How is this different from last year?

[Chris]

OK, so as I see the lackidaisical play, the losses pile up, and the panic that ensues, it has really got me wondering...what is the difference between this year and last year?

I would argue that what we are seeing right now is really no different than what we saw last year, but I would love to hear some arguments of why it is not. 

Here is my case:

Last year, the markings of the "cruising" to me were lazy offense (too many bad shots, not making the extra pass, making dumb turnovers), and lack of focus on defense. 

On the whole, the complete lack of physical effort that some seem to think was there, I don't believe was really present.  Particularly defensively, we saw plenty of effort.  What was missing was the consistency of the effort throughout the entire plays.  We would see a ton of trips where we would stop the team for 20 seconds, then let down a bit, miss that second or third rotation, and give up an open shot at the last second.  Similarly, we would see them work hard on defense to force a bad shot, but then would fail to box out, and the perimeter guys would try to sneak out on the break too quickly rather than coming down to grab the long rebound, and it would lead to an offensive rebound.

These are the exact same things I think we have been seeing lately.  Its not like these guys are going out there completely dogging it.  They just are not completing plays.

Now, even if we can agree that what we are seeing is the same as last year, it does not mean all is well.  Last year, we witnessed a case where everything came together absolutely perfectly (well, until Perk went down in game 6).  They were a team that was fighting through injuries all season long, and were simply not concerned with getting home court advantage.  But, they were not only able to flip the switch once the playoffs started without missing a beat, they also got healthy right at right time. 

Now, lightning could absolutely strike twice, but I would have to think the chances of it happening are not incredibly high.  And of course the fact that they are also trying to work several new rotation guys into the system during this time does not make anything easier.

So anyways, What do the masses think?  Is this year different, or is it just the same thing as last year, and are we (and the C's) hoping that lightning strikes twice?

[Marcus13]

It's very similar - except that we are more injured and the competition has gotten better

[JSD]

Amen Chris!

Doc has seemed slightly more annoyed this season, but its the same. This team was built for the playoffs!

[kozlodoev]

Last year, the team looked like they weren't even trying. This year, the team simply looks like they can't make it happen even when they do try.

[Fafnir]

Last year, the team looked like they weren't even trying. This year, the team simply looks like they can't make it happen even when they do try.

I don't know there were plenty of games last year where they tried and got beat too.

[guava_wrench]

It's very similar - except that we are more injured and the competition has gotten better

I don't think the competition is any better this year. Orlando was better last year and Clev was strong. LA is not better this year. I don't see how our road to a championship could have tougher competition than last season. The first round should be a breeze if we get the Knicks.

[guava_wrench]

Last year, the team looked like they weren't even trying. This year, the team simply looks like they can't make it happen even when they do try.

I don't know there were plenty of games last year where they tried and got beat too.

I have to agree with Fafnir. They looked feeble last season.

[Fafnir]

It's very similar - except that we are more injured and the competition has gotten better

I don't think the competition is any better this year. Orlando was better last year and Clev was strong. LA is not better this year. I don't see how our road to a championship could have tougher competition than last season. The first round should be a breeze if we get the Knicks.

Yeah both the Pacers/Knicks look like relatively easy match ups, if we can be the one/two seed.

[Fafnir]

Last year, the team looked like they weren't even trying. This year, the team simply looks like they can't make it happen even when they do try.

I don't know there were plenty of games last year where they tried and got beat too.

I have to agree with Fafnir. They looked feeble last season.

I think they tried less often, but overall they just couldn't get it done even when they locked in.

I have more hope this year however, because of the O'Neals and also KG's play. Even during this down stretch he looks much much better than last year. Pierce does too physically in my opinion. If Jermaine and/or Shaq can come in and give the team some tougness and defense at the C spot...

But can Rondo get to where he was last year? We need him to play like he did last year to win a title this year.

[BballTim]

Last year, the team looked like they weren't even trying. This year, the team simply looks like they can't make it happen even when they do try.

I don't know there were plenty of games last year where they tried and got beat too.

  Not too many when they were healthy.

[Fafnir]

Last year, the team looked like they weren't even trying. This year, the team simply looks like they can't make it happen even when they do try.

I don't know there were plenty of games last year where they tried and got beat too.

  Not too many when they were healthy.

That's true, but they were trying on the court even if their bodies weren't up for it.

Either way I'm worried, but not as worried as last year (though I probably should be).

[Marcus13]

It's very similar - except that we are more injured and the competition has gotten better

I don't think the competition is any better this year. Orlando was better last year and Clev was strong. LA is not better this year. I don't see how our road to a championship could have tougher competition than last season. The first round should be a breeze if we get the Knicks.

The first round should be a breeze for a title contendor.  However, there is no way Orlando/Cleveland last year was as good as Chicago/Miami this year.  Miami is Cleveland with a better supporting cast and Chicago is quite possibly the best team in the Conference - don't see last year's Orlando team being as good as them.

[BballTim]

It's very similar - except that we are more injured and the competition has gotten better

I don't think the competition is any better this year. Orlando was better last year and Clev was strong. LA is not better this year. I don't see how our road to a championship could have tougher competition than last season. The first round should be a breeze if we get the Knicks.

The first round should be a breeze for a title contendor.  However, there is no way Orlando/Cleveland last year was as good as Chicago/Miami this year.  Miami is Cleveland with a better supporting cast and Chicago is quite possibly the best team in the Conference - don't see last year's Orlando team being as good as them.

  Chicago and Miami don't look at all better than Orlando and Cleveland did at this point in the season last year.

[angryguy77]

I don't think it's much different. Unless our starters regressed due to age overnight, we still have a great chance.

People are judging too much on what they see and not what is to come. Meaning that we still have JO and Shaq up our sleeves. Sure the question remains if we can work them back in before it's too late, but I believe we will.

Although chemistry is important, I believe it's being made out to be something bigger than it is. Posters are pointing out how well Perk is fitting in Oklahoma and how we made a mistake trading him away. Well if chemistry is the be all and end all, how is it that he has been able to fit in so nice and there team able to play so well? It's because there are other factors that are in play, we will witness this in a few weeks.

  There are other factors such as talent, mental toughness and good coaching that play as big of a role as chemistry. We have all of these. And lets not forget that we still have our core of players that do have ample time playing together.

What I believe will happen is A) Rondo will pick it up as he has in the playoffs the last few years.
B) Our team knows what is at stake and won't let what could be the last chance go by.
C)Doc will right this ship in the playoffs.
D)Oneal bros will make an impact and help us play like the team that went into LA and Miami and dominated.

I firmly believe that DA would not have traded Perk if the percentages were greatly in favor of Shaq or JO not returning.

As I have said a few times already, our starters have not had the practice they are accustomed too because the bench was getting the burn.
There play has been rusty and that will comeback with a few days of solid drills.

I may sound like a homer, but I still maintain we are better than we were before the trade.

[Fafnir]

It's very similar - except that we are more injured and the competition has gotten better

I don't think the competition is any better this year. Orlando was better last year and Clev was strong. LA is not better this year. I don't see how our road to a championship could have tougher competition than last season. The first round should be a breeze if we get the Knicks.

The first round should be a breeze for a title contendor.  However, there is no way Orlando/Cleveland last year was as good as Chicago/Miami this year.  Miami is Cleveland with a better supporting cast and Chicago is quite possibly the best team in the Conference - don't see last year's Orlando team being as good as them.

How much of your view of Cleveland/Orlando last year is based on how the C's beat them in the playoffs?

The Cavs looked very good in beating Chicago in the playoffs and had a very strong record going into the playoffs. Orlando had swpt the first two rounds and looked to be as good as the year before (when they went to the Finals).