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

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Cavs vs. Bucks, Game 75

CAVS (59-16) 101, MILWAUKEE BUCKS (41-33) 98
at Quicken Loans Arena
Wednesday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: Cavs forward LeBron James scored nine of his 23 points in the fourth quarter.

The free-throw discrepancy was staggering. The Cavs attempted 45 free throws, compared to nine for the Bucks. In the fourth quarter, the Cavs shot 17 free throws and the Bucks none.

Guard Mo Williams is such a weapon at the free-throw line. He made 7 of 8 in the game, 4 of 4 in the last minute.

The Bucks are one of the hottest teams in the league. They've won 23 of their last 31 games.

Guard Brandon Jennings, a Rookie of the Year candidate, was held to just five points and one assist. He came into the game averaging 15.8 points.

The Bucks have vaulted up to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. They are also a team that could give the No. 4 seed - either Boston or Atlanta - fits in the first round of the playoffs.

Center Andrew Bogut is an absolute load around the basket. He can score with either hand, rebounds and blocks shots. He's playing the best basketball of his career.

Anderson Varejao was held out of the game, which hurt the Cavs' defense. Shaquille O'Neal was also out of the game.

That left the onus on J.J. Hickson and Zydrunas Ilgauskas to slow down the 7-foot Bogut.

NOTES: The Cavs have won nine in a row at The Q. They are a league-best 33-4 at home.

-- The Cavs finished the season series with the Bucks, 3-1. They are 12-2 against the Central Division.

-- The Cavs were 13-2 in March.

-- Forward Antawn Jamison recorded his 24th double-double of the season.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. John Salmons (6-6, 207)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (6-8, 230)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Andrew Bogut (7-0, 260)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Charlie Bell (6-3, 200)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Brandon Jennings (6-1, 169)
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair, F/C Anderson Varejao.
Bucks - G/F Carlos Delfino, G Michael Redd, F Darnell Jackson.
OFFICIALS
Eddie F. Rush, Tony Brothers, Leroy Richardson

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

LeBron's season

ESPN.com's John Hollinger writes that LeBron James has an outside shot at having the best statistical season EVER. At least back to when the NBA kept track of individual turnovers and blocked shots in 1973-74.

The link to ESPN.com will only activate if you are an NBA Insider.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Cavs vs. Kings, Game 74

CAVS (58-16) 97, SACRAMENTO KINGS (24-50) 90
at Quicken Loans Arena
Sunday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The fans came out to show their love for Zydrunas Ilgauskas. It was an unbelievable display, a defining moment of the 2009-10 season.

LeBron James led all scorers with 34 points. Sixteen of them came in the third quarter.

The Kings were playing with just eight healthy bodies by the end of the game. Guard Tyreke Evans, a leading candidate to win the Rookie of the Year award, was sidelined with a concussion. He's averaging 20.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists.

Of course, the Cavs' bench was a bit depleted. Forward/center Anderson Varejao was out with a pulled hamstring. He's a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year for a reason. He is a valuable member of the team that provides energy off the bench.

NOTES: Sunday's win secures the second most wins in franchise history. Only last year's 66-win team is better. The Cavs need to win all eight to tie last year's mark.

-- The Cavs finished 23-7 vs. the West, 14-1 at home.

-- They were 10-0 vs. the Pacific Division. That has never happened except for the lockout season.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Dominic McGuire (6-9, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Carl Landry (6-9, 248)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Jason Thompson (6-11, 250)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Donte Greene (6-11, 226)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Beno Udrih (6-3, 205)
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair, F/C Anderson Varejao.
Kings - G Tyreke Evans, G Francisco Garcia
OFFICIALS
Ken Mauer, Tony Brown, Gary Zielinski

Friday, March 26, 2010

Cavs vs. Spurs, Game 73

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (43-28) 102, CAVS (57-16) 97
at AT@T Center
Friday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: It seems like Spurs guard Manu Ginobili tears the Cavs a new one every time the teams play. After his 30-point effort on Friday, he has averaged 34 points against the Cavs this season.

He was truly the best player on the court on Friday.

Yes, obviously, LeBron James played, but Ginobili dictated the flow of the game and just was too much to handle.

James had 27 points, five rebounds and 10 assists.

The Cavs had their eight-game winning streak snapped. They had also beaten the Spurs three in a row. The Cavs hadn't lost in San Antonio since Nov. 4, 2005.

Forward Tim Duncan (16 points, four rebounds, three blocks) didn't have a huge night. In fact, one could make a case that J.J. Hickson (20 points, eight rebounds) outplayed him.

ROTATION OUT WINDOW: When forward Anderson Varejao went down with a hamstring injury, Coach Mike Brown said it "threw a monkey wrench" into his rotation. Leon Powe and Boobie Gibson each played a few minutes, and Jamario Moon never got off the bench.

TEXAS TROUBLE: The Cavs were 0-3 in Texas this season, losing to Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

TOO MUCH LINDSAY?: It's my guess that official Mark Lindsay made 65 percent of the calls on the night. He made many questionable calls on both sides.

He was on the court with veterans Mike Callahan and Jason Phillips, but the latter two were quiet for most of the game.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Richard Jefferson (6-7, 225)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Tim Duncan (6-11, 260)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Antonio McDyess (6-9, 245)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Manu Ginobili (6-6, 205)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. George Hill (6-2, 180)
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair, G/F Danny Green.
Spurs - G Tony Parker, G Curtis Jerrells.
OFFICIALS
Mike Callahan, Mark Lindsay, Jason Phillips

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Cavs vs. Hornets, Game 72

CAVS (57-15) 105, NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (34-39) 92
at New Orleans Arena
Wednesday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs abused the Hornets in the paint, 58-36, They also won the battle of the boards, 40-37.

Forward LeBron James (38 points) and J.J. Hickson (20 points) were too much for the Hornets inside.

Forward Anderson Varejao showed his worth with 7:48 remaining in the game. Hornets guard Chris Paul turned the ball over, as it went bounding into the backcourt.

Hornets swingman James Posey had the inside track on the ball, but Varejao dove into the pile, got his hands on it and called time out. Posey didn't know what hit him.

Cavs coach Mike Brown always talks about 50/50 balls. Varejao's hustle play fell into that category, and showed why he's so valuable to the team.

"It was a heck of a hustle play," Brown said.

MO GOTTI: Guard Mo Williams tried to check into the game with about 5 minutes to play. The head scorer said he wasn't there in time to check in and couldn't enter. Williams gave the stat crew a "Mo Gotti look," and everyone cracked up with laughter.

NOTES: The Cavs shot a blistering 57.1 percent from the field, including 66.7 percent on two-point shots.

-- James' 38 is the second-highest against the Hornets this season. Vince Carter had 48 for the Magic this year against the Hornets on Feb. 8.

-- Guard Chris Paul had five points and seven assists in his second game back from knee surgery. He missed 25 games.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Morris Peterson (6-7, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. David West (6-9, 250)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Emeka Okafor (6-10, 255)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Marcus Thornton (6-4, 205)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Chris Paul (6-0, 175)
INJURED LIST
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair
Hornets - F/C Sean Marks, F Peja Stojakovic, F/C Ike Diogu
OFFICIALS
Ron Garretson, Eric Dalen, Michael Smith

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Cavs vs. Pistons, Game 71

CAVS (56-15) 104, DETROIT PISTONS (23-47) 79
at Quicken Loans Arena
Sunday
TV: WUAB-TV (Channel 43), Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The Pistons have fallen on hard times as of late. They are 7-28 on the road this season. The Cavs swept the season series against the Pistons for the first time since the 1979-80 season.

The Cavs earned their 26th consecutive victory over teams with losing records. They've now won their seventh in a row over the Pistons.

The Cavs took control of the game in the third quarter when they outscored the Pistons, 28-18. They held the Pistons to 41 percent shooting on the night.

BANNER TIME: Without any fanfare, the Cavs hoisted up the 2009-10 Central Division championship banner. They didn't say a word about it. It just appeared.

STUCKEY BACK: Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey returned on Friday in their loss to the Pacers and responded with 25 points. He missed six games after experiencing dizziness in their last meeting at The Q on March 5.

He managed just four points against the Cavs.

"It’s good to see him up and exercising and moving, period," Cavs forward LeBron James said. "We were concerned with his health. I’m happy for him and his family."

NOTES: Guard Mo Williams is shooting 56.3 percent from behind the arc in the last six games (18 of 32).

-- The Cavs are 42-2 when they hit the century mark, 23-1 when they dish out 25 or more assists, and 8-0 when they have fewer than 10 turnovers.

-- The Cavs have outshot their last 13 opponents.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Tayshaun Prince (6-9, 215)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Jonas Jerebko (6-10, 231)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Jason Maxiell (6-7, 260)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Rip Hamilton (6-7, 193)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Will Bynum (6-0, 185)
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair, F/G Danny Green.
Pistons - F/C Ben Wallace, F/C Chris Wilcox.
OFFICIALS
Joe DeRosa, David Jones, Leon Wood.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Cavs vs. Bulls, Game 70

CAVS (55-15) 92, CHICAGO BULLS (31-37) 85
at United Center
Friday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs were in jeopardy of losing to the lowly Bulls. Forward LeBron James entered the game with 7 minutes left. He responded with 13 points down the stretch to win the game.

We've seen this same M.O. in the last week. The Cavs have struggled against some poor Central Division teams, which was missing some of their key personnel. James has come to the rescue against Indiana, Detroit and now Chicago in the last three games.

James finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

Injuries have derailed a promising season for the Bulls, who trail No. 8 Toronto by 2 1/2 games in the tightly bunched Eastern Conference playoff race. They've lost 10 in a row.

The Bulls are 11-16 vs. the Cavs since they traded James in 2003.

MARCH MADNESS: James loves watching college hoops at this time of year. He certainly didn't regret not going to college, though.

"I think I made the right decision (going to the NBA)," he said.

I've got to agree. College isn't for everyone.

TRASH TALKING: There was some trash talk coming from the Bulls' bench in Friday's game. Some think it came from injured center Joakim Noah, who had a bit of a confrontation with James when the Bulls played in Cleveland early in the season.

James was asked what was said.

"It wasn’t about dinner," he said.

"Someone said to shoot it. So, I shot it."

By the way, Bulls forward Taj Gibson is starting to come into his own. He works hard, hits the boards and can score with his mid-range jumper. He's quite a find for the Bulls' personnel department.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. James Johnson (6-9, 245)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Taj Gibson (6-9, 225)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Brad Miller (7-0, 261)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Kirk Hinrich (6-3, 190)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Jannero Pargo (6-1, 185)
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair, G/F Danny Green.
Bulls - F Luol Deng, C Jerome James, C Joakim Noah.
OFFICIALS
Eddie F. Rush, Derrick Collins, Eli Roe

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Cavs vs. Pacers, Game 69

CAVS (54-15) 99, INDIANA PACERS (22-46) 94
at Quicken Loans Arena
Wednesday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The Pacers were playing without forward Danny Granger, a 23-point scorer. But they proved they still had some fight left in them by pushing the Cavs to the limit.

Both teams are coming off back-to-backs. It showed, too, as both teams played poorly for long stretches. Luckily, forward LeBron James caught fire at the right time.

BANNER TIME: The Cavs clinched their second consecutive Central Division title. They'll soon hoist the new banner. Here's a list of the banners already in place at The Q:

Nate Thurmond 42
Bingo Smith 7
Austin Carr 34
1975-76 Central Division champ
2006-07 Eastern Conf champ
2008-09 Central Division champ
Larry Nance 22
Mark Price 25
Brad Daugherty 43

NOTES: Cavs coach Mike Brown sped out of The Q and got to the Wolstein Center by the third quarter of the St. Edward-St. Ignatius game. Cavs GM Danny Ferry said he had a car waiting for Brown to get him to CSU to see the end of the St. Ed's game. His son, Elijah, is a freshman guard on the Eagles.

The Eagles prevailed in overtime.

-- All-time great Jerry Lucas was at The Q. He was at the game as a guest of a fan and spent some time on the TV broadcast on Fox Sports Ohio.

He was one of the top high school players in the history of Ohio schoolboy basketball at Middletown High. Two other members of Ohio prep royalty were in the house: former St. Vincent-St. Mary star LeBron James and ex-St. Joseph standout Clark Kellogg. I shot a video of Kellogg talking about the NCAA tournament that's on the website. He's a color analyst for Pacers TV.


STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Dahntay Jones (6-6, 210)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Troy Murphy (6-11, 245)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Roy Hibbert (7-2, 278)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Brandon Rush (6-6, 210)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Earl Watson (6-1, 185)
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair, G Danny Green.
Pacers - F/C Jeff Foster, F Tyler Hansbrough.
OFFICIALS
Mike Callahan, James Capers, Eric Dalen

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Cavs vs. Pistons, Game 68

CAVS (53-15) 113, DETROIT PISTONS (23-45) 101
at The Palace of Auburn Hills
Tuesday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: LeBron James was his typical self in the second half with 24 points, including 15 in the pivotal fourth quarter.

The game was a lot closer than anyone expected, especially after the Pistons were blown out at Boston on Monday.

"We knew they would play a lot better than they did last night in Boston," James said. "There was no way they could have repeated that performance."

Cavs coach Mike Brown was quite animated during a third-quarter time out.

"Mike said it was there for us to take if we wanted it," James said. "We just had to let things go and go play."

The two coaches are great friends. They also don't like losing to each other. Of course, Brown is 3-0 against Pistons coach John Kuester in his lifetime.

"This is John Kuester we’re going against," James said. "These guys don’t want to lose going against each other. That’s how it is when you go against a former teammate."

James was amazed how bench players have responded when other players are injured.

"Guys are stepping up," he said. "It’s amazing how many guys are taking the challenge. Guys are ready to play."

NOTES: Pacers forward Danny Granger broke an orbital bone and won't play against the Cavs tonight at The Q.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Tayshaun Prince (6-9, 215)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Jonas Jerebko (6-10, 231)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Jason Maxiell (6-7, 260)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Rip Hamilton (6-7, 193)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Will Bynum (6-0, 185)
INJURY REPORT
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal (right thumb surgery), G Sebastian Telfair (ruptured groin) are out.
Pistons - F/C Ben Wallace (right patella tendon strain), G Rodney Stuckey (dizziness) are out.
OFFICIALS
Bennett Salvatore, Matt Boland, Kane Fitzgerald

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Cavs vs. Celtics, Game 67

CAVS (52-15) 104, BOSTON CELTICS (41-24) 93
at Quicken Loans Arena
Sunday
TV: ABC
RADIO: ESPN Radio, WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: Cavs forward LeBron James was 2 of 4 from the field for six points in the first half. In the second half, he was his dominating self, as he was 7 of 17 from the field for 24 points.

In all, he had a game-high 30 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three blocks.

The teams have a 2-1 edge in the season series. The rivals split the season series in 2008-09, 2-2.

Forward Antawn Jamison was very good on his return from a one-game absence with stiffness in his left knee. He had 15 points, a game-high 12 rebounds and two blocks. His only negatives were that he was 1 of 7 from the 3-point line and 2 of 8 from the free-throw line.

Why is this guy shooting 43 percent from the foul line?

The Cavs clobbered the Celtics the last time they played, on Feb. 25, in Boston, 108-88.

The Celtics are one of the best road teams in the NBA at 22-12.

NOTES: The Cavs' 27 second-chance points were a season high.

-- The Cavs had just eight turnovers, one off their season low.

-- Guard Mo Williams is averaging 17.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists in his last three games. He's shooting 45 percent from the 3-point line in that span (9 of 20).

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Paul Pierce (6-7, 235)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Kevin Garnett (6-11, 253)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Kendrick Perkins (6-10, 265)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Ray Allen (6-6, 205)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Rajon Rondo (6-1, 186)
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair.
Celtics - F Marcus Landry, F Brian Scalabrine.
OFFICIALS
Dan Crawford, Sean Corbin, Tommy Nunez

Friday, March 12, 2010

Cavs vs. 76ers, Game 66

CAVS (51-15) 100, PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (23-42) 95
at Wachovia Center
Friday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs had just one turnover in the fourth quarter, as they outscored the Sixers, 22-16.

Forward LeBron James had a triumphant return after a two-game absence with 23 points, six rebounds and 10 assists for the Cavs. He recorded his 26th double-double on the season.

The Cavs had to scramble to hold off the Sixers. They were playing without center Shaquille O'Neal and forward Antawn Jamison. Jamison, however, should be back for the Boston game at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at The Q.

The Cavs swept the season series with the Sixers for the first time since the 1996-97 season. They’ve also won seven in a row in Philly.

They improved their league-leading road record to 23-11.

The Cavs might not have won if not for the contribution off the bench of forward Jamario Moon, who had nine points, four rebounds and a key 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. They outscored the Sixers off the bench, 44-20.

Guard Mo Williams had 21 points for the Cavs. He's averaging 19 points in his last two games after his horrible 3-for-17 shooting night in Milwaukee.

Delonte West added 17 points, including a key steal in the last minute. How well is he playing? If he continues to play at this level, the Cavs are going to be hard to beat.

NOTES - The Cavs have won 12 of the past 15 meetings against the Sixers. The Cavs haven't lost in Philly since Feb. 22, 2006.

-- Forward Leon Powe made his first start for the Cavs. He didn't score and didn't play very well. Coach Mike Brown didn't play him in either of the previous two games.

-- The Sixers had 66 points in the paint, the high for a Cavs' opponent this season. The Cavs came into the game ranked first in the NBA with 35.8 points allowed in the paint.

-- Happy birthday to Cavs announcer Austin Carr. He turned 62 on Wednesday.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Andre Iguodala (6-6, 207)
PF Leon Powe (6-8, 240) vs. Elton Brand (6-9, 254)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Samuel Dalembert (6-11, 250)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Jrue Holiday (6-4, 180)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Lou Williams (6-1, 175)
INJURY REPORT
Cavs - F Antawn Jamison (stiffness in left knee), C Shaquille O'Neal (right thumb surgery), G Sebastian Telfair (ruptured groin) are out.
76ers - G/F Jason Kapono (sinus infection) is a game-time decision. F/C Francisco Elson (hernia surgery), G Allen Iverson (personal reasons), F/C Marreese Speights (right knee sprain) are out.
OFFICIALS
Ron Garretson, Brian Forte, Ed Malloy

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Jamison's status

It appears as if Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison's MRI and follow-up exam at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health on Tuesday were fine.

Jamison will continue daily treatment and his status will be updated as appropriate.

That's good news for the Cavs, who have faced a rash of injuries in the last couple weeks.

Here's a rundown on those injuries:

* Center Shaquille O'Neal - right thumb surgery. He's expected back in time for the first or second round of the playoffs.

* Forward LeBron James - sprained right ankle. He's missed the last two games. He's expected to return for the Philadelphia game on Friday. Coach Mike Brown also said he's had some back issues. James also took a knee from Toronto's DeMarr DeRozan on Feb. 26 and suffered a quadriceps injury.

* Jamison - stiffness in left knee. He vows to play against the 76ers on Friday. That's still up in the air. It doesn't appear to be serious, even though some of the symptoms he talked about sounded like a meniscus tear to one trained observer. There's no indication that's the case.

* Guard Mo Williams - jammed left middle finger. He's been back for 10 games from his sprained shoulder. Another injury is not needed right now, especially since he's trying to get his rhythm back to his shooting stroke.

* Guard Anthony Parker - dislocated left ring finger. He returned to the game on Monday and appears to be OK.

* * *
I'll be appearing on "More Sports & Les Levine's Show" at 6 p.m. Wednesday on Time Warner Cable.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Cavs vs. Spurs, Game 65

CAVS (50-15) 97, SAN ANTONIO SPURS (36-25) 95
at Quicken Loans Arena
Monday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio, NBA TV
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: It was a wildly entertaining and enriching victory for the Cavs, who were playing without center Shaquille O'Neal and forwards LeBron James and Antawn Jamison by the end of the game.

Jamison's left knee stiffened up on him in the third quarter and he came out. He'll have an MRI in the morning. The Cavs don't think it's serious, but with the way their season has been going, who knows?

James was held out of his second consecutive game against San Antonio. He missed his first game of the season on Saturday in Milwaukee with his sprained right ankle. Sitting on the bench on Monday, he probably chewed his fingernails down to nubs.

It made sense to hold him out of Monday's game. That way, he'll be able to get six days rest on his sprained right ankle.

The Cavs have a 5 1/2-game lead on Orlando for the best record in the Eastern Conference and a 3 1/2-game edge on the Los Angeles Lakers for the best mark in the NBA.

Guard Daniel Gibson missed four games because of the birth of his son, Daniel Hiram Gibson Jr., on March 2. He played against the Spurs.

The Cavs have won their last four games against the Spurs. San Antonio had a four-game winning streak snapped.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF Jawad Williams (6-9, 220) vs. Keith Bogans (6-5, 215)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Tim Duncan (6-11, 260)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Antonio McDyess (6-9, 245)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Manu Ginobili (6-6, 205)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. George Hill (6-2, 180)
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal (right thumb surgery), G Sebastian Telfair (ruptured groin), F LeBron James (sprained right ankle).
Spurs - None.
OFFICIALS
Joe Crawford, Olandis Poole, Zach Zarba

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Cavs vs. Bucks, Game 64

MILWAUKEE BUCKS (33-29) 92, CAVS (49-15) 85
at Bradley Center
Saturday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: Fans learned what life would be like without LeBron James, and it wasn't pretty.

Coach Mike Brown decided to sit James on Saturday against Milwaukee. James tweaked his right ankle in the Detroit game on Friday and had been playing huge minutes as of late. He's also suffered several bumps and bruises.

Don't be completely shocked if he's held out of the San Antonio game on Monday at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs don't play again after that until Friday. That would give James six days off.

Brown insisted James wasn't sitting because of the injury.

Jawad Williams started at small forward against the Bucks, but did very little (six points, three rebounds).

The Cavs had their six-game winning streak snapped. They shot 44 percent from the field. It was the first time in six games they didn't shoot 50 percent or better.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF Jawad Williams (6-9, 220) vs. Carlos Delfino (6-6, 230)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (6-8, 230)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Andrew Bogut (7-0, 260)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. John Salmons (6-6, 207)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Brandon Jennings (6-1, 169)
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair, G Daniel Gibson.
Bucks - G Michael Redd.
OFFICIALS
Marc Davis, Matt Boland, Scott Wall

Friday, March 5, 2010

Cavs vs. Pistons, Game 63

CAVS (49-14) 99, DETROIT PISTONS (21-41) 92
at Quicken Loans Arena
Friday
TV: ESPN, Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The game was marred by a seizure by Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey in the third quarter. Everyone was a bit shaken by the incident. After the game, players, coaches and staff gathered on the court and said a group prayer.

No one remembered Stuckey getting hit or taking a hard fall. During a time out, he started shaking on the bench, as one of the Pistons' staffers hung onto him.

Cavs athletic trainer Max Benton ran across the court to Stuckey. ESPN cameras showed the scary scene on the bench.

Stuckey missed two games with "dizziness" in November 2008.

* * *
The Cavs trailed by 21 points in the second quarter. By the fourth quarter, they opened up a nine-point advantage.

They outscored the Pistons in the second half, 53-37.

They haven't come back from a deficit that large since Nov. 11, 2006, vs. Boston when they overcame a 25-point lead in a 94-93 win.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Tayshaun Prince (6-9, 215)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Jonas Jerebko (6-10, 231)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Jason Maxiell (6-7, 260)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 215) vs. Rip Hamilton (6-7, 193)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 190) vs. Rodney Stuckey (6-5, 205)
INACTIVES
Cavs - G Sebastian Telfair, C Shaquille O'Neal, G Daniel Gibson.
Pistons - F/C Ben Wallace, F/C Chris Wilcox.
OFFICIALS
Dick Bavetta, Mark Lindsay, Michael Smith

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Cavs vs. Nets, Game 62

CAVS (48-14) 111, NEW JERSEY NETS (6-54) 92
at Izod Center
Wednesday
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The Cavs led from start to finish. That is one sorry basketball team. Their starting five is not bad, especially when Courtney Lee is healthy.

But once the Nets go to the bench, forget it. There's a huge dropoff.

Center Brook Lopez is a load. The 7-foot, 265-pounder had 21 points and 14 rebounds. But Cavs forward/center J.J. Hickson got up for the matchup, even though he said it was just another game.

Hickson had 20 points and 13 rebounds for his second career double-double.

The Cavs have won eight in a row over the Nets, including the last four at the Izod Center. They completed the four-game season sweep.

Cavs forward LeBron James was fabulous with 26 points and 14 assists. But there was no reason for him to play 41 minutes against the Nets.

NOTES - James loved Jay-Z's concert at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. "Five stars. Two thumbs up."

He said he doesn't talk about basketball when he hangs out with Jay-Z.

"I don’t ask him about the Nets," he said. "I have my own team to worry about."

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James (6-8, 250) vs. Trenton Hassell (6-5, 227)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Yi Jianlian (7-0, 250)
C J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242) vs. Brook Lopez (7-0, 265)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. Chris Douglas-Roberts (6-7, 210)
PG Mo Williams (6-1, 195) vs. Devin Harris (6-3, 190)
INJURY REPORT
Cavs - G Sebastian Telfair, C Shaquille O'Neal, G Delonte West.
Nets - G Courtney Lee, F Bobby Simmons.
OFFICIALS
Bennett Salvatore, Tony Brothers, Phil Robinson

Monday, March 1, 2010

Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 61

CAVS (47-14) 124, NEW YORK KNICKS (20-39) 93
at Quicken Loans Arena
Monday
V: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: Maybe life without Shaq won't be too bad afterall.

Center Shaquille O'Neal missed his second game after injuring his right thumb. He'll miss the next eight weeks.

It levels the playing field a bit. But the Cavs have a talent-laden roster and should be able to continue playing at a high level.

The Cavs have won four in a row overall, eight straight against the Knicks.

NOTES: Their 31-point win was their largest margin of victory of the season.

-- Their 51 field goals tied the Cavs' record at The Q.

-- The last time the Cavs had all 12 players score was April 3, 2009, at Orlando.

-- The Cavs almost doubled the Knicks on the boards, 60-31. It was their largest margin of rebounding since Nov. 9, 2005, vs. Seattle.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James vs. Al Harrington
PF Antawn Jamison vs. Danilo Gallinari
C Anderson Varejao vs. David Lee
SG Anthony Parker vs. Tracy McGrady
PG Mo Williams vs. Sergio Rodriguez
INACTIVES
Cavs - C Shaquille O'Neal, G Sebastian Telfair, G Daniel Gibson
Knicks - G Cuttino Mobley, C Eddy Curry
OFFICIALS
Bob Delaney, Tony Brown, Rodney Mott