GT: New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers Nov 2

bbwchingy0007 · Nov 2, 2007

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November 2, 2007 @ 7:30pm EST
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
FSOhio/MSGHD
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Cleveland Cavaliers
(0-1)


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New York Knicks
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<h4 align="center">Projected Starters</h4>
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PG Daniel Gibson SG Larry Hughes

SF LeBron James PF Drew Gooden C Zydrunas Ilgauskas


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PG Stephon Marbury SG Jamal Crawford

SF Quentin Richardson PF Zach Randolph C Eddy Curry


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<h4>Last Season Stats</h4>
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<h4>Last Season Team Leaders</h4>
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<td class="strong">Points</td>
<td>James 27.3 PPG</td>
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<td class="strong">Rebounds</td>
<td>Gooden 8.5 RPG</td>
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<td class="strong">Assists</td>
<td>James 6.0 APG</td>
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<td class="strong">Points</td>
<td>Curry 19.5 PPG</td>
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<td class="strong">Rebounds</td>
<td>Lee 10.4 RPG</td>
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<td class="strong">Assists</td>
<td>Marbury 5.5 APG</td>
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<h4>Key Matchup: SG - LeBron James v Quentin Richardson</h4>

v
LeBron James had a harroble game Wednesday against the Mavericks. The Cavs head West for 6 games in 8 days after this game, and the pressure is on LeBron to push the Cavs forward so they can have at leasta semi-positive entry to the West. If he fails to show up here, he could struggle for much of the road trip, and the Cavs could suffer terribly. However, matched up with Richardson, who missed the final preseason games with a knee injury, perhaps this will be a good opportunity for LeBron to put on a show for the fans who were disappointed so dearly amidst the Eastern Conference Championship celebrations on Wednesday.
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<h4>Keys to the Game</h4>
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<ul>[*]Win the Battle of the Boards - This could be somewhat difficult as the Knicks have strength and size down low in Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph. That said, the Cavs were one of the best rebounding teams in the L last season and, despite losing Varejao, should be able to outrebound the Knicks.
[*]LeBron HAS to get back to normal - This game is more significant than just a single win or a single loss. If they can go to the West Coast with a bit of confidence after a victory, they are much more likely to win more games on the road trip. More than that, if LeBron is not into full flow for the road trip, I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose all 6 games.
[*]Hit shots - This may sound stupid; the most obvious thing in the World, but the Cavs shot a dismal 36.4% from the field, 25% from downtown and 60% from the free throw line on Wednesday. If they shoot that badly again, they might not even beat the Knicks. So, they need to play sensibly and find the open man for easy shots.[/list]
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<ul>[*]Lock down on LeBron - LeBron will be doing his utmost to have a huge game here. He had a poor opener, and will need to restore the confidence of the Cavs fans with a good performance. If the Knicks can stop him, don't be surprised to see the Cavs fold like a pack of cards, just as they did against Dallas.
[*]Use size and strength down low - Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph definitely have the edge on Ilgauskas and Gooden in terms of strength. They must utilise this advantage and grind the Cavs' frontcourt down, getting easy points. If they are successful in doing this, they will be one step closer to victory.
[*]Be patient - If there's one thing you learn by watching the Cavaliers, it's that they always make mistakes on the defensive end of the floor. By this I mean that several times per game players will find themselves out of position allowing the opposition to make easy buckets. If the Knicks are patient and take advantage of these momentary lapses, the Knicks can build up a good lead against the Cavs.[/list]
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<h4>The Cavs since 2003 v New York</h4>
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<td colspan="2">The two teams have met 15 times. The Cavaliers have won eight times, averaging 94.8 PPG, whereas the Knicks have won seven times, averaging 90.7 PPG. LeBron James averages 23.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 6.6 APG against the Knicks in the 13 games he has taken part in. If you exclude his first 5 games against the Knicks, though, he averages just over 28 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7 assists.</td>
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<h4>Prediction</h4>
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I'm not sure how much you can actually trust this prediction given how far out I was for the Mavs game, but here it is anyway. LeBron will be out to show the World that this season will indeed be his best and that Wednesday night was an unexplained blip on his record. He will be ready and raring to go, and should be able to comfortably lead the Cavs past the Knicks.

101 - 92
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CelticKing · Nov 2, 2007

Cleveland has to win this game. To get some of their confidence back.

Cavs 101 - 95 Knicks

King 32pts 8rbs 10assts

Shapecity · Nov 2, 2007

The Knicks certainly aren't the Dallas Mavericks, but they are going to surprise a lot of teams this year. The frontcourt size of ZBo and Curry is tough for any team to deal with. It's just a matter of Marbury being unselfish enough to feed the post and these guys a combined 50 touches per game.

The Cavs looked terrible in their opener and starting the season off 0-2 at home is going to start the coaching rumors going. LeBron James should rebound off his career worst, but he needs to stay out of foul trouble. The Knicks are very physical and LeBron has to keep his composure and not get baited into a shoving match. I expect Isiah to instruct his players to knock LeBron on his butt everytime he goes in the paint.

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GT: New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers Nov 2

bbwchingy0007 BBW Member

CelticKing The Green Monster

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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GT: New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers Nov 2

bbwchingy0007 BBW Member

CelticKing The Green Monster

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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