Beautiful, Just Beautiful.....

The Cavaliers just completed their West Coast trip going an impressive 3-1. After their beatdown versus the Lakers, the Cavaliers beat Portland, Golden State, and Utah. While Golden State has a 13-31 record, Portland is 25-17, and Utah is 25-19. The Cavs stepped up in each of these wins, and they really fought hard. While I won't spend time going through each individual game, I will just write some observations from what I have seen from this West Coast trip.

-The Cavs need another bigman. The Lakers really exposed us, as they used Bynum and Gasol to pound us down low. Even with Z, we need another long body (Camby) to rebound and defend. We were outrebounded by 3, this might not seem like a lot, but the Cavs have a +3 rebound differential for the season thus far. Bynum, Gasol, and Odom combined for 44 points, and 28 rebounds. Compare that with Ben Wallace, AV, and Hickson (24 points, 22 rebounds), the Cavs need some interior help. We need someone with height, at least 6'10, to match up with these guys. When you have 2 guys who are near 7'0, with legitimate post skills, your going to have problems. LeBron also seemed to have trouble going and finishing at the basket. This is because when you have two 7'0 not backing down from you in the post, its going to be hard to score.

-Sasha played solidly on this trip. I thought this day would never come, but I can say that Sasha did have some good/ok games. I admit, I did lose the bet when I said he would score less than 10 points versus the Lakers, he had 12. Since he has been in the starting lineup, he is averaging 11.6 ppg, 4.4 rebounds, and 3 assists. During this road trip, he averaged 9.7 ppg, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. He played solid defense on Brandon Roy, and Kobe Bryant (in the first half). He did not got overly torched by either of these guys as they scored 20 and 23 points respectively. I am not sure what has happened to Sasha, he seems to have his head in the game, he is playing good defense, he isn't forcing his shot, and he is playing under control. He is putting up numbers very similar to Delonte West (Delonte was scoring 12.3 ppg, and dishing out 3.5 assists a game), and if he continues his production, the Cavs will continue to play well, and his trade value will increase. For those of you who don't now, Sasha's contract is basically an expiring one, in that his contract next year is only guaranteed for $1,000,000. I don't see him getting traded, unless we get a shooting guard in return.

-LeBron James continues his great play. He was one assist short of a triple double tonight, and he has carried this team throughout this trip. He has averaged 30.5 ppg, 8.7 assists, and 8.7 rebounds. Thats Oscar Robertson-esque. He hit the buzzer beater versus Golden State, he had amazing dunks versus Utah, and he moved the ball well in Portland, collecting 14 assists. He played pretty solid defense, as he had 9 steals on the trip. If he is not the MVP this year, I don't know who is....

-JJ Hickson is slowly developing. He had a very good game tonight versus Utah as he had 8 points and 4 rebounds in 22 min. He pump faked Paul Milsap badly for an and-one. For the trip he has 8.5 ppg, 3.7 rebounds in an average of 16.5 minutes a game. For being 20 years old, he has shown improvement. His footwork has improved, and he seems to be hustling more. Also, he is paying more attention on the defensive end, as 3 blocks on the trip. He is only going to get better.

-Mo Williams is the man. This guy has been such a great addition to this squad. He averaged 22 ppg, and 4.5 assists during the trip. He hit a huge 3 pointer versus Golden State, he had a 33 point explosion versus Portland, and he played a great game tonight versus Utah, scoring 25 points and 4 assists. His shooting has been great, as he is able to hit open shots anywhere on the floor. This is what the Cavs really missed last year. Also, Mo is able to initiate the offense when LeBron is off the floor, and he can finish at the hoop. He has been one of the main keys to our success, and he is developing into 2nd option LeBron has sorely missed for years. To think that we got this guy for Damon Jones and Joe Smith is just great.....

Well this just about does it for my observations from this trip. It really was great to get 3 road victories on the West coast, especially on back to back nights (Golden State and Utah). With Zydrunas coming back this Tuesday versus Sacramento, the Cavs should be getting the much needed boost downlow. Having a big body like him back will do wonders for our rebounding and midrange shooting. I know I have been writing a lot about the Cavs, there hasn't been a lot going on with the Indians, and the Browns are in limbo with their GM. Until next time, thanks and go Cleveland!

-Raz