Mike Brown was interviewed at shootaround this morning (at this link):
The main points he stressed are:
1) Probably will stick with a similar rotation as Game 2 (in other words, Sasha will likely play).
2) Cavs need to pay attention to transition defense better. Take good shots when the floor is spaced. PG/SG/SF need to worry more about transition than offensive rebounds, depending on where they are on the floor. PF/C can't always crash the boards. PF/C need to also pay attention to 3-point shooters on transition, not just get back to guard the paint, especially since Orlando's SF/PFs are spotting up. In other words, they're looking to improve the defense rather than scrap for extra possessions on every trip.
3) Orlando causes defensive problems for the Cavs that require some adjustments in how they do things (for example, how they approach closing out on shooters) but they are minor issues not major ones. He doesn't expect to pull out any wholesale changes on defense.
4) Cavs need to execute better and focus better in the 2nd half (transition defense, turnovers, and so on), regardless of whether or not they have the lead.
I might have missed some comments on strategy (7-minute long interview) but that was the basic gist of it. He talked about LeBron's shot in Game 2 as well as the set up for the game-ender in Golden State but nothing we haven't heard before.
We should be able to get a game down there... Orlando's defense has not really been able to stop us.. The Cavs inability to move the ball and bodies is what's stopping the Cavs... We can score with these dudes... We jsut need to focus on the defensive end...
Officials: Joey Crawford, Mark Wunderlich, Greg Williard
***A much stronger crew than if Game 2 if you ask me. Wunderlich was the official involved in the controversial non-foul call in Dallas in the second round when Antoine Wright fouled Carmelo Anthony and it was not called.
• The Cavs have examined their defense in crazy detail over the last couple of days. They have determined that many times their issues against the Magic are due to focus errors and offensive errors. Offense? Yes, the Magic are so good in transition that it is going to affect the way the Cavs play offense. They are going to attempt to take offensive shots with more floor balance to help themselves in defense. Are those adjustments and good coaching? Yes. Does it represent just how much of a challenge the Magic are? You got it. This is the biggest defensive challenge in Mike Brown's head coaching career.
• The Magic are having their way with the Cavs in the frontcourt. This was expected, they have two All-Stars up there in Lewis and Howard. The Cavs are obviously winning at small forward as they always do but it isn't a blowout. Turkoglu has played well for sure. Add in what Mickael Pietrus has been doing and it is even closer. So the Cavs really, really and I mean really need some dominance from their backcourt. Alston/Lee/Anthony Johnson have been too close to Mo/Delonte/Sasha Pavlovic. Just got to get more production.
• Do you know what it took the last time the Cavs won in the Orena -- well it will always be the Orena to me because I rememeber the Shaq/Penny days, now it is called Amway Arena and is is a throwback to the NBA from about 1993 including the smallest scoreboard in the league. Anyway, do you know? How about 40 points from Larry Hughes. I think I've made my point.