Posted on Thursday 9 March 2006 by John Blake @ 2:47 am
He has struggled all season and has been criticized by the media and fans for his poor production. For one night though, Damon Jones was able to play the role of hero. Jones, who replaced Flip Murray for the final play, knocked down a three-pointer from the corner as time expired to propel the Cavaliers to a 98-97 victory over the Toronto Raptors Wednesday. In an almost identical play to the one the Cavs ran last week to beat the Bulls, LeBron James drove the lane and kicked it out to one of his teammates. This time it was Damon Jones ready to take the shot.
“He’s been criticized at times, but I’ve never lost confidence him. That’s why we picked him up. He’s a shooter,” James said.
The Cavaliers were able to overcome a pair of 30-point performances by Toronto’s Mike James and Morris Peterson to win their fourth straight contest.
As much as we have ripped Damon Jones the entire season, he deserves the credit for the terrific shot he made tonight. His confidence has been wavering all year and maybe this is just what he needs to get him going for the rest of the season. And how about the coaching by Mike Brown, sitting Flip Murray for the last play in favor of Jones. Maybe he saw something in the defense or just had confidence in Damon but whatever the reason, it turned out to be a genius move on his part. The Cavaliers seem to be making a habit out of last second finishes recently, but it sure does make for some exciting basketball.
When you say “we have ripped Damon Jones the entire season”, I think you mean to say “I have ripped Damon Jones…” You’ve spent about a lot of good time knocking Damon. Remember when you said he shouldn’t play another minute as a Cavalier? He’s shooting over 44% from three for the month of March. He’s a shooter and shooters go through streaks. Hopefully people will give the guy a break for a litle and let him get comfortable again. I feel like he might come in handy in the playoffs…
With as much as you’ve been defending the guy, Goods, I wonder if you’re really Damon Jones in disguise.
Slumps? This dude’s been in a slump for damn near the entire season. I’d love to see him get going because, you’re right, we could definitely use him in the playoffs, but Damon deserves all the criticism he’s been getting. When you play like shit, you get shit from the media and the fans. Simple.
What a finish. I never thought that the ball would be in anyone’s hands but LeBron or Z, and yet it found its way into the hands of Amon Jones (no D but he gets the J back). Heck of a shot and a nice move by Mike Brown putting him in. Quality win here.
the “shit” he’s been getting has been unwarranted. where are the complaints about Donyell? The guy is shooting 31% from three! that’s what we got him for. Damon deserves criticism yes, but not as much as he was getting before.
Fair point on Donyell’s shooting, but he rebounds and plays defense as well. Jones is worthless if he’s isn’t hitting his threes.
Let’s hope he’s waking up in time for the stretch run and the playoffs.