...
I have to admit, while I like watching my Cavs play... That game was awful. Coach Scott's rotation didn't go well for a little bit, but the only reason why we weren't down 20 wasn't because of any super reason. Just that the Wittman-led Wizards couldn't execute for shit. It was the equivalent to a 1.5 level D-League game, even if I've never seen one.
We didn't look good at all, but I've discovered why exactly things are the way they are.
When we have the current starting lineup out there, everyone's young. They don't play as hard as they should over time and get lackadaisical. I noticed it the most when we just stop caring about rebounding (the reason for being out-rebounded) midway through the third quarter. And it's sloppy too. That's when I noticed why Scott has been going to Walton and Gibson, even though everyone here has the lynch mob mentality towards 'em. It's not for relying on production. The most important reason is to give the team veteran leader and lead by example. Walton was shit out there, but he kept going at it when he kept embarrassing himself. And Gibson also lacked the size to guard Crawford, but he kept keeping us in the game with the effort and the threes.
It's just the rest of the crap he brought out (or rather he forced out there). C.J. might be getting a much bigger head from the playing time... he might find himself in the dog house again if that's the case, unless Casspi is really sucking up practice. And now we know that Pargo also has tunnel vision (for god's sake, you can't see Tristan under the basket with enough time to grab a shake and smile like the "Old Men's Spice" commercial man?!).
But even through all of that, Scott is very disciplined with a short rotation (not too much minutes for anybody), unlike lame-ol' D'Antoni...
These guys can play. Nene made a difference to that team, they're better now (if only a little). We're not. But give these guys a few years of experience, watch out.
When we piece our core together with real depth they get from using the salary space, it'll be a frightening team.
P.S. Wittman is horrible. I almost forgot how bad he is. He actually left Vesley in there so long for Nene during the last critical run, it cost him the game.