See spring sports highlights for Monday, May 11, 2015.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are spring sports highlights from Saturday's action based on box scores reported to the Northeast Ohio Media Group.

For more information on how to report box scores, please email High School Sports Manager Kristen Davis (kdavis@cleveland.com).

Late rally helps Midview softball beat Cuyahoga Heights

Midview's softball team scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat Cuyahoga Heights, 2-1.

Erin DiFranco had an RBI and Morgan Hamker went 2-for-3 for the Middies.

Midview pitchers Lauren Landers, who got the win, and Sara Lowman combined for 14 strikeouts.

Cuyahoga Heights' run came in the top of the fourth inning.

Nordonia softball clinches first softball conference championship

Nordonia's softball team shut out Highland, 10-0, to earn a share of its first conference championship in program history.

Nordonia pitcher Hannah Stroe threw a four-hit shutout for the Knights, and teammate Holly Groff had two RBI.

Nordonia clinched a share of the Suburban League championship with Green.

Rhodes softball defeats Maple Heights

Rhodes' softball team answered a 3-run inning from Maple Heights with a three-run inning of its own in an 8-5 win.

Shakira Morrero had a strong day for Rhodes with a triple and three RBI.

Chagrin Falls boys tennis sweeps doubles to beat Gilmour

Chagrin Falls' boys tennis team won both of its doubles matches as it defeated Gilmour, 3-2.

Matt Esterer and Daniel Berlin won in first doubles, and Andy McDonnell and Alex Amata won in second doubles.

Follow along with baseball, softball, girls lacrosse postseasons

Postseason baseball, softball and girls lacrosse continued throughout Ohio on Monday.

Check out updated, interactive brackets for all districts in baseball, softball and girls lacrosse.

Get all the scores

Check out scores from the following sports this evening: baseball, softball, boys tennis and girls lacrosse.

The Class AA Eastern League game will resume at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a seven-inning game at 6:35 p.m.

The Akron RubberDucks built a 9-1 lead over the SeaWolves on Monday before the game was suspended in the fifth inning because of poor weather in Erie, Pa.

Akron was still batting in the fifth inning, with one runner on and two outs when the game was suspended. The RubberDucks had scored three runs in the inning.

The Class AA Eastern League game will resume at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a seven-inning game at 6:35 p.m.

Designated hitter Destin Hood was is 3-for-3 with a solo home run and two RBI, catcher Tony Wolters is 2-for-3 with an RBI, and first baseman Justin Toole is 2-for-3 with two RBI for the RubberDucks.

Just eight times in NBA history have teams rallied from 3-1 deficits to win best of seven-series, the most recent being the 2006 Phoenix Suns. The 2015 Houston Rockets face that uphill battle in a Western Conference semifinal against the Los Angeles Clippers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Houston Rockets are trying to accomplish something not done since 2006 - win a NBA playoff series after trailing 3-1.

Just eight times in NBA history have teams rallied from 3-1 deficits to win best of seven-series, the most recent being the 2006 Phoenix Suns.

The Rockets-Lakers series is the only conference semifinal this season to stand at 3 games to 1.

The Cleveland Cavaliers avoided that predicament with a Game 4 win in Chicago on Sunday to even their series with the Bulls, 2-2. In Cavs playoff history, the winner of Game 5 in tied series has gone on to win the series eight out of nine times.

Here's a summary of the NBA teams that have rebounded from 3-1 deficits with three consecutive victories to win best-of-seven series.

* 2006: The Phoenix Suns started the 2006 playoffs by falling behind, 3-1, to the Los Angeles Lakers before winning the series. They won the next round against the Los Angeles Clippers before losing in the conference finals to the Dallas Mavericks. Phoenix (54-28 during the regular season) had the homecourt advantage over the Lakers (45-37). Phoenix star: league MVP Steve Nash.

* 2003: The Detroit Pistons trailed the Orlando Magic, 3-1, but came back to win the Eastern Conference first-round matchup. The Pistons also won in the next round before losing in the conference finals. The Pistons (50-32) enjoyed the homecourt advantage over Orlando (42-40). Detroit defender: NBA defensive player of the year Ben Wallace.

* 1997: The Miami Heat came back to defeat the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but lost in the next round despite a 61-win regular season. Miami (61-21) had the homecourt advantage over New York (57-25). Miami scoring leader: Tim Hardaway.

* 1995: The underdog Houston Rockets rallied to defeat the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals, and then went on the win the NBA championship. During the regular season, Phoenix (59-23) was 12 games better than Houston (47-35). Houston starting lineup included current TNT analyst Kenny Smith.

* 1981: The Boston Celtics stormed back to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference finals en route to the NBA title. Boston and Philadelphia had tied for the best record in the East that year at 62-20, but Boston had the homecourt for Game 7. Boston star: Larry Bird.

* 1979: The Washington Bullets rallied to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the Eastern Conference finals, before losing to the Seattle Supersonics in the NBA finals. Washington (54-28) had the homecourt advantage over San Antonio (48-34). Washington star: Elvin Hayes.

* 1970: The Los Angeles Lakers came back to defeat the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals and then advanced to the NBA finals before losing to the New York Knicks. During the regular season, the Lakers (46-36) had a better record than Phoenix (39-43). Laker stars: Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor.

* 1968: The Boston Celtics rallied to defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers to win the Eastern Conference finals and then went on to win the NBA championship. The Celtics did this despite having to win Game 7 in Philadelphia. The 76ers (62-20) had a better record than Boston (54-28) during the regular season. Boston stars: Bill Russell and John Havlicek.

Sources: National Basketball Association and basketball-reference.com

The Browns' Donte Whitner thinks the punishment was too harsh. What do you think?

Tom Brady is out for the first four games of the season, and the New England Patriots have been fined $1 million and lost two draft picks.

That's the punishment levied Monday by the NFL in response to its investigation into "Deflategate", in which lawyer Ted Wells found that Brady "was at least generally aware" of plans by two Patriots employees to prepare footballs to his liking, below the league-mandated minimum of 12.5 pounds per square inch.

It's a punishment that's too harsh, at least in the opinion of Cleveland Browns safety Donte Whitner:

I honestly feel bad for Tom Brady!! I know first hand the type of competitor he is & how much work he puts in... Came down too hard on him!

-- DonteHitner (@DonteWhitner) May 11, 2015

Or it's way too soft, at least to New Orleans Saints fans, who saw their team's players get full-season suspensions and their coach get suspended for eight games because of "Bountygate".

So which is it? Vote in our poll, and feel free to expand on your opinion in the comments below.

LeBron James didn't win MVP honors this year, but he still has a shot to be named 'Coach of the Year' for his game winning play call and shot Sunday.

CLEVELAND,Ohio-- Lebron James should have won MVP honors this year.  And his game-winning play call Sunday could have made him a contender for 'Coach of the Year' along with Tyronn Lue, for blocking David Blatt's timeout call attempt, had it not been awarded in April. 

If those responsible for that  Cavs video playing domestic violence for laughs are fired, they've proven themselves qualified to handle the Jackson administration's twitter account or to work for the NFL.

Hope the Cavs brand the Bulls losers tonight and that the Department of Justice doesn't raid "The Q"  at the half as part of their lawsuit against Quicken Loans.

Tom Brady is suspended for four games in the wake of the "Deflategate" investigation.

NEW YORK -- The NFL suspended Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady for the first four games of the season, fined the New England Patriots $1 million and took away two draft picks Monday as punishment for deflating footballs used in the AFC title game.

The league also indefinitely suspended the two equipment staffers believed to have carried out the plan, including one who called himself "The Deflator."

A league-authorized investigation by attorney Ted Wells found that Brady "was at least generally aware" of plans by two Patriots employees to prepare the balls to his liking, below the league-mandated minimum of 12.5 pounds per square inch.

The Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 and went on to beat the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.

Brady will miss the season's showcase kickoff game on Sept. 10 against Pittsburgh, then Week 2 at Buffalo, a home game against Jacksonville and a game at Dallas. He will return the week the Patriots face the Colts in Indianapolis.

The Patriots lose next year's first-round pick and a fourth-round choice in 2017.

The fine matches the largest the NFL has handed out, to Ed DeBartolo Jr., then the San Francisco 49ers' owner, who pleaded guilty to a felony in his role in a Louisiana gambling scandal in 1999.

It's the second time in eight years the Patriots have been punished for violating league rules. In 2007, the team was fined $500,000 and docked a first-round draft pick, and coach Bill Belichick was fined $250,000 for videotaping opposing coaches as a way to decipher their play signals.

In his 243-page report released by the league last week, Wells found that the team broke the rules again, this time by deflating the game footballs after they had been checked by officials. Although the report did not conclusively link the four-time Super Bowl champion to the illegal activity, text messages between the equipment staffers indicated that Brady knew it was going on. Investigators said Brady's explanation for the messages was implausible.

"It is unlikely that an equipment assistant and a locker room attendant would deflate game balls without Brady's knowledge and approval," the report said.

Although Brady has issued only general statements in his defense, his agent, Don Yee, said the report omitted key facts and was "a significant and terrible disappointment."

The NFL allows each team to provide the footballs used by its offense -- a procedure Brady played a role in creating -- but it requires them to be inflated in that range of 12.5-13.5 pounds per square inch. Footballs with less pressure can be easier to grip and catch, and Brady has expressed a preference for the lower end of the range.

Brady said last week that the scandal hasn't taken away from the team's 28-24 Super Bowl win over Seattle -- its fourth NFL title since the 2001 season.

"Absolutely not," he said at a previously planned appearance in Salem, Massachusetts, last Thursday night. "We earned everything we got and achieved as a team, and I am proud of that and so are our fans."

Fans chanted "Brady" and "MVP," then gave him a standing ovation as he entered the arena in the town made famous by the colonial witch trials. Since the airing of the scandal in the hours after the Colts game, New England fans have been unwavering in their support for the team, blaming the investigation on grudges by opponents jealous of the team's success.

The Cleveland Cavaliers took the lead of LeBron James who did lots of dirty work in the low post to win Game 5 against Chicago. 106-101, and take a 3-2 lead in the series -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - This still has the feeling of a seven-game series. Or a mixed martial arts fight, or both.

The promising takeaway for Cavs' fans, in addition to the location of a possible Game 7, is a team once talked about as soft has taken the lead of a superstar who was intent on doing all the gritty work necessary to win Game 5.

LeBron James wasn't just efficient (38 points, no turnovers, 14-24 shooting). He was willing to get his hands dirty, setting up in the low post early Tuesday night and camping there.

(That's been the dream of a few regimes here. James has appeared to need a compass to find his way there. Tuesday night, Jimmy Butler got whacked like a pinata as James backed him down, then hit fallaways over top of him.)

James made 10 of 30 shots in the Game 4 win over the Bulls in Chicago, turned his ankle, skipped shoot-around, and then came out and made 10 of his first 12.

There was a decisiveness and toughness to James' night that became contagious (except for a late fourth-quarter run by Chicago that erased most of a 17-point Cavaliers lead before they prevailed, 106-101). 

This isn't Boston posturing, playing chippy and eventually going above and beyond. This is a physical Chicago team. No reason to expect the Bulls to go away, either in the fourth quarter or in this series.

The Cavs roared back from a 10-point deficit (18-8) to lead at the end of the first quarter. After building a 10-point lead themselves, the Cavs faced down another Bulls' uprising.

There weren't many signs of being pushed around before Taj Gibson kicked at Matthew Dellavedova as if he were a Australian crocodile.  Dellavedova clamped down on Gibson's foot. The refs ejected Gibson for a kick that looked worse than it was.

Tristan Thompson got to Gibson just before J.R. Smith took the tag and entered the ring with Chicago's Aaron Brooks launching himself into the disagreement.

Whether it's attrition or something else - we can probably rule out David Blatt quoting from Top Gun to inspire his guys- these Cavaliers brought a harder edge out of the Boston series and have honed it.

And they've done it with only brief appearances from Kendrick Perkins, who played 1:31 seconds in the victory and managed to attempt three ill-conceived shots.

We didn't say the Cavs always played smart. But they showed in Game 4 and again Tuesday they're tough enough to win on the road in Game 6.

If not, there's Game 7 in a series David Blatt called "trial by fire."

And he said it as if he doesn't expect his guys to wilt.

What was said on Tuesday night's TNT broadcast.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers beat the Bulls on Tuesday. The game was broadcast on TNT.

Injuries are going to play a huge key in this game. Kyrie Irving told Rachel Nichols that he is going to be a decoy a lot on offense, while Pau Gasol tried twice today to get ready, but he is unable to go.

7:13 p.m.

Chris Webber says for the Cavaliers to win this game, LeBron James will have to shoot the ball nearly 30 times.

7:19 p.m.

James is starting to dominate in the paint, using his size to overpower Tony Snell. Jimmy Butler has two early fouls, which could play a big role in this game.

7:25 p.m.

It gets said a lot, but 76 percent of Game 5 winners go on to win the series. No secret here, but this is a huge game.

7:29 p.m.

The Cavaliers respond with a big 17-6 run to end the quarter, as Tristan Thompson outworks the Bulls to get a big offensive rebound.

End of 1^st: Cavaliers 25, Bulls 24.

7:35 p.m.

Webber loves what James is doing, attacking Butler in the post. With two fouls, Butler can't play physical against LeBron.

7:42 p.m.

Webber is talking about Tyronn Lue helping David Blatt out last game. Webber knows better than anyone, as he is most known for calling a timeout during the 1993 championship against North Carolina.

Chris Webber on the phantom timeout #Cavs David Blatt tried to call in Game 4: "I wish I had (asst coach) Ty Lue on my team 20 years ago"

-- Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 12, 2015

7:48 p.m.

Webber is on a roll tonight, comparing the Bulls offense to that of the New York Jets. A layup for Joakim Noah ends another five-minute scoring drought for the Bulls.

7:53 p.m.

As he has done all series, Tristan Thompson is dominating the glass. Webber just compared him to Popeye Jones and Dennis Rodman, two of the better rebounders in NBA history. Webber does want to see Thompson continue to work on the defensive glass.

At the half: Cavaliers 54, Bulls 44.

8:13 p.m.

Chris Bosh is giving his insight on the Cavaliers and Bulls series. He appears to be doing very well after missing the second half of the season due to blood clots.

Very excited to join @NBAonTNT tomorrow night with @iamisiahthomas, @matt_winer & @realgranthill33 #NBAonTNT #NBAPlayoffs #CBOnTNT

-- Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) May 12, 2015

8:42 p.m.

Rachel Nichols talked about how important Kyrie Irving is to the city. He stressed if he was going to sit out, it would have been early in the series. This game is too important to him to miss any time.

8:52 p.m.

A wild sequence as Matthew Delladova hits a 3-pointer to push the lead to 12, however, Nikola Mirotic hits from past half-court to help cut the deficit to nine.

End of 3rd: Cavaliers 80, Bulls 71.

8:56 p.m.

Nichols talks to David Blatt, who praised the staff doctors for what they have done for Irving.

9:05 p.m.

Taj Gibson is ejected after getting into a scuffle with Matthew Dellavedova. The Cavaliers extend the lead out to 15 points.

9:10 p.m.

LeBron James ties Michael Jordan with 51 playoff games with at least 30 points, five rebounds and five assists.

9:24 p.m

The Bulls have cut the deficit back to five points, and Webber is loving the way the team is moving without the ball.

9:31 p.m.

James making plays all over the court, blocking a Derrick Rose one-hander that could have tied the game. Webber compared it to a block by Tayshaun Prince, who had one of the most memorable blocks against Reggie Miller in 2004.

9:42 p.m.

After not hitting from the 3-point line for most of the game, the Bulls have caught fire. Mike Dunleavy leading the team right back in the game.

9:49 p.m.

A year ago today, James set a career-high with 49 points against the Brooklyn Nets. Tonight, he scored 38 with zero turnovers.

Final: Cavaliers 106, Bulls 101.

Postgame interview:

LeBron James on heading back to Chicago: "We know that we can go and win in their building, but it is going to be extremely tough. We have to go in there with the same mindset, and match their intensity."

Read what Tom Thibodeau said after the Chicago Bulls 106-101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here is what Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said after his team's 106-100 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Did you think it was excessive to eject Taj Gibson after the scuffle in the fourth quarter?

Thibodeau: I'm not sure. It was bizarre. I saw it. 

You trimmed a 17-point deficit to 2 and then Jimmy Butler missed a 3-pointer. Was that the shot you wanted there?

Thibodeau: Was it wide open? Then that's what we were looking for.

Should Jimmy Butler have taken a 3-pointer on the possession before that?

Thibodeau: Are we going to measure every shot? Come on guys. If you watch the film and want to make a comment like that, go ahead.

Talk about the rebound on the last missed shot by LeBron James.

Thibodeau: That was a big play. When you look at the game, it comes down to the rebound there. The open shot. I like the fight we had to come back. The second quarter was big for us. Jimmy getting in foul trouble hurt us. We've gotta be tougher.

Lebron James had 38 points. What was it that allowed him to be able to get the shots he wanted?

Thibodeau: The guy's a great player. You can defend a great player very well and he can still make shots. We were a step late with our help. We've got to look at that and correct that. I thought Kyrie hurt us. We've got to get that straightened out. The second quarter was a big problem.

Were you surprised at Kyrie's productivity?

Thibodeau: No. Great players always have the ability to play great no matter what ailments they have. You see it all the time. A guy is hurt and he goes out there and plays great.

How do you avoid going on scoring droughts like the one in the second quarter?

Thibodeau: We gotta make shots. If you're wide open you've got to make them. We scoured 101 points. 

Can you update us on Derrick Rose's physical state?

Thibodeau: It's just a reoccurrence of the stinger in his shoulder. He'll be ok.

Did you think LeBron was going quicker tonight?

Thibodeau: We were slow, he was quicker. He's seen every defense. 

What was going well for you during the run that erased the 17-point deficit?

Thibodeau: We got some stops. We went small. The group with Kirk, Derrick, Mike and Jimmy played well for us. Losing Taj was a big hit for us. 

Gibson was ejected from the game in the fourth quarter after the referees determined he kicked Matthew Dellavedova.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Taj Gibson wanted to make one thing clear after the Game 5 loss by the Chicago Bulls against the Cleveland Cavaliers -- he did not kick Cavs guard Matthew Dellavedova.

"It was not a dirty play at all," Gibson said. "He just leg locked me, and I was trying to get my foot out there. He was pretty strong for a little guy."

The referees did not agree with Gibson, as they ejected him after deciding that he kicked Dellavedova in the fourth quarter after the two players' legs got intertwined while the Cavaliers guard was on the floor.

Although Gibson was surprised to be ejected, he can understand what the referees thought.

"It looked like I kicked him from the force I was pulling leg out," Gibson said. "I have to deal with the consequences. They ejected me. I have to deal with whatever the league has to say, but I didn't kick him at all."

Gibson was reacting to what he called a "tug on the leg," which he was surprised was a leg lock.

"This is basketball," Gibson said. "This isn't wrestling."

What Gibson had a bigger issue with was the aftermath. He said that Cavaliers fans threw items at him as he left the floor.

"That's what happens when you're in Cleveland," Gibson said. "It's the second time in a row that they threw stuff at us. It's classless. We're just here to play basketball. I can't focus on that kind of stuff."

The Gibson-Dellevedova incident led to the two teams pushing and shoving, and that was a talking point after the 106-101 Cleveland victory. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau called it "bizarre," while Cavaliers coach David Blatt wanted to choose his words carefully afterwards.

"Melee doesn't seem to be the appropriate word," Blatt said. "Can you think of a different word, and I'll answer the question?"

When it was referred to it as an altercation, Blatt said, "I didn't think anything of it. No comment." His response was met with a laugh.

The Bulls did not fold. When Gibson left the game, the Bulls trailed 83-73, and two Dellavedova free throws made it a 12-point lead. But Chicago was able to close the gap all the way to two points.

With Gibson out, the Bulls elected to go with a smaller lineup, which included Kirk Hinrich filling in for the ejected starter. The Bulls were already without Pau Gasol -- he missed his second straight contest with a left hamstring strain.

Now Chicago heads home with a 3-2 deficit. The Bulls must win Thursday to keep the series alive.

"First things first, we have to get home and watch film," Gibson said. "It's one quarter at a time. There is still a lot of basketball left to be played. Like I said before, I'm just frustrated I wasn't able to finish the game."

Contact sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

The Cavaliers were helped by Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert combining for 50 points. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If you're a Cavaliers fan, you probably can't quite believe what happened.

Where to start?

Remember how Kyrie Irving couldn't decide what hurt worse -- his sprained right foot or the tendinitis in his left knee?

Then there was LeBron James, who rolled his right ankle late in Game 4.

Iman Shumpert? Strained groin muscle.

What about all the "drama," as coach David Blatt called the ending of Game 4. That was when James called his own play for the game-winning shot, and Blatt nearly made a series-altering mistake by calling a timeout he didn't have.

Does any of that really matter right now?

Here's the answer: Cavaliers 106, Chicago Bulls 101. On to Chicago for Game 6 on Thursday, and a chance for the Cavs to win the best-of-seven series that they now lead, 3-2.

SIZZLING SERIES

"This is a hot series," said Blatt. "You learn a lot about yourself and your team and what it takes to win in a series like this."

And maybe a little bit about the coach, too, as his team responded to an electric home crowd with a superb effort when it means the most. 

The man who put his stamp on the game was James. It was a game that was great, even by his Hall-of-Fame standards. Give him 38 points. And 14-of-24 shooting. And 12 rebounds. And six assists. And ZERO turnovers.

"LeBron was just outstanding in every element of game ... outstanding in every area," said Blatt.

"Did you see what happened to LeBron (injuring his ankle) in Game 4? Most guys do that ... you don't see them for three weeks. LeBron finished that game. He played (this one)..."

Blatt paused, smiled and shook his head.

A WISE MOVE

Blatt made a key move to help in this game. Because Irving was moving better ... a lot better. James was able to play either small or power forward at different times because he didn't have to bring the ball up the court.

That was because Irving turned back into ... well ... the Kyrie Irving who makes All-Star teams, commercials and is one of the premier guards in the NBA. Give him 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting. This is the same Irving who was 5-of-25 in his last two games, including 0-of-9 on drives to the basket. 

He just had no life in his legs -- until Game 5. Even dribbling up the court had been somewhat of an ordeal.

But Irving changed the complexion of this game, his confidence in his legs growing with each quarter. That allowed James not to have the burden of always handling the ball.

HELP ON THE WAY

But Irving had help from Shumpert, who had 13 points and shot 6-of-10. Shumpert strained his groin muscle late in Game 2. In the next two games, he shot 4-of-17.

You could tell Shumpert was feeling better as he had seven rebounds and hounded Derrick Rose. You could see James energized by the revival of Irving and Shumpert. He realized that he could look for his best shots -- rather than force the issue, as had been the case too many times in this series.

In the first four games, the team that won the rebounding battle won the game. It happened again. The Cavs advantage was only 41-40. The last time they lost -- Game 3 -- they were outrebounded 54-39. James led the team with 12 rebounds. Tristan Thompson added 10, and also delivered 12 points. J.R. Smith came out firing, 11 points in 5-of-11 shooting.

The Cavs stayed out of trouble when Taj Gibson became angry as he battled under the boards with Matthew Dellavedova. The Cavs guard was down on the floor -- and a frustrated Gibson kicked Dellavedova in the back.

Gibson was ejected, and could be suspended for Game 6. The Cavs were smart not to throw any punches as players from both teams rushed to the scene.

I know, the Cavs had a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter and it became tight near the end, but they prevailed.

The Bulls are not going to simply yield to the Cavs. These teams are so tough, so evenly matched. So when you win, that's all that matters.

Drafting and developing talent has been the Cardinals' calling card. Their 40-man roster is comprised of 23 players either drafted or signed on the international market. Fifteen of those players are on the club's 25-man roster.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 11 World Series and 19 National League pennants speak for themselves.

The St. Louis Cardinals have gradually developed into one of the league's perennial titans, a (more likable, perhaps?) midwest, poor man's version of the New York Yankees. And "less expensive" could sensibly replace "poor" in that analogy.

How they have constructed an annual contender, however, explains why they are often cited as a model organization. The Cardinals have reached the NL Championship Series in each of the last five seasons and nine times overall since the turn of the century.

"Organizationally, they've made some really tough, good decisions," said Indians manager Terry Francona. "They've picked times where they've let people walk. That have a great fan base, so even though maybe they aren't a big market, they can act like one. They have unbelievable fans. It's a great baseball city. They've done a really good job of developing, not just position players, but pitchers also. They just keep them coming and they step in and win and it's allowed them to let some pretty good players go. They've done a really good job."

Drafting and developing talent has been the Cardinals' calling card. Their 40-man roster is comprised of 23 players either drafted or signed on the international market. Fifteen of those players are on the club's 25-man roster.

Conversely, while the Indians boast 19 homegrown players on their 40-man roster, only six of those players are on the 25-man roster. A team with strict payroll limitations must hit on draft picks and international signings as frequently as possible.

From 2000-10, the Indians spent first or supplemental round draft selections on Corey Smith, Derek Thompson, Dan Denham, Alan Horne, Mike Conroy, Matt Whitney, Micah Schilling, Michael Aubrey, Brad Snyder, Adam Miller, John Drennen and Beau Mills, all players who never panned out as planned. J.D. Martin, Jeremy Sowers, Trevor Crowe and David Huff didn't develop as desired, either. The Indians drafted 20 players in those rounds between 2000-10. Those players logged a combined WAR of 3.9 with the Indians.

St. Louis selected left-handed reliever Kevin Siegrist in the 41st round in 2008. In three big league seasons, he owns a 2.90 ERA, with 103 strikeouts in 83 2/3 innings. Seth Maness, an 11th-round pick in 2011, has posted a 2.72 ERA in three big league seasons. Closer Trevor Rosenthal, a 21st-round choice in 2009, has logged a 2.74 ERA, with 239 strikeouts in 184 innings since reaching the majors in 2012.

The rotation has endured injuries to Adam Wainwright and Jaime Garcia, but has stayed afloat because of its pitching depth. Four of the Cardinals' five starters were either drafted by the team or signed as an international free agent. Michael Wacha (5-0, 2.09 ERA) was the organization's first-round pick in 2012. Lance Lynn, who defeated the Tribe on Tuesday, was a supplemental first rounder in 2008. The club also drafted Yadier Molina, Matt Adams, Kolten Wong, Matt Carpenter and Jon Jay, mainstays in Mike Matheny's batting order.

The Indians have assembled much of their active roster through trades. Corey Kluber, Michael Brantley, Yan Gomes, Carlos Carrasco, Carlos Santana, Mike Aviles, Brandon Moss, Trevor Bauer, Bryan Shaw, Marc Rzepczynski, Zach McAllister, Nick Hagadone and Zach Walters were all acquired via trade. The club added Jason Kipnis, Lonnie Chisenhall, TJ House and Roberto Perez through the draft. Jose Ramirez and Danny Salazar were signed as international free agents.

Brad Grant was assigned to run point on the Indians' amateur drafting beginning in 2007. Eventually, we'll learn if Francisco Lindor, Clint Frazier, Tyler Naquin and Bradley Zimmer were worthy of first-round selections.

For now, the Cardinals remain the standard when it comes to drafting and developing.

"Obviously, they're an exemplary organization," Francona said. "They've done some really good things."

LeBron James plays one of his best playoff games as a Cavalier and gets strong support from Kyrie Irving as Cavs hold on for 3-2 series lead.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James said he didn't know how he finished the last game on Sunday -- much less finished it by making a shot that would've brought confetti here but led to only silence in shocked Chicago.

James said he hadn't looked at that last shot, only the film of when he rolled his ankle.

The ankle was bad, but it had been better than his shot. The arrow was trending down, like the one in that acupuncture treatment to Achilles' heel.

When little victory shreds finally fluttered from the rafters of The Q Tuesday night after a 106-101 Cleveland victory over resilient Chicago, the Cavaliers had been saved by the bell - well, actually, the buzzer. But also by James and Kyrie Irving.

James scored 38 points, made 14 of 24 shots, even hit a 3-pointer, and committed no turnovers whatsoever after being loose with the ball all series long. It was his first no-turnover game of the season.

He certainly did his part in establishing a 17-point fourth-quarter lead that just stood up on wobbly underpinnings.

"LeBron was just outstanding. You can't pick a thing that he didn't do at the highest level," said coach David Blatt.

The Cavaliers only lead, 3-2, going to Chicago Thursday for Game 6, however, because Irving played like the Irving of the early part of the Boston series.

Irving has a bad foot, the one that had made his drives look like a man walking on hot coals. Overcompensating for the injury, he also had developed tendinitis in his left knee. In the series against the Bulls, Irving's extremities needed an extreme makeover.

Yet Irving scored 25 points, made nine of 16 shots and hit the free throws that finally let the Cavs survive the biggest run by the Bulls outside Pamplona.

When he finished two drives that came swerving and dribbling out of his recent past, he showed more mobility than at any time since first straining his right foot.

The second was on the fast break. "I wouldn't even call it a fast break," said Irving of his hobbled gait.

He still scored on it. He can't push off the way he used to, but he can spin the ball in from pool-hustler angles.

"You can tell on jump shots if something's not right, certainly on drives," Blatt said. "He had more lift and energy. His balance was good, which we haven't seen."

For his part, James was shooting 37.7 percent overall and 10.5 percent from the 3-point line.

But remember when a streak-shooting James scored the Cavaliers' last 25 points in his epic 48-point playoff game at Detroit in 2007? He had almost a half-a-Motown going by halftime, scoring the first 12 of the second quarter on his way to 24.

He did this even though his three-ball is still behind the eight ball. He was only one-of-five on the arc and 3 of 24 (12.5 percent) in the series.

Yet he bullied Jimmy Butler in the paint and on the baseline. He finished his layups. He moved the ball along too after starting out with some swampy  backing in possessions. 

"Even when we want one guy to attack, if it comes off motion, it's much more effective," said Blatt.

The long distance work came from Irving and J.R. Smith, who combined for five of 13 on the arc, 38.5 percent. Irving hit three of the six 3-pointers he tried.

James' coach this week compared himself to a fighter pilot, as far the burden  of decision-making goes. It seemed like an overwrought analogy, especially since James scratched the flight plan of basketball's Chuck Yeager before nailing the game-winning shot Sunday.

Sidekicks like Kevin Love going down like fighter pilots ejecting. Irving moving like Uncle Drew until Tuesday's revival. And James just keeps on winning.

"You saw what happened to him in the last game," said Blatt. "Most people, if that happened to them, you wouldn't see them for three weeks. He played the rest of that game and played greatly tonight."

The real encouragement is that this time, the real top gun had his wingman alongside him.

See what David Blatt said following the Cleveland Cavaliers 106-101 win against Chicago on Tuesday. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here is what Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt said after his team's 106-101 win against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. 

What was the key offensively tonight?

Blatt: We played with a lot more continuity than we have the last few games. Moving the basketball more. Even to get into situations where we want a player to attack. Coming off some motion. We made shoos. Some of the same shots we're missing in recent games. We knocked a lot of those shots down today. Made a few more 3s than we did the last game. Something we've done a better job of during the course of the season. They were momentum 3s that really helped us. Once we started rebounding the ball better we played with much more pace. 

Talk about LeBron and Kyrie's night. And the fight in the fourth quarter

Blatt: LeBron was just outstanding. In every element of the game. You can't pick a thing he didn't do at the highest level. Kyrie has been gutting it out. It seemed like he was feeling a little better. Together with his heart, his performance was high-level as well. He took responsibility and made big plays for us. 

Blatt: Would you define that as a melee? You're a lot better with words than I am. I didn't think anything of it. No comment.

Did you get more than you expected from Kyrie and Iman?

Blatt: It's not more but it's everything I could have expected,

Talk about the intensity of the series.

Blatt: When you play in a series like this, you learn a lot about yourself. You learn a lot about your team and what's important to win games. They're not going to come easy. The guys recognize what they have to do together to beat a very good basketball team. That's something you can only do trial by fire. This is a hot series. Guys are learning and doing a great job. Under not easy circumstances,

How did Kyrie being able to play somewhat like himself get LeBron going?

Blatt: Kyrie did a good job passing the ball. He found LeBron in rhythm. That helped him. We didn't want LeBron to be any less aggressive. The ball wasn't going in less frequently. But he didn't lose confidence and poise and aggressiveness in terms of making plays at the rim and shooting the ball. That's what very few guys can do. It's one thing to talk about 'don't lose your way.' But human nature takes that away from some people, But not from that guy,

What allowed them to erase a 17-point deficit?

Blatt: There's 2 teams oplaying. It's not just us. We lost our continuity and let it affect our defense. If you're not locked in, and at the same level of intensity, the team we're facing is going to hurt you. They did. They came all the way back and fought like hell as a good team does. We had to come back to win that game in terms of catching ourselves and making some plays. Fortunately we did that.

How big has Tristan Thompson been in this series?

Blatt: He's a good basketball politer. He's been playing at crunch time for a long time. He's been in many closing situations and has given us yeoman's work. Every time he's in there. It's his identity and he lives it. You notice it more or less. But he's in the fray. He makes big plays that don't necessarily show up as points. But they're possessions, momentum rebounds. Defensive slides, helps, switches, blocks that can really save you. He's done that continuously.

Does it feel like the team has gotten over the health crisis?

Blatt: I would describe it as weary but not bowed. We're still hurting, but who isn't at this stage of the playoffs. Both Shump and Kyrie are showing improvement in their physical state. LeBron, did you see what happened to him in the fourth quarter of Game 4? Most guys would be out for three weeks. Guys are showing a lot of heart and a lot of character. 

What gives you confidence that Kyrie will continue to perform?

Blatt: It's what he's been doing the whole season. He's not 100 percent. But he was better. He had a little bit more lift and a little more energy. And overall more energy. Shots he made reflected that. A lot of times you can see if a guy is not right in his legs. The way he finished was what we've seen for quite some time. Kyrie's  general response to me is 'I'm good coach.' He wants to play. He wants to compete. I've also heard him say he wants to be there for his teammates. 

See what LeBron James and Kyrie Irving said following the Cavaliers win against the Bulls in Game 5. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here is what Cleveland Cavaliers F LeBron James and G Kyrie Iriving said after their team's 106-101 win against the Chicago Bulls in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Tuesday.

To LeBron: Tonight is the first game all season you didn't turn the ball over. What does it mean to you in context to play that efficiently?

LeBron James: Yay! No turnovers. It's the first stat I look at after the game. I try to be efficient for my teammates. As much as I handed the ball, to not give them extra possessions, its a huge stat. I never pat myself on the back ever. but I will now. 

To Kyrie: Seemed like you had a little more lift, a little more spark. How did you feel? 

Kyrie Irving: Felt a little better in shoot around. Came into the game a little stiff. It was more or less being in the right spots. There were some tough layups I was shooting that I didn't have a lot of lift on. I just remembered about the preparation I had as a kid. Being able to know angles. Doing the Miken drill. Even if I don't have any lift, somehow to get it up to the rim and spin it the right way. I wouldn't even call it a fast break. Me and Joakim tonight. I somehow put the ball at a certain angle. Physically it's still got to get better. But it's about being in the right spots and being there for LeBron and my teammates. Trying to take some of the pressure off of him. He definitely expects me to be there. We've built this dynamic between me and him in the fourth quarter. I can't push of it like I am used to. I just commend him for putting us on his back and us feeding off his energy and being ready to shoot off his drives.

To LeBron: In the first half, seemed like you were not holding the ball as much and you were working the left block. Was that intentional?

LeBron: Our coaching staff did a great job of putting me in a great position where I can be successful. I just try to read and react. I try to play my game and be aggressive. Any time you get some shots going early, you feel pretty good. I was able to get my post up game going early and my attack game. I just tried to feed off the rhythm I had and stay in the rhythm as long as I could. 

This was ninth playoff game for this team. We're a month in. Have you seen growth in learning what it takes to win?

LeBron: Every game is an experience for us. I think we grew some tonight. But I also think we didn't grow as much. We gave up 30 points in the fourth. Which is unacceptable. We were up 17. We got into a trance defensively. We gave up too many back door cuts. We gave up too many and-1s. Open 3s. Those are things we'll watch tomorrow and say we can't have these type of lulls defensively. When we're locked in defensively and everybody is in tune and we know this is how we're going to be, we're great. When we're not, it's like a pick-6. It's a 3-point play, it's a layup. You don't want those things to happen consistently.

Kyrie is there a mental component coming to grips with your injuries?

Kyrie: This has been the biggest mental challenge of my career so far. I wanted it more. I want to be the guy for my teammates. We've built a dynamic of me and LeBron playing off each other well and other guys spacing out the floor. Its about learning from different experiences learning from game 3 and 4 and putting myself in that mental place to be ready to play. I'm really confident in myself. I just want to go out and play for my brothers. That's all that is important.

To Lebron: What did Jimmy Butler going out with two early fouls mean to you?

LeBron: It didn't mean anything. I don't mind him being my shadow. I take all competition. I love going against Jimmy. I think it brings out the best in me. I try to reciprocate. I felt like at the start of the game, I was in a good groove anyways. It didn't matter to me. Not tonight. Not the way I was feeling. He came back earlier than we expected in the first quarter and played the rest of the half. 

What went through your mind during scuffle?

LeBron: What happened was a couple plays before that. Taj threw (Matthew Dellevadova) across the lane a few plays before that on another box-out. Aaron Brooks missed a jumper and Tristan Thompson rebounded. The same thing happened again. They ran a high pick and roll with Aaron Brooks and Taj Gibson. We switched and Brooks drove the lane with a right handed jump hook. Taj elbows Delly in the back of the head and puts him on the ground. They kinda got tangled up a bit and he kicks him in the (rear). That's what happened. The skirmish starts after that. From the bench, what I saw, I was just making sure nobody went on the floor. We can't afford to have anybody get suspended going on the floor. We just want to play ball. We know there are going to be games that are physical. For me, my message to my guys is just play basketball. We're going to protect ourselves. JR, TT they all came to the aid of Delly, even though Delly's probably the toughest guy on the team. They all came to his aid. But anybody who starts something with Delly, seriously? Delly doesn't bother anybody. He doesn't even bother himself. We just want to play ball. We will protect our brothers for sure. 

Talk about the intensity on the rebounding glass tonight.

LeBron: Tonight was our most active game of the postseason. We had 12 blocks. That lets me know how active we were. At halftime coach got on us about not rebounding. They had eight offensive rebounds and 13 second-chance points in the first half. That's something we can not afford. It didn't hurt us as much tonight because we didn't turn the ball over. Being able to know that even if you break down and you have somebody who can protect you, it makes our defense that much greater. We had some breakdowns tonight. But we had guys cover for one another. Thats just the trust we have. That's the level we're at right now.

Take us through the chase-down block on Derrick Rose in the final minute

LeBron: The play I drove, Shump hit me on the left wing, drove middle and kicked it to Kyrie for the jumper. It hit off the front rim and right to D-Rose hand. I felt he was going to take off and try to get a bucket. That would have allowed him to have a 2 for 1. It was just not giving up on the play. Delly did a great job of keeping keeping his body in front and not giving him an angle to the rim. Once he shot it, I knew I was going to be able to get the block. I tried to pat it. Tap it a little so I could get the ball. It was a saved possession.

How important are hustle plays and getting to 50/50 balls with Tristan Thompson's effort?

LeBron: Tristan's been unbelievable. Through 5 games I give him an A+. You can't coach a motor. He's a guy who has a motor. You put him on the floor and he's going to make things happen. He really cares. He really cares about the game and his teammates. How can he get better. We wouldn't be sitting here with a 3-2 lead without TT.

How much did having Kyrie playing well help you?

LeBron: Some of the things we built all season had to make a drastic change. I understood that. I wasn't giving myself a crutch. I have to be more efficient. Seven straight seasons I raised my FG percentage. I take pride n that. I take pride in not turning the ball over. Obviously I'm an attack guy. The careless turnovers are the ones I can't live with. My guys helped me get to my spots. To be able to shoot 50 percent against a Tibbs defense is impressive. It's the shot attempts we got. 79 shots 11 turnovers. That's key.

Did you need to get on the court pregame or getting into the flow before you knew how you could perform? Did the Miken drill really help you growing up?

Kyrie: Yes. I wasn't like (LeBron) growing up. I wasn't taking off. My game is predicated on angles of the backboard. Practicing constantly. This morning it felt really good. I got out of bed. Felt this was going to be a great day. Started running around. You start testing it and you take a step back. Tonight it was having the mental confidence. Being ok with not being 100 percent. Be in my spots. Knock down shots when I was open. Attack plays finishing at the rim, I was missing by inches. Just plays I normality make. I had to take some off the ball and see angles a little better. The Miken drill definitely helped me. 

On Tuesday night in Cleveland, LeBron James notched his 51st playoff game of 30+ points, 5+ rebounds and 5+ assists.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James, despite an injured left ankle, scored a game-high 38 and committed zero turnovers as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 106-101, Tuesday night at The Q. Cavs guard Kyrie Irving, essentially playing on one leg, scored 25.

The Cavs lead the best-of-seven series, 3-2. Game 6 is Thursday night in Chicago.

Here is a capsule look at the contest after a DVR review of the TNT telecast:

King's court: The night belonged to LeBron, who authored one of the best all-around playoff performances of his illustrious career. He shot 14-of-24 from the field and 9-of-12 from the line in 41 hard minutes. He was active defensively. He had 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocks.

And zero turnovers.

LeBron refused to be hindered by the ankle, which he rolled in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon in Chicago. LeBron stepped on Bulls guard Derrick Rose's foot during a drive late in the third quarter but remained in the game and the Cavs prevailed, 86-84. If he had exited, the Cavs would have lost and come back to Cleveland trailing, 3-1.

TNT's Rachel Nichols reported that LeBron received extensive treatment -- and still wasn't sure about his viability.

Happy anniversary: LeBron secured his highest postseason points total since May 12, 2014, when he had 49 for the Miami Heat against the Brooklyn Nets. He was 16-of-24 from the field and 14-of-19 from the line in 43 minutes as the Heat won, 102-96, in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Another one for the books: LeBron authored his 51st playoff game of 30-plus points, five-plus rebounds and five-plus assists. He tied Michael Jordan for most in NBA history. Third-place Kobe Bryant has 37 such games.

Virtuoso: LeBron did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, against the Bulls. Here is a list of how his points were scored:

FIRST QUARTER

1, 2: Lefty layup with 9:21 left. (Bulls, 8-2.)

Skinny: Isolation against Jimmy Butler on right side. Backed down Butler, spun into the paint with lefty dribble and scored over Taj Gibson. Excellent job of using contact with Butler to create a crease.

3, 4: Two free throws at 8:36. (Bulls, 8-4.)

Skinny: Isolation against Butler on right side. Backed Butler into lane with lefty dribble and drew hack across the arm on lefty shot attempt.

Notable: LeBron grabbed rebound of Iman Shumpert's miss to continue possession. LeBron passed to Shumpert. The recycle ended back in King's hands as teammates cleared out.

5, 6: Dunk at 5:58. (Bulls, 16-8.)

Skinny: Hid in the weeds before emerging to intercept pass by Rose intended for Mike Dunleavy on left side. Cruised in alone for the one-handed slam.

(With 4:44 left, Butler made a costly mistake: He reached around LeBron during a fastbreak and inadvertently tripped him for his second foul. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau subbed in Tony Snell.)

7, 8: Turnaround jumper at 4:22. (Bulls, 18-12.)

Skinny: Isolation against Snell on left side, then late re-post. Received pass from Irving, whirled and released the 16-footer with 2.6 on the shot clock.

Notable: The importance of LeBron's first quarter can't be overstated. He prevented the Bulls, who were sizzling from the field, from putting the Cavs in a deep hole.

SECOND QUARTER

9, 10: Turnaround jumper with 11:45 left. (Cavs, 27-24.)

Skinny: Isolation against Butler on left side. Received pass from Matthew Dellavedova, whirled and drilled 16-footer. Cleveland's first shot of the quarter.

11, 12: Turnaround jumper at 11:07. (Cavs, 29-26.)

Skinny: Isolation against Butler that began with back to basket at left foul-line extended. Turned using lefty dribble, was cut off, faked inside and faded away.

Notable: LeBron exploited a defender who couldn't be as aggressive as usual because of the two fouls.

TNT analyst Chris Webber said: "There is no way Butler should be checking LeBron now. There is another half in this game and Butler has two fouls....Tough position to put a player in.''

13, 14: Fadeway jumper at 9:49. (Cavs, 31-26.)

Skinny: Isolation against Butler that began at 3-point arc topside right. Dribbled toward Butler, spun into paint and bagged the 7-footer. Sixth field goal in eight attempts.

Webber said: "LeBron James doesn't need any help. He can score. But when he's being guarded by someone who can't foul him, he's just going to continue to wear him down. He knows how many fouls you have.''

15, 16: Reverse layup at 9:11. (Cavs, 33-27.)

Skinny: Two-man game with Dellavedova on left side resulted in Butler being a step late after a slip-screen. Received pass in space, drove, ducked under rim and scored over Joakim Noah.

17, 18: Fastbreak layup, plus foul, at 8:14. (Cavs, 35-27.)

Skinny: Received pass from J.R. Smith at timeline and bolted to basket on right side. Nikola Mirotic grabbed but was unable to prevent field goal. Missed free throw.

19, 20: Lefty layup at 7:45. (Cavs, 37-30.)

Skinny: Split Butler and Noah after rub-screen by James Jones beyond the 3-point arc topside left. Drove and scored over Noah.

TNT play-by-play voice Marv Albert said: "LeBron James has taken over this game.''

21, 22: Layup at 2:36. (Cavs, 50-40.)

Skinny: Two-man game with Irving resulted in isolation against Butler at left foul-line extended. During back-down, Butler gambled for steal. Turned to left and scored with right hand. Noah's help was late.

23, 24: Two free throws at 1:20. (Cavs, 54-44.)

Skinny: Shoved by Noah at top of key as Cavs were getting set up offensively. Noah's third foul. Cavs in bonus.

Webber said: "Silly foul.''

Notable: LeBron finished the half at 10-of-12 from the field.

TNT guest analyst and former Heat teammate Chris Bosh said: "When he's coming out with that focus that you need for a Game 5....You can't stop him.''

THIRD QUARTER

25: One of two throws with 5:05 left. (Cavs, 61-57.)

Skinny: Drew shooting foul on Noah on right side of restricted area.

Notable: LeBron love-tapped Noah out of position and grabbed rebound of Tristan Thompson's short shot. LeBron used an assortment of fakes before Noah fouled him on a scoop attempt. Noah complained too much -- most likely about LeBron's contact during the rebound -- and received a technical foul. Irving missed the technical free throw ahead of LeBron splitting the pair.

26, 27: Short jumper at 4:26. (Cavs, 63-59.)

Notable: Isolation against Butler originated at top of key. Drove and made 8-footer off glass over Noah on right.

28, 29, 30: Jumper at :42, plus free throw. (Cavs, 77-68.)

Skinny: Isolation against Butler on left wing. Caught Butler trying to communicate with teammates and blew past him. Mirotic helped and bumped; continuation was good off the glass from 13 feet on right of key.

FOURTH QUARTER

(With 8:22 left, LeBron drew a reach-in foul on Butler during isolation on left. Butler's third)

31, 32: Layup at 7:20. (Cavs, 94-82.)

Skinny: Isolation against Butler that began on left wing. Got the step on Butler after  pseudo-screen by Smith, drove with lefty dribble and split Butler and Noah for 13th field goal in 19 attempts.

Notable: LeBron ended a 7-0 run by Bulls.

33, 34, 35: Step-back 3-pointer at 6:39. (Cavs, 97-82.)

Skinny: Isolation against Butler on right wing. Release on right side occurred with 4.2 on shot clock. Well-defended.

36, 37: Two free throws at 3:12. (Cavs, 101-93.)

Skinny: Isolation against Butler that began on left wing. Got step on Butler after   Shumpert flashed for pseudo-screen. Drove and split Noah and Butler, drawing foul on Butler during layup attempt.

38: One of two free throws at :10. (Cavs, 104-99.)

Skinny: Received pass from Irving off save at Chicago's end and was fouled by Kirk Hinrich.

Notable: LeBron defended back-door cut by Butler, who fumbled the pass. Irving secured ball and flipped to LeBron.

Give Delly his due: Dellavedova's leg lock of Gibson early in the fourth quarter proved significant.

After Gibson set a hard pick on Dellavedova on the left side, Bulls reserve guard Aaron Brooks drove into the paint and made a short shot over Tristan Thompson with 10:28 remaining. As the ball went through the net, Gibson plowed Dellavedova, who had established position, and both players fell. The nearest referee ignored it.

While face-down on the court, Dellavedova went Australian rules on Gibson, using both feet to clamp Gibson's left leg. An angry Gibson attempted to kick his way free, bending Dellavedova's left foot back and putting part of the shoe in his back. The referee blew the whistle and players on both teams congregated with a purpose under the basket.

TNT replays confirmed that Dellavedova instigated with the sleight of foot.

Webber said: "I hope the referees see it (on video review). I'm not trying to let Taj Gibson off the hook, but you can't leg-lock a man and think he's not going to react.''

After a lengthy delay, Gibson was assessed a Flagrant-2 and ejected. Dellavedova, whose ear was bent by Mirotic on the way to the line, made two free throws to give the Cavs an 85-73 lead with 10:25 remaining.

Albert asked Webber if Dellavedova should have gotten at least a technical.

"Oh, yeah,'' Webber said. "I think the NBA is going to look back at that....Dellavedova very fortunate.''

It's time for the Indians to promote shortstop Francisco Lindor and option Jose Ramirez to Class AAA Columbus. If the Indians are going to recover from their 11-20 start, among the things they need is better play at shortstop.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jose Ramirez used to walk around the Indians' clubhouse like he owned it. He was pure swagger and confidence.

He was so cocky that in spring training the veterans parked his BMW at shortstop one morning on one of the practice fields in Goodyear, Ariz., because they felt he'd overstepped his privileges in the team parking lot.

Today that swagger is gone and the confidence is waning. That's why the Indians must send him to Class AAA Columbus as soon as possible. It's either that or risk ruining him and he has far too much talent to do that.

Right now the Indians can't make the move that they need to make.

Mike Aviles is home dealing with a serious family matter. He could rejoin the Indians sometime this weekend when they start a seven-game trip to Texas and Chicago. Aviles is an experienced big league shortstop and if he was here, Ramirez would be making the drive to Columbus right now.

With Aviles unavailable, the Indians recalled Zach Walters to back up Ramirez at shortstop. Walters, though, isn't ready to play shortstop every day in the big leagues. The Indians are trying to make him an Aviles clone, a super utility player, and that takes time.

What the Indians need to do when Aviles rejoins them is option Ramirez to Columbus and promote Francisco Lindor. Yes, it would allow Lindor to become eligible for arbitration after the 2017 season as a super two player, but the move itself could accomplish two things.

It could stabilize the defense in the middle infield with the addition of Lindor and steadying influence of Aviles.

It would give Ramirez a chance to gather himself at Columbus and return to the Indians later in the season to help them down the stretch.

If they keep playing Ramirez at shortstop in his present condition, he might never be the player he should be. He's not hitting and his defense gets worse by the game.

What's more, the Indians will continue to struggle without solid defense at shortstop.

Ramirez's game is suffering offensively and defensively. He's hitting .179 (15-for-84) with two doubles, one homer and three RBI. He has 17 strikeouts and three walks. Against lefties the switch-hitter has one hit in 24 at-bats.

In Tuesday's 8-3 loss to St. Louis, Ramirez made a game-changing error that not only negated a three-run seventh inning by the Indians, but ignited a four-run rally by the Cardinals in the eighth.

Ramirez was a dynamic player last year when he joined the Indians from Columbus to replaced traded Asdrubal Cabrera. It was his second trip to the big leagues last year and he was on a good run with the Clippers when he was recalled. Ramirez kept the run going, hitting .283 (60-for-212) with 10 doubles, 23 runs and 16 RBI in 57 games after his recall.

The Indians have not seen that player this year. Ramirez made the Indians out of spring training this year, but sometimes starting a season in the big leagues is harder for a young player than being recalled in midseason when he's playing well in the minors.

Perhaps that's what has happened to Ramirez. He might also be having trouble avoiding Lindor's shadow.

"I'm concerned about him," said manager Terry Francona. "He used to walk around like he owned the field. I always used to talk about his clock (feel for the game). Right how, he's pressing a little and I understand it."

If a move is coming, Francona wasn't going to talk to reporters about it Tuesday night.

"I don't think we want to lose patience that quickly," said Francona. "I think we're always trying to figure out ways to get better. We want to help our players get better as opposed to just getting rid of them."

As for Lindor's shadow bothering Ramirez, Francona said, "There is always going to be somebody there. You can always come up with a reason to feel pressure. Whether it's in spring training trying to make a club or whatever.'

Lindor hasn't started well at Columbus. He's hitting only .259 (30-for-117) with seven doubles, one homer and 11 RBI. But the Indians need a jolt and he could give it to them.

He is not on the 40-man roster so the Indians would have to make space for him. It's not the ideal situation to bring one of the organization's top prospects into, but the Indians need better play at shortstop and Ramirez needs to regroup.

And he needs to do it now.

The Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves in the middle of an on-court skirmish once again Tuesday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves in the middle of an on-court skirmish once again Tuesday night. But unlike the first round series against Boston that led to J.R. Smith's two-game suspension, none of the players wearing wine and gold were ejected and there were no punches thrown -- only a shove and subsequent kick from Chicago's Taj Gibson to Matthew Dellavedova.

"I don't really know," Dellavedova said when asked about what happened. "I was just trying to get up and then a bit of push and shove. Wasn't much in it. Nothing is going to happen. We're playing basketball so just try to help separate the guys and make sure nothing escalates."

It didn't reach that level, but following the game, Dellavedova's teammates were quick to castigate Gibson.

"It was a dirty play," Smith said. "Delly plays hard, he's not going to play to hurt anybody, but that was a dirty play. I know a little about dirty plays. It was a bad play. They made the right decision."

Smith got caught up in his own altercation against Boston. Unable to control his emotions, he took a violent swing at Jae Crowder and it cost him the first two games of this series. He kept his cool on Tuesday night, but was also one of the first players, along with Tristan Thompson, to come to their teammate's defense.

"He made a decision to do what he had to do and it's in the hands of the league," Thompson said. "We're not going to let guys come around here and hit us or kick us, we don't tolerate that, especially me. We don't play that. We play basketball. If you hit one of our guys we're going to make sure he's all right. I'm telling you guys right now that doesn't happen, especially for the Cleveland Cavaliers."

The officials huddled together, took a few minutes to look at replays and ejected Gibson for the flagrant foul 2, deciding his kick was unnecessary after the two had their legs intertwined.

It's Gibson's second flagrant foul of the postseason and now has three points. One more flagrant and he will automatically be suspended -- of course that could happen anyway after the league reviews the play prior to Thursday's Game 6 in Chicago.

The incident, which Cavs head coach David Blatt wouldn't comment on, happened early in the fourth quarter while LeBron James was on the bench, a position that gave him a good view.

"There were a couple of plays before that happened that kind of transpired that," James said. "Taj threw Delly across the lane a few plays before that on a box out and I think Aaron Brooks missed a jumper and Double T rebounded. The same thing happened again where they ran a high pick and roll with Aaron Brooks and Taj Gibson and we switched. Brooks drove the lane, right-handed jump hook in the lane and Taj elbows Delly in the back of the head and puts him on the ground. They kind of get tangled up a little bit and then he kicks him in the ass."

No stranger to physical play himself, especially against Chicago, James likely would've raced to help his teammate, who was facedown on the court. Instead, understanding the emotions involved during a heated playoff series, James assisted in another way -- making sure no one ran onto the floor. He understands the banged-up Cavaliers can't afford another suspension, similar to what happened with Smith against Boston.

"We just want to play ball," James said. "We know there are going to be some games where it's going to be physical and for me, my message to my guys is just play basketball. We're going to protect ourselves obviously. J.R. and Double T came to the aid of Delly even though Delly is probably the toughest guy on the team. Who is going to start something with Delly? Delly doesn't bother anybody. He doesn't even bother himself. For us, we just want to play ball. That's all that matters to us. We're going to protect our brothers for sure."

Saying the feisty Australian point guard doesn't bother anybody isn't entirely true. Numerous replays show Dellavedova, listed at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, clenching his strong legs together, keeping Gibson from breaking free. After the game, Gibson referred to Delly's move as a "tug on the leg."

After the game, Dellavedova didn't offer much, but did say he didn't intentionally lock legs with Gibson.

"I haven't seen it," he said. "I was only trying to get up."

This wasn't the first time in the series Dellavedova has frustrated the Bulls. There was a sequence in the second half of Game 3 when Gibson, Brooks and Jimmy Butler all pushed Dellavedova, which led to Brooks picking up a technical foul.

Tuesday's play occurred with 10:25 remaining in the fourth quarter after Brooks' layup cut Cleveland's lead to 83-73. A pair of Dellavedova free throws made it a 12-point lead. Then Kyrie Irving made a driving layup, which was followed shortly after by a Smith three-pointer, giving Cleveland a 17-point lead, the biggest of the night.

"That was motivation to pick up the level and I think we responded pretty well," Thompson said.

So, too, did Chicago. Even without Gibson, who started Tuesday's game in place on injured Pau Gasol, the Bulls went on a run, putting a scare into the sellout crowd.

The Bulls trimmed the deficit to two points, using a small lineup with Kirk Hinrich getting the minutes for the ejected starter, before the Cavs made key plays down the stretch to earn a five-point win and take a 3-2 series lead. 

Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor, Joe Vardon and Chris Haynes recapped the win against the Bulls during the postgame show. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers won Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Tuesday night, 106-101. With the win, the Cavs have taken a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, with a chance to closeout the Bulls in Chicago Thursday. 

LeBron James, fresh off his buzzer beater on Sunday, poured in a game-high 38 points on 14-of-24 from the field. Kyrie Irving, fighting through a pair of injuries, added 25 points on an efficient 9-of-16 shooting. 

With Wednesday being a travel day, the team will take the day off and try to recover in advance of Game 6.

Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor, Joe Vardon and Chris Haynes recapped the win against the Bulls during the postgame show.

The trio talked about James' approach to Game 5, how different Irving looked, what can be expected of Irving for the remainder of the series, the Cavs winning the rebounding battle, the scuffle between Matthew Dellavedova and Taj Gibson and whether there will be a Game 7.   

For the first time in this series, the Cleveland Cavaliers have the edge against the Chicago Bulls.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the first time in this series, the Cleveland Cavaliers have the edge against the Chicago Bulls.

In his best performance of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, LeBron James helped lead the Cavs to a 106-101 win, and more importantly, a 3-2 series advantage, with a chance to close out the matchup on Thursday. 

James got some help as well from his running mate Kyrie Irving, who battled through a pair of injuries en route to a 25-point night.

Here are five observations from the win:

No ice -- It was the first offensive possession of the evening for the Cavs. Irving took a few dribbles inside the three-point line and ventured toward the baseline. That's when the talented youngster rose up -- leaping off a strained right foot and left knee that now has tendinitis -- for one of his patented pull-up jumpers. Clank. Right off the side of the backboard.

It was ugly and in that moment, it looked like Irving's shooting struggles had followed him to Cleveland. But he didn't hang his head. As he has done since Game 2 against Boston, the game where his foot injury occurred, Irving kept fighting.

He has been unsure about how much he can give his team, but on Tuesday night, he was much more than just a decoy or screen setter.

After shooting a paltry 5-of-23 from the field in the two games inside the United Center, being back inside friendly Quicken Loans Arena and a few days of treatment had him upbeat.

"This morning it felt really good," Irving said. "I got out of bed, walking around and I said 'this was going to be a great day.' I could feel it. You go out there, you start running around and you start testing it. I think for tonight it was just having the mental confidence. I'm not 100 percent but I just had to go out there and play. Be in my spots and knock down shots when I'm open. Some of those attack plays that I was finishing at the rim, I was looking back and just missing by inches."

Irving finished 9-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range and had a few thrilling finishes that had some flashing back to the regular season. It was exactly what the Cavs needed from him, complementing James' virtuoso performance in perhaps the biggest game of the year.

"This has been the biggest mental challenge of my career thus far, just because I want to do more," Irving admitted. "I want to be that guy for my teammates as well as for Bron. We've built a dynamic of me and him playing off one another extremely well and another guy spacing the floor. When we need a bucket, there' me and Bron, we taking it upon ourselves to do that."

He's still not playing to his previous form, but 15 of his 25 points coming in the second half is reason for belief.

"What Kyrie did today, that's what he's been doing all season," Cavs coach David Blatt said. "He's not 100 percent but he's better. He felt better. He had more lift, more energy. The way he finished is the best we've seen him in some time."

The best sign came long after the final buzzer sounded. Following the two contests in Chicago, Irving was greeted by a bucket of ice water for his aching lower body. It was directly in front of his temporary locker, part of his treatment.

After Tuesday's game, there was no bucket. There was no ice needed. The limp that he had when leaving the United Center, walking to the team bus, wasn't as noticeable when he left the podium following his postgame press conference.

Evidence of progress? Everyone in the organization is hoping so.

Grade A+ effort -- Tristan Thompson recorded his second double-double of the series, a performance that left James gushing.

"Tristan is unbelievable," he said. "Through five games I give him an A plus. It's all effort with Double T. Can't coach a motor. You put him on the floor and he's going to make things happen. He has a knack for rebounding and really cares about the game and about his teammates. When he makes mistakes he wants to know how can he get better the next time so it doesn't happen again. Obviously we wouldn't be sitting here with a 3-2 lead without Double T. It's impossible."

Thompson scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, including four on the offensive end. There was another play, the rebound that solidified the win, that won't show up on his personal stat sheet, but Iman Shumpert noticed.

"It was critical," Shumpert said. "T Top worked his ass off to get three guys to go over there and box him out. Once the ball came to me, I had the easy job on the play if you really look at it."

With Love out the remainder of the playoff run, Thompson knows he was provided a platform to shine and earn a big off-season paycheck. He has thrived in his new role as starter, which was given to him following the Game 1 loss. Thompson is averaging 8.6 points and 10.0 rebounds against one of the best frontcourts in the NBA.

Slowing Rose -- Derrick Rose, whose series has been dotted with scintillating performances, sparked Chicago early, scoring 12 points and connecting on five of his first seven shots.

During that outburst, Irving was the primary defender and Rose got to any spot he wanted on the court. But then Blatt and his staff made a switch, giving Shumpert the assignment. The long, athletic defender helped slow down Chicago's leader.

"We keyed in on him as a team," Shumpert said. "It wasn't just me. The communication was great. Knew when ball screens were coming, knew when I should square and guard him, but he's a handful. The dude has an array of moves, has the freedom to take any shot he wants. He gets his teammates involved. He's a tough cover. But as a team today I thought we did a great job."

In the final three quarters, Rose scored four points and was 2-of-17 from the field. He grabbed a loose ball in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, rushed the shot and it spun out, a critical miss at the time, which would've cut the Cavs' lead to four. Instead, James went to the other end, was fouled and increased the lead back to eight. That sequence happened with a little more than three minutes to play.

"I thought he had some really good looks, especially right at the basket," Mike Dunleavy said after scoring 19 points. "He just missed. He's playing really well. He's attacking. He's confident. We like Derrick's shooting. We feel good."

The Block -- There was less than a minute left and the Cavs were on the verge of blowing a 17-point lead. Irving had just missed an open shot from three-point range, keeping it a one-possession game.

The ball landed in the hands of Rose and he was looking to deliver in the clutch once again, just as he did in Game 3 and Game 4 before being one-upped by James.

As Rose was racing down the court, he eyed a game-tying shot, but James blocked the comeback attempt -- literally.

"I felt like he was going to try to take off and he did that," James said of his third and final blocked shot. "It would've allowed them to have a two-for-one to get that bucket. Just not giving up on the play. I think it was Delly (Matthew Dellavedova), who did a great job keeping his body in front of D-Rose and not giving him an angle to the rim and actually, once he shot I knew I was going to be able to get the block, and I didn't try to pat it as I was accustomed to. I was trying to tap it a little bit so I could get the ball. It didn't work out that way."

The Bulls kept possession and ran a beautiful play for Jimmy Butler to get an open three-point try. It didn't drop and that was Chicago's last gasp.

Missing Pau Gasol -- Injuries have been an obstacle for a number of teams in the postseason, including the Cavs, but it's clear Chicago misses Gasol, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Already offensively challenged, the burden has shifted to the Bulls' backcourt, and while Butler and Rose have played well, Chicago is missing its third scoring option. Gasol, the Game 1 star, has the versatility to knock down face-up jumpers while also providing a low-post scoring threat.

"We miss him," Dunleavy admitted. "He does so much for us. But we've got a stable of good players that we feel like are fully capable of picking up the slack. Obviously, it hasn't shown in the win column, but we don't know his status for Game 6."

It's a no-excuse stance from Dunleavy, but Gasol is irreplaceable.

A skilled 7-footer, Gasol was the Eastern Conference's starting center at this year's All-Star Game. He also led the league in double-doubles during the regular season, becoming a consistent force for a team that has struggled with consistency.

Taj Gibson, Gasol's replacement, scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds before being ejected in the fourth quarter. Gibson had just six points and eight rebounds in Game 4, well below Gasol's season averages of 18.5 points and 11.5 boards. 

Without Gasol, lengthy offensive draughts have become common and have cost the Bulls significantly in back-to-back games.

Shumpert and Irving are less than 100 percent. Love is not coming back for the remainder of the postseason. But the Cavs are able to overcome those ailments because the roster is more talented and their margin for error is greater thanks to James' brilliance.

That's not the case with Chicago. Whether the series returns to Cleveland for Game 7 will be largely determined by Gasol's playing status. They can't win without him.