Boosted by Delonte West's return, Cleveland Cavaliers pick up the pace in topping Charlotte, 90-79
By Brian Windhorst
October 31, 2009, 11:14PM
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This is closer to the blueprint the Cavaliers had all along.
Things are far from perfect. It was just a night against the Charlotte Bobcats, but now four games into the season things are starting to fall into place. Most especially Delonte West, who stepped on the floor for the first time all season Saturday night looking like he'd never missed so much as a drill.
The result was the Cavs' most complete game of their taxing first week as they downed the Bobcats, 90-79, to get back to .500 and post their first winning streak of the young season.
No player took more than 14 shots, seven players made three baskets or more and the defense was as active and in sync as it has been all season. LeBron James facilitated, Shaquille O'Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas were able to affect the game at both ends, Mo Williams shot the ball smoothly and with confidence and West fit right in.
"I think we're taking steps in the right direction but we still have a long way to go," coach Mike Brown said. "I think the guys understand that and, in time, we will be a good team."
Even before West entered the game to a standing ovation late in the first quarter, the Cavs seemed to be more at peace. From the outset, James was looking to set up his teammates, especially Williams and Anthony Parker, and it was infectious.
Williams scored 24 points, hitting 5-of-8 3-pointers, as he was repeatedly able to find soft spots in the Charlotte defense as ball and player movement was constant. Parker scored 13 points, making 3-of-4 3-pointers, as he, too, took advantage of James and O'Neal getting attention.
James only scored 14 points, taking just 11 shots, but had seven rebounds and nine assists. When it was over the Cavs shot a dazzling 58 percent and had 22 assists.
"We look good, especially because we've played with the sense of urgency with the last two games," James said. "If I have guys that are open, I'm going hit them and tonight we made some shots."
O'Neal's stats didn't look that impressive, but he played his most complete game as a Cav. He had eight points and five rebounds but also blocked two shots and was active on defense. Combined with Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who came off the bench to score 10 points and block five shots, the center position was strong.
Then there was West. He scored all his 13 points in the second half and six in the fourth quarter, when the Cavs pushed the lead out to as much as 20 points, along with two assists and a steal. His defense on the Bobcats' strong perimeter players was helpful. The crowd cheered him every step of the way, right into some of his teammates' arms at the end of the game as they congratulated him on his return.
"We've got great fans," James said. "They get behind you and I think that was great for Delonte because they'd didn't have to."
The Cavs held the Bobcats to just 43 percent shooting and just 38 points in the second half as they generated nine steals and nine blocks. Vladimir Radmanovic led Charlotte (1-2) with 12 points.
"There's still a lot of room for improvement but the last two games we've had that energy and the effort," O'Neal said. "I like how we're playing. Very unselfish ball."