Hot on the heels of Pistons

I'm hesitant by now to trumpet the Cavs' recent successes, since they've so often hit unexcusable skids after showing strong signs of life.

But I do like the new style of play that has them averaging 99 points during three quality home wins (LAC, Heat, LAL.) They're basically running more on offense, limiting Lebron's role (he's sitting about 10 minutes a game, passing more, and shooting less), and distributing the scoring to competent bench guys including the apparently talented Sasha Pavlovic.

Lebron could be sitting more because of his nagging injury, but if one wanted to credit Mike Brown (or Lebron himself) for strategic thinking, one might suggest that this was also intended to ward off fatigue, keeping Lebron extra fresh for the stretch run and playoffs, when it is much more likely that he'll need to be dominant in key games.

Of course, these were home games, and the Cavs have long since proven themselves at home. This week's back-to-back against UTAH and LAL on the road will be a big test. 2 wins = fantastic surge of momentum going into the all-star break. 1 win = really, really positive, evidence of ability to hold own on the road. 0 wins = status quo.

Their March schedule is powerful hard, though. Check it out:

Dallas (twice)
Detroit
Utah
Houston
Chicago
Toronto

A lot of top-flight teams to play in a crowded month (16 games in 31 days.)