Here's Windy's post-game for tonight's woopin of the Knicks:
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2008/11/windhorsts_cavs_beat_blog_cavs_1.html
Windhorst's Cavs Beat Blog: Cavs at Knicks, transcript of LeBron's pregame news conference
by Brian Windhorst
Tuesday November 25, 2008, 6:58 PM
LeBron gets his NYC closeup
There were about 50 media members at LeBron's pre-game press conference. Here is the transcript, minus some questions about the Yankees.
Q: Hey LeBron, would you like to play for the Knicks someday?
A: Right now I'm trying to focus on what I have at task. That's the Cavs and us getting better everyday and compete for a championship. To bring that type of distraction to our team right now would be unfair to my team, the coaching staff and the rest of the organization.
Q: You're not blind, teams are making trades and it is clear what teams are trying to do.
A: July 1 of 2010 is going to be a big day. It's probably going to be one of the biggest days in the history of free agency in the NBA. A lot of teams are gearing up to put themselves in position to get one of the big free agents.
Q: Last week you said you wanted to end up where you could play for the most championships. Does the size of the marketplace matter to you at all?
A: That is something that is not a factor. You look at a guy like Tim Duncan, who decided to sign in San Antnio. He took pay cuts so they could sign Manu and Tony Parker and compete for a championship. We all know San Antonio is not a big market at all. So for me, it is all about winning, it's not about the market.
Q: You said Tim took less, does that mean you would take less than a max contract if it meant bringing in more talent?
A: I didn't say that (laughs). I like the talent part but I didn't say I was taking less.
Q: You've said you have respect for this building, do you have a different impression for the team that plays here now than you did for the last few years?
A: I think coach Mike D'Antoni has done a great job thus far to get them in a system that works for them. I think in the last couple of years they have been in a system that doesn't work for them. In the past they've had the same type of players and Mike has allowed them to get up and down and run and gun. It's definitely a different team.
Q: If Cleveland won in the next year or two years, would it be easier or harder for you to consider leaving?
A: I don't know. We're going to try to do our best this year to try to win it and try to win it next year. Like I said, July 1 is a big day...for me to give you an answer of where I am going or whether I am staying or not, I don't know.
Q: Do you like playing in up-tempo systems?
A: I had fun this summer bringing that offense to the Olympic Team. We were able to do some things offensively that were honestly unstoppable.
Q: LeBron, are you flattered by all the attention that you're getting in New York?
A: Absolutely, I am flattered that teams or there rumors go around that would love for me to be a part of their team. I can't sit up here and say I'm not flattered. But right now I am with the Cavs. To answer your question, yes...we'll see what happens.
Q: What about New York appeals to you?
A: I think the fans. The fans are really great. They love the game of basketball. Every time I come here there is a warm feeling because you know the history...being a basketball junkie how could you not love being in this building?
Q: How close of a relationship did you develop with Mike D'Antoni this summer?
A: Really close. Coach D'Antoni gave me a lot of freedom on the offensive end. I was a leader of that team and let me oversee a lot of the plays. I think we all know Mike D'Antoni's system is all about freedom. It was great to be out there and be a part of that system. To be a part of that mastermind, of that system, you are like "wow."
Q: Are you worried that some endorsements aren't going to be there like they were in the past?
A: I don't know...I know I have great relationships with the partners I have. All of them are long-term deals. There's always going to be deals out there.
Ok, now the game:
Halftime -- Cavs 67, Knicks 38
• The Cavs are in a bit of an advantageous position. The Knicks have a new team and they are not used to each other. But they are in the Garden and there's all the LeBron focus so that could've been a problem. Instead the Cavs have played with excellent aggression and have beaten down a weaker team so far. Their defense has been great, they are contesting shots everywhere and the Knicks can't deal with it. NY is shooting jus 31 percent and giving the Cavs all sorts of fastbreak chances with long misses. That defense is why the Cavs are ahead, they have not let it become a scorefest.
• Despite the New York media's prodding the crowd has not embraced LeBron that much. They gave him a warm cheer when he was introduced, but it was about standard. They cheered the first time he touched the ball but gave up after that. Perhaps if this stays a blowout there will be some chants. But how do proud New Yorkers ask someone to join a team playing like this? At least right now.
• All that said, the way the Knicks play they are probably not totally out of the this game. I mean, it's not likely, but the Cavs can't quit in the second half. We have seen them not play equally in halves this season. Also, the Cavs took 19 3's in the first half. They took a lot of inside shots, too, but if they just settle for those 3's it will help New York's cause.
Pregame
Starting lineups
Cavs: Mo Williams, Delonte West, LeBron James, Ben Wallace, Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Knicks: Chris Duhon, Nate Robinson, Quentin Richardson, Wilson Chandler, David Lee
• The Knicks finalized their trade with the Clippers this afternoon so Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley will be in uniform. It will also be Al Harrington's first game as a Knick. Figure Harrington to get a lot of playing time and take a lot of shots.
• This is Mike D'Antoni, the Knicks will play fast and small. The Cavs beat D'Antoni just twice in the LeBron era when he was in Phoenix. It is not a system they are comfortable with. However this team is much better offensively than before. It will be interesting to see how the Cavs play and if they can keep the tempo under control.
• All eyes are on LeBron. In his career, he usually plays well in these types of games.
Straight hating
