Could jet lag ground Cavs? Five-game trip took its toll

The last time the Cavaliers faced the Toronto Raptors, the 2009-10 season was in its infancy.

The Cavs were taking baby steps trying to build chemistry and trying to figure out how to become a team.

Perhaps that played a role in their 101-91 defeat to the Raptors on Oct. 28 at Air Canada Centre.

The Cavs' starting lineup that night dusted off two new pieces in center Shaquille O'Neal and shooting guard Anthony Parker.

Since that 0-2 start, however, the Cavs are 31-9.

"We're playing at a different level right now," Cavs guard Mo Williams said. "We were getting acclimated with each other and becoming more comfortable.

"Everyone was trying to learn the system. We had new guys playing. Some guys weren't playing as much as they are now. We were searching after that game."

Their defense was exploited in that game by the Raptors, who invade Quicken Loans Arena at 7 tonight.

O'Neal has trouble guarding Raptors center Andrea Bargnani, who spends most of his time beyond the 3-point line.

The Raptors like to spread the floor and play the drive-and-kick game.

Cavs coach Mike Brown said his team's defense is much better now than it was during the first week of the season.

"We have a better feel of what we want to do, starting with myself, with rotations and things like that," he said. "That's a huge step for us.

"We're a little better on what we want to do offensively and defensively. The maturation process is going to make us a better team."

The Cavs are second in the league in opponents' field-goal accuracy (43.7 percent), fourth in points allowed (94.5) and 10th in 3-point percentage (34.4).

The Raptors (21-20) have won 10 of their last 13 games to move over the .500 mark.

But the Cavs are out for revenge.

"We owe them," Williams said. "You always want to use (an earlier loss) as motivation, and that's what we're doing."

Teams often struggle mightily after a five-game, 10-day West Coast trip.

"Every year I've been in the league, it's been like that," Williams said. "There's nothing you can do to prepare for it. Every team goes through it. It's not just us."

Teams sometimes snap out of their malaise after the first quarter or first half. Other times, it takes the whole game.

"A one- or two-game trip is not bad," Williams said. "But when you leave for darn near two weeks, it's tough."

Williams said his body is still on West Coast time. He said he wasn't able to fall asleep until almost 6 a.m. Monday.

Williams said the fans at The Q will play a big role in the outcome of tonight's game.

"They'll have to give us energy from the jump," he said. "Hopefully, they'll be there to help us miss that West Coast jet lag."