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Find out the scoop on the CAVS from award-winning sports writer Bob Finnan.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Cavs vs. Bobcats, Game 56

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (27-26) 110, CAVS (43-13) 93
at Time Warner Cable Arena
Friday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: Coach Mike Brown wants opponents to "feel" the Cavs on the defensive end.

There was no feeling going on during Friday's debacle in Charlotte. The Bobcats once again did what they wanted and shot 55 percent from the field and 47 percent from behind the arc.

The Cavs failed to land Stephen Jackson in a trade earlier in the season. Ever since then, he's abused them. He had 29 points on Friday to go along with eight rebounds and four assists.

They've now beaten the Cavs three out of four games this season. Remember, this was a team coming off a loss at home to New Jersey.

If the playoffs started today, the Bobcats would be the Cavs' first-round matchup. That might be a bit scary.

AJ'S DEBUT: I can't remember a worst debut with a new team than forward Antawn Jamison's on Friday. He was 0 of 12 from the field, including 0 of 4 from behind the arc. He had five shots blocks (probably all by Tyrus Thomas) and four airballs.

Luckily, he got 40 tickets for friends and family to watch him "perform." His parents were also on hand.

Now, don't fret. He's not really that bad.

It was tough returning to his home town, home state and playing for a new team. Things will get better, at least on the offensive end.

NOTES: Guard Sebastian Telfair is still weeks away from playing because of his groin injury. He might not ever play a minute for the Cavs.

-- Forward J.J. Hickson might remain in the starting lineup for the time being, but Jamison will likely get the bulk of the minutes.

-- Anderson Varejao will get his minutes because he's now the backup center. Leon Powe? Remember him? He's on the verge of making his season debut, which will further cloud Coach Mike Brown's rotation.

-- The Bobcats are one of only four teams - Boston, Denver and Chicago are the others - to beat the Cavs at The Q this season.

-- The Bobcats had four post players on their injury report for the Cavs game. One of them, Nazr Mohammed, started at center. Perhaps that's why they added center Theo Ratliff and athletic forward Tyrus Thomas at the trade deadline. Could they be bulking up for their playoff run?

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James vs. Gerald Wallace
PF J.J. Hickson vs. Boris Diaw
C Shaquille O'Neal vs. Mohammed Nazr
SG Anthony Parker vs. Stephen Jackson
PG Mo Williams vs. Raymond Felton
INACTIVES
Cavs - F Leon Powe, G Sebastian Telfair
Bobcats - C Alexis Ajinca, C DeSagana Diop, C Tyson Chandler
OFFICIALS
Bill Kennedy, Marc Davis, Kane Fitzgerald

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