Cavs Much Better After Shaq is Injured

Shapecity · Feb 26, 2010

During the first half of Cleveland's win against the Celtics in Boston last night, Shaquille O'Neal injured his right thumb and never returned to action.

For now, according to the News-Herald, it's been diagnosed as a sprain, but the team is also calling it a "significant injury," and Shaq could be out for some extended time.

He'll have further tests soon to determine the severity of the injury.

Since the first of the year, Shaq has been putting up better scoring numbers -- averaging 14.0 a game in January, and 13.6 this month -- and with Antawn Jamison spreading the defense, he was likely to get less-defended looks inside.

But Shaq's defense is the real reason he was brought to Cleveland. So without him, who steps up? Well, expect Anderson Varejao, who has gotten lots of praise this season for his pick-and-roll defense, not one of Shaq's strengths, to step up.

J.J. Hickson, who has had a breakout season but has started to see less time in the rotation because of Jamsion's arrival, will also be called upon.

Depending on how long Shaq is out, the return of Zydrunas Ilgauskas could also help up front.

The Cavs may also go after teams with a smaller lineup. Last night in the second half against Boston, that went with a more quicker and athletic lineup, and it suited them well, as they played one of their best halves of the season, holding Boston to 22 percent shooting in the second half.

They also outscored them 60-32 in the second half.

As long as Shaq is back by the playoffs to defend the likes of Dwight Howard, the Cavs should be in good position.
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Source: News Herald

¹²³ · Mar 1, 2010

Sources: Shaq to be sidelined until playoffs

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Cavs Much Better After Shaq is Injured

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Cavs Much Better After Shaq is Injured

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