A few thoughts on the Cavaliers heading into Tuesday’s home game vs. Golden State:
1. Antawn Jamison said the team goes as his scoring goes, and I agree. So quite honestly, I’m tired of hearing fans complain about how much he shoots.
2. If I’m the Cavs, I want Jamison to shoot. Besides Kyrie Irving (22.5 ppg in last five games), Jamison is the team’s only consistent scoring option. If he’s cold, the Cavs are pretty much doomed.
3. I also love how the same people who complain about Jamison are often the same ones who wouldn’t mind seeing shameless Memphis gunner O.J. Mayo on the team.
4. Bottom line: If Jamison has an off night, the Cavs aren’t likely to win. And I don’t care about the trading deadline or off-season when Jamison is expected to no longer be part of the roster. If I’m a Cavs fan, I want to win NOW.
5. Moving on, the Cavs will be without starting shooting guard Anthony Parker tonight, but his stiff lower back isn’t expected to cause him to miss much time. Cavs coach Byron Scott said Parker could return as soon as the next game, Friday vs. Chicago.
6. Good health is the key to the Cavs maintaining their impressive current pace. And I say “impressive” because they’ve played fewer home games (three) than any other team, yet are 6-6 despite a draining seven-game trip, in which they went 3-4.
7. Yes, 6-6 is just two wins less than Miami through 12 games.
8. Still, tonight’s game will be a toughie, as the Warriors were off yesterday and resting in Cleveland -- while the Cavs were busting their tails in a come-from-behind win in Charlotte.
9. But I like the Cavs chances if Irving faces rookie Charles Jenkins at starting point guard, as opposed to the more-seasoned Stephen Curry (ankle). Curry missed shootaround but could still play tonight.
10. For more notes and observations (and even a few facts), check out my pregame primer.
