Looking forward to Game 2.

Here’s hoping Lewis, Anderson, and West are in uniform, Howard and Shaq stay out of foul trouble, and both teams are rested.

I agree with some of them, but it’s funny that similar excuses never apply for the Cavs – when they lose it’s because there was never any reason they were going win in the first place.

They will continue to get better.

Two of the first three whistles on Howard were questionable at best, which changed the complexion of the game.

Mo Williams played out of his mind.

Also, Orlando was missing Ryan Anderson and Rashard Lewis. Delonte West (MIA again) would have had an impact as well, but he doesn’t create as many mismatches as Anderson and Lewis. Brandon Bass and Marcin Gortat had a ton of open looks, which Anderson and Lewis, no doubt, would have capitalized on.

All in all, it was a good win for the Cavaliers. But, again, there were a lot of mitigating factors, not the least of which is the fact that Orlando was playing the second game of a back-to-back, while Cleveland had four days to rest and recuperate.

Can’t wait to see how the season series shakes out.

As for the blog at SS&R, I thought C.A. Clark made some good points, especially with regard to Bryant’s assist, steal, and block averages.

I don’t think Bryant “overplays” the passing lanes as often as you think, but he’s definitely guilty of losing his man from time to time.

or better yet a Nets uni. “What’s ma mufuggin’ name? Jigga…and who I’m rollin’ wit?… my ni….”

Can’t wait.

I’m amazed at how arrogant and fan-like some of these writers are. I thought for a while it was just Tom Knott and the Wizards guys, but the Orlando guys are ridiculous too.

Glad the Cavs handed them a beatdown. Orlando needs to stop whining so much. SVG/Howard/Gortat

Also, I read that “why PER underrates Kobe” post. What did you think? I thought it was pretty bogus, especially the defense-statistics part. Kobe overplays as much as anyone in the league so if anything, his defensive stats are overrated in PER, not underrated. His defensive efficieny numbers and on court/off court numbers show that too.