Game 4: Rockets @ Cavs, Nov. 1st 2016, 6 pm EST

[catfish]

You think they are playing beautiful basketball? I see a lot of talent that wins us games rather than good well coached basketball but maybe it's just me.
Defense is part of basketball too aswell you know.

How does someone who joined in 2016 have any right to say us?

 

[Kbiz]

Are people really surprised we had a shoot out with the Rockets? They always play us tough at home. In fact, that was the first time in the past five (count em) home games against HOU that we won.

And people are bitching about the defense? Did anyone else see all the steals in the 4th quarter leading to victory or was i dreaming? This team turns it off and on, like every other team, in the regular season. For chrissakes, its the 4th game of the season people and we sit here undefeated.

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

How does someone who joined in 2016 have any right to say us?

I usually say the Cavs, my bad.
I'll say us in 2017-2018 if that's allowed by then

 

[brownsbuck6]

Are people really surprised we had a shoot out with the Rockets? They always play us tough at home. In fact, that was the first time in the past five (count em) home games against HOU that we won.

And people are bitching about the defense? Did anyone else see all the steals in the 4th quarter leading to victory or was i dreaming? This team turns it off and on, like every other team, in the regular season. For chrissakes, its the 4th game of the season people and we sit here undefeated.

Yeah, this post nails it. It's funny to go back and read some of this stuff... LeBron is barely awake for games right now, which is as planned and as expected. No one should be surprised. And he's taken 'chillmode' to the next evolution which is mainly as a facilitator/little things guy. He will crank it up when it matters.

In the meantime, this team is playing with a confidence and calm that only happens when you win on the biggest stage possible. They yawned their way through three quarters against a very good offensive team, and then turned it on in the 4th when they had to and won the game. No, they aren't expending much defensive energy right now but that's ok. Plenty of time later in the season to focus on defense.

We will lose some games we shouldn't with these realities but should still be able to attain top record in the East.. just too talented to not consistently win 4 out of every 5 games or so. Schedule in November is full of playoff teams so I suspect we lose a few and people will freak out.. but it just doesn't matter right now.

On another note, I just want to make my bi-annual post about how much I despise Harden's game. I just cannot stand the way he plays the game... trying to fool refs is the biggest part of his game. It's pathetic.

 

[Kbiz]

Yeah, this post nails it. It's funny to go back and read some of this stuff... LeBron is barely awake for games right now, which is as planned and as expected. No one should be surprised. And he's taken 'chillmode' to the next evolution which is mainly as a facilitator/little things guy. He will crank it up when it matters.

Even this "chill-mode" is way overblown. "Chill" Lebron is averaging more assists and rebounds than he has in his ENTIRE CAREER. Round up and he's averaging a triple-double, folks. Granted, it's a small sample size but perhaps it isn't chill mode...perhaps it's Lebron setting himself up for an MVP year? Perhaps it's Lebron knowing that he is the best player on the planet and it's time to develop his 2nd and 3rd fiddle a bit more so they can contend for years? Perhaps even he himself is curious as to what Irving's true ceiling could be b/c if Ky put it altogether, he could be another once-in-a-generation talent? Dude is already walking up and hitting contested three's like Curry did all last year.

If that's Lebron's "chill-mode", i will take it any day of the week.

 

[brownsbuck6]

Even this "chill-mode" is way overblown. "Chill" Lebron is averaging more assists and rebounds than he has in his ENTIRE CAREER. Round up and he's averaging a triple-double, folks. Granted, it's a small sample size but perhaps it isn't chill mode...perhaps it's Lebron setting himself up for an MVP year? Perhaps it's Lebron knowing that he is the best player on the planet and it's time to develop his 2nd and 3rd fiddle a bit more so they can contend for years? Perhaps even he himself is curious as to what Irving's true ceiling could be b/c if Ky put it altogether, he could be another once-in-a-generation talent?

If that's Lebron's "chill-mode", i will take it any day of the week.

Well.. I think this shows just how transcendent of a player he truly is. I think his play right now is CLEARLY chill mode.. blowing layups, firing up free throw air balls.. but I suspect what is drawing enjoyment from right now is doing the little things, facilitating, and helping to elevate Love and especially Kyrie to the next level as you mentioned.

To me, chillmode still means he's out there playing and exerting effort.. but he's approaching this early season in a new way, one that can only happen because of Love and Kyrie hitting their next levels respectively. I feel it as a fan, I am watching these games with an utter calm I've never felt before.. I am confident we will win most nights, accept we will likely have some puzzling losses now and again, and understand it doesn't much matter for a few months at least.

 

[Kbiz]

Well.. I think this shows just how transcendent of a player he truly is. I think his play right now is CLEARLY chill mode.. blowing layups, firing up free throw air balls.. but I suspect what is drawing enjoyment from right now is doing the little things, facilitating, and helping to elevate Love and especially Kyrie to the next level as you mentioned.

To me, chillmode still means he's out there playing and exerting effort.. but he's approaching this early season in a new way, one that can only happen because of Love and Kyrie hitting their next levels respectively. I feel it as a fan, I am watching these games with an utter calm I've never felt before.. I am confident we will win most nights, accept we will likely have some puzzling losses now and again, and understand it doesn't much matter for a few months at least.

Agreed and LBJ's offense can always be a little...off...at the start of the season...We've seen this over the past few years. Last year was a little different as he HAD to be the man with Irving out but we all should know by now that LBJ can start the season a bit flat. Perhaps it's his back rounding into form...whatever the case may be, parts of his offensive game often takes time to mold into prime season form.

One thing perhaps not being noticed is that his three ball looks pretty good. Again, small sample size but it looks much more fluid than in past years.

 

[KilgoreTrout]

Cleveland is playing beautiful basketball right now, better than last year.
To me they seem experienced and ready to take on anyone after being able to beat the warriors last season.
They are still playing with a lot of humility
Mentally and physically they look like they know what they are doing.

We're not playing beautiful basketball YET. But it will get there. I think it's great that we are playing sloppy basketball and WINNING. Every win means more rest later on in the year.