Photo: Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP

The Cavaliers have been foreign to the term "losing streak" during the last two seasons, but they're starting to get a grasp on the concept again. With their third straight loss, the Cavaliers have done something that they had not done in the last two years, lose more than two straight games. Against a lethal Magic squad, Dwight Howard started the scoring early, and the Magic hit everything in the fourth led by Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter. Rashard Lewis stuck the dagger in, and the Cavaliers couldn't pick up enough stops, dropping their first game to Orlando this season with Shaquille O'Neal in the fold.

FINALLY!: It didn't take too long for the Cavaliers to finally get Antawn Jamison to make a shot in wine and gold, or blue and orange. Jamison cut to the middle of the floor and caught a pass that resulted in a jump hook swish in the first quarter. It was apparent that after he got that first bucket out of the way, his nerves settled and he was able to worry much more about the task at hand. It appears that Jamison is a fast learner, and his adjustment time frame may not be as long as you would think after that first performance.

Shaq exits, Howard excels: Clearly, Dwight Howard demanded to be the key element of the game plan today. Not only did he play the first fifteen minutes of the game, but he worked on a wide array of shots mixed in with his strong post moves. Shaq drew foul number two at the 10:20 mark of the second quarter on a loose ball foul at the offensive end. In between that, Shaq took his customary rest to close out the first quarter, and the Cavaliers went to their new backup center, Anderson Varejao. Andy has not played much backup center against the biggest and baddest of the league, being used instead in favorable matchups against smaller teams at the 5 spot. With Z gone, Andy had the task of maintaining "Superman" without Superman being out there (I couldn't resist). Howard scored three quick buckets on Andy, and the Cavaliers were trying to double team to help Andy, often arriving late. I just don't see the Cavaliers being able to go one on one with Howard with anyone other than Shaq. That's when the trouble arose.

Photo: Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer

The deck was stacked against the Cavaliers tonight, but they certainly didn't do themselves any favors. Antawn Jamison's first game as a Cavalier, Mo Williams's first game back as starting point guard, and a back-to-back where the Cavs had to travel after an overtime loss was an absolute perfect storm for the Bobcats. They used their previous success against the Cavs to fuel 55% shooting and held the Cavaliers in check with just 39% shooting. The Cavaliers' absolute carelessness on the defensive end and poor three-point heavy shot selection allowed the Bobcats to dominate the paint 48-24 and cruise to a blowout victory, their third in four tries against Cleveland this season.

New faces all around: Antawn Jamison made his Cavalier debut, coming in off the bench for 26 minutes of playing time. More on that, ahem, showing later. Mo Williams, still on a minutes cap, returned to the starting lineup after playing 19 minutes off the bench last night, but Daniel Gibson found himself with some playing time still since Mo was limited to 25 minutes. As for the Bobcats, they pulled off a trade of their own the other day, and both Tyrus Thomas and Theo Ratliff were in uniform and played big minutes for Charlotte. In other words, this game was a bit wild in the sense that there were often 2-3 players out there who had little grasp of their new team's offensive and defensive schemes.

Yet Another Rotation Switch: Mike Brown's job over the next couple weeks is not going to be an easy one. He played 11 guys tonight, and with Zydrunas Ilgauskas potentially on his way back and Leon Powe back soon from injury, the minutes are really going to get crunched. One thing's for sure: Mike Brown will not be playing 11 guys in the playoffs when LeBron and Mo beef up their minutes. As for tonight, Jawad Williams was the guy left without minutes early since Jamario Moon returned from a DNP-CD last night in Denver to snatch 17 minutes. Daniel Gibson, as mentioned before, did get 13 minutes helping backup Mo.

Photo: Scott Shaw/Cleveland.com

Anyone who thinks the Los Angeles Lakers have a walk to the NBA Finals must not have seen the Denver Nuggets play this season. All they've done is go 4-0 thus far against the Lakers and Cavaliers, dispatching of the wine and gold tonight in the extra session amid trade deadline and All-Star break hangover. LeBron's incredible 43 point, 13 rebound, 15 assist performance after a slow start was not enough against a deep and large Nugget frontcourt led by Carmelo Anthony, who matched James's effort with 40 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, nailing the game-winner with 1.9 seconds left in OT. The Cavaliers' win streak ends at a franchise-tying 13 straight, and the Cavaliers begin the second half of the season with a tough loss, their second to Denver this season.

New guys in house: Both Antawn Jamison and Sebastian Telfair were in the Q this evening to watch their new teammates, but neither were able to dress due to not all players passing their physicals and reporting to their respective new teams as of yet. Jamison hopes to play tomorrow night in Charlotte, while Telfair has 1-3 weeks left to rehab from injury. Empty picture frames hung all around the Q where images of Zydrunas Ilgauskas used to be. Z is said to be pushing for a buyout from the Wizards, and the fact that he has yet to report to the Wiz shows his true intentions. While he is bound to have multiple suitors (Dallas, Denver, and Atlanta to name a few), I hope and feel that we will have Ilgauskas back in wine and gold in 29 days. Judging the comments from LeBron, Shaq, Mike Brown, and Danny Ferry today, a reunion with Z would put a pep back in their step.

After all of the heated talk about the Cavaliers acquiring Amar'e Stoudemire, in the end, they chose the safer bet, making the less costly deal, acquiring Antawn Jamison from the Wizards along with PG Sebastian Telfair in a three-team deal that cost them their franchise cornerstone center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the rights to Emir Preldzic, and their 2010 first round draft pick. The deal increases the Cavaliers already solid chances at getting back to the Finals and winning their first ring amid LeBron's free agency year.

Before I launch into this, let me be clear that I LOVE this deal. They got an All-Star caliber stretch power forward for perhaps just their first round pick, which is looking like a certain 29th or 30th pick. Jamison is just as much of a steal off-the-court as on-the-court as he's known as a terrific locker room guy. His veteran, playoff-tested experience will prove invaluable to the Cavaliers in the postseason since he is used to being the go-to guy in tight spots; Jamison won't be afraid of the moment.

By the numbers, AJ is averaging 20.5 points and 8.8 rebounds on 45% shooting in almost 39 minutes and taking just over 17 shots per game this season. With the Cavs, both of those last two figures will go down signficantly. If the Cavaliers keep Jamison at 28-30 minutes, I think it will keep him much more fresh for the stretch run, and his shot selection will probably be better here in Cleveland taking 10-12 shots instead of 17 per game.

Photo: Matt York/AP

During the last three years, this week has been a hectic one for the Curse of Cleveland staff as well as most Cavaliers fans around the world. There have been countless rumors, several nearly-completed trades, and a couple of big deals done during this week leading up to the deadline. Between J.V. and myself, there have been thorough discussions, minor disagreements, hundreds of text messages, and several hours of sleep lost. This year is no different.

As the rumors swirl around the NBA that the Cavaliers are "down the tracks" and "close" to acquiring All-Star forward Amar'e Stoudemire from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for "Mr. Cavalier 2.0", Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and J.J. Hickson, my stomach is in knots, torn between two conflicting thought processes. Thought #1: "Amar'e Stoudemire? NO! He's selfish, he doesn't work on defense, he's injury prone, and he's going to walk after the season for Miami." Thought #2: "Amar'e Stoudemire! YES! He's an All-Star in his prime, and you can throw this title in the bag with him. LeBron will get him to stay, and he, Amar'e, and Mo can win multiple championships in Cleveland over the next decade." As the hours tick down before the deadline, I find myself excited and terrified at the same time. The right deal could help drive the Cavaliers to their first title, but the wrong deal could disrupt the Cavaliers' current role and position atop the NBA, leaving LeBron's return in doubt. Then, there's the uncertainty that comes with not making a deal at all and running into an unforseen buzzsaw like the Magic last season. To be honest, I just don't know.

Photo: Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer

Dwight Howard's been handed a lot of notoriety in a short amount of time in the league. Most of it has been deserved, yet some people aren't too fond of that. Tonight, Shaquille O'Neal, the original Superman, didn't take too kindly to being double teamed, and he made his feelings known after the game. The Cavaliers used their wide-open power forwards to their advantage, and LeBron James delivered a star closing performance to place the Cavaliers truly in the driver's seat for homecourt in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers now hold a 7 game lead on the Magic with 28 games to play heading into the break. This game might very well have answered who the real M.V.P. is and who the best team in the East is, but the question will remain... Who is the REAL Superman?

Delonte Back: Rejoice, fellow KFC customers! Delonte West returned to the Cavaliers tonight after missing nine games with a broken finger on his left hand. West didn't enter the game until LeBron took his first break midway through the second quarter, and it was apparent that he was feeling his way back into things slowly, but he adjusted by the fourth quarter and hit one of the most key shots of the game. It's great to see the "hot sauce" finally back in the Cavaliers' "bag". Planes, trains, automobiles, I don't care... we've gotta have our backup POINT GUARD! Delonte finished with 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists in 23 minutes.

Let J.J. roam?: The Orlando Magic made an obvious adjustment in their defense of the Cavaliers. The main goal was to double team Shaquille O'Neal in the post, allowing J.J. Hickson to largely roam free. To his credit, J.J. responded with a monstrous 13 point scoring spurt in the first quarter, doing what he always does: finding the open gaps in the defense and slamming with authority. Master of Panic Stan Van Gundy commented in an interview after the first quarter, "We're not worried about J.J. Hickson!" Really, Stan? Well, maybe you should have been at least mildly concerned, because the Cavaliers remain undefeated this season when Hickson scores 7 or more points, and he dropped 20 on you with relative ease. Not only that, but Anderson Varejao did his best J.J. impersonation in the second quarter, contributing 14 points in the quarter largely on the same type of plays. That's right, Van Gundy, the Cavalier power forwards you neglected to cover dropped a whopping 36 points on 17-of-25 shooting in 43 minutes together. Maybe you'll worry about him at least a little bit next time... if he is still on the team, that is.

Photo: John Kuntz/Cleveland.com

Often times, a pitiful team like the New Jersey Nets can knock off an incredible squad like the Cavaliers if they catch them on a night where they lack focus. Just two days away from a showdown with the Orlando Magic and facing the worst team in the league, the Cavaliers were in danger of looking ahead and slacking off. The Cavaliers did look bored most of the game, never truly thinking they weren't going to win the game, but they survived solid New Jersey jump shooting thanks to 38 bench points to set the NBA's best win streak this season at 12 games.

No Delonte, No Devin: Mo Williams proved to be wrong in his prediction of Delonte West playing tonight as he was ruled out after shootaround by Coach Mike Brown. It sounds like Delonte won't return until after the All-Star break against Denver, giving him nine extra days off to help heal the injured finger. Luckily for the Cavs, the Nets All-Star point guard Devin Harris missed tonight's game as well. Being without Harris left the Nets without a true playmaker and forced to rely on perimeter shooters in addition to Brook Lopez's post game.

Not many signs of 4-46: If the Cavaliers had no knowledge of other teams' records, they certainly wouldn't think New Jersey is the worst team in the league. In two prior meetings this year, the Nets hung with the Cavaliers for the entire game, losing by 10 and 8 points. Tonight, it was pretty much the same recipe. The Cavs started off slow, the Nets gained confidence, the Cavaliers never really worried about it too much, the Cavaliers played really hard for a couple of three minute stretches, and the Nets faded in the end. The Nets were led early by a quick start from Jarvis Hayes, who had 8 points in the blink of an eye. Most of this was a result of the Cavaliers playing some dummy defense. For instance, there's no reason for Keyon Dooling to attack the paint and get four first quarter assists. Overall, the Nets haven't looked even close to a 4-46 team in their three face-offs with Cleveland.

Photo: Tracy Boulian/Cleveland.com

Halfway through this game, LeBron James had 35 points on a stunning 13-of-18 shooting, adding 3 rebounds and 6 assists, and the Cavaliers looked untouchable with a 20 point lead at the break after scoring a season-best for a half with 74 points. Surprisingly though, the Knicks didn't go away, and in their traditional D'Antoni track-meet style, they shot their way back into things and even incorporated a smidgen of defense, cutting the lead to just three in the fourth. The Cavaliers, however, did just enough to hold on for their 11th straight win, which ties Boston and the Lakers for the longest streak this year.

"Groundhog Day" for J.J.?: Groundhog Day was on Tuesday last week, but it seems like the holiday is truly being celebrated by the Cavaliers' young power forward the last few games. In repeat fashion of when he ascended into the starting lineup, teams are starting to forget about J.J. Hickson to help on LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal. In J.J.'s last 3 games, he is averaging 12.3 points and 6 rebounds on 59% shooting. Hickson got four early dunks in tonight's game as he was covered mostly by Danilo Gallinari with the Knicks small lineup. J.J. disappeared a bit after that, but the Cavaliers remain undefeated (21-0) when Hickson scores eight or more, and J.J. finished with 10 points and 5 boards.

Photo: Tracy Boulian/Cleveland.com

In a game that had no shortage of storylines, the always-thrilling LeBron James and Dwyane Wade showdown featured an unexpected wrinkle when Daniel Gibson had to rush to the hospital to be with his expecting girlfriend Keyshia Cole. It forced LeBron into his first start at point guard since his rookie year and brought about Jawad Williams's first career start. It didn't matter, though, as the Cavaliers dispatched of the Heat to stretch their win streak to a season-high 10, improve to 7-0 without Mo Williams, and set the scoreboard at "LeBron 13, D-Wade 9" in the classic matchup.

Last minute scratch: With Gibson taking care of his girlfriend at the hospital, the Cavaliers were suddenly without a single proven point guard on their roster. On a side note, Gibson's girlfriend is due with their child on March 2nd, and she is doing fine after having false labor. LeBron was the only real choice to start at point, and Jawad got the call to take LBJ's spot at small forward. With LeBron on the bench, Anthony Parker had to handle the point guard duties for a five minute stretch in the second quarter. The Cavalier depth has certainly been tested over these past several games, but they have held strong largely due to the advanced responsibilities of James, J.J. Hickson, Gibson, and Shaquille O'Neal.

Photo: Tracy Boulian/Cleveland.com

The Memphis Grizzlies came to the Q riding high after defeating the L.A. Lakers Monday night. The Cavaliers knew the Grizzlies would be tired considering the tight win over the Lakers the night before, and the game was Memphis's fourth in five nights. Cleveland lost to the Grizzlies in an overtime game at the hands of Mike Conley Jr. earlier in the season and was looking for revenge. The Cavs set the tone establishing a physical presence on the defensive end and finding easy dunks on the offensive end. The Cavs had a 12 point lead after the 1st quarter and never looked back on the way to their 9th straight win.

The Hickson Effect - J.J. Hickson scored 6 of the Cavs first 13 points on dunks. Hickson has become very important in the beginning of games. With Mo Williams out, Shaq has started to dominate down-low and teams are having to pay more attention to him. Also, opposing teams do not want to leave Gibson and Parker open because they are both in the top five in 3-point percentage. So, most teams sag off of Hickson, and Hickson can make them pay if he continues to cut to the rim because the Cavs have very able passers. When Hickson is productive, the Cavs are almost unbeatable; when Hickson scores 10 or more points the Cavs are 12-0. When Hickson scores less than 10 points the Cavs are 27-11.

Hot and Cold - Offensively, these teams were polar opposites in the 1st quarter. Cleveland shot 60% from the floor on 12 of 20 shooting. On the other hand, Memphis shot 32% from the floor, making only 8 of their first 25 shots. In the 1st quarter, both teams' All-stars set the tone for their squad as LeBron went 3 for 3 from the floor for 6 points for the Cavs, and Zach Randolph went 0-6 from the floor for 0 points.

Shaq Be Nimble - In the 2nd quarter, Shaq had one of those sequences that coaches want to bottle up and re-open come playoff time. With 7:22 remaining in the 2nd quarter, Shaq entered the game for Jamario Moon. In the next 6 minutes, Shaq compiled some outrageous numbers; Shaq grabbed 6 rebounds (1 offensive rebound), handed out 2 assists, blocked 3 shots, and scored 7 points on 3 of 4 shooting from the floor. If you take that 6 minutes and put it on a 48 minute pace, Shaq would score 56 points, grab 48 rebounds (8 offensive boards), hand out 16 assists and block 24 shots. Now, this in unrealistic, but I am just putting into perspective what the big man did in that 6 minutes and what he has left in the tank.