Behind The Box Score

Coming off the Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Orlando Magic last season, GM Danny Ferry and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers were intent on one goal, to stop Dwight Howard and the Magic. With the acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland didn’t lack for size, but the speed and athleticism was now in question after an 0-2 start.

Surging to four wins in five games, the matchup in Orlando last night was arguably the Cavs’ biggest game of the season with regards to Opening Night vs the Celtics. Both questions were answered last night in part of a 102-93 victory in which the Cavs won with defense and a solid contribution from Mo Williams, the heavily scrutinized point guard, who started out 9-9 from the field along with 22 points in the first half last night.

Along with the solid games from Williams and LeBron James, who added 36 points, eight rebounds and four assists, Howard’s foul trouble was crucial in the first half. Picking up two fouls in the first five minutes, the best center in the game shot 100% from the field on only three attempts and only played 32 minutes. O’Neal’s presence in the paint made scoring opportunites harder for the Magic, who prided themselves on kicking it in than going outside in the ECF last season.

In a game that wasn’t nearly as close as the score seems, the Cavs proved to be the better team, and showed that when they score, nobody can stop them. In the four games Cleveland has scored over 100 points, they have won. Another positive for Cleveland is the slow emergence of second year man JJ Hickson. Dominating the ACC as a freshman in 2007-08, Hickson showed signs of the great potential he has and with his nine point, six rebound night in the Amway Arena on Thursday, it looks as if the Akron Hammer might have even more scoring options, something that hasn’t come at a premium in James’ seven year career. Aside from James, Williams and Hickson, O’Neal scored ten, Anthony Parker poured in nine of the bench and Zydrunas Ilgauskus mustered four points in 24 minutes of action.

For Orlando, this should serve as another game as the Magic, (6-3) received quality games out of Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson and JJ Redick, yes there was a Redick sighting in Orlando last night. But for the 216ers, this is just another piece to the puzzle that is known as the NBA, and if the King has the key, the rest of the suitors should be able to fall into place and for once, Cleveland fans will be able to celebrate a championship. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, a tough game awaits against Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat tonight at 8 on TNT.