The San Antonio Spurs swept the Cavaliers for the first time in almost five years tonight, beating the Cavaliers 109-99.San Antonio played their second game without a key member of their squad. Tony Parker is nursing a left calf strain and listed out for 2-4 weeks.
George Hill, who started in place of Parker against the Grizzlies scored only six points in their defeat against the Grizzlies.
Hill however turned things around against the Cavaliers scoring 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Manu and Duncan along with Hill combined for 51 points and gave the Cavaliers trouble all night long.
The Spurs avoided losing consecutive games for just the second time this season. The only time they lost back-to-back games was back in January when they lost to New York and Boston.
The Cavaliers are just trying to get through this season. They have been riddled with injuries all season long and with Jamison breaking his pinky finger against the 76ers the Cavaliers were forced to play their "young guns".
The term "young guns" has been thrown around as of late. Their young roster includes Manny Harris, Samardo Samuels,Christian Eyenga and newly acquired Semih Erdan and Luke Harangody.
Samardo Samuels started tonight in place for the injured Jamison. It was Samuels first start of his young career. Samardo scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. A stellar performance for the undrafted rookie. However, he was not the only player that was in an unfamiliar role.
Alonzo Gee who the Cavaliers picked up midway through the season as seen inconsistent minutes. Gee was called to start in place of Eyenga and surprisingly played well.
Gee showed his full arsenal, shooting outside, mid-range and consistently driving to the bucket. Alonzo scored 18 points and pulled down 7 rebounds.
Cleveland made multiple trades before the deadline and Cleveland fans finally got a look at one of the new pieces.
The former Notre Dame star, Luke Harangody made his Cavalier debut. He played in only four minutes but he did score and ended with two points. Luke Harangody reportedly got injured of all things and that being the reason of him playing only four minutes.
Baron Davis is set to m
ake his Cavalier debut Friday or no later than Sunday.Semih Erdan, who came over from Boston alongside Harangody will be out for a few more weeks recovering from an injury as well.
It was nice to see a new face play for the Cavaliers, even though it was only four minutes Harangody put on a show. He matched up with Matt Bonner and the two of them answered each others shot. A mini shoot out if you want to call it.
The Cavaliers rookies tonight combined for 42 points. Manny Harris scored eight points in 27 minutes of action. Christina Eyenga scored 11 points in 16 minutes of action and Samardo scored 23 in 34 minutes of action.
The Cavaliers got off to a sluggish start in the second half, scoring only 11 points in the first eight minutes in the third. Allowing the Spurs to pull away.
Cleveland had an uphill climb the rest of the way. Samardo and the Cavaliers continues to push getting the game within 10 with two minutes left, however the young guns could not pull through.
The Cavaliers are one of the youngest teams in the league. The team's average age is at 26 and Cleveland's "young guns" will only get better.
Key Notes: Dan Gilbert joined AC and Fred for some commentary during the game. One thing that caught my eye was when Dan Gilbert said they were very close to getting a third 2011 unprotected lottery pick. I'm guessing the deal was with Detroit with Rip Hamilton and the trade exception. As we all know, Rip Hamilton declined the trade and was dead after that. However, Gilbert said the talks could start again after the season.
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