Camakazee's neat-o stats of the night.

[camakazee]

Time for Camakazee's neat-o stats of the night,
(Sponsored by: It's Good to be Back to Full Strength).

Game 28 vs. Houston

Home Cookin'

So far this year the Cavaliers have had great success with their first game back home after a road stint. For starters, they are 8-0 on those first home games after a road game. However, this is not a true measure of their success after coming back home, since they are undefeated at home. Instead, here's a better idea:

- The team's two biggest wins, a 35 point win over OKC and a 36 point trouncing of New York, were both home games after a road game.

- Including tonight, the Cavs are now 9-0 in such games, with a large point differential.

- In these 9 games, the Cavs are averaging 105.3 points per game, while their opponents are averaging only 86.8 points per game. This creates a point differential of 18.5 points per game in games at home after a game on the road.

'Twas the Week Before Christmas...

In the past few seasons, the Cavaliers have had little luck in the week leading up til December 25th. In both 2006-07 and 2007-08, the team was 1-2 in the 3 games during that week. Here's a closer look:

2006-07 (1-2)

- The Cavs averaged 89.3 ppg on an average shooting percentage of 38.8%.

- The Cavs opponents averaged 94.3 ppg on an average shooting percentage of 48.2%.

2007-08 (1-2)

- The Cavs averaged 93.3 ppg on an average shooting percentage of 42.1%.

- The Cavs opponents averaged 101 ppg on an average shooting percentage of 51.1%.

2008-09 (3-0)

- The Cavs averaged 102 ppg on an average shooting percentage of 50.5%.

- The Cavs opponents averaged 89.7 ppg on an average shooting percentage of 43.5%.

As you can see, this season, compared to the last two, on the week before Christmas, the Cavaliers have easily played both better offense and better defense.

Mr. Efficiency

Tonight Mo Williams recorded 23 points on 8 of 13 shooting (61.5%). Tonight's game has worked to highlight how Mo Williams has settled into his new role, and found his points more efficiently as opposed to the beginning of the year.

- In Mo's first 3 20+ point games of the season, he managed to shoot under 50% in all three games.

- In his last 6 20+ point games of the season, Mo has managed to shoot above 50% in every single game.

It's very comforting to see Mo settling into his role, working to get a decent amount of points per game, but on very efficient shooting. By contrast, Larry Hughes, in his first season with the Cavaliers recorded 11 20+ point games in 36 total games. However, only one out of the 11 games did Larry manage to shoot above 50% from the floor.

View from the other side:

- Despite making all of his 13 free throws, Yao Ming tied his lowest amount for field goals made against the Cavaliers in his career. The last time Yao only made 3 fg's against the Cavs was February 19th, 2008, when he went 3 of 17, in a game the Rockets still managed to win. More importantly, the 3 made field goals is a season low for Yao.

- The 4 points recorded by Tracy McGrady is not only a Rockets low against the Cavaliers, but the lowest points against the Cavs in his career when playing more than 10 minutes.

**Sorry for getting this up so late. My cable internet took a poo on itself and I actually wound up missing the last 2 minutes of the game scrambling to get this up in time. Anyways, enjoy!

 

[camakazee]

Time for Camakazee's neat-o stats of the night,
(Sponsored by: Covering up an Ugly Game with a few Gin and Tonics).

Game 29 vs. Washington

The Presents:

About the only thing that seemed to work tonight was Delonte West and Mo Williams. They came in heavy doses, making sure that the Cavs wouldn't sink. In fact, over the last four games, the duo has played very well. Over these past four games (4-0), the Cavs starting backcourt has combined for at least 30 points, 7 assists, 3 three pointers, 87.5% from the free throw line, and a steal each game. Here's a better look:

- Mo Williams + Delonte West,

12/19 @ Denver: 30 points, 11-22 fg (50%), 3-9 3p (33.3%), 5-5 ft (100%), 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 4 turnovers.

12/21 @ OKL: 38 points, 16-26 fg (61.5%), 4-6 3p (66.7%), 2-2 ft (100%), 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 2 turnovers.

12-23 vs. Houston: 33 points, 11-21 fg (52.4%), 3-8 3p (37.5%), 8-8 ft (100%), 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 4 turnovers.

12-25 vs. Washington: 42 points, 13-32 (40.6%), 9-18 3p (50%), 7-8 ft (87.5%), 4 rebounds, 13 assists, 3 steals, and 2 turnovers.

It's also important to note that the duo never combined for more than 4 turnovers in the last four games, and achieved a combined assist-turnover ratio of 3:1 (36:12).

- Additionally, Anderson Varejao recorded his 3rd double-double of the season tonight. More importantly, his 13 rebounds were a season high.

The Coal:

Zydrunas Ilgauskas put up his second lowest point total this season in tonight's game. Also, the 1 made field goal by Z is a season low.

Over the last 3 games, Z averages look as follows:

- 6.7 points, 8-20 fg (40%), and 4.7 rebounds.

This is obviously not representative of the 14.5 ppg on 52.7% shooting, and 7.1 rpg that Z was averaging this season going into tonight's game.

- Tonight is also only the third time this season that Ben Wallace has outscored Z in a game.

Tonight marks only the 6th time that Cleveland has failed to win by double digits this season (ESPN messed up, the Cavs have had 19 double digit wins this season, not 18). However, in all but one of the six games where the Cavs failed to win by double digits, including tonight, the opponent's record has been below .500. The only team above .500 that the Cavaliers have failed to beat by double digits in games they've won this season has been the Houston Rockets.

The Eggnog:

It is often reported that suicide rates are usually up during the Christmas season. This was especially true if your favorite team is the Cleveland Cavaliers in season's past. But not this year. This is only the second time Cavaliers have won all of their games in the week leading up to, and including Christmas, in a decade. Here's the breakdown:

From Dec. 18-25,

2008-09: 4-0.
2007-08: 1-2.
2006-07: 3-0.
2005-06: 1-2.
2004-05: 1-2.
2003-04: 3-1.
2002-03: 1-3.
2001-02: 2-2.
2000-01: 0-3.
1999-00: 0-4.

View from the other side:

Since calling LeBron "overrated," everyone's favorite Wizard has had a tough time shooting the ball. Stevenson played 6 games against Cleveland in the playoffs after making "the comment," but tonight was his first regular season game since the silly remark. Here's a look at his shooting in the 7 games combined, including tonight:

- 24-68 from the floor (35.3%) and 14-41 from the three point line (34.1%).

Not that bad actually, considering the guy has never shot better than 40.4% from three point land in a single season :chuckles:

Also worth noting, this is the 5th time in Deshawn's illustrious career that he has attempted 5 or more three pointers, yet failed to connect on a single one of them. Good job Deshawn

 

[Three6Pavia]

Thanks for writing this one up, I know it couldn't have been easy!

 

[Cavatt]

Andy was great tonight, too.

I was wondering about Big Ben outscoring Z. Very interesting. That charge he had was unbelievable.

 

[camakazee]

Andy was great tonight, too.

I was wondering about Big Ben outscoring Z. Very interesting. That charge he had was unbelievable.

Thanks for jarring my memory. I forgot to include Andy in the "presents" section. A little too much :drink: tonight.

 

[camakazee]

Time for Camakazee's neat-o stats of the night,
(Sponsored by: I'm goin to Miami, welcome to Miami).

Game 30 vs. Miami

Past History

First, I'm glad LeBron is a frequent RCF visitor and read my premature stat of the night. For those of you who didn't:

- In his 18 career games against the Heat (8-10), the Cavs are 1-6 when LeBron James attempts 5 or more three pointers. Even though he was 50%, LeBron knew that 5 meant 5, and stopped at 4 three point attempts. Good job Bron

The Cavaliers are now 4-0 in their last 4 games against the Miami Heat. Here's a look at LeBron's numbers from those games (including tonight):

- 24.8 ppg, 8.3 apg, 6.5 rpg, and 1.3 blocks per game.

Eerily enough, the Cavs have won the last four games against the Heat by 8 points, 7 points, 8 points, and 7 points tonight. Here's a better look at the numbers.

In the last 4 games vs. the Miami Heat:

- (4-0), 7.5 point per game margin of victory, + 6.75 rebounds per game (they did end up outrebounding them tonight), and 2 less turnovers per game.

Mo Money, No Problems!

Despite fouling out of tonight's game, marking his first as a Cavalier, Mo Williams provided many positives.

- Tonight marks the fourth straight game that Mo has recorded 20 or more points.

- Including tonight, Mo's last 8 20+ point games have been on 50% or better shooting.

- Mo recorded the second best +/- tonight (+13) behind only Ben Wallace (+16).

- Tonight marks the fourth straight game where Mo has made at least 2 three pointers, and in his 30 games this season, Mo has made a three in all but 6 games.

The 500 Club

In retrospect, the Cavaliers have faced off against nine .500 or above teams for a total of eleven games. While they are only 2-4 on the road against such teams (I'll save that can of worms for next game), they are now 5-0 at home against .500 teams. I skimped on the above section, because I will use this as a "to be continued" section.

The one player who has been most consistent against these .500 teams at home, is the new-comer Mo Williams.

- While Williams averaged 16.1 ppg coming into tonight's game, he has recorded 20 or more points every time the Cavs faced a .500 team at home.

In these 5 games (5-0), Mo Williams has averaged the following:

- 22.0 ppg, 4.0 apg, 3.2 rpg, and 1.8 turnovers per game.

- Also, 42-83 fg (50.6%), 13-33 3pt (39.4%), and 13-13 ft (100%).

Additionally, as a team in those 5 games at home against .500 teams, the Cavs put up the following numbers:

- +53 points (10.6 point margin of victory), +21 points in the 3rd quarter (4.2 margin of victory in that quarter despite losing tonight's by 11).

- Also, the Cavs have had at least 4 players in double figures every one of those games, including 5 tonight, and a best 6 against Denver.

I think Mo has really fueled this team, and it shows a lot against good teams. Tonight was the perfect example, when as soon as the Cavs tied it up, Mo planted a long two and a huge three and the team never looked back.

View from the other side:

Despite being 8-7 against the Cavs in his career coming into the game, Dwyane Wade is now 1-5 in his last 6 games against Cleveland after tonight.

Also, even though Wade only had 2 turnovers tonight, he is averaging 5.2 turnovers against Cleveland in his last 6 games.

Dwyane Wade made the cardinal sin of not looking at RCF before the game. LBJ did it and it meant victory, and in Wade's case ignorance meant defeat. I posted in the game thread that even when Wade's teammates are making shots, you want him to be a passer. When Wade gets 7 or more assists against Cleveland, they are 2-5. After tonight, when he recorded 8 assists, that record drops to 2-6.

This really showed up in the end, when the Cavs made their run. Wade was passing off to teammates after being swarmed, and they just weren't finishing off the plays.

 

[camakazee]

Time for Camakazee's neat-o stats of the night,
(Sponsored by: Are we still going to that party tonight?)

Game 31 @ Miami

The Good.

LeBron's 38 points tonight marks his most points in a game since the 38 he recorded on November 15th against the Jazz. This was also the 7th 30+ point game by LeBron in the month of December.

Delonte West's 20 point game makes his 3rd 20 or more point game not only this season, but this month. By contrast, after the trade last year, West only had one 20 point game in the regular season. Furthermore, tonight marks Delonte's ninth straight game with double-digit points.

The Bad.

LeBron is now 0-3 in his NBA career on games played on his birthday, despite averaging 29.3 points.

Despite bagging two meaningless threes in the final minute, Cavs guard Daniel Gibson is still experiencing shooting struggles his last 4 games. Here's a better look:

- 31 points (7.75 ppg) on 10-32 shooting (31.3%) and 8-23 from 3 (34.8%).

- Also, he is averaging only one assist a game, with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.

- However, the biggest concern is the fact that over the last 4 games, Gibson has made only two 2 point field goals and only 3 free throws. That means that only 7 of his 31 points came outside of three pointers. He appears to be far too complacent shooting the three, which isn't falling for him at the time being.

Tonight also marks the worst first half played by the Cavs so far this year.

- This was only the 7th time this season that the Cavs allowed their opponent to score 50 or more points in the first half.

- The 34 first half points by the Cavs were the lowest so far this season.

- The -16 differential at halftime marked the most points the Cavs were down at halftime so far this season.

The Ugly.

Tonight marks the 5th loss on the road against a .500 team this season. And yes, the Cavs only have 5 losses on the season*. There are many different places one can look to explain these losses (they are losses, so something isn't being done right), but I will focus on true problems found in all 5 games, including several that kept sprouting up tonight.

In road games against .500 teams, the Cavs are 2-5 overall. In the 5 losses (5 games):

- The Cavs have scored 95 or less points every single game (They've scored 96+ 21 out of their 26 wins this season).

- Defense isn't the big problem, as this is only the second loss where the opposing team has scored 100+ points.

- The Cavs have been had a worse field goal % 3 out of the 5 games, and have taken less shots from the field 4 out of the 5 games.

However, the biggest problem, as it showed tonight, was the lack of penetration throughout the game. Alongside this lack of penetration comes a complacency with the three point shot. In their other four losses, just as tonight, the Cavs have often settled for the three when the interior defense is strong or they are working against a zone. Here's a closer look:

- 36-111 from three point land (32.4%), 22.2 three point attempts a game (22 or more in 4 of the 5 games), with only any average of 7.2 of those shots dropping.

Obviously, the Cavs need to adjust to the defenses of these .500 teams on the road. While common sense would dictate that when teams pack it in and/or play zone the three point shooters need to knock the 3 down, this is often easier said than done on the road. It may mean acquiring a slasher, it may mean tweaking the offense to adjust for it. Whatever it is, shooting the 3-ball 22 times on the road and only making 7 of them is unacceptable.

By contrast, in their two wins on the road against .500 teams, the Cavs are 11-34 from three (32.4%). This is the identical percentage as the 5 road losses, but with 5.2 less 3 point attempts a game.

View from the other side:

Mario Chalmers recorded his third 20+ point game of his career, a career high 6 three point makes, and a single game best 85.7% from the three point line. Super Mario also tied his career high of 8 assists.

The Heat had three players recorded a double-double tonight, Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, and Udonis Haslem. Good game guys.

*Disclaimer: Please do not blow this out of proportion. I got into an argument after the Detroit game defending the Cavs against the statement that "they can't win big road games." This year has been by far one of the most efficient Cavs seasons of all time. There is no reason to think they will not win big road games further on down the line, and to be honest, I'd rather have them lose at Miami than at Golden State. Also, keep in mind that when LeBron was celebrating his 23rd last year, the Cavs had 17 losses.

 

[wuck]

36-111 from three point land (32.4%), 22.2 three point attempts a game (22 or more in 4 of the 5 games), with only any average of 7.2 of those shots dropping.

Is there a bad kind of deja vu? That's what it always seems like in these games. Three-point misses also can feed the other team's fast break or at least their early offense.

With 9:11 left in the 4th quarter, Miami picked up their 4th foul of the quarter. It wasn't until 3:39 left that Miami picked up their 5th so the Cavs could take advtg of the bonus.

 

[Thunder]

Like you said camakazee, we may need to pick up a slasher...G-WALL, DO IT. PLEASE.

 

[camakazee]

Time for Camakazee's neat-o stats of the night,
(Sponsored by: Back-to-back 3's deep in the Q!).

Game 32 vs. Chicago

Fantastic Frontcourt.

I have to admit, that Friday morning notification that Z wouldn't be ready to go tonight did have me worried for a little bit. But no Z? No Problem! The Cavaliers frontcourt was fabulous tonight. In fact, the 39 points that starting PF Ben Wallace and starting C Anderson Varejao combined for is the most by the starting 4-5 combo this season. The previous high was 25 combined points by Ben Wallace and Zydrunas Ilgauskas at Denver. Also, this is only second time this season that both starting frontcourt players gone off for double digits. The only other time was earlier this season when hosting the Nuggets (notice a defensive trend here?). Here's a look at the combined statline of Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao tonight:

- 39 points, 17 rebounds, 6 steals, and 2 blocked shots.

Also worth noting, when starting this season, Anderson Varejao hasn't scored less than 13 points in a game and hasn't grabbed less than 7 rebounds. Here are his numbers in his 4 starts:

- 16.8 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game.

Benny the <STRIKE>Bull</STRIKE> Cav

Ben Wallace recorded not only a season high, but also a Cavalier high 13 points in tonight's game. This marks only the third time he has scored double digits in a game as a Cavalier. Furthermore, Ben has had success against the Chicago Bulls as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Here's a better look:

- (7 games): 5.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.0 blocks per game, and 1.4 steals per game.

Happy New Year!

Believe it or not, the Cavaliers are an astonishing 5-1 in the first game of the new year during the LeBron James era. Even more impressive is the fact that the only loss came during LeBron's rookie season, meaning that they have won their last 5. Here's a closer look at the team's performance during those last 5 victories:

- (5 games): 96.4 ppg compared to their opponent's 86.2 ppg (+10.2 ppg).

- LeBron James: 25.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 7.8 apg, 2.6 spg, and 1.0 bpg.

A Special Night.

As the Cavaliers cruised to victory tonight, it took a valiant team effort. However, this team effort was fueled by many great individual efforts. For example:

- LeBron James recorded his first triple double of the season.

- Anderson Varejao recorded a career high 26 points.

- As I mentioned earlier, Ben Wallace notched a Cavalier high 13 points.

- Sasha Pavlovic logged a season high 13 points, his only double digit scoring game this season and the most points he has scored in a game since St. Patrick's Day last season.

- Tonight was the first game this season that all 5 Cavalier starters scored in double figures.

It Must be the Number.

So far this season, LeBron has absolutely torched the Bulls whenever he feels like it. In 3 games, the team is also 3-0. Here's a closer look at LeBron's stats:

- (3 games): 32.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 7.0 apg, and 2.0 spg.

View from the other side:

- Bulls guard Derrick Rose suffered his worst scoring game of his career. Rose put up only 3 points, marking only the third time this season that the guard has failed to log double digit points. Also, tonight was only the second time that Rose made only one field goal in a game.

- Former Cavs stud Larry Hughes only scored 7 points in tonight's game. This marks his lowest amount of points against the Cavs while playing 27+ minutes (13 games). Also, tonight makes only the second time this season that Larry has made only one field goal in a game, while he accomplished that feat four times in a partial season (40 games) last year with the Cavaliers.

 

[King of the Cavs 23]

- Former Cavs stud Larry Hughes only scored 7 points in tonight's game. This marks his lowest amount of points against the Cavs while playing 27+ minutes (13 games). Also, tonight makes only the second time this season that Larry has made only one field goal in a game, while he accomplished that feat four times in only 40 games last year with the Cavaliers.

 

[camakazee]

Time for Camakazee's neat-o stats of the night,
(Sponsored by: Well, we did have Z and Deshawn out).

Game 33 @ Washington

The Good.

- With his three 3 pointers in today's game, LeBron James passed Wesley Person for second on the Cavaliers all-time 3 point field goals made list with 552.

- Forward Anderson Varejao logged his fifth double-double of the season, as well as his fifth straight double digit scoring game as a starter.

- LeBron James logged double digit assists in back-to-back games for the first time this season, a feat he hasn't accomplished since February of last season.

- Ben Wallace has had at least 2 blocked shots his last 4 games. He is averaging 2.5 bpg over those four.

- Mike Brown received only the second ejection of his career. Thanks for the flare Mike

The Bad.

- Today marks Cleveland's first loss to a sub .500 team this season. The club was 20-0 against such teams before today's game.

- Mo Williams missed a free throw in the game today, the first he has missed since December 12th.

- Delonte West ended his streak of 10 straight games with double digit points in today's game, when he only recorded 6 points.

- Maurice Williams has shot under 50% from the field his last three games. This comes after a four game streak of 20 or more points on 50% or better shooting.

Here's a look at his last 3 games:

- 11.3 ppg, 2.3 apg, and 1.7 turnovers per game on 8-30 shooting from the floor (26.7%) and 4-15 three point shooting (26.7%).

The Ugly.

Believe it or not, the Gilbert Arenas-less Wizards have given the Cavs just as many problems as some of the elite teams in the league over the last two seasons. Dating back to last season, including the post-season, the Cavs are now 7-5 against Washington in games without Arenas. Here's a look at the trend:

- Cavs: 94.9 points per game.

- Wizards: 91.8 points per game.

- LeBron James has shot 50% or less from the floor the last 5 games against the Wizards, dating back to the playoffs last year (45.1% shooting average). Also, today was the only game of those last 5 where he did shoot 50%, and not below.

View from the other side:

- In 2 games vs. the Cavaliers this season, Wiz forward Antawn Jamison is averaging 27.0 ppg, 9.5 rpg, and 1.5 spg on 20-40 (50%) shooting, including 4-9 from three (44.4%) and 10-11 from the line (90.1%).

- The Wizards are now 0-1 against the Cavs in games Deshawn Stevenson plays, and 1-0 against Cleveland in games Stevenson sits out :chuckles:

 

[Cavatt]

We sure could have used stevenson today. They were hitting everything.

 

[cab]

win some, lose some-- at least boston lost to NY

 

[camakazee]

Time for Camakazee's neat-o stats of the night,
(Sponsored by: First in the east!)

Game 34 vs. Charlotte

Back on Track.

Tonight's game got the Cavs playing back on track in many regards. Granted it was a home game (now 18-0 at home), against a struggling team that just pulled off a huge upset in OT the night before, but Cleveland looked more like they did in the beginning of the season than they have as of late. Here are some accomplishments from tonight:

- Tonight marked the biggest first half lead (18 points) for the Cavaliers since December 6th. However, that game was also against the Bobcats and involved a 20 point halftime lead :chuckles:.

- Tonight's 30 point win was the biggest win since December 3rd versus New York (36 points).

- Tonight was only the second double digit win in the last 7 games for the Cavs (5-2 record). By contrast, the Cavs had 5 double digit wins in the 7 games before that (6-1 record) and won all 7 games before that by double digits.

Bobblehead Boobie.

Maybe it was the bobbleheads. Maybe it was the new jerseys. Or maybe it was the fact that he torched this team two other times before. Regardless, Daniel Gibson showed the confidence he is known for in tonight's game. Here's a look at his 3 games versus the Bobcats this season:

- (3 games): 20.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.0 rebounds on 22-29 shooting (75.9%), including 10-14 from three (71.4%).

Needless to say, I'd love to draw the Bobcats in the first round of the playoffs, but I just don't think it will happen.

Number 21.

J.J. Hickson has had spurts this season where he looks like he could easily be LeBron's go-to-guy in 3-4 years. However, he has also had spurts where he has committed 3 fouls in 4 minutes. Regardless, when the Cavs have called upon J.J. recently, he has showed nothing but talent and a will to win. Tonight marks Hickson's 10th game where he has played 10+ minutes. Here's a look at his numbers in those games:

- (10 games): 7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 34-62 shooting (54.8%) in 17.2 minutes per game.

Here is a look at those numbers, adjusted for 36 minutes:

- (10 games): 16.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks.

This is very promising, considering his per 36 minutes stats in all games played (with the exception of tonight) is 15.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.

The Brazilian Blur.

Anderson Varejao has been very accommodating since Ilgauskas has been out, to say the least. In fact, during the last 6 games, including games big Z played, Varejao has been very efficient. Here's a look at his current tear:

- (6 games): 12.8 points, 9.5 rebounds on 29-48 shooting (60.4%) in 31.5 minutes per game.

LeBlock.

After tonight, LeBron has logged eight straight games with at least one blocked shot. Here are his defensive numbers over the last 8 games:

- (8 games): 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.

View from the other side:

Highly coveted swingman Gerald Wallace hasn't advertised himself very well to Cleveland fans. Tonight was his scoring high against Cleveland in the three match-ups so far this season (14 points). Here are his numbers against the Cavs this season:

- (3 games): 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.3 turnovers. His combined shooting is 10-26 (38.5%), going 0-3 from three.

Guard Sean Singletary recorded a career high 13 points in tonight's game. Congrats Sean!

Also worth noting, Wally Szczerbiak came within one point of his season high in points, when he logged 15 tonight. Wally also tied his season high for three's made with 3, and shot 100% from three (2 or more attempts) for the first time this season. And I'm not trying to make a political statement by putting Wally's stats under the "view from the other side." :chuckles: