seriously, we are. another win last night, against the 76ers. we're now 19-3. that's a great record, btw. the only team with a better record than us are the celtics (they're 20-2) and the lakers are right behind us (they're 18-3). i think if we played them right now, we could take them both. i mean, one of our three losses was against the celtics, but that was our first game, right after their ring ceremony, in boston and we weren't quite gelling yet. we lost a few days after that to the hornets and i think it's the same thing there, too. if we played them right now, i think we'd win. anyway, about last night...

sasha got a lot of minutes, but bunch of people including jj hickson, did not play at all :(. sasha had four points though, one of his shots was a dunk according to my mother. lebron had 22, mo had 21, and andy had 15. boobie's out with an injury for about two weeks, which is annoying, but i think we can still win without him, because everyone's really stepped it up this season.

well, here's some pics from last night...the next game's tomorrow at home against philly again, then we're on the road for a while...GO CAVS!

z, ben, sasha in the background.

i'm undecided as to whether or not i like his new facial hair....i mean, it's basically a soul patch, and that's so 1998....

he played awesome last night in the 4th quarter!! from the plain dealer:

Better late than never: Pavlovic finds his rhythm late, helps Cavs rally past 76ers
by Justin Feil, Special to The Plain Dealer
Tuesday October 21, 2008, 10:46 PM

PHILADELPHIA -- Sasha Pavlovic had a frustrating start Tuesday night, but finished strong to lead the Cavaliers to another fourth-quarter rally in a 91-83 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wachovia Center.
When Pavlovic checked back in the game with 10 minutes left, he had not made a shot in five attempts, had five fouls and two turnovers.

"I was trying so hard I was getting mad," Pavlovic said. "I sat down on the bench and when I came back, I tried to do whatever I could to help the team win the game. I came back strong."

The 76ers built a four-point lead to start the fourth quarter, but three straight layups and a three-pointer by Pavlovic in a span of 3:28 gave the Cavaliers a three-point lead with six minutes left that they would not relinquish.

"It was good to see Sasha be aggressive and look to get himself something to the rim first and then everything else is easy after that because he had confidence," said coach Mike Brown. "Sasha played extremely well on the defensive end of the floor and that's why he stayed out on the floor."

It was the only nine points for Pavlovic, who fouled out with a minute left, but it was a big for one of the Brown's candidates to start at the shooting guard.

"To see him bounce back like he did in the fourth quarter was great to see," LeBron James said. "You have to be mentally strong to do what he did, to have as bad as game as he did until that time he started making layups and hit open threes."

Daniel Gibson also came up big with nine of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. He made three three-pointers and filled in admirably down the stretch with James on the bench.

"We have good players," James said. "We have a veteran ball club that can close out games. It's good to see they can do it without me against a very talented team."

Other than James sitting out the fourth, Brown confirmed his 10-man rotation was the closest to a dress rehearsal for the regular season. Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and J.J. Hickson all saw action off the bench.
It was the second straight win over the 76ers after the Cavaliers opened the preseason with four losses. In Saturday's heated win, Mo Williams was ejected after jawing with Andre Miller six minutes into the game at The Q.

Perhaps conscious of the teams' previous meeting, the referees called it tight in the first quarter. The Cavs were whistled for 11 fouls - most coming on Miller's dribble penetration -- but built a 31-24 lead.

Williams let his game do the talking. He scored six of the Cavs' first 10 points and finished with 13 points. Zydrunas Ilgauskas (11 points) and Anderson Varejao (10) gave them five players in double figures.

James had 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes. He scored 10 of his team's final 16 points in the first quarter. He shot 4-of-5, converting his only 3-pointer, to lead all scorers with 12 points and added five rebounds and two assists in the first 11 minutes.

"I'm going out there the same form I do in the regular season," James said. "I can't shortcut anything. I have to continue to get better, too."

An alley-oop from Ben Wallace that James had to bend backwards to throw down helped send the Cavs into halftime with a 54-47 lead.

The 76ers held a 24-13 advantage in the third quarter that Brown blamed on the offense settling for jumpers that led to fast-break baskets at the other end. The Cavs turned it around behind Pavlovic, Gibson and a strong defense that allowed just 12 points in the final quarter.

"When they had to go against our half-court defense, I thought we were decent," Brown said. "That's what happened in the game on Saturday. That's what happened in the game tonight. We settled down."

The Cavs made 8 of 19 three-pointers while holding the 76ers without a make in nine attempts.

The 76ers played their second straight game without regular center Samuel Dalembert due to a sprained knee.

Taking a break: Brown did not anticipate playing Gibson almost 28 minutes in the first of back-to-back games. Gibson and the Cavs regular starters won't see as much action in Detroit on Wednesday as Brown gives more minutes to his bench.

from mvn.com:

Batman and Robin in Cleveland, Part 2?
By Smooth | July 7th, 2008

We all saw the hype behind Larry Hughes and how he was supposed to be LeBron’s sidekick. We were supposed to have what the Chicago Bulls had in the mid-late 90’s with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Hughes was supposed to be Batman’s (LeBron’s) Robin. LeBron and Larry were supposed to be that type of dynamic duo. Well, Hughes was more Catwoman than anything else. Now he’s in Chicago, probably coming off the bench, playing for a new coaching staff and playing for a team that had one of the worst records in all of basketball last year. Hey, does anybody know if Larry Hughes is having fun yet?

Getting away from Hughes, we may be in for part 2 of Batman and Robin with a different supporting cast. This time, Corey Maggette could be taking over the role that Hughes played.

I’m sure if you guys have been paying attention to reports coming out of the media lately, you’ll know that the Cavs are interested in Maggette and have even extended an offer towards the unrestricted free agent, according to the Plain Dealer’s Terry Pluto. The Cavs have offered Maggette the full MLE (5.8 million) but the length of the deal is unknown. Now this doesn’t mean anything right now. Yes the Cavs have offered him the full MLE, but so have the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics (they deny it though). The Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76′ers, New Orleans Hornets, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic have also all expressed interest in the former Clippers guard/forward. Now, reportedly the Spurs are the front-runners to land his services but it’s not over until the fat lady sings. The Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76′ers both have the ability to offer Maggette more money than the MLE since they both have the cap space. So, this could get very interesting.

It does look like the Cavs have a chance though. The Cavs don’t have the weather that free agents covet or the big city life but we are championship contenders (something Maggette is said to prefer). But most importantly, we can offer Maggette the chance to be the #2 option on our team. That’s something no other team could promise him. People may be weary of Maggette but I think he’s the real deal. He’s a legit 20PPG scorer, he scores efficiently, he gets to the line a lot (and converts), he can create (for himself and others) and he’s a solid defender. He’s not the full package but he is a solid player and guy, who I think, who would go a long way in helping this team.

Now this isn’t the only guy the Cavs are pursuring. Here are the others:

James Posey, G/F (UFA) - 24.6 MPG | 7.4 PPG, 1.5 APG, 4.4 RPG, 41.8 FG%, 38 3PT%, 80.9 FT%

The Cavs wanted him last year but when push came to shove, the Cavs (Mike Brown) went with Sasha Pavlovic (note from megan: good decision, imo!!!!!!!!). The Cavs are still very much interested in Posey, as are the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons. Posey wants the full MLE for 5-6 years but right now no team is really willing to give the 31-year old that type of long-term insurance. If the years come down, then I expect the Cavs to be very interested. They want him here and Posey wants to be here.

I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to Posey, I just think a 3-year deal is the maximum length wise. The guy is 31-years old and we’ve seen what’s happened when you lock up guys hitting the end of their prime for big money and big years, coming off career seasons (i.e. Damon Jones and Donyell Marshall). A 3-year deal is definitely manageable and is worth it for a guy like Posey. I worry about him being another one-dimensional offensive player but I love his toughness, energy, clutch shooting, intangibles, etc. All the little things that coaches love and fans adore. Not to mention, he’s a pretty good shooter and defender on top of that.

Devean George, G/F (UFA) - 15.5 MPG | 3.7 PPG, 0.7 APG, 2.6 RPG, 35.7 FG%, 32.5 3PT%, 70.6 FT%

Calling Devin Brown’s replacement, calling Devin Brown’s replacement. Thank You. Devin Brown is gone, period. (note from megan: I LOVE DEVIN BROWN! i think he still has a lot of potential!!!) I elaborated on it previously, so I’ll save you guys the trouble here. On top of the Cavs being interested, the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Hornets.

This seems like the type of guy that the Cavs would sign as a perimeter defender and put him at the end of the bench for insurance. I don’t think George is going to take anyone’s spot. I think it’d be just insurance. Here’s the thing though: we don’t even know if he can still play. He’s been on the decline (statistically) the past few years and he’s not the athlete he used to be. But with our luck, he’ll probably sign and then block a trade to the Milwaukee Bucks for Michael Redd at the trade deadline.

Anthony Carter, G, (UFA) - 28 MPG | 7.8 PPG, 5.5 APG, 2.9 RPG, 45.8 FG%, 34.9 3PT%, 75.3 FT%

Carter will reportedly take the minimum offer from the Denver Nuggets, but who knows until July 9th comes around. It’s not sure who else is interested beside the Cavs and Nuggets but I’m sure there are more teams.

Carter would likely be a Plan B, should one of 3 point guards be traded away or Delonte West/Daniel Gibson sign elsewhere. I don’t see the Cavs bringing in a 4th point guard with bigger needs elsewhere.

Carter is a solid player but I have my concerns with a guy who just turned 33 and had the best year of his career in the Denver up-tempo offensive system.

Anthony Johnson, G, (UFA) - 22.2 MPG | 5.6 PPG, 3.8 APG, 2 RPG, 43.7 FG%, 45.2 3PT%, 81.4 FT%

The Cavs, the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat, the Orlando Magic, the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz all reportedly have interest in the 33-year old.

My explanation: see Carter. Except I’d be more comfortable with Johnson then I would with Carter.

CJ Miles, G/F, (UFA) - 11.5 MPG | 5 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 47.9 FG%, 39 3PT%, 78.8 FT%

The full list of suitors is not known but the Cavs, the Utah Jazz, the Miami Heat, the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit Pistons were all interested in Miles last year.

A lot of people may not of heard of Miles but when it’s all said and done, he could be the steal of this free agency class. He’s only 21-years old (justed turned 21 in March) and is already developing into quite an offensive player with his versatility and efficiency shooting the ball. He’s a pretty athletic kid that needs to be taught defense (where Mike Brown comes in). I’d be happy if we would acquire Miles, should all other options fail. I think he could really develop into a nice rotation player.

Monta Ellis, G (RFA) - 38 MPG | 20.2 PPG, 3.9 APG, 5 RPG, 53.1 FG%, 23.1 3PT%, 76.7 FT%

The Cavs and the Miami Heat have been linked to Ellis as “having the most interest” in him, but let’s face it: there is no ‘effin way the Warriors let this guy get away. Plain and simple.

Carlos Delfino, G/F (RFA) - 23.5 MPG | 9 PPG, 1.8 APG, 4.4 RPG, 39.7 FG%, 38.2 3PT%, 74. FT%

The Cavs have supposedly offered Delfino a contract, but the terms are not known. The Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs have also supposedly given Delfino an offer.

Delfino would be a decent option but I’d rather us go a lot of different ways. Delfino has always seemed like a guy who looks brilliant in limited exposure but when he starts playing a lot, he looks like a whole different player (not a positive comment either). At this point in time, these aren’t the type of players we want on this team.

Chris Andersen, F/C (UFA) - 6.8 MPG | 1.2 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 28.6 FG%, 50 FT%

The great Roger Brown is back again and now reporting the Cavs have “mild” interest in free agent forward/center Chris Andersen.

This seems like the type of player that the Cavs would look at if they should loose Anderson Varejao in a trade. Andersen has a very similar type of game to Varejao (HaHa! Andersen and Varejao. Um, yeah…) and would seem redundant if he is signed now. I do worry about his prior suspension because if he tests positive again, say bye-bye to Andersen for awhile.

Mickael Pietrus, G/F (UFA) - 20 MPG | 7.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 43.9 FG%, 36.1 3PT%, 67.3 FT%

I’m not sure who the suitors are for Pietrus’ services but I am pretty sure the Cavs have genuine interest in him.

Pietrus seems to have Sasha Pavlovitis: a guy with enormous talent/potential who shows it in flashes but has never been able to grasp it because of a pea-sized brain. Pietrus is a solid basketball player but I don’t see him as a guy who we should invest a ton of money in. He’s a decent defender and a decent shooter, that’s really all. He’s basically a younger version of James Posey without all the intangibles.

**************************************************

From just looking at this list of free agents that the Cavs reportedly have interest in (I’m sure it’s bigger and I’m sure I missed some guys), it looks like their main focus is finding a perimeter defender on the wing. They’ve had some interest in adding another 20PPG scorer (in Ellis and Maggette) but that’s looking unrealistic right now. They did explore some point guards (Chris Duhon too) but they look like backup plans, along big men (Chris Andersen).

They’ve looked at 4 guys who could be considered as decent perimeter defenders and I wouldn’t be surprised to see that number get bigger as the days go on.

So if I had to put my money on who the Cavs will sign, it will be a perimeter defender.

Will it be Batman’s Robin? I doubt it but it’s possible we could see part 2 in Cleveland, come November.

Just be encouraged that Danny Ferry isn’t “sitting on his hands” like he has in past seasons, according to more than a few Cav fans.

EVERYBODY loves to bring up last year's hold out situation with sasha and andy...yeah, even i'll admit it kind of did fuck up our season, but still it makes them seem like total jerks that everyone keeps talking about it when really i think it was all their agent's fault...i mean, this might be pushing it, but there's a language barrier!!! maybe they didn't even know what their agent was telling them! okay, i know that's really stretching it, money is money, but still, can't we just get over it already!!! here, another article that mentions the hold out from the detroit free press:

Expect a big Pistons trade, not a big signing
BY KRISTA JAHNKE • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • June 30, 2008

For the last two seasons, the Pistons have been one of the biggest stories once July 1 arrived and the start of the NBA's free-agency period began.

In 2006, it was the saga of Ben Wallace, an unrestricted free agent who ultimately decided to head for greener pastures with Chicago. Last summer, point guard Chauncey Billups opted out of the final year of his deal, making him one of the biggest free-agent names on the market. Without much drama, he re-signed for five years and $60.5 million.

Don't expect as much excitement this July -- at least not when it comes to wheeling and dealing for free agents.

Pistons team president Joe Dumars has made it clear his modus operandi in improving his team this summer will come through trades, possibly a core-shattering one that will send out one of his starters.

That's still his plan, and any stars who wind up in Detroit in the upcoming month will likely be at the expense of a few familiar faces.

There are a few reasons why the Pistons are leaning so heavily on the trade route. First off, they are also over the salary cap, like most of their peers, and so they have only the mid-level exception, predicted to be worth about $5.8 million, as well as veteran's minimum contracts to spend on the free-agent market.

One or two teams each summer use their mid-level to elevate a middle-of-the-pack player into a starter. The Pistons once took that route with Billups. But the recent trend has been to split that money up on two or more bench players. For instance, last year, the Pistons shelled out a portion of their mid-level -- about half of it -- to bring in small forward Jarvis Hayes.

That's even more likely to be the case this summer, as this class of free agents has been routinely called "awful" by NBA front-office men. "Weak" is another term thrown around quite a bit.

"With all due respect to the free agents out there, this is not one of the stronger classes," Dumars said earlier this month. "So that's why I'd emphasize more trade now than any other time."

This unrestricted class is highlighted by Washington Wizards forward Antawn Jamison and guard Gilbert Arenas, and includes Boston Celtics forward James Posey, New Jersey center DeSagana Diop, Clippers guard Corey Maggette and center Elton Brand, and Sacramento forward Ron Artest. Some of those players are still deciding whether to opt out of the final years of their deals. They have until Monday to make the call.

Restricted free agents include Golden State guard Monta Ellis and center Andris Biedrins, Philadelphia forward Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams, Atlanta forward Josh Smith and Josh Childress, Bobcats center Emeka Okafor, Chicago forward Luol Deng and guard Ben Gordon.

Those players often remain with their current teams, since they can match any offer from another team. Some restricted free agents -- like Cleveland's Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao last summer -- have recently turned restricted free agency into a holdout situation.

And money will be tight this summer. The only teams with major cap space to play with are the Philadelphia 76ers and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Teams can negotiate with free agents beginning Tuesday, but players can't sign contracts until July 9.

The Pistons have five free agents from last season's roster -- small forwards Hayes and Walter Herrmann, guards Juan Dixon and Lindsey Hunter and center Theo Ratliff -- to possibly negotiate with.

Drafting Walter Sharpe, a small forward, on Thursday night means the Pistons most certainly won't look to re-sign both Hayes and Herrmann. After the season, Hayes said he'd like to be back, even though his playing time plummeted in the postseason, while Herrmann is rumored to have offers to play overseas.

Dixon never made much of a mark with the Pistons, but the front office would like to add another veteran wing player to its bench.

Both Hunter and Ratliff are pondering retirement, but don't be surprised if both return for one more season. Nothing has been decided or finalized, but both veterans are leaning toward one last run.

And no matter what happens on the free-agent market, the Pistons will likely wait to make any decisions until they've completed a trade. Otherwise, it's hard to know what blanks they're working to fill in.

we definitely could have won that game.

hmmm.

well sasha had a three.

uh, yeah....

i guess drew played pretty well. of course lebron did. boobie was out. but no one really played that great or anything. it could have been a lot better.

but i had fun anyway. went with my friends. had a good time.

ha i think i've given up on big love. that show's really not that good...

ugh, i feel like it's winter break already, but we still have another week....i can't like check myself out yet because i still have a lot of school stuff to do...but then break! yay!!!

i'm tired. tatatata.