Last year the Cavs dropped both games against the Nuggets, once with Lebron managing a triple double, and the other, at home, with a more balanced attacked.
So what’s changed? Examining the above picture, you’ll notice that one of these teams is simply a year older, while the other is more sleek and aerodynamic.
The matchup presents another instance, like the Jazz game, where our frontline does not overmatch the opponents immensely.
The Nuggets trot out:
C: Marcus Camby
PF: Kenyon “Agassi” Martin
SF: Carmelo Anthony
SG: JR Smith
PG: Allen Iverson
The Cavs will likely repeat last nights lineup, starting Boobie, Hughes, Lebron, Gooden and Z. We’ll see if Sasha bounces back from last night’s back spasm as provides some minutes off the bench. The Nuggets are at a big advantage catching us at the back end of those road trip with their uptempo style, so we need all the legs we can muster.
After his strong showing last night, I expect we’ll see some Ira Newble backing up our bigs again, especially when he can be matched up against Eduardo Najera. Unfortunately, the Nuggets size, along with Z’s high minute totals, will probably put an onus on either Cedric Simmons or Dwayne Jones to provide some presence inside.
A win tonight would make this road trip a huge success. The energy the Cavs have brought so far gives me reason to believe they will recognize the importance of that, rather than simply taking the game off and looking forward to the trip home.
Go Cavs!
November 13, 2007 at 2:10 am
Yakhouba Diawara is starting place of JR Smith. Less scoring in total, but more shots for the big guns. Should let us slide Hughes onto Iverson.
November 13, 2007 at 2:23 am
Hughes tossed mighty early. Let’s see how young and wild this team is.
We’re down to a guard rotation of Boobie, DJ, and Devin Brown and a front line rotation of Lebron, Gooden, Z and Newble.
Sasha is listed as active, but considered out. If Shannon Brown wants to stick around, this might be his chance to prove himself, whether we like it or not.
November 13, 2007 at 3:21 am
Well, at halftime, it sure looks like the Cavs are ready to get on the plane and get home.
Still, we do have the one and only Lebron James and a decent defense. If we can keep it close to 10 for the first 18 minutes of the 2nd half, this game is winnable.
I realize we’re not bringing maximal effort, but let’s bring it enough to keep my hopes alive.
November 13, 2007 at 3:52 am
I’m not sure why we even watched this game. Cavs showed up with every intention of losing and being content going home 3-3.
November 13, 2007 at 4:56 am
17 for Ira Newble?!?! Really?
November 13, 2007 at 5:26 am
Newble was our 2nd best offensive player in the first half, behind Lebron, and piled on in garbage time.