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It was another close one, but the Cavs managed to lose again, falling 89-87 to Portland. They had plenty of chances at the end of the game but couldn’t capitalize. The last sequence was particularly frustrating, as Lebron passed on taking the last shot, only to have the ball end up in Eric Snow’s hands for a long jumper.

It’s starting to look a lot like last season. Lebron lights it up, but gets very little help from the supporting cast. The result is a loss at Phoenix. Z and Gooden played well, but Luke Jackson had a rough evening, going 0-7 from the flor with no points in 18 minutes. Damon Jones played 33 minutes but scored only 5 points. Making matters worse, Drew Gooden is questionable for tonight’s game in Portland after leaving the game in the third quarter with a strain in his right leg.

Mike Brown finally woke up in LA and realized he might actually need to do some coaching this season. He’s allowed Luke Jackson to languish on the bench even after Larry Hughes got hurt and Damon Jones showed he couldn’t be counted on to step up. Jackson responded by shooting 4-for-5 from the field for 11 points, including 3-for-3 from 3-point range in the fourth quarter.

The kid needs to play. He needs opportunities to learn. He needs reassurance that he won’t be pulled if he makes a mistake. Hopefully Brown will let Jackson build on this performance. The Cavs desperately need him.