The sweet start by the Cavaliers has suddenly turned sour. With their latest 104-95 overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks, their record falls to 2-2 on the young season. With the Cavs up two at the end of regulation, a LeBron James missed free throw allowed Tyronn Lue to go the length of the court to tie it and send it to overtime, where Joe Johnson scored seven of his 25 points.

LeBron finished with 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists and Drew Gooden continued his solid season with 21 points and 14 rebounds.

The Cavaliers led by as much as 10 but a 62% average from the free throw line and a 36% average from the field doomed the Wine and Gold. Offensively, they often looked sluggish and unorganized. Whatever momentum they had after the San Antonio game has officially disappeared. Perhaps they think they’re just going to waltz into games, go through the motions, and come out with a win. It’s not that easy. I don’t know if the Cavs think they’re better than they are right now or what, but some sense of urgency needs to be developed, especially towards the end of games.

The Heisman Trophy race just got a little closer, in some people eyes. I still believe Troy Smith has proven this whole season that he deserves the trophy. I really think the media and fans need to understand that Notre Dame and Brady Quinn are throwing the ball 30-40 times a game. The Heisman winner needs to go to a complete player. A player that can put up solid statistics, and do what the team needs to win.

Troy Smith has passed, run and lead his team to victories in Texas, Iowa and at home against Penn State in the rain. This is why the trophy is still his to lose. Smith is a complete team player and more worried about winning than padding his statistics. Coach Jim Tressel, unlike Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, is not willing to pass the ball and run up the score for his players statistics. I hope the voters remember the importance of a “team player” when voting for the Heisman winner.

The National Basketball Association decided to change basketballs this season. Spalding has been working for years on this new ball and the two decided this was the year to use it. A number of superstars spoke out early, complaining that the ball was too different. Shaquille O’Neal was the most vocal, stating the ball “didn’t feel good”.

LeBron James was open to the change and said the new ball may take some time to get use to. It’s been one week and James has seen enough. He said the ball was inconsistent and hard to get a feel for it. James went as far as to compare it to a “gift for a kid”. The NBA needs to listen to the players and return to the “old” ball. The NBA has made some positive changes this season; this wouldn’t be one of them. David Stern needs to step up, swallow his pride, and listen to the superstars this time.