Great ball movement

Cavs blog by Bob Finnan

The Cavaliers are 5-1 when they record 25 of more assists this season. Coach Mike Brown marveled at the ball movement by the Cavs on Friday in their 100-95 win over Atlanta.

That happens when Eric Snow plays the point. He missed all four of his field-goal attempts, but he had five assists and five steals.

The contest was fun to watch for a number of reasons. The Cavs played extremely hard, especially when they went "small." Ira Newble, who played center for much of the fourth quarter, was scrapping for every loose ball. He was joined by LeBron James, Devin Brown, Eric Snow and Damon Jones.

It's difficult to say how long Drew Gooden and Anderson Varejao will be out of the lineup, but we might see more of that small lineup in the days to come.

I'd be surprised to see Daniel Gibson anytime before the All-Star break. He's walking quite gingerly on that strained hamstring.

Gooden's strained groin, though, is close. He could play against Denver on Sunday.

And, believe it or not, another player was knocked out by injury on Friday. Guard Larry Hughes stubbed his right big toe with 5:21 left and he didn't return. Coach Mike Brown said he could have gone back into the game if needed.

Hughes said afterward that he'll get treatment on the toe and might be able to play against the Nuggets.