Recap: Clippers 100, Cavs 92 (Or, The return that wasn’t, the loss that was)
2011-03-19
Overview: Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon combined for 59 points in a 100-92 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. J.J. Hickson led the Cavaliers with 28 points and 9 rebounds.
Cavs-Related Bullets:
Well, we’ve seen this before. The Cavs hung tough for the first three quarters, then watched the offense completely fall apart in the fourth. When the game gets tense and the game revolves around one-on-one play more, the Cavs simply don’t have that guy who can go ISO or pick-and-roll and either get a basket or make a play. Baron would be that guy, but he missed the game with back spasms. Four points for Hickson in the fourth, four points for Sessions in the fourth, and 14 points for a team that needed a strong finish.
The good news is that all of Cleveland’s young starters had strong performances from the field. Sessions had a bounce-back game, which hopefully means he’ll be coming out of his funk soon. Samuels had 17 points on 9 shots, and was extremely active. (I don’t even mind the six fouls.) Even Alonzo Gee had a efficient little performance.
Hickson was the high man for the Cavs, but I’m taking the performance with a grain of salt because he went 6-9 on shots outside of the paint. I’d love to think that games like this are a sign that his jumper is going to become a reliable weapon for him, but I don’t think that’s going to happen this season. That said, Sessions and Samuels’ solid performances did help to show the ancillary benefits of having a starting big that can make shots.
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Nobody on the bench really had a good game, now that we’re on the subject. Boobie’s play continues to be worrisome.
Defensively, things could have been worse — 59% of the Clippers’ points came from Gordon and Griffin, and while the Cavs could have done a better job on both of them, they are going to score points if they’re on their games.
That’s all I really have for now — I’m sure the glad this road trip is over.
I thought it was a butcher knife.
No mention of the steak knife? Wow. I’m surprised.
we’re always expecting JJ to have a breakout year and it never happens since he’s lazy and has a mental makeup of a 10 yr old….if Cavs can work out trade for him for picks or players I’d do it….i mean what has the guy done for us to help us win games…his bonehead plays are a constant every time.
Granted, it is the Clippers we’re talking about. But 28 and 9 is good no matter who you’re playing. Like I’ve been saying, while it’s been a horrid year there are some pieces I would consider keeping. Hickson even on a team with more talent could be a serviceable player. Ramon and Gee can provide energy off the bench — they’re what I call “10 minute” plsyers, where the best role for them is to play for 10 minutes and in that time fly around at max energy all the time, be disruptive to the other team, create chaos and… Read more »
Hickson was supposed to have worked all last off-season on his jumper and this year was supposed to be the breakout year. I wouldn’t hold your breath.
I’m hoping JJ spends his whole summer working on his jump shot. If he does, next year could be a breakout season for him. Pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop situations with Ramon/rookie PG would be great.
Hick isn’t likely to go 6 for 9 frequently, BUT, only one of his Js were off a bounce. He is a pretty solid shooter when he doesn’t dribble. Even a jab step and then shot, has such a higher pecentage rate for him. I harp on this everyday, so I was very happy to see him with that shot selection. He stayed within himself.