Welcome Back Daniel Gibson, Defense

 Over the last few games, the Cavaliers have had their share of second-half collapse.  Thankfully, the tables were turned last night as LeBron and Company went into halftime down by four, only to hold the Nets to 30 total points in the second half (with only nine in the fourth quarter) to come out on top, 104-83.

While New Jersey was amazing from the line, sinking 24-of-26 attempts, the fact that they only shot 33 percent from the floor was the difference in this one.  And as Brian Windhorst dutifully points out, the Nets were held to 14 points in the paint.  This isn’t the NCAAs, and that won’t win you many games.

A quick look at the +/- in this one and either the bench got it done, or the Nets simply didn’t get it done against our second team.  LeBron was the only starter in the positive range, while Daniel Gibson (+33), Joe Smith (+28), and Wally Szczerbiak (+22) all had very successful playing time off of the bench. 

Gibson’s 12 points, five boards, five assists and three steals is VERY good to see given the time of the season and his recent struggles.  Something that may go overlooked to many is Anderson Varejao’s nine rebounds and three blocked shots in only 19 minutes of play; also something that will need to continue over the final stretch. 

Devin Brown fans may be a bit disappointed in the time-share between he and Sasha Pavlovic last night.  Neither players exactly tore up the box score, but this could be because of the play from Gibson and Wally.  There’s only so much room, but Coach Brown will definitely need to find a rotation, unless he plans on just riding the hot hand a la Don Nelson.  Somehow, I’d rather be choosing between Monta Ellis and Stephen Jackson, but that’s another battle for another day.

The next four games will bring three solid contests, and one that the Cavs better win (at home against Miami).  All I know is that we need to get Chicago back tomorrow night. 

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