Complacency will be their enemy tonight if they want to improve on their 14-3 record despite the fact that Cleveland has every reason to be complacent.

They already beat the Knicks 119-101 at the Garden - and could have won by 46 points if they wanted two. In addition to that, off the court, people are also now telling the Cavs how good they are. ESPN's Power Rankings have the Cavaliers as the 2nd best team in the NBA behind only the Celtics. Another ESPN ranking system that I can't pretend to understand -Hollingers Team Offensive Efficiency Rankings - has Cleveland Number 1. Outside the (216), some people are even saying - ughh admitting - that LBJ's best chance to win a title might just be right here in northeast Ohio. Imagine that.

With all that said, now is the time to rise up - uh sorry - capitalize, play with focus, defend your home, and beat the teams you are supposed. And in case you care, I am totally confident the Cavs will do just that. Look for them to score a lot of points in the process as well. The Cavs come in ranked 4th in the NBA in scoring offense (103.6 ppg) and New York is 24th in scoring defense. They won't be booing the King tonight, chalupas all around.