The Cleveland Cavaliers worked all season to develop a home-court dominance that they expected to carry them all the way to the NBA Finals. But after having that homecourt aura abruptly stripped away in Game 1 by Orlando, it puts them into a high-pressure, must-win, situation tonight in Game 2. Another loss would be crushing, like digging their own playoff grave.Through the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Cavs never played from behind, which can cause panic to even the most seasoned veteran. Conversely, desperation can be a wonderful motivational tool. After the jump are five questions for Game 2 of the East finals.
1. Will the Cavaliers rediscover their defensive prowess?
Cleveland had the league's best defense in the regular season, which is why it won 66 games, holding opponents to just 91.4 points and 41 percent shooting. But that defense was nowhere to be found in Game 1.
The Magic scored 107 points and shot 55 percent in their victory, which was stunning after the way the Cavs had destroyed both Detroit and Atlanta in earlier rounds.
They better retool their interior defense because another 30-point night from Dwight Howard will be devastating to the Cavs. They have to foul him more to take advantage his poor free throw shooting. He took only two free throws in game 1, but he made 14 of 20 shots from the field.
The problem around the basket is that if they double-team Howard too much, it will open spaces for the 3-point barrage. If they don't, Howard is too strong for Anderson Verejao and too quick for Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
2. Will the Magic change their strategy against LeBron James?
Their strategy in Game 1 seemed to be just let James dominate throughout, hoping that he would tire down the stretch. And guess what? It worked. James was out of gas at the end Wednesday night.
By scoring a playoff career high 49 points, he was at a level that no one else could reach, doing as he pleased and when he pleased. Yet he was playing so well, and so hard, that it physically drained him. He didn't force the issue with a final shot because he was so spent, but instead passed it off to Delonte West, who missed from the corner.
If the Magic double-team James in the open court, like they did during the regular season against Dwyane Wade, it will open up his shooters. The Magic would rather let James go nuts again than help him get everyone else involved.
Watch for reserve Mickael Pietrus to get plenty of minutes again, trying to deny James the ball, something Hedo Turkoglu was unable to do.
3. Can Dwight Howard stay out of foul trouble?If the Cavs are aggressive around the basket, and they will be, then Howard will be challenging shots. The Magic need him on the floor for 40 minutes, and early foul trouble will doom their chances.
LeBron will test Howard early and often, trying to get his Olympic teammate in foul him. Howard has to pick his spots when to challenge James because the league MVP is so good and so smart that he could take out Howard without much trouble.
Howard had 30 points and 13 rebounds, but just as importantly, his presence opened up space for his shooters. Without him in the game, the Cavs will smother the Magic's perimeter game.
Varejao is great at flopping and drawing charges, something that will frustrate Howard if he lets it. A couple good flops by Varejao, and the Cavs could be home free.
4. Can the Cavs get more help from their bench?
The problem in Game 1 really wasn't that James didn't enough help. The other four starters all reached double figure scoring, which is good for any team, especially one in which the star scores 49 points.
Their problem was that the bench produced nothing. The Magic reserves outscored the Cavs reserves, 25-5. The Magic got a spark from Mickael Pietrus. Point guard Anthony Johnson and center Marcin Gortat also served a purpose with their contributions.
For the Cavs, Joe Smith provided a little help in the front court, but no one else scored. Wally Szczerbiak looked like J.J. Redick and missed his only two shots. Daniel Gibson looked lost. Ben Wallace played the most expensive 10 minutes in the league.
5. Is LeBron good enough to change history and prevail as a Solo Act?
This matchup is a real study in contrasts. The Magic relied all season on a well-balance attack with Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu sharing most of the load.
The Cavs did it single-handedly with LeBron James, the league MVP and undisputed best player in basketball today.
Problem for the Cavs is that NBA defenses in the playoffs – traditionally – have prevailed against teams so dependent upon one star.
Who knows, James might be good enough to overcome all odds, but the rest of his team – comprised of his witnesses – is only average.
