Cavs offense running like a well-oiled machine

bbwchingy0007 · Nov 17, 2008

Akron Beacon Journal said:

With its plodding pace and reliance on LeBron James in the half-court game, the Cavaliers used to drive like a Yugo, one of those boxy import cars guaranteed to draw snickers from onlookers.

No one is laughing now.

The Cavs' offensive attack is running like a sleek, efficient and cool Mercedes-Benz.

The numbers speak for themselves as Cleveland has blown up the scoreboard. The Cavs scored more than 100 points in six of the past seven games, averaging 105.4 points on 48.5 percent shooting. They rank fifth in the league in overall offense. The 8-2 Cavs have won seven in a row and lead the NBA's Central Division.

Not a bad start.

Coach Mike Brown finds himself smiling these days. ''Offensively, we're further along now than ever before since I've been here,'' he said.

Brown has taken criticism for the team's lackluster offense over the past several seasons. He relied on the team's defense and James' skills, and figured the offense would come later.

''That started a little bit last year and it's obviously carried into this year,'' Brown said. ''The guys that we have are intelligent. They really like each other and they want to get better. And it's starting on that end of the floor.''

The starters have been the key. Led by James, four of the five starters average double digits in scoring. The bench has contributed significantly, too.

The acquisition of point guard Mo Williams is proving to be the difference. Williams initially struggled as he tried to find his role in the Cleveland offense.

Judging from the past two games, it looks as if he might be getting there. In those two, he averaged 22 points per game and five assists.

He's doing exactly what the Cavs had hoped. He, for one, isn't surprised about what the offense is accomplishing.

''We have a great team and great chemistry off the floor,'' he said. ''I think it wouldn't take long on the court for it to get done. I think people under-estimate how much the chemistry off of the court affects what goes on on the court. We are around each other a lot, especially off the court.''

James, who is averaging 29.8 points a game, understands that this offense allows him to be the force on the court without having to shoulder the burden. In fact, some of the Cavs' most impressive efforts came when James was on the bench and the team expanded upon a lead.

''I'm all over the floor,'' James said. ''I feel comfortable shooting jumpers. I feel comfortable going into the paint, and when you have release guys like Mo, Delonte [West] and Z [Ilgauskas], where you can take a few possessions off on the offensive end, it makes it a lot easier.''

Cavs fans can only hope that the offense continues to run this smoothly.
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bbwchingy0007 · Nov 17, 2008

I've been really pleased watching the Cavs recently - they're looking like genuine title contenders. Also it must be remembered that this is before a seemingly inevitable trade involving Wally Szczerbiak and his expiring contract. If the Cavs can acquire another good offensive player, they will be sitting pretty, and could have a really flourishing offence as well as a great defence.

Jontro · Nov 17, 2008

the difference one man can make. Kudos to Lerbon.

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Cavs offense running like a well-oiled machine

bbwchingy0007 BBW Member

bbwchingy0007 BBW Member

Jontro What?

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Cavs offense running like a well-oiled machine

bbwchingy0007 BBW Member

bbwchingy0007 BBW Member

Jontro What?

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