GT: Cleveland Cavaliers @ Phoenix Suns

bbwchingy0007 · Nov 4, 2007

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November 4, 2007 @ 8:00pm EST
US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ
NBATV, FSOhio HD, FSN AZ HD

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Phoenix Suns
(1-1)


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Cleveland Cavaliers
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<h4 align="center">Projected Starters</h4>
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PG Steve Nash SG Raja Bell

SF Grant Hill PF Shawn Marion C Amaré Stoudemire

 
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PG Daniel Gibson SG Larry Hughes

SF LeBron James PF Drew Gooden C Zydrunas Ilgauskas


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<h4>Last Season Stats</h4>
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<td class="strong">Scoring</td>
<td>110.2PPG</td>
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<td class="strong">Field Goal %</td>
<td>49.4%</td>
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<td class="strong">3-Point %</td>
<td>40.0%</td>
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<td class="strong">Rebounds</td>
<td>40.5 RPG</td>
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<td class="strong">Assists</td>
<td>25.9 APG</td>
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<td class="strong">Scoring</td>
<td>96.8PPG</td>
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<td class="strong">Field Goal %</td>
<td>44.7%</td>
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<td class="strong">3-Point %</td>
<td>35.2%</td>
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<td class="strong">Rebounds</td>
<td>43.5 RPG</td>
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<td class="strong">Assists</td>
<td>20.8 APG</td>
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<h4>Last Season Team Leaders</h4>
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<td class="strong">Points</td>
<td>Stoudemire 20.4 PPG</td>
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<td>Marion 9.8 RPG</td>
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<td class="strong">Assists</td>
<td>Nash 11.6 APG</td>
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<td class="strong">Points</td>
<td>James 27.3 PPG</td>
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<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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<h4>Key Matchup: C - Amaré Stoudemire v Zydrunas Ilgauskas</h4>
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The Cavaliers will have their work cut out trying to defeat the Suns in their own backyard tonight. They will have trouble keeping up all over the floor, but I have singled out this matchup between Stoudemire and Ilgauskas as the most important one. It is a matchup between to good Centers, who approach the position in different ways: Ilgauskas prefers to use finesse moves around the basket and out to 18 feet, whereas Stoudemire uses athleticism and power in and around the post. If Ilgauskas struggles to keep up with Stoudemire, the Cavs could have a serious problem, as there is no telling how many points Stoudemire could score. If he manages to contain Stoudemire, they will make the Suns more one-dimensional, as they will have to play more perimeter basketball. Unfortunately for the Cavs, they are one of the best teams at shooting.</td>
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<h4>Keys to the Game</h4>
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<ul>[*]Contain LeBron James - Traditionally, when LeBron James fails to score many points, the Cavs struggle in the games. So far this season, the Cavs lost when he scored 10 and won when he scored 45, in keeping with the trend. The Suns are a team who mainly focus on offense, but if they allow LeBron to overpower them when the Cavs are on offense, they could find themselves in a sticky situation.
[*]Shoot the ball well - This was a huge strength of the Suns last season, and they may find themselves relying upon in somewhat again this season. The Cavs can be a great defensive unit on the floor, so the Suns will need to make sure they vary their play. They will have Stoudemire doing what he does best on the inside, but will also need to shoot well if they are to win tonight's game.
[*]Keep the tempo high - The Cavs had their best ever season last year, and spent much of their time playing a grinding-style of basketball. It wasn't great for TV ratings, but it was enough to get them to the NBA Finals. When forced to play a faster, more open game of basketball, they struggled. If the Suns can force them to play a quick-paced game tonight, they should be able to win comfortably.[/list]
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<ul>[*]Don't just rely on LeBron - This game is going to have to be a monumental team effort if the Cavs are to win. They cannot afford to rely on LeBron to pull them through this game. Every other starter must contribute well if the Cavs want to win. That probably means a combined 35 point, 20 rebound performance from Gooden and Ilgauskas, as well as 35 or so points from Gibson and Hughes.
[*]Try to slow down the game - If the Suns enforce their quick pace upon the game, the Cavs stand virtually no chance of winning. If, on the other hand, the Cavs can slow and frustrate the Suns, they stand every chance of winning. The key could be in the tempo here, as each team will struggle if forced to play to the other team's favoured tempo.
[*]Rebound hard - The Suns are extraordinary shooters of the basketball. This means that they will miss very few shots and, if given a second chance, are very likely to score. Therefore, the Cavs must grab every rebound they can to cut down the Suns' scoring. If they can do so, they might just be able to defeat the Suns.[/list]
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<h4>The Cavs since 2003 v Phoenix</h4>
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<td colspan="2">The two teams have met 8 times. The Cavaliers have won just twice, averaging 99.5 PPG, whereas the Suns have won six times, averaging an astonishing 109 PPG. LeBron James averages 31.6 PPG (his best against any team), 7.5 RPG and 6.5 APG against the Suns, and the Cavs will need him to maintain that fantastic average tonight. He has scored 40+ points twice against the Suns, as well as a 38 point performance. Despite his averages, however, he has never managed a triple-double against the Arizona-based team.</td>
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<h4>Prediction</h4>
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I'd love to say that I think the Cavs have got what it takes to defeat Mike D'Antoni's Suns, but I doubt that. It is a possiblilty that they will have Sasha Pavlovic back, but I don't think he will be enough of a factor against the highly-polished players like Steve Nash. The Cavs will probably give it a good go, but fall somewhat short.

105 - 93
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Shapecity · Nov 4, 2007

My Lakers embarrassed Phoenix on their homecourt on national TV the other day. Mike D'Antoni was furious at PJax and his team after the loss. I expect Phoenix to take that out on Cleveland and beat them soundly.

The Cavs haven't looked right and Phoenix has the players who can give LeBron James trouble. I really do not like the PG matchup for Cleveland either. Steve Nash should have his way against Boobie Gibson, and since Boobie doesn't create much off the dribble Nash doesn't have to spend much energy on defense.

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GT: Cleveland Cavaliers @ Phoenix Suns

bbwchingy0007 BBW Member

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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GT: Cleveland Cavaliers @ Phoenix Suns

bbwchingy0007 BBW Member

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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