In his first start as a Cleveland Cavalier, Antawn Jamison hit the first shot, and made the first assist. He also stepped up his defensive effort, and forced David West to take several tough shots. Mo Williams found Shaquille O’ Neal on multiple occasions for easy alley-oops and dunks in Emeka Okafor’s face. Anthony Parker hit some wide-open 3 pointers; The Cavaliers were doing work.

And all this was before LeBron put a basket in. The Kings first two points of the game came via the non-human variety, when he drove the lane and crushed home a one handed video game-esque tomahawk slam. The Cavs owned a 28-16 lead at the end of the 1st quarter, and we liked what we saw.

When LeBron exits the game, as he typically does after 1st quarter domination, the crowd’s energy level does as well. The level of performance on the Quicken Loans hardwood instantly loses its luster. Needless to say, the 2nd quarter started off on a different tune. New Orleans made things interesting with a 9-0 run, taking advantage of LeBron’s absence. Mo Williams goes (Mortal-Kombat) Sub-Zero and starts the game Ice-Cold; He bricked 6 of his 7 first shots. Does anyone else remember how much better the offense looked with Gibson running the show, deferring to LeBron, while Delonte/Mo nursed their injuries? The Cavaliers allow Hornets rookie Marcus Thornton to score 23 points in the quarter. Who? He finished with 37 points. What happened to the defensive philosophy?

In the 2nd half, the Cavaliers still could not pull away from New Orleans. David West and Marcus Thornton kept coming at us, and the game was close all the way until the end. The best play of the night occurred in the 3rd on a LeBron/Jamison fast break, where the King bounced passed to Jamison who did not disappoint, dunking all up-in David West’s grillpiece. Jamison had to monkey hang after the slam, as he effectively made David West the recipient of an all-time great posterization. That one definitely got the crowd up, as it was Jamison’s first truly incredible play as a Cleveland Cavalier.

Late in the game, LeBron took over as he usually does, but this time it was by his ability to dish the ball. The Akron Hammer either scored or assisted on the last 10 points of the game, and the Cavs pulled away to win 105-95. Delonte West and Mo Williams redeemed themselves (somewhat) by drilling two clutch 3 pointers late. We need them to get it going earlier to put teams like New Orleans away.

Mike Brown, I like that you are trying to get Jamison acclimated within the offense, but I take issue when you can’t find a single minute for JJ Hickson, who has been the Cavaliers spark throughout most of the season. Daniel Gibson doesn’t get a chance to play either? I think the 32 minutes you found for Delonte, (who was getting schooled up and down the floor by a New Orleans rookie) could be better served by playing Daniel Gibson.

Leon Powe also deserved some playing time, since he is medically cleared and Cavaliers fans have been wanting to see what he can do all season. Get your rotation figured out Mike Clown, because we need Hickson and Gibson both contributing to win a title. Delonte West is not the solution, he may in fact be part of the problem. We better see all three in action on Thursday when the Cavaliers take on the Celtics. Gibson is shooting 48% from behind the arc on the season, which means you get him minutes. (and shots) Powe will be motivated to show his former team why they still should have signed him after his knee injury.. LeBron, as coach of this team please figure out a better rotation. LeBron James is underrated

Correction: Thanks to Brian B. of youngerandbetter.net, I learned that Mike Brown did not in fact, snub J.J. Hickson last night. Hickson was suffering from flu-like symptoms, and that is the reason he did not play. I stand corrected. My apologies Mr. Clown, but what was your reason for not playing Gibson? 48%. That's his 3 point percentage on the season. Get the man some PT. B-Bohan also informed myself that Paul Pierce will miss tomorrow night's showdown because of a busted thumb. Well, I guess that leaves only 2 senior citizens we have to contend with. Rajon Rondo is one of only a few Boston Celtics who doesn't park handicapped. LeBron will make them look their age. LeBron James is still underrated