CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers entered Friday’s game with the second-best
field-goal percentage in the NBA at .487. They were also fourth in scoring at 103.5 per game.
“We have some good offensive players,” coach Mike Brown said. “Good offensive players have made it look like I know how to coach.”
Superstar LeBron James, however, was quick to credit Brown for installing “a new offensive system” that is allowing the Cavaliers “to get up and down more.”
He also pointed to the acquisition of point guard Mo Williams and Delonte West’s shift to shooting guard as reasons for Cleveland’s improved offense.
“Guys are getting good shots, but giving up good shots for even better shots,” James said. “We’ve always been good at moving the ball, but we’re doing it even better this year.”
It doesn’t hurt that the Cavaliers have a lot of players who can score regularly, not to mention guys who know when to shoot and when not to.
The latter is why Anderson Varejao, who rarely makes a shot that isn’t a layup, entered the Golden State game as the team leader in field-goal percentage (.597) among players who are in the rotation. West (.533), Wally Szczerbiak (.530) and Zydrunas Ilgauskas (.518) were also above .500, while James (.487) and Williams (.451), the team’s top two scorers, have respectable percentages.
“We’re not really doing that much different (from previous seasons),” said Brown, who declined to take credit for the improved numbers.
Last year, the Cavs shot .439 from the field and averaged 96.4 points, which was actually 0.3 less than they gave up. This season, Cleveland was not only scoring 103.5, it was giving up just 92.9 points (seventh-lowest) on .424 shooting (fourth).
Good defense is expected from a Brown-coached team. Now, it appears the offense is catching up, which is why the Cavaliers’ 10.6-point differential was second-best in the league.
“We know if we execute our offense, we’re going to get good shots,” James said.
The Cavaliers have an opportunity to shoot 50 percent for the season, which only Phoenix did in 2007-08. Cleveland had topped the .500 mark in three straight games. The Warriors were ranked 29th in defense, meaning they could make a run at the team record of .502 set in 1988-89.
“Are we capable of shooting 50 percent for the year?” Brown asked. “I wouldn’t put anything past us.”

Sir Charles

Former star and current TNT studio analyst Charles Barkley has said several times recently that it’s disrespectful to Cleveland fans and the Cavaliers for James to allow speculation about his potential 2010 free agency to run rampant.
In Barkley’s opinion, James should come out and say he wants to stay in Cleveland, barring something totally unexpected. Asked about Sir Charles’ comments, James said, “He’s stupid. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.”

Best starts

The Cavaliers entered Friday with a 12-3 record, which was the best start in the 39-year history of the franchise. Cleveland started 11-3 in 1976-77 and 1988-89. The Cavaliers were also 8-0 at home going into Friday. They started 9-0 in 1976-77 and 1991-92.

Movie mogul

Lionsgate Studio has picked up worldwide rights to “More Than a Game,” a documentary about James’ life. The small forward said the film is scheduled to be released next fall.
Contact Rick Noland at (330) 721-4061 or rickn@ohio.net. 

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