Adjustments

The San Antonio Spurs' "big three" all had good games in game #1 of the 2007 Finals, 23 did not and got minimal help from friends - thus a Cavalier loss followed. That's the simple version of what happened in the series opener.

However, for the Cavs, there were some distressing developments that had nothing to do with talent level, but more to do with missed assignments and coaching.

First, for some reason, Larry Hughes decided to chase Tony Parker over screens instead of going underneath. That was a recipe for disaster - allowing TP easy access to the lane instead of making him take jump shots. The Cavs' big men are not quick enough to show properly and slow down Parker. He must be given room in the perimeter. If Parker makes shots, so be it - much like the philosophy the Spurs employed in game #1 against 23.

Secondly, on too many occassions, Cavalier defenders left their man to double non-scorers, leaving Spurs' three point shooters wide open for good perimeter looks.

This series also begs for Eric Snow's high basketball IQ and defensive prowess to be on the floor. He earned a DNP in game #1 and that was a poor coaching decision. Because of injuries, Hughes cannot stay in front of Parker and his offense is non-existent right now. Coach Brown needs to play a confident Daniel Gibson more and give E. Snow some minutes to try to slow down Parker. That also takes 23 off of Parker and allows him to rest more on defense by putting him back on Bruce Bowen - where he belongs. You can't ask LJ to give you 25-6-6 and also cover the Spurs' best perimeter player half the night.

Those were adjustments that needed to be made in game #1 - not prior to game #2.