Strange Magic: Cavs Blasted In Fourth By Orlando

Well, I was really excited about the moves the Cavs made at the trade deadline. Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Joe Smith – major upgrades, on paper, over Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden and the cast of thousands we gave up to acquire them. But the Cavs are just 7-6 in the 13 games since the four have joined the team, and following the disheartening loss to Orlando tonight – getting outscored 31 to 18 in the fourth quarter, scoring just three points in a decisive five and a half minute stretch – I have my doubts on this Cavs team and how they can fare in the postseason. What has happened to this vaunted defense? Among the league leaders in that category last year, the Cavs got torched time and again by Orlando’s ability to spread the floor. The Cavs committed to doubling Dwight Howard, leaving someone open on the perimeter. And the on-the-ball defense was atrocious as well, especially in the second half, as Orlando’s guards penetrated the paint and then ... (link)