Cavaliers blow out Bobcats, still undefeated at home

While the Boston Celtics have been in a tailspin, the Cleveland Cavaliers have taken advantage of their slump to take over the league’s second best record.  They’ve been particularly effective on their home court at the Quicken Loans Arena where they’ve yet to lose this season.  The Cavs improved their home record to 18-0 on Wednesday night with a 111-81 demolition of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Cleveland took control of this contest from the outset and never looked back, opening up a 29-12 lead after the first quarter.  The one sided game allowed Cleveland to rest some of their starters in advance of Friday’s huge grudge match against the defending NBA champions, while giving their bench some valuable minutes.  LeBron James led the Cavs with 21 points despite playing only 31 minutes.  Mo Williams contributed 15 points in only 27 minutes of play, and reserves Wally Szczerbiak, JJ Hickson and Daniel Gibson each posted double figures.  Raymond Felton led the Bobcats with 15 points, Gerald Wallace added 14 and Sean Singletary contributed 13 off the bench.

LeBron James candidly deviated from the stereotypical “it’s just another game” script to emphasize the importance of the forthcoming game against the Celtics and to dismiss notions that they were catching Boston at an advantageous time due to their recent struggles.:

"I can't sit here and say it's another game. We're just looking forward to the challenge. If we want to be the best team, we have to beat the best. Boston is the best until somebody takes their crown."

"It's not the end of the world they've lost a few. They'll get it together. I bet they won't come in here on Friday sluggish."

An exasperated Larry Brown was more concerned with his Bobcats’ listless performance than the Cavs marquee matchup against the NBA champion Celtics:

"We never competed a lick. There's some players that some of our guys play against they don't think they have a chance. If you look at our history, maybe that's why you don't win. You don't expect to win. The first minute of the game, you look out there and feel like you've got no chance. It's disappointing."

After their heavyweight confrontation with the Celtics, Cleveland will hit the road for games against the Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls.  The Bobcats will play their next three away from home, with games in Philadelphia, Washington and Detroit.