On the television side, we've shared this incredible Cavaliers playoff ride, televising five of the six games in the Washington series, and now two of the first six games in the Detroit series. The NBA's network partners get more exclusivity beginning in the second round, and it changes my daily routine rather drastically when we are shut off by either ABC or TNT. Still busy, just not 'prepping' to call the play-by-play. Fortunately, the Cavaliers cable rights holder, FSN Ohio, has stepped-up strong. I'm involved with the pregame and postgame shows, just as I mentioned above, as my 15-year association began with the hosting of the shows during the 1991-92 season. What I spend the majority of playoff game days involved with now is being the 'interviewee' on other TV and radio shows from other cities and markets. Calls have been coming in every day, from Boston to Los Angeles, and all NBA ports in between, requesting I talk Cavaliers on their shows. It allows me to spread the word on LeBron and all other subjects relating to the organization. I enjoy it, as many eyes have now opened with regard to how impactful the Cavaliers have become as a legitimate playoff contender. I always flip the script on most of the hosts, asking them if LeBron was deserving of the MVP. Get interesting responses. It amazes me that LBJ received just sixteen first place votes, yet still finished second to Steve Nash. We'll see which one is still chasing an NBA championship ring after this weekend!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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April 22nd, 2006
Hey Everyone!
What a tremendous time it's been the past couple of weeks all over Cavaliers town as the anticipation has built dramatically toward this day, April 22, 2006! The first playoff appearance for the Cleveland Cavaliers organization in eight long, and sometimes grueling, seasons dating back to 1997-98. I've stated publicly so many times, I am most thrilled for you...that's right, you, the ardent Cavaliers fan, who has endured these past eight non-playoff seasons, always with the steadfast approach of...'when it finally turns around, it will be that much sweeter'! Enjoy your ride! You deserve as much as any fan base of a professional sports franchise! Let you in on a secret, too...I strongly believe this signifies the beginning of a possible 10-12 consecutive playoff berths for the Cavaliers franchise, with...dare I say, parades to celebrate an NBA Championship or three along the way! That's the track of excellence owner Dan Gilbert has this franchise on. It's so enjoyable to watch it unfold! Make this initial season back in the postseason one that is very meaningful for you, with the larger picture always in view!
I want to share with you my MVP balloting, turned in to the league office this week. Let me preface it by saying I'm honored to be an awards voter each and every season, and take it very seriously. I have to be credible, and approach it the proper way. For instance, last season, I voted LeBron James fifth in the MVP race. I thought that was about right, a most impressive individual season, averaging better than 27 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Yet, the Cavaliers did not make the playoffs. In all good conscience, I could not vote him any higher than that. Just 42 wins and no playoff berth. I place a substantially high value on 'team accomplishment' when deciding on the 'most valuable'...let's check this April's breakdown.
REGHI'S MVP BALLOT
As I peek at the NBA playoff matchups, I see only a couple possible stumbles for the higher seeds. In the east, look for Indiana to stretch New Jersey out, and possibly steal that series as Jermaine O'Neal and the toughness of Rick Carlisle's crew give the Nets fits. In the west, I wouldn't be surprised whatsoever if the Lakers make life miserable on Phoenix. Now, here's where Kobe Bryant becomes the 'Most Outstanding Individual Player'. He loves this stage, and will let it all fly! The Clippers, who manipulated their way to the 6th seed while losing to avoid Dallas in the first round, and San Antonio in the second, will drop Denver. And, because of the pestering, the way the league approaches playoff seedings could change next season.
The Cavaliers, you ask? This matchup with the Washington Wizards is the most compelling of the first round series. We realize the innate problems the Cavaliers face in dealing with Gilbert Arenas and crew. The Wizards don't pay a great deal of attention to the defensive end of the floor, and aren't physical or imposing around the hoop. What they are is offensively gifted, as Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler are wonderful compliments to Arenas. They want to get out and go, turn the floor over quickly, and put 105-112 points on the board...The Wizards methods? Outpoint their opponent, plain and simple. If the Cavaliers can keep the game in the mid 80's, low 90's, Washington will have severe problems. Couple key areas to ponder from the Wizards winning three of four in the season matchup with the Wine and Gold.
1. Can the Cavaliers keep Washington from second and third chance opportunities as they hit the offensive glass? It's been a problem in the Wizards three wins.
2. Turnover problems lead to Washington run outs. Have to value the basketball, and not get above that 13-14 turnover plateau. Take away the Wizards running opportunities, and you force them into a halfcourt game.
3. Bench be busy! Huge edge for the Cavaliers! Flip Murray, Damon Jones, Donyell Marshall, and Anderson Varejao can change pace and tempo against a weak Wizards bench group. This area deserves high scrutiny game by game.
LeBron James will announce his playoff presence in a most dramatic fashion, I believe, in leading the Cavaliers to the second round. Won't come easy! Cavaliers in seven, with probably a road win needed along the way in D.C.!
I'll check in with all of you as the series shifts to D.C. next weekend. Again, enjoy the Cavaliers ride, and have fun at The Q!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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The Cavaliers are honing their game as April rolls in, smartly situated in the fourth-seed in the east, with the regular season winding down inside the ten-game mark. How huge an advantage might home floor be in that first round? Enormous! Consider the possibility of playing Washington, Milwaukee, or Indiana with a potential game seven in front of 20,562 at 'The Q'! A tremendous edge. Don't think that has been lost on the Cavalier players, either. They are fully aware of wanting the home floor and why.
Speaking of which...a couple playoff-related items jump out at me immediately. First, I'm ecstatic for you...the long-suffering Cavaliers fan, who gets a postseason drink for the first time since the '97-98' season. I'm thinking you've been very parched! Eight seasons without a taste is long enough! So congrats to you fans...and make sure you provide that '6th man' loudness that should have the home building reverberating in fourth quarters. You deserve the opportunity!
Hope to see you at 'The Q' as the playoffs get set to return to downtown Cleveland! If not, check out the Cavaliers on the tube on either the Cavaliers Television Network, or FSN Ohio. It's going to be an extremely enjoyable ride!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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Joe, being quite candid here, the Cavaliers defensive schemes are still evolving. During certain stretches, like the Lakers game 2nd half, the effort, enthusiasm for that side of the ball, and execution with rotations and 'help' defense are solid. The guys were swarming and running the floor off their pressure. That's when the Cavaliers are at their best in my mind. What frustrates many is why that consistency doesn't maintain for the duration of games? That, I believe, is equally puzzling to Mike Brown and his coaching staff as well. The players show they can execute the system, it's just not prevalent on a nightly basis, which can be a source of discontent for you fans. Mike Brown believes he sees progress, has told me so many times, and he's the guy the players have to please. We all can agree on this. As the playoffs hit, the game will center on the defensive end of the floor. Let's hope the Cavaliers are up to the task.
Rolled around the eastern seaboard and the Midwest again this winter, as I called Mid-American Conference, Atlantic 10, Big Ten, and a few Big East games for the various national sports television entities. While the travel can get hectic around the Cavaliers schedule, I find it challenging not only calling the games, but making the travel arrangements work to and from. I had one particular twelve-day stretch from February 4-15th, where I called a game every night! Seven Cavaliers telecasts, three away in Minneapolis, Washington and Boston, and five college games on the nights not telecasting the Wine and Gold. Now that will stretch you out a bit! Gotta love it though! Kind of reminds me of the seven years I called Baltimore Orioles telecasts where I'd go through a 17,18-day stretch in a row before that valued 'off' day came! The fun I have on campus is tremendous. And, as a side note, many thanks to the 'Reghi Rules' Kent State T-Shirt gang in the end-zone student section. I'm highly flattered, and oh, what ribbing I took from the guys and gals on the television crews over that! Not bad, when you consider now I'm subsidizing the Kent State education of those half-dozen students! And I trust your brackets have been ripped apart by the likes of George Mason, Bradley, and Wichita State still dancing? Who'd of thunk it?
Now, many of you have emailed and stopped me at The Q to inquire about my wardrobe. Where I get my suits and accessories, etc. Yes, I do take a great deal of pride in how I dress on the job. I've always believed when you feel good about how you're dressed, the performance will follow. Here goes: For the past nine years, I've been with the same tailor. While in Baltimore calling the Orioles, I was introduced to Jack Christopher Clothiers, an outstanding tailoring group that specializes in dressing athletes, television professionals, politicians, etc. They have been excellent in tailoring my wardrobe each season. They continue to do a most impressive job. Here in Cleveland, I am associated with Adesso, a quality upscale men's clothier in Rocky River. Superb lines and impeccable tailoring. Professional in every way. Again, so many of you have inquired, and I appreciate that. Thanks for noticing!
Okay, boys and girls, let's all get ready for the stretch run, just 15 games left, with an opportunity to snare that fourth playoff seeding and the homecourt that goes with it. Next get together, we'll discuss some playoff particulars and ramifications for the Cavaliers and why they should be considered the odds-on choice to stay positioned right where they are come April 19th, and game 82. Talk to you then! In the meantime, make sure you lock in with us on the Cavaliers Television Network and FSN so you have all the right Cavaliers moves.
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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Danny's response was revealing. He mentioned to me that he felt Larry's teammates will go through the 'shock' period for a while. Hughes is so well liked and was received favorably immediately in the locker room for his fearless, aggressive nature of play. The fellas refer to a player like Hughes as a 'gametimer'...leaves everything on the floor, never retreats from any situation, is just relentless in his approach. That's exactly why I mentioned to Ferry that he and owner Dan Gilbert did a marvelous job in identifying Hughes as the perfect fit with LeBron's skills. Will the Cavaliers be able to stay in the fourth and final playoff slot in the East with Hughes sidelined until late April? As we write, 13-11 without him, 18-10 with him.
Look at it this way: Thirty games left beginning next Tuesday when Orlando visits. The schedule isn't too terrible. Couple of potential 'danger zones' in March and early April. Say the Cavaliers played exactly .500 basketball the rest of the way. 15-15 would leave them at 46-36, and a definite playoff squad. Will forty-six wins hold on to the fourth hole, and the home floor that goes with it, first round? Dicey stuff, there. I'm thinking it will take possibly 48 wins to lock up fourth. So, given that mathematical rationale, can the Cavaliers do a 17-13 finish, and get to that forty-eight win plateau? Could be doable. Let me know what you think, and we'll discuss it in our next blog chat.
Enjoy the All Star game....Mike Brown told LeBron the other evening to tell Flip Saunders, the East's coach, to only 'play you about ten minutes'!!! I just hope Flip doesn't play LB forty-five!! Remember...back to back with the Motown bunch later this month! How intriguing will that be?
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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All right boys and girls, it's now 5 a.m., and I've already begun to prepare for tonight's telecast here in Atlanta. Remember how the upstart Hawks rolled into The Q in mid-December and nailed the Cavaliers? We'll see if the Wine and Gold have a little something in mind here in Dixie. Need wins to stockpile approaching the All- Star break. Enjoy the games, and we'll chat again soon.
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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Actually, it turned into some fun for me, as I tuned in to a couple sports talk radio shows that featured their programming around the question to Los Angelinos...'Would you trade Kobe for LeBron straight up, right now?'
I stayed with them for close to two hours, and you might be surprised to hear the predominantly pro-Laker crowd proclaimed in overwhelming fashion they would do the deal 'yesterday'! Twenty one callers over the two-hour period went 16-5 to go get LeBron right away. Most cited the 7-year age difference as the deciding factor for their preference.
It was easily detectable that animosity toward Bryant has begun to set in with Laker fans. Many are beginning to see him as a selfish volume shot taker who ran Shaq out of town, which started the demise of the Laker franchise. While he doesn't seem to be interested in displaying the necessities to always make his teammates better, he is one of the finest 'clutch' shot makers the NBA offers. All the conversation sure made the day in LA most intriguing! And, by the way Laker fans, save your quarter for the call to Danny Ferry....not interested!
The night at Staples Center was terrific for 'celeb' watching, too! The obligatory crew headed by Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington, Penny Marshall, Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock, etc. rolled in. Yet, the largest response went to USC Trojans' QB Matt Leinhart, who wore his Lakers' gear and signed autographs for the adoring public. Hey, in LA, you must arrive late and leave early, yet the crowd just adored Leinhart, even after the stunning loss to Vince Young and Texas the week before that cost the Trojans their third straight national championship. He visited the Cavaliers' locker room...wanted to check out LeBron, of course, and even chatted up Zydrunas as well. Quite a day and night with the Wine and Gold in La-La land!
As the trip ends over this weekend, I'll get into something many of you have asked me about. That is, my play-by-play 'style' while calling Cavaliers' games. I truly appreciate all of your comments and interest in all that we do. Enjoy the 'second half' of the trek west, check us out on the Cavaliers Television Network from here in Denver, versus Golden State, and the trip finale in Utah this Saturday night. I'll be looking for you guys!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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I do hope all of you enjoyed your Holiday Season. It's a tremendous time to be around family, loved ones, and friends! Let's make 2006 a year to remember fondly in many aspects.
Time to catch the plane for the short jump to Milwaukee. I'll see you on the telecast tomorrow night, and we'll get together again early next week. Happy '06 to one and all!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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Here's the rub. Plenty has been discussed, dissected, and otherwise run through the ringer over and over with regard to what is, or isn't, happening defensively. Fair enough. Yet, have you noticed some tweaks that have occurred on the other end? The results have been plentiful.
You see, during the 9-2 start, the Cavaliers were in running mode in transition. Lots of easy hoops followed. Suddenly, the opposition dictates that the Cavaliers will not be allowed to get out and go. The halfcourt offense was something less than Mike Brown had hoped for. Nice to see the head coach with a big smile!
In the two wins, the Cavaliers have moved the basketball, moved bodies with crisp execution off screens, and showed the knack for making the defense pay the price for trapping and double teaming LeBron James. The numbers speak loudly!
-A total of 52 assists in the two wins. The 29 versus Miami, a season high, and just remarkable in that they come on 75 total field goal 'makes'! That's a strong amount of 'helpers' leading to buckets! And the Cavaliers have some very talented 'distributors' of the basketball, don't they?
-That sharing of the ball has led to 52% field-goal accuracy in the wins, and how about this, 19 made 3's, at a 40% clip from long distance. You'll win a bunch on the home floor and otherwise with that type of offensive mindset.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you! I'll see you at 'The Q' and on the tube with the Cavaliers. Enjoy everyone!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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I encountered Albert and Jackson afterward as we exchanged holiday greetings, and Jackson had the look of a man who had bad memories conjured up. Here's the funny aspect of the call. During the timeout immediately after the play, lead official Bob Delaney sauntered over to Scott Williams and me and asked the question...'Remember why that rule was instituted?"...Sure do...it hit me right then. And he was sitting about thirty feet down television row! The dreaded 'Mark Jackson Rule'! Oh, by the way, LeBron said he's heard of the rule, but never witnessed it called...until now. Here's hoping we don't see it again anytime soon!
What makes it very difficult is when constructive criticism needs to be spoken of during a telecast. If I don't at times, I'm not fulfilling my obligation to you the fans and viewers. Not to mention having one's credibility questioned. That I won't compromise. Do I want to see the Cavaliers do well each and every night on the court? Absolutely do! It makes for a strong telecast for all of us. My energy and excitement level is genuine. When it comes time for that constructive criticism, that's when that friendship/relationship line gets put to the test. Most definitely the most difficult thing I've encountered since beginning my run with the Cavaliers. The key is: respect. The players and coaches get it always from me. I've had the good fortune of receiving it back in kind from all inside the Cavaliers' lockeroom. That always will remain a source of pride for me. Good stuff from Aaron in Bellville!
Alright, boys and girls. Huge home stretch before, during, and after the Holiday Season for the Wine and Gold! Ten of the next thirteen games until the next jaunt west are at The Q! Let's hope the fellas take full advantage of some 'home cooking' and stay solid in the rugged NBA Central Division. I told you about that last blog. Every division game is ultra-important: Indiana, Chicago, and Detroit visit during the Christmas season. Let's hope Santa has 'winning stocking stuffers' for the Cavaliers!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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I believe most of you were dreaming of teaming Michael Redd with LeBron. Sure, Ohio native, a Columbus guy who played at Ohio State and certainly has one of the premier shooting strokes in the game. No questioning that. Yet, as most GM's, coaches, and scouts will concur with, as I've maintained all along, there is no comparison in the all-around games of the two. Hughes is far superior in EVERY facet of the game, with the exception of shooting from the perimeter. Rebound the basketball? Handle it? Get out on the break, either as an initiator or finisher? Take the tough defensive assignment? Check, check, check, and check...Larry Hughes.
Which brings me to the strongest cases I can give you as to why the Cavaliers got the right guy. You see, what many have missed when discussing Redd, Allen and Johnson, along with the additional millions they raked in when staying put in Redd and Allen's case, and taking the Atlanta money that Phoenix said they would not pay in Johnson's, is that none of the three was willing to have shots reduced, and some of the luster taken away from their games, while playing with LeBron. Speaks volumes about how Hughes views the potential winning that sits on the horizon with the Cavaliers, as opposed to his personal numbers. And, the creme de la creme, as I see it? Larry Hughes has a fearlessness and toughness in his game that hopefully becomes contagious! He takes the ball to the hoop relentlessly, always attacking...and getting belted many times. Doesn't care. He'll come back again soon! Defensively, he'll fight hard up top, and as he said after the loss in Los Angeles to the Clippers, the 'want' to play defense has to become a part of the Cavaliers' fiber. I have a feeling Mike Brown couldn't agree more.
LET'S MOVE ABOUT THE NBA in the 'surprise positively' and 'disappointing negatively' categories, shall we? After the seasons first five weeks, this stands out:
Biggest 'gold star' belongs to the NBA Central Division. All five teams playing above .500 basketball. That's a strong 15-16 games in. Will make the 15 games the Cavaliers have forthcoming with their Central 'brothers' very significant indeed. I said before the season began, four of the Central would be playoff-bound. Wanna' make it all five with Milwaukee, too? Could happen. Gotta' buckle up in this division, to be sure!
I'll look for all of you from here in Sacramento Tuesday night on the Cavaliers' Television Network, or when the team gets back home for New Jersey on Friday. Again, thanks for all your feedback! Strong stuff!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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November 28th, 2005
Hey Everyone!
I trust one and all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, filled with love and laughter amongst family and friends. I relish the opportunity to communicate with all of you here on the blog, or as we see one another at 'The 'Q' or about town. That having been said, I want to not only dig into the email bag this week, as all of you Cavalier fans have been extraordinarily strong with your questions and comments, but respond in this space as well to some thoughts many of you have presented personally. So here goes:
A question from literally hundreds of you in person, and Collin of Beachwood via the blog email: *'How good is this team, given one-sided losses to San Antonio and Indiana, with the nine wins over teams not expected to go deep in the playoffs? Should there be cause for concern?
Let's talk frankly, folks. It will always raise an eyebrow or a thousand when a team doesn't perform well against elite competition. And sure, ask Mike Brown and he'll be the first to tell you it causes concerns in a variety of areas. Here's a simple analogy about NBA play to always use as a rule of thumb: When a team doesn't shoot well, and the Cavaliers shot a combined 34% against the Pacers and T'Wolves, you won't look pretty. Furthermore, you won't beat the high-end teams, period. Take the Minnesota loss, for example. Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall, Damon Jones and 'Z', four of the very vital offensive components, went a combined 5 for 41 from the field! That's a very chilly 12%!! One of those nights that you won't see but a handful of times during the season from that quartet.
As for implementing the new talent, it's been a bit hit-and-miss. Again, very strong bottom line at 9-4, yet the Cavaliers realize they must fine-tune the offensive end in the halfcourt as well. When getting stops and flying out in transition, it all looks very pretty with LeBron and Larry turning the floor over in a hurry. In the halfcourt, Mike Brown desires lots of movement off the ball, bodies moving, thereby the ball moving, and putting defenses in a quandary. Too much standing with the ball pounding is not the desired result. I want to see what transpires at about the 20-25 game mark or a quarter of the season in. Games in the Central Division will be extremely key. Chicago and Milwaukee believe they are playoff teams, right along with Detroit, Indiana and the Cavaliers. The Wine and Gold realize winning in the division is crucial to playoff success. So pay very close attention to December games against the Bucks, Bulls, and Pistons.
*Daniel/New York City writes to ask about the injuries to Ira Newble and Anderson Varejao. When can we expect them back?
It's the defensive end of the floor, again, Frequette. Mike Brown was giving the minutes to Sasha in the first week or so, then Luke Jackson began to show the 'spirit' defensively that the head coach desires. Now, for Luke to continue to earn them, in addition to maintaining a defensive presence, he has to be more assertive offensively as well. A couple of instances, shots were passed up by Luke with the shot clock expiring that must be taken. Sasha is an intriguing offensive player. We'll see if the defensive principles required kick in as well. That's why I've stated the battles for playing time will be extremely intense when Ira and Anderson return. Remember, no head coach plays all 12 significant minutes. Can't do it. 9, maybe 10 tops. It'll become a numbers game off the Cavaliers' bench shortly, and you know what...that's a GREAT thing to see unfold. It only makes this squad more balanced and competitive.
*Matt/Sydney, Australia (way to go, Mate!) writes to say he misses the Cavaliers here at home, but checks out our man Joe Tait on the NBA's Audio Channel from the 'Land Down Under'! Nice, Matt! And, he asks where we see the Cavaliers finishing the third week of April as the regular season ends?
Matt, you are a Wine and Gold diehard! Just love it! As I stated before the season began, I conservatively called the Cavaliers a 48-win team, with the possibility of the 4 or 5 slot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The desired goal for the players is 10 wins each and every month through March. That would have them at 50 with still 11 games to go! That's lofty! Yet it's an excellent mindset to have. 48 wins could be a bit conservative on my part. You know what, I sure hope so. 52-54 wins should surely be in the ballpark for a 'homefloor' edge at playoff time! That's why they play 82, right?
*Randy/Hudson asks where I see the Cavaliers compared to the 'big boys' in the Eastern Conference?
Oh man, Amar...all the way from the land of Nike...I get that asked over and over again...relentlessly! So, let's address it. Let me state straight away that I believe LeBron deeply desires to win multiple NBA championships in his hometown region. Right here in Northeast Ohio. He carries a tremendous amount of pride with regard to his upbringing, and desperately wants to emulate Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan as NBA megastars who played and won multiple titles for one franchise. I know, MJ finished up in Washington, but a title wasn't realistic with that franchise then. And, please...everyone forget about an NBA or Nike conspiracy to facilitate LeBron with greater riches should he play as a Knick, Laker, or Bull. Not happening. LeBron flat out leaves way too much on the table to leave Cleveland, monetarily and otherwise, and maybe more importantly, has received an outpouring of organizational commitment from Dan Gilbert and Danny Ferry in the form of free agent acquisitions that have molded this team in the best complementary form to him. That commitment meant everything to LeBron. So please Cavalier fan base, sit back and enjoy the ride with this exciting team with plenty to prove. LeBron's on board...for the long haul!!!
My deep gratitude and personal thanks to the hundreds of you who dropped me a note in our first month of blogging. As mentioned, I'll start my trek through the emails and answer all of you...promise! And for those of you who have been so kind to compliment our telecasts, and my involvement with them, I am thrilled for your involvement and enjoyment of Cavaliers' basketball. Stay tuned, it's going to be an electrifying ride! Just you watch!
Next time out, I'll be west coasting with the boys, and will break down the Cavaliers recruitment of Larry Hughes, and why he is a better fit than Ray Allen, Michael Redd, or Joe Johnson might have been..I'll see all of you then!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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Hey Everyone!
Anyone for early season 'Statement Weeks' from the boys in Wine and Gold? Since we've last chatted, the Cavaliers have rung up four consecutive wins, haven't lost in two weeks, and are serving notice that the weapons in the arsenal are vast and varied! Case in point, the wildly entertaining, highly gratifying comeback dazzler in the house of Iverson Saturday night! More on that straight ahead...
By the way, during that period in the mid-80's, I was the weekend sports anchor at WEWS-TV5, my introduction to Cleveland, and spent many a night watching with amazement as World flashed that crooked smile, and uncorked that scissor-kicking, leg spread 'three' of his...still have great visuals of his game, many a night carrying the Cavaliers to wins when everyone in the building knew, opponents included, that World had to get near 40 for the Cavaliers to be successful. Off the floor, World was extremely gracious to fans, a 'giver' of his time.
My Cavaliers broadcast colleague, the incomparable Joe Tait, still on top of his versatile game, I might add, is also extremely fond of World. As we chatted about him on the way home from Philly Saturday night, Joe recalled that one rainy night at the Summit Mall in those years, World and Joe were chatting as they stepped outside into the inclement weather, when a father with his three young sons approached and asked World for a picture...not a problem...except the dad left his camera in the car...when the father told World he'd go to the car and get the camera - and could World wait with the kids! - World complied, talking with the youngsters, asking them about school and sports, until dear ol' Dad got back to snap the picture five minutes later! Hope that family has told that story over and over as the years have rolled on...a special man, one World B. Free!
2. In Orlando...a negative possession under a minute left resulted in a forced three-point attempt from LeBron while pinned in a corner...Next possession...after Brown had the timeout to diagram the ensuing possession, still down three, he used James as a decoy! Z sets a high, subtle screen for Donyell Marshall, while Lebron is clearing out that side of the floor...Hughes finds him spotted up, and voila!!! Donyell buries it! Game tied. Now it's time for a stop...Eric Snow and Hughes continued to harass Stevie Francis who missed the jumper at the buzzer. Cavaliers with an 8-0 run to start overtime, win easily.
3. The unwavering commitment to the defensive end of the floor. It's still very much a work-in-rogress, as Philly exploited for the first three quarters Saturday, yet watch closely, and you'll see the effort is so much better! Cavalier defenders talking, communicating in screen/roll situations, weakside rotations actually being understood and executed, and the want and desire to play better on the ball defensively, taking charges and challenging shots around the bucket. That's all Mike Brown and his coaches. They are prepared immaculately, and work at it to exhaustion. As I said, it's not all there yet, but it's coming...and at 8-2, who's complaining!!!!
Before I get rolling, I want to tell all of you how much I truly appreciate the wonderful words of response I've received from so many of you Cavalier fans with regard to our telecasts! It's very gratifying, and as I've always expressed, I'm there to be the liaison between 'your' basketball team and you the fans. Click here to send me a message. I love being in your family rooms as we enjoy the Cavaliers together. It's going to be a fun ride, and after Thanksgiving I will respond to all of you who have dropped me an email. Promise! Oh, I say after Thanksgiving, because as we speak, I'm preparing for tonight's Miami/Ohio Mac football telecast I'm calling on ESPNU. Really like Athens...beautiful campus here in the Hocking Valley...Back home for the Cavaliers-Celtics Tuesday night, then more college football TurkeyDay! Kent State/Akron Thursday morning. Lots of 'prep' work. I wouldn't have it any other way! See ya' soon, guys and gals!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
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November 13th, 2005
By the way, and strictly for enjoyment and entertainment purposes only, after viewing the Wine and Gold absolutely shred their first three opponents, I am setting the home win total at The Q for the season at 32 and a half! How about you guys? Can the Cavaliers dominate the visitors to their home playpen to the tune of 33,34, maybe even 35 home court wins? Wow! Sounds like a tall order, yet with continued supremacy on the glass, rebounding the basketball in 'gang mentality' fashion, and swarming defensively - taking charges, applying pressure on the ball, and turning opponents' turnovers into fastbreak points...It's an intriguing thought, yes?
Many of you Cavaliers fans frequently ask me what's a normal game day like on the road for the television play-by-play guy. First off, I'm truly blessed with the opportunity to call games in this league, and take the responsibility to do so, and be your connection with your favorite team, very seriously. It remains a great passion as I begin year number twelve with the Wine and Gold.
Contrary to popular belief, we don't just show up, go in front of the camera, put the headset on, and make 'TV magic'...I typically spend two-and-a-half hours on game day 'prepping,' putting together my team and player charts, looking at recent game tape, and going to the morning 'shootaround' with the team. At the arena, I'm chatting with Mike Brown and his assistants, the players, and heck, even those all-knowing 'ink stained wretches'...the beat writers! Just playing! I enjoy the three fellas who cover the Cavaliers on a daily basis very much...good people!
Next, back to the hotel and the television production meeting with the game producers and directors, either with The Cavaliers Television Network, or FSN Ohio.
Gotta' hit the gym to get the workout in, and then it's time to head to the arena by late afternoon...More conversation with the coaching staff of that night's opponent, maybe a player or two, collect my thoughts, and then GAMETIME!!! Wouldn't care to be anywhere else...smelling that popcorn, getting the adrenaline rush...It never gets old!
Gotta' run, guys.....I'll see all of you soon!
My Cavaliers Best!
Michael
Back to Top
November 8th, 2005
'Kings of Comedy'....better watch out! That's right, this is directed at you Bernie Mac, and you too, Cedric the Entertainer. Damon Jones, with microphone in hand, and an audience at his disposal, is absolutely hilarious!
The Cavaliers free agent signee recently 'wowed' the team's season ticket holders and corporate sponsors, not to mention yours truly, at a Cavaliers-sponsored party at Cleveland's 'House of Blues'.
His stand-up routine is slick...targeting many teammates as unsuspecting objects of jokes, receiving uproarious laughter, and interacting with audience members, many who became his foils for subject matter.
Jones had the crowd absolutely howling when he proclaimed, in deadpan manner I might add, that rookie center Martynas Andriuskevicius should have a long NBA career, given that he's fellow Lithuanian Zydrunas Ilgauskas' "long lost stepson"! Crowd loved it!!! Jones then alerted the youngster that in just a short time span he too, like 'Z,' would soon be losing his hair! "It's a Lithuanian center thing," proclaimed Damon the Unplugged! The man could have a comedy career in his future. He's nice!
Speaking of 'Z'...the man and his lovely wife Jennifer were quite the world travelers this summer...life is great when you're armed with that sweet, and richly deserved, I might add, multi-year, mega-dollar free agent deal. Check this itinerary out: Fourth of July, celebrating with all the beautiful people at Wimbledon during the Grand Slam of tennis in England. Friends of world-ranked top-ten Marat Safin, of course. Sweet ten days enjoying strawberries and cream around London. Later, off to Tokyo for a taste of all that Japanese culture offers; then a jaunt to the Big Fella's native Lithuania to catch up with family and friends; and to top it off, adding a 100lb. Newfoundland "puppy' to the family. Z says 'Beckham's paws are already bigger than his feet! Maybe he'll be a world renowned soccer star like his famous namesake!
I've spoken many times this early season on the television side of Cavaliers basketball at how 'educating' and 'teaching laden' Mike Brown's practices are. Wow, the first year head coach can give you his defensive principles from here to there and back again. So, after shootaround in San Antonio last week, I'm speaking to him about the virtues of moving the basketball from side to side offensively and how it makes defenses make reactive decisions, and, here we go...the coach has grabbed my arm courtside, gotten me on the floor, and proceeds to spend the next five minutes breaking down what defenses must accomplish in court coverage and decision-making to recover in time to be effective. I love it! Just tremendous if you're into the 'x's and o's' of the game like I am...Mike Brown can absolutely teach the game...pay attention Cavaliers!
We're going to have some fun in this Cavaliers blog space this season you guys...I want you to be interactive with me...so let's fire our first question at all of you.
Which 'Brown' will win more with his team this season? Mike with the Cavaliers? Or coaching legend Larry with his New York Knicks? Give it some thought then email me your responses here at Cavs.com.
With seven of the next ten at home here at 'The Q', the Wine and Gold should have a very strong month of Thanksgiving to open this new season. I'll check you guys out courtside, on the tube, and here on the blog again soon.
My Cavaliers Best!
