David Blatt is a former NBA coach

[Benedict_Boozer]

The ball was hopping today, it was beautiful.

This was my takeaway. Was really great to see Lebron especially stay within the flow of the offense. His scoring opportunities are so much easier when he makes the defense account for him off ball, was almost effortless.

We have to stick with that mindset when the games get tight and avoid the ISO habits.

 

[Simmy]

While it seems evident that 2 days of practice has done wonders for our players, how long before we give the coaching staff credit for their work in those 2 extra days of preparation? Seems that when Blatt gets to prepare for a game in similar fashion to when he was in Europe (more than 24-48 hours to prepare for a game and practice sets and defensive schemes/tactics specifically for certain opponents) he gets it right nearly every time.

It's important to keep in mind how much of a difference the extra practice time makes for the coaches as well.

 

[ajz20]

The Cavs have not lost a game after a full practice since November 4 (the 3rd game of the season).

If my math is right, they are 13-0 in games after two days (or more) off.

Good news with the prolonged playoff schedule. Plus knock on wood Tues Thurs Sunday Finals Format (if we can get back those pesky hawks!)

 

[MirORich]

I'm trying to focus on this season and these playoffs. Because we have every right to want and dream about a championship this season.

But man, thinking about the talent here that is still so new to each other and learning how to play under all conditions and situations has be just salivating about where will be entering next opening day. We have a super intelligent coaching staff and a team of highly intelligent players.

It looks like all of our main players will return next year, in addition to a healthy Andy(for a bit anyways) and some other small additions. I really think what we have experienced in terms of wins and type of wins and play since those wins in LA started the turnaround from 19-20 is what we'll be seeing for the next 2-3 years minimum. If not even better.

This is a team that once that chemistry and experience together is finally there, will be able to combine the ball movement and on court chemistry that we see in teams like GS and Atlanta with three truly elite talents.

The little 8 year old who starts watching the Cavs next year is going to think that 60-64 win seasons are normal.

Oh yeah, and David Blatt.

 

[DawgOnKing]

You don't necessarily get two days off between EVERY playoff game, do you?

Actually, no. But I'm damn sure you have ample time for rest and adjustments/practice. We clearly respond to both.

 

[Pheadrus]

While it seems evident that 2 days of practice has done wonders for our players, how long before we give the coaching staff credit for their work in those 2 extra days of preparation? Seems that when Blatt gets to prepare for a game in similar fashion to when he was in Europe (more than 24-48 hours to prepare for a game and practice sets and defensive schemes/tactics specifically for certain opponents) he gets it right nearly every time.

It's important to keep in mind how much of a difference the extra practice time makes for the coaches as well.

These were always his strengths by reputation. Always comes well prepared for practice and games. It should serve the team well in the post season, but probably a big adjustment for him during the regular season. If he learn or already learnt to use the abundant resources he has at the nba but not in Europe (assistants, video analysts etc) efficiently, it will bode well for the future.

Loved the sets and ball movement today. Well done

 

[mrbeaks]

When Blatt has a best-of-seven series to scheme against one team? As long as LeBron buys in, we're in great shape.

 

[priceFTW]

That was our 6th 30+ point win, the most in the NBA. We have six of the 27 total 30+ point wins. We are also now the only team to win by 30+ twice on the road this year (we have 2 of the 5 wins). In the last 20 years, these teams have won on the road by 30+ twice in a season:

Toronto 1997
Bulls 1998
Houston 2007
San Antonio 2007 (on back to back nights)
Denver 2008
GSW 2008
Boston 2008-2009
Dallas 2009-2010
Spurs 2013-2014

NONE of those teams beat two winning teams and in fact, 17 of those 18 wins were against losing teams, mostly the dregs of the league. The one win was against an 8-7 Houston team.

As Wuck posted, this team hums after full practices and days off which bodes very well for the playoffs. We came out and destroyed the Wizards in similar fashion after the all-star break..

Loved the post feeds to Love when we saw the mismatches. Finally.

Loved how we valued the ball and didn't turn it over. When we don't turn it over, our offense really can't be stopped (ISO or no ISO although the ISO leads to many of the turnovers). In the games we have played since James came back and after the trades, we have committed 12 turnovers or fewer 9 times. In those games, we are averaging 116 points per game and are winning those games by an average score of 116-95.

Right now, full steam ahead and in Blatt I trust.

I just checked: It looks like no team in NBA history has ever defeated two winning teams on the road by 30+ points in a season. Until tonight.

 

[gourimoko]

While it seems evident that 2 days of practice has done wonders for our players, how long before we give the coaching staff credit for their work in those 2 extra days of preparation? Seems that when Blatt gets to prepare for a game in similar fashion to when he was in Europe (more than 24-48 hours to prepare for a game and practice sets and defensive schemes/tactics specifically for certain opponents) he gets it right nearly every time.

It's important to keep in mind how much of a difference the extra practice time makes for the coaches as well.

Great games from everyone.

But, I'm not happy with how our offense looks. It's still drive-and-kick, ISO, and the most basic PnR's.

When it's clicking, we're worldbeaters, when it's not, well...

I just really wish we could get something more complex going. Not necessarily concerned with tons more ball-movement since we've got 2 of the best ISO players on Earth; but, I'd really like to see the Big 3 start to play off one another in the same section of the court rather than LeBron and Irving taking turns at attempting to break down the defense.

One of the Dallas commentators said it best, that it looked like a very best college offense, but when you have guys like Kyrie and LeBron who can do whatever they want on the floor at any time they want, then it just works.

Great game.. but I'm concerned that we're still too reliant on individual performances and not so much a system that makes everyone better.

 

[Sean King 87]

Great games from everyone.

But, I'm not happy with how our offense looks. It's still drive-and-kick, ISO, and the most basic PnR's.

When it's clicking, we're worldbeaters, when it's not, well...

I just really wish we could get something more complex going. Not necessarily concerned with tons more ball-movement since we've got 2 of the best ISO players on Earth; but, I'd really like to see the Big 3 start to play off one another in the same section of the court rather than LeBron and Irving taking turns at attempting to break down the defense.

One of the Dallas commentators said it best, that it looked like a very best college offense, but when you have guys like Kyrie and LeBron who can do whatever they want on the floor at any time they want, then it just works.

Great game.. but I'm concerned that we're still too reliant on individual performances and not so much a system that makes everyone better.

Step by step. I agree with your general point of view, but I also think it was more important for us to build first a defense system because of our offensive talent. Of course the more time we'll have for practice the more we'll play smart and beautiful on the offensive end, as we have seen few times in this game. I believe it is also a matter of chemistry. We are not playing too much one with each other.

 

[hoops23]

Great games from everyone.

But, I'm not happy with how our offense looks. It's still drive-and-kick, ISO, and the most basic PnR's.

When it's clicking, we're worldbeaters, when it's not, well...

I just really wish we could get something more complex going. Not necessarily concerned with tons more ball-movement since we've got 2 of the best ISO players on Earth; but, I'd really like to see the Big 3 start to play off one another in the same section of the court rather than LeBron and Irving taking turns at attempting to break down the defense.

One of the Dallas commentators said it best, that it looked like a very best college offense, but when you have guys like Kyrie and LeBron who can do whatever they want on the floor at any time they want, then it just works.

Great game.. but I'm concerned that we're still too reliant on individual performances and not so much a system that makes everyone better.

I get what you're saying, but the ball movement was pretty solid today. People want us to play like the Hawks or Spurs and it's not going to happen. We have terrific 1-on-1 players in Kyrie and LeBron who can can beat 99% of the defenders they face in ISO situations. They also usually make the right play when the situation arrives to dish to a teammate. We had 25 assists tonight, fed Love the ball in the post, got out in transition, and used our defense to initiate our offense quickly and efficiently.

Point is, it's going to be hard for any team to stop our offense and if the team is playing defense like they did tonight, there isn't any team I'd be scared of in the playoffs. Not guaranteeing we win it all, but I feel confident against anyone.

 

[gourimoko]

Step by step. I agree with your general point of view, but I also think it was more important for us to build first a defense system because of our offensive talent. Of course the more time we'll have for practice the more we'll play smart and beautiful on the offensive end, as we have seen few times in this game. I believe it is also a matter of chemistry. We are not playing too much one with each other.

Oh I'm actually amazed at the Cavaliers defense sometimes, I think it's great when the Cavaliers are rested and putting in effort. I'm especially impressed with Shumpert, Irving and Mozgov's defensive contributions. I think Smith really wants to be here and has made considerable effort to contribute on that side of the ball; and that's not something I thought possible.

But... Father Time is looming over the Cavaliers right now.

Guys like LeBron and JR Smith aren't getting any younger and half our bench is ready to retire.

I'm just concerned because while we might have a better system next year, I fear we won't have the same LeBron James at 31 years old. However, I'm pretty sure Kyrie and Kevin will be substantially better next year than they were this year with growth, maturity, and for Kevin a regression to the mean (in the right direction) and a return to normality.

 

[gourimoko]

I get what you're saying, but the ball movement was pretty solid today. People want us to play like the Hawks or Spurs and it's not going to happen.

I actually don't want this. I've always said the Spurs should not be our model, or really any teams model; it's too difficult to emulate.

We have terrific 1-on-1 players in Kyrie and LeBron who can can beat 99% of the defenders they face in ISO situations.

Right, exactly, that's why I said we should rely on our having two of the best isolation players in the league. But we can do things that we're not doing now. We should integrate Kevin, Kyrie, and LeBron into a single cohesive system without simply spreading them as far apart on the floor as possible.

Point is, it's going to be hard for any team to stop our offense and if the team is playing defense like they did tonight, there isn't any team I'd be scared of in the playoffs. Not guaranteeing we win it all, but I feel confident against anyone.

Agreed.

 

[MirORich]

But... Father Time is looming over the Cavaliers right now.

Guys like LeBron and JR Smith aren't getting any younger and half our bench is ready to retire.

I'm just concerned because while we might have a better system next year, I fear we won't have the same LeBron James at 31 years old. However, I'm pretty sure Kyrie and Kevin will be substantially better next year than they were this year with growth, maturity, and for Kevin a regression to the mean (in the right direction) and a return to normality.

Has LeBron not shown enough over the years with his basketball intelligence and skills improvements that you really don't think he'll age well, the way great players like Jordan, Kobe, and Duncan all did?

This father time thing is beyond my comprehension and I assume(you'll tell me otherwise I'm sure) that it stems from a love for the eternal hope that springs from young potential and draft picks/assets.

Barring major injuries(which applies to all teams) we are in as good of a position as a team can be for the next 4-5 to compete for titles.

As LeBron ages, he changes his game. He certainly has the skillset to do it.

As Kyrie and Love grow into understanding winning basketball, they expand their roles and responsibilities. We have several other young or in their prime role players here and an owner who shows no fear at spending around this main trio.

What team in the NBA currently has the talent to win a title, at least one star/main player who has proven he can win a title, AND a longer window to win titles?

Most people at first response will say Golden State but their entire roster only has a single player Barbosa who's even played NBA Conference Finals before. So while they may be young deep and exciting(although they have several rotational vets over 30), we have no idea if their players even have the wherewithal to make it that far.

I just do not see the concern of us having some sort of short window, especially relative to other NBA legit title contenders.

 

[Ruken]

Great games from everyone.

But, I'm not happy with how our offense looks. It's still drive-and-kick, ISO, and the most basic PnR's.

When it's clicking, we're worldbeaters, when it's not, well...

I just really wish we could get something more complex going. Not necessarily concerned with tons more ball-movement since we've got 2 of the best ISO players on Earth; but, I'd really like to see the Big 3 start to play off one another in the same section of the court rather than LeBron and Irving taking turns at attempting to break down the defense.

One of the Dallas commentators said it best, that it looked like a very best college offense, but when you have guys like Kyrie and LeBron who can do whatever they want on the floor at any time they want, then it just works.

Great game.. but I'm concerned that we're still too reliant on individual performances and not so much a system that makes everyone better.

You wonder how much of this is the players just not running the offense or if Blatt has kept it simple on purpose?