| Pavlovic's spark is missed by Cavs |
Team loses two straight as ailing chief substitute for LeBron recovers
By George M. Thomas Beacon Journal sportswriter
CLEVELAND - Three months ago, fans would have been hard-pressed to remember that Sasha Pavlovic occupied a spot on the Cavaliers' roster. Things have changed, and that might be an understatement.
Since the resumption of the regular season after the All-Star break, the Cavs have gone 1-2 -- the two losses coming during Pavlovic's absence from the team because of flu like symptoms. The guard-forward saw the team doctor Monday and shot a little bit, but his health status is considered questionable for tonight's game with the New Orleans Hornets, coach Mike Brown said. There's little doubt of the status Pavlovic holds on the team. He's moved up in Brown's bench rotation, often providing a much-needed spark for the Cavaliers. In recent losses to the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, the Cavs have totaled a meager 159 points.
Yes, the 15 points that Pavlovic averaged on 50 percent shooting over the course of seven games from Jan. 30 to Feb. 11 would look very good about now, and his teammates know it. ``We miss Sasha. Z (center Zydrunas Ilgauskas) was out. D (Damon) Jones was out. Key guys were out,'' guard Larry Hughes said. ``We definitely miss what Sasha brings to the table.'' No one benefits more from Pavlovic's presence than LeBron James. Pavlovic is usually the first person off the bench to replace James. Given the wear and tear James has put on his body by playing for Team USA in addition to his duties with the Cavs, rest is essential -- especially now during a stretch run to the playoffs -- James said. ``He does such a great job. We most definitely need him out on the court,'' James said. ``The health comes first, but hopefully he'll be back real soon.'' And Pavlovic has developed into an important cog in the Cavs' offense. In recent games, the team has been all too willing to settle for jump shots. Questionable shot selection has been a problem, Brown said.
In Sunday's loss against the Heat, the Cavs shot 13 times from behind the 3-point arc and had no trips to the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. By comparison, the Heat got to the line 16 times.
``The more aggressive you are, usually the better,'' Brown said. ``And when I say aggressive, I mean trying to get to the hole and trying to draw their defense and look to take easier shorts as the game goes on.'' And Brown confessed that the team needs the spark that Pavlovic provides -- a lot. What he wants is for guys he calls attackers -- James, Hughes and Pavlovic -- to drive to the hoop, making things happen for themselves and for their teammates. ``He does a lot for us, not only offensively but defensively,'' Brown said. ``Offensively, he's been a guy that's aggressive. He doesn't settle for jump shots all the time. ``He's athletic as well, and he's capable of getting to the rim, and when he does that, it takes pressure off other guys who try to get there. His presence is missed.'' Pavlovic may be missed, but Brown isn't stressed about the situation. ``With or without him, we're still a capable team.''
Used courtesy of: The Beacon Journal |
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