W2W4: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets March 28th, 2014

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

March 28th, 2014

W2W4: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets

Pre-Game News and Notes

After a very difficulty three-game road trip for the Nets that included three overtime games, they will be back at the Barclays Center for a Friday night showdown with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Heading into Friday the Nets are 2.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors in the Atlantic Division, and the Raptors will also be in action Friday playing at home against the Celtics.

Match-Up of the Game: Jarrett Jack vs. Deron Williams

The Cavaliers have been without their best player in Kyrie Irving, but Jarrett Jack has picked his game up in his absence. In the last three games Jack is averaging just over 20 points per game, as Williams will have his hands full at the Point Guard position even without the All-Star Irving. In the last two game Williams has been very good on his own in two overtime losses, as against the Pelicans he scored 23 and then against the Bobcats he scored 29 points. Both players are talented and playing well in their last few games, so it should be fun to watch Jack and Williams’ battle on Friday.

- Playing Spoiler

In the Cavaliers mild three-game winning streak they have been able to play a bit of spoiler lately. The first game of their winning streak came in a huge come from behind win against the New York Knicks, who are trying to get the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. The second win was even more impressive as they were able to take down the Raptors, who the Nets have been chasing for months. The Nets have been red hot in the Barclays Center, but it wouldn’t be wise to overlook the Cavaliers.


- Defending the Big Men

Without Kevin Garnett the defending opposing team’s frontcourts have been a disaster for the Nets and their small lineups. On Friday the Cavaliers have two pretty good ones they’ll be using in Spencer Hawes and Anderson Varejao. Hawes and Varejao are two very different players, but both can hurt the Nets in different ways. Hawes is the more offensive minded Center, as he can really stretch out a defense with his ability to hit three-pointers. Varejao on the other hand is more of a blue collar player that will be fighting for every rebound, which maybe more troublesome for the Nets, as they struggle badly to rebound the basketball. Skill wise Hawes and Varejao aren’t near Anthony Davis or Al Jefferson who the Nets have played recently, but both of them excel in certain departments, which could hurt the Nets in the frontcourt.

Knicks Playoff Hopes Delivered Big Blow With Embarrassing Home Loss to Cavaliers

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

AFP Photo/Don Emmert

The New York Knicks playoff hopes suffered a big blow Sunday night, as they suffered an embarrassing loss at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 106-100. A 15-point halftime lead was not enough for the Knicks, as they imploded in the second half and reverted back to playing how they did prior to their eight-game winning streak. It was a heart breaking loss for the Knicks as the Atlanta Hawks had lost earlier in the day to the Toronto Raptors, presenting an outstanding opportunity for the Knicks to climb closer to the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. The loss tonight ends the Knicks winning streak at eight, with their next game being the start of their west coast trip Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center.

Player of the Game: None

Knicks Struggles Continue Courtesy of Kyrie Irving

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Tuesday, December 10^th, 2013

New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Post Game Recap

It was an improvement over Sunday afternoon’s debacle at Madison Square Garden but Tuesday night’s game was still an embarrassment for the Knicks as they fell to the Cavaliers 109-94. The Cavaliers were relentless all night as the Knicks had awful first and third quarters that essentially gave the Cavaliers the game. They trailed by 18 points in both quarters and with the loss matched the worst start in Knicks franchise history, losing 11 of the last 13 games. The seat is getting hotter for head coach Mike Woodson who may not even make it to Tyson Chandler returns to give him his full complement of players to use. Things won’t get any easier for the Knicks as they will return home to take on the Chicago Bulls Wednesday night at 8 PM ET.

Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony

Mark Duncan/AP Photo

It is tough to recognize a player for doing anything positive in such a poorly played game but once again Anthony came out and tried his best to carry his team to victory. Anthony shot the ball efficiently from the field, going 12-19 from the field (3-4 3pts and 2-2 FT) for a team high 29 points to go along with eight rebounds. Anthony also added three assists; a number that would have been higher had anyone made their shots nearly as efficiently as Anthony did. He only turned the ball over once as well, an impressive number with how often the ball was in his hands and how much of the decision making he has to do with the Knicks on offense. Anthony continues to put forth outstanding effort and why the rest of his teammates are not following suit is inexcusable.

-Positives

J.R. Smith Wins 6th Man of the Year

Debby Wong/USA TODAY Sports

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

In what many expect to be a big award winning season for the Knicks, the first award came rolling in today in the form of Sixth Man of the Year for J.R. Smith.  Smith is the third Knick in franchise to win the award, joining John Starks (1996-1997) and Anthony Mason (1994-1995).  Smith beat out another former Knick, Clippers guard Jamal Crawford, who finished second.

Smith led all bench players in scoring this season with 18.1 points per game, with Crawford next at 16.5 points and Golden State point guard Jarrett Jack third with 12.9.