Bryant Stith didn't have this in mind when he signed with the Cavaliers during the off-season -- limited minutes, inconsistent shooting and 12 games on the injured list.

Leaving Boston for the Cavs was supposed to mean more time and more success, especially when the Celtics drafted two perimeter players. Stith saw Cleveland as a brave new world.

It didn't happen until Saturday night, when the 6-5 guard started for the injured Lamond Murray and scored a season-high 20 points (including 5-of-8 on 3-pointers) in a season-high 34 minutes during the Cavs' 108-101 loss to the Celtics. Stith entered the game averaging less than four points per game.

"I needed this type of performance from the standpoint that people tend to lose confidence in you," Stith said. "There's a lot of pressure when you come off the bench. You make your first shot, you stay in the game; if you miss, you're back on the bench.

"This is a big confidence-booster for my teammates and the coaching staff to understand that's the reason why they brought me here. Hopefully, they can gain more confidence in me now."

Prior to Boston, Stith played seven seasons in Denver, where John Lucas spent three years as an assistant.

"Bryant played like the professional I know he is," Lucas said Saturday. "That was the Bryant Stith I knew."

That Stith averaged double figures from 1993 to '97. He averaged 9.7 points per game last season.

Stith remained optimistic despite his slow start this year.

"I didn't have any second thoughts about coming to Cleveland from Boston because there's one thing about being around the NBA for 10 years, you always know that your time will come," Stith said. "And it's up to you to take advantage of that opportunity when it presents itself. You have to be ready when you're called. And as a professional, you have to be ready to take advantage of that."

Wes Person said Stith's work against the Celtics just represents his character.

"He's always been a team player and whenever a team player does well, you're always happy for him," Person said. "Bryant was hurt early this season and he didn't play much, and when he got his chance, he was ready, and that says a lot for him. That's the kind of guy you want on your team."

More playing time for Stith could also contribute to his leadership role. A starter commands more attention.

"That's only natural," Stith said. "If you're constantly in someone's ear and you're not playing, people have the tendency to associate that with badgering. If they see you out on the floor and see you talking, they're more responsive to what you have to say."

The only thing the Cavs are hearing lately are comments on their 12-game losing streak. Stith said Cavs players especially are frustrated with accusations they aren't playing hard. He said it's a matter of not making big plays, not a lack of effort.

"As long as you continue to work hard, you can create your own fortune," Stith said. "If we continue to work hard like we did [last Saturday], we'll turn this around. It's just a matter of time."

Slump:

Forward Chris Mihm had the best game of his career on Jan. 16 with 20 points and 10 rebounds against Golden State. Since then, Mihm's numbers are in a free fall. In his last four games, Mihm has 18 points and 15 rebounds in 93 minutes.

Quote of the week:

Here's an exchange between Michael Jordan and Jumaine Jones during last Thursday's game in Washington. "You need to get a pair of these Adidas," said Jones, when Jordan slipped to the court for the second time during the game. Jordan replied, "Yeah, but they're not paying me."

Close connections:

Tomorrow's game against Minnesota will bring some familiar faces to town, including former Cavs guard Terrell Brandon and last year's head coach, Randy Wittman. Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders is a graduate of Cuyahoga Heights High School. Forward Gary Trent attended Ohio University and guard Wally Szczerbiak attended Miami of Ohio.

Shooting for prizes:

Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett is scheduled to appear today at Dave and Buster's restaurant in Westlake during a shooting contest. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Garnett is expected to challenge the winner of the competition.