If I were to tell you that the Cleveland Cavaliers would be 9-3 only 12 games into the season, you wouldn’t be completely shell-shocked, but if I were to tell you that their offense would be responsible for the majority of those wins then you would have to do a double take.
But that is the case thus far for LeBron James and his offensively effective supporting cast.
No surprise that the King is averaging a league-leading 29.5 PPG with just under 7 APG. LeBron is simply scorching opponents and making buckets look easy to come by. Elite play is now expected of the 23-year-old superstar.
What is important to note is that James is playing just above 37 minutes per game, a noticeable difference from his past seasons of 40 plus. This can only help LeBron be even more effective come the playoffs for this surging Cleveland team.
The addition of Mo-offense Williams has proved to be an uplifting move for this once “get the ball to LeBron” offense.
Mo is putting up 16.7 PPG with a solid 4.7 APG and is a great option for the defense-attracting James. Williams is shooting 44% from the field and an incredible 39% from beyond the arc.
At only 25 years of age, it seems that the Cavaliers have found a long-term solution at point guard and a guy who can create offense when the King takes a rest.
Another surprise on the offensive side of the ball for the Cavs is their 7'3" center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
At 33 years old, Ilgauskas is defying his age and has become a very sound offensive center. Ilgauskas has proven he can post up effectively in the paint. By doing so, he is now able to get near the basket and attract defenders allowing himself to dish it out to Cleveland’s perimeter shooters such as Wally Szcerbiak (46%) and Delonte West (52%).
With 14.7 PPG and 6.8 RPG, Ilgauskas is emerging as forceful second or third option on offense and relieving pressure from James.
The Cavs are scoring nine more points per game this season, putting up a very impressive 100.5 per game so far through the season. Their field goal percentage sits at a threatening 47.7 percent and they are getting it done on the foul line. With wins over Denver and Utah, Cleveland has shown they have the ability to win against quality teams early in the season.
This season is even more impressive than Cleveland's NBA Finals run in 2007. The Cavs team of 2007 was strictly the “LeBron show” with some team defense thrown in. Now the team has found the perfect balance and is getting it done on both sides of the ball with their surprisingly deadly offense.
Watch out for this team to be ready and effective come playoff time.
One side note...
It seems that LeBron James has decided that defense is important through out an entire game and not just in the fourth quarter. LeBron is giving a 100 percent effort on both sides of the ball and it is visible on the court. James is shutting down opponents by playing aggressive D and is on his way to his first MVP award. With a committed LeBron, this team could very well be unstoppable.
comments (4) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
Good Article Brandon, just a side note Big Z when he first came in the league was a post up threat, for whatever reason the Cavs got away from that moving him outside to shoot the 18 foot jump shot.
from about 1 month ago
I didn't know that. Good catch Eric. Thanks for the comment
about 1 month ago
Really solid article. I think LBJ is definitely on his way to his first MVP award. Also, I like the addition of Mo Williams and liked how you adjusted his name to Mo-Offense, very clever. But, at the end of the day I think the team is filled with average role-players and Williams is not yet good enough where his presence can overcome the teams other glaring weaknesses. I ccould foresee them making a playoff run but being knocked off by the Celts or Pistons is likely.
from about 1 month ago
I agree Jordan, the likes of Gibson, Varejaou, West, and their other "role" players have not been extremely effective. Not nearly the likes of role players seen in Boston like Powe and House. Their first unit offense is definitely getting the job done though, at least so far through the season. But I have to ask about Williams. Do you think he hasn't created enough offense when James is sitting or not enough assists? I'd like to get your opinion. Thanks for the comment my man. We should talk sports while posting one up some time
write a new comment