- Vote: How do the Cavaliers and Magic match up?
- Chat: J.A. Adande analyzes the early playoff picture, Fri. 3 p.m. ET.
It may be early in the season, but LeBron James and the Cavaliers seem well on their way to righting the wrongs of last season.
James scored 36 points in a 102-93 win over the Orlando Magic, their opponents (and betters) in last year's Eastern Conference Finals. The game raised many questions about the balance of power in the East; ever-dangerous Dwight Howard seemed flummoxed at times by Shaquille O'Neal's inspired defence, and the Magic seemed to miss the outside presence of Hedo Turkgolu. The Magic have lost three games so far, leaving fans worried that this might not be the year. As for Cleveland, SportsNation thought they'd finish second in the Eastern conference as early as a week ago. With James and company playing like it will decide his future as a Cav (and it might), that prediction may have been a bit too conservative.
“No excuses, they should have played better. They were the No. 1 defensive team in the league last year and Stan Van is a defensive-minded coach, so to say we cant play any defense is just ignorant. But at the beginning of this season, yes, that is why we have lost the three games we have lost: lack of defense. They are still trying to mesh together as a unit, and with guys in and out of the lineup on a regular basis it's been hard. That being said, this team clearly goes where Dwight goes and he has not played good enough to lead this team yet.
” -- mcbloms
“Shaq can handle Dwight Howard down low without a double team, one of like three people in the league that can at least slow him down. That's huge. D.H. was double teamed NONSTOP in the ECF leaving ORL open from deep every time. ORL has no open shooters on the perimeter like before, therefore their three-point threat is extremely diminished. It's over guys. Last year the Cavs needed to play very well to beat the Magic. Now, the Magic will have to play lights out to beat the Cavs.
” -- mobileinfantry7
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