When: 8 p.m.

Where: The Q.

TV/radio: FSN Ohio, ESPN; WTAM AM/1100.

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have been built in the image of the multiple-time world champion San Antonio Spurs, the result of their general manager and head coach's lineage.

They have picked up some of the style of the multiple-time world champion Detroit Pistons, the result of their owner's roots.

And now, even if they wouldn't admit it publicly, they are employing some of the chemistry-building maneuvers of the Boston Celtics, the result of being vanquished in last season's playoffs.

So even though there's quite a rivalry brewing between the Eastern Conference's two best teams - which will be renewed tonight at The Q when the Celtics make their first visit of the season - there's a pretty healthy respect on the Cavs' end.

The unspoken homage is subtle, but it's everywhere throughout the Cavs' historic start to the season.

Last season, the Celtics established a shockingly strong and fast bond, despite a complete makeover after several massive trades. It was led by veterans Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, who got the team together in training camp in Europe and set the foundation for great chemistry that stuck.

It was expanded when coach Doc Rivers brought the mantra of "ubuntu," an African tribal word that signifies togetherness and a feeling of community. The Celtics' internal support system manifested itself in their record-setting turnaround and playoff run.

It shows during such times as when the Cavs double-teamed Pierce or Garnett in the tight playoff series: Boston's stars didn't think twice about relying on role players like Rajon Rondo or Kendrick Perkins. And veterans Sam Cassell and P.J. Brown both made significant contributions in defeating the Cavs when they stepped up to make plays when teammates gave them the chance.

"The Celtics had a tremendous amount of trust in each other and you have to give their veterans and Doc Rivers credit for that," Cavs coach Mike Brown said.

"You have to have that if you're going to become a championship team, and they showed it."

Meanwhile, the Cavs weren't able to get past the Celtics when not enough role players were able to support LeBron James. Or, as was sometimes the case, when James didn't always give them the chance.

So when the Cavs gathered for this season, still very much in the wake of two team-alternating trades themselves, their veteran leaders started following a similar path the Celtics used to win the title.

Players like James, Ben Wallace and Mo Williams would host teamwide dinners, encourage the entire club to go to movies together and set a standard for focus on the job.

As a result, the Cavs team - which has eight different players from a year ago - came together quickly and started playing some of the best Basketball in franchise history.

"There's no way you can mimic chemistry. You don't know what they do in the locker room or the bus or when they get into cities. We're not around them," James said. "We have to do our own thing.

"What we have is special. We have a family-oriented team, and we all care for each other and protect each other on the court and off the court."

Brown doesn't have a fancy foreign word, but he started emphasizing the English equivalents. The Cavs' major theme during the season - on paperwork, blackboards and spoken in meetings - has been "Chemistry = Trust."

Brown repeats the word "trust" over and over in practices, meetings and huddles.

It can even be seen in the players' behavior on the bench. Last season, the Celtics' bench often became like a sixth defender. They stood for entire playoff games yelling support and help to their teammates, even stretching the rules and sportsmanship at times when opposing players came near.

This season, it's the Cavs' bench that has been so active and into the game that fans on the road have complained that all the standing has ruined the view.

"We've learned so much by being together," James said. "We're much better."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: bwindhorst@plaind.com, 216-999-5166

BOX

BY THE NUMBERS

Cleveland

NBA Rank

Boston

NBA Rank

Off. PPG

101.5

7

100.6

9

Def. PPG

89.1

1

91.4

2

Off. FG Pct.

.479

3

.480

2

Def. FG Pct.

.420

1

.422

2

Pt. Diff.

+12.4

1

+9.2

3

Record

28-6

1

29-8

3