This is the first post on The Hoop Doctors by Alex Curtis-Slep from NBA Tipoff.com fame, who many of you may also know as the founder/writer of the basketball blog Basketball Notes by Alex. Alex will be bringing you analysis of current NBA issues as well as some entertainment pieces from The Hoop Doctors. In his first piece he takes a comparative look at the top powerhouse from both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
With the Boston Celtics struggling with injuries right now, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers are clearly the two teams to beat as we wrap up the regular season. With that said, Cleveland currently seems to be even a little more refined than Los Angeles. The Cavaliers seem to have a couple things going for them that the Lakers still have yet to perfect, intensity and chemistry.
Overall Intensity
From game to game, the Cavs bring it more than the Lakers. If you’ve seen both of these teams play, you’ve seen the Lakers have some bad games against teams they should beat. The Cavs are doing what the Lakers should be doing and with less talent. The Cavs dominate teams. LA only does that occasionally; but they’re only truly awake for the big teams. That may not affect things when these teams play, but it will determine who gets the best record.
Chemistry
Everyone’s seen the Cavs friendship develop over the course of this season. It’s not just the pre-game routines, it’s the bonding on the bench, doing everything together on the road. I’m not saying the Lakers chemistry is bad, no team even comes close to matching the Cavs chemistry.
It’s not Kobe’s fault the Lakers aren’t at the same chemistry level; he’s a different kind of leader than LeBron. LeBron is more vocal, a guy who can always laugh. Kobe brings a more serious attitude anytime the ball touches the court. I’m not going to blame him for that, but it’s the little things like that that can give the Cavs an advantage.
Ultimately, the playoffs will be different from any regular season happening. These things may be big now, but they could totally change when the “other” season begins. A championship team wants to get any edge on the opponent it can; and currently, the Cavaliers are out performing their western counterpart.
