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What Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said after his team's 94-73 loss vs. Cleveland Cavaliers in Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 6

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Read what Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said after Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 2015.

CHICAGO -- Here is what Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said after his team's 94-73 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in Game 6 if the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the United Center.

Two things seemed to get Cleveland going: Mirotic's flagrant foul and Chicago's inability to score to start the third quarter.

Thibodeau: The second quarter was problematic. It's hard to make it up when we get down 14. I thought the defense to start the third was vey good. And then we couldn't score. Give them credit. They played very well. LeBron was unbelievable. He beat us with the pass. Thomposon was a monster on the boards. Congrats to their organization on winning. I'm proud of our guys. We came up short.

Talk about the up and down season.

Thibodeau: We had a lot of injuries. I liked the fight in our guys. It was an u and down year. But hearer was no quit in them. They hung tough. Found a way to win games. We wanted to give our bet shot here. And it didn't work out for us.

Dellevadova scoring 19 is not his usual role. How tough does it make things on you?

Thibodeau: I thought their bench played really well. When you couple their bench along with LeBron, LeBron is going to make you pay. He forces you to put two on him. If you're not quick in your recovery, they're going to get open 3s. They made 12 3s. It's tough to overcome that. Then the rebounding really hurt us.

Did you come out flat in the second quarter and third quarter?

Thibodeau: The second quarter has been a problem for us the whole series. That took a lot out of us. But I thought the fight was there in the third quarter. We had a shot at it again, but we couldn't get it within striking distance. I think we got it down to 10.

What did you see in the second half from Derek Rose?

Thibodeau: It was a long year. The good thing is, I think he's regained his confidence. He had the surgery the second half of the season. I thought he played very aggressively. You gotta remember he hasn't played in three postseasons. Playing in the last five games of the regular season, and getting this experience I think is really good for him. I think he'll have a great year next year. I think he feels really good about where he is. He'd tell you he wants to play better. But he's got a lot of confidence right now in where he is. That was a positive. I thought it was unfortunate Pau got hurt. He had a a terrific season for us. Jimmy you can't say enough about. He was fantastic throughout. He's grown a lot.

Cleveland was 12-27 from 3. They moved the ball well. Your shots were contested. Was that a huge difference?

Thibodeau: We had been shooting the 3 well in the postseason. We haven't in the past couple of gams. Give credit to what they're doing. When you have LeBron out there with Thompson and Shumpert played very well along with Dellevadova. They covered up the line well. It's really what LeBron is doing to you. What he's doing is opening other things for them. If you look at LeBron's line, you say 7-for-23. But he controlled the game. He got them the open 3s. He had 11 assists and a lot of other plays that led to a second pass and a wide open 3. Finishing our defense, we probably could have done a lot better than we did.

Do you expect to be coaching this team next season?

Thibodeau: Yeah. Until they tell me I'm not, I expect to be here. That's the way I'm going to approach it.

What do you think the team needs to get better to get by LeBron?

Thibodeau: It's premature. When a season ends, we like to decompress and take a look at it. To evaluate what is needed moving forward. I don't want to say too much on that right now. 

Pau got off to a good start. Talk about his night.

Thibodeau: I want to give Pau a lot of credit. He gave us everything he had. Obviously he was laboring. It speaks a lot as to who he is. He knew the situation we were in. That's what he could give us. He gave us everything he had. He had a terrific season for us.

How will you handle it if other teams approach you in the offseason?

Thibodeau: I haven't even thought about it. Haven't thought about it.

Judge the season for the Bulls?

Thibodeau: Some good, some bad. It's not for me to judge. I have my own thing I'll look at in terms of where we are and the things we accomplished. For the team to stick together is a credit to them. Our starters played in 20 games and less practices than that. It's a credit to them that we were able to do what we did.

Did the distractions and speculation take a toll?

Thibodeau: If you're a pro, it's easy to get sidetracked. You always want to guard against that. If you want to find an excuse you can. If you want to make good you can. There's a lot of adversity. It's the way you look at things. Being mentally tough through adversity is huge. You have to look at it in terms of an opportunity to grow. I thought our team handled that well. Whether it's trade talk or injuries, whatever it might be. You eliminate all that stuff. If you're building the right habits all season long, you don't allow yourself to get distracted.

Derek Rose had no free throw attempts. Your thoughts?

Thibodeau: In general, I think it's tough right now. He's not an easy guy to officiate because of his strength and speed and quickness. I do think there's a lot of contact where he doesn't get calls. And because of his nature he never complains. He doesn't exaggerate contact or complain to officials. When he has a chance to step back, he'll feel good about where he is. He's regained confidence. I think hell be ready to roll going forward.


Can't get enough of Matthew Dellavedova? These videos are for you

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It was all Matthew Dellavedova on Thursday -- and here's more on the Cavaliers' second-year guard.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Sure, you want to live it again, right? Here you go.


But you want more, right? What about those who ask this?

Let's find out everything we can about Thursday's Cavaliers hero -- and here's a documentary by ESPN International during Dellavedova's college career at St. Mary's in California.


Enjoy.

Cleveland Cavaliers, a true team, use depth to bury Chicago Bulls, clinch series: Bill Livingston (photos)

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The Cavaliers use their bench to rout Chicago and move on to the Eastern Conference Finals.

CHICAGO -- The Cleveland Cavaliers were advertised as the biggest three since the musketeers, then Kevin Love was mugged out of the playoffs.

And they were down to the Big Two.

Then foot and knee pain began to steal Kyrie Irving's effectiveness, except for Game 5 Tuesday night at The Q, when he rummaged through what was left and scored 25 points on muscle memory.

And Thursday night they no longer were even the Big 1.5.

Irving could play only 12 minutes and 10 seconds in the Cavs' sixth game, 94-73 rout of the Chicago Bulls to clinch the Eastern Conference semifinals. 

When LeBron James lost his shot again Thursday night, after finding it for the first time in the series Tuesday (other than at the buzzer of Game 4) it was getting to be like the 10 little, 9 little, 8 little Indians. . .

With a twist:

And then there was -- not none -- but  there  sure were some.

The Cavalier cavalry

Matthew Dellavedova, who turned out to be far more than a man with a leg lock, buried six 3-pointers. He led the Cavs with 19 points.

Iman Shumpert answered thuggery with a nine-point burst, including two threes, that put the Cavs in front by 14 at halftime.

James Jones hit three threes.

J.R. Smith hit three threes. Jones' range is not the same as J.R. Smith's. J.R.'s heat checks lead to  shots that would embarrass Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in their fiery furnace. But threes were falling out of the trees for the Cavs.

"When you couple the bench with LeBron, he's going to make you pay," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. "LeBron forces you to put two guys on him, and if you are not quick in your recovery, they will get open J's. They made 12 threes. It's tough to overcome that."

The Bulls were only four of 20 on the arc.

The Cavs shot 12 of 25 on the arc.

The Four Horsemen of the Cav Cavalry

The Cavs got 40 points from their bench. They got 13 points and a monstrous 17 rebounds from Tristan Thompson. "What a year!"Thompson said of his and his team's emergence.

Shumpert, Thompson, Jones, Dellavedova, the Four Horsemen of the Cavaliers' cavalry,  came at the Bulls inside on the glass, outside on the arc, and from everywhere.

"As hard as they play, as a coach and leader, I have no problem with any mistakes they make, because they give everything to the team," James said, referring to Thompson and Dellavedova, who flanked him on the interview room podium.

Read into the "coach" comment what you will. "Coach on the floor," maybe?

James, only seven of 23 from the floor, still filled the stat line, with 15 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. On a tough night in shooting, a near triple-double is a fine consolation

Pau's last ole

The game started well, but ended oh so badly for the Bulls. Pau Gasol had his Willis Reed moment, coming back from a hamstring pull to score six of their first 12 points. It was pretty much the last ole.

Taj Gibson reported into the game  for his first appearance in public after shoving down and then kicking the smaller Dellavedova. Gibson drew three fouls in two minutes, while apparently running a rogue Hack a Cav strategy.

Playing the game the right way

You began to wonder how many Cavs would still be standing if the series did not end Thursday night.

James was tied up so forcefully by Kirk Hinrich, and the ball was wrenched around so violently in their tug of war, James grimaced and grabbed his lower back. He was wearing what appeared to be a heating pad earlier in the series on the bench.

Soon, Nikola Mirotic drew a Flagrant 1 foul for clothes-lining Shumpert, then giving him a Euro stare. It was about then that the Bulls as a unit blinked.

"We just want to play basketball," James had said after Game 5 and the Gibson-Dellavedova dust-up.

Shumpert reacted to being roughed up by playing a sequence of brilliant basketball. The Cavs were leading, 41-40, at the time of the Mirotic foul.

Shumpert split the two free throws, burst by the Bulls for a layup, drained a 3-pointer, drained another 3-pointer, and suddenly it was 55-42, and that was Chicago hope gurgling as it went down the drain.

The boo-birds

Booed every time he touched the ball for his role as the victim in the fray with Gibson, Dellavedova shrugged when asked what it felt like to be booed like James.

"I played at Gonzaga and BYU," said the Aussie who played at St. Mary's in Moraga, Calif. "It was louder there."

The truth of their effort

The start of the third quarter was not one for the coaching clinics. The Cavs missed 11 of their first 12 shots. The Bulls missed nine of their first 10. At one point, four (or maybe five) of the 10 players were on the floor, scrabbling and scuffling for the ball.

It wasn't elegant, but it was how the series has been - floor burns as merit badges, bruises as tokens of the hustle and grit it took to win.

Plus their height of ability,  breadth of camaraderie and  depth of commitment to a common cause.

"Good things happen to those who are true to the game," said James.

What Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt said after his team's 94-73 win vs. Chicago Bulls in Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 6

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See what Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt said after his team's series-clinching 94-73 win against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.

CHICAGO - Here is what Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt said after his team's 94-73 series-clinching win against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. 

What does this say about the team?

The power of team trumps all. I thought we behaved as a team in every respect. We faced a lot of adversity coming into and during the series. Individually we manned up. We believed in ourselves, beat a very good opponent.

Kyrie update?

He's sore. Bowed, but not broken. He'll be OK.

Kyrie had a moment with Matthew Dellavedova before the second half. How would you describe Dellavedova's game?

That's one of those things when you're talking to kids or prospective players and talk about character and what it means to have it, you might as well say Matthew Dellavedova. He embodies all the good things you want to see in players and teammates. From an underrated kid that not a lot of people thought would be in this league, that's admirable.

In the second quarter, Nikola Mirotic clotheslined Iman Shumpert, he responded in a big way

I think the wrong guy to clothesline in his hometown is Iman. That's a real tough guy that also is a heck of a basketball player. It's not like he hasn't payed a great series without that extra motivation but it seemed to wake him up. 

I do want to say a good word to the Bulls and Coach Tom Thibodeau. They've gone through a lot themselves. Rash of injuries, slew of adversity. I thought it was a tough, physical competitive series. I thought you saw two boxers in the middle of the ring battling it out. They were a worthy foe, true competitor you want to see. It was a challenging and very difficult series. We feel fortunate to move forward.

Could Kyrie have come into the game?

I wasn't going to play him. He stiffened up and as long as things were going the way they were, I wasn't going to play him. If things started to deteriorate, I would have considered it and still not played him.

You've been a believer in Dellavedova since the beginning of the year. What do you appreciate about his game? Also, the defense for you was very big. Where is growth in that defense?

Matty can pay. He understands what his role is and where his opportunities are. He has no fear, makes the right plays, defends his man at all times. He knows where the ball should go. He feeds off the opportunity that created for him by the other guys. When you ask him to do specific actions he makes plays. That kid's a competitor. You're not where he is without being a competitor.

Since January and our roster changes, our defense has really picked up. I don't think it's a big surprise. In the Boston series and this one, I think you've seen other jump forward. I have a tremendous coaching staff. Those guys are working day and night preparing this team. We came into this series with a very clear plan. They're every much a part of this as our great players are. Those guys got us ready. I think in addition to defending hard, we knew what they were going to do. Credit to my staff.

Can you talk about Tristan Thompson's effort? Kyrie limping off floor, LeBron tweaked back, how does doubt not creep in?

We let up 40 point in the last three quarters. When you defend, you always have a chance to win and it gives you great confidence. They're going to have to work really hard to break that barrier we put in front of them. Sooner or later, we're going to score. You know at some point, you're going to get hold of the game.

It's been a few since Boston series and Kevin Love injury, how has the team rallied around that situation?

I haven't seen a shadow of doubt on anyone's face, or seen anyone verbalize sense of fear or lack of chance to keep moving forward. Fairly, not to belabor the point, give LeBron credit for that. He's become a true leader, he's vocal, he's out there, willful, so committed to helping team succeed. Give him a lot of credit for that. He's stepping up as far as leading these guys to believing these guys can do that.

When you look back at the whole series, what do you think turned it around for you?

Two things: Game 1 we lost at home, Chicago played terrific, but we were there to win, despite not really being there. I told our team, "I don't know that they can play a lot better than that." We came out in Game 2 and had a great performance. We lost in Game 3, but it was the same thing. We felt we could have won the game. We never felt like they're just better than we are. We were confident despite the losses. We just needed to play better, and we did. From my standpoint, key thing was we just didn't make any excuses. We never looked for excuses. We went about figuring out how we could win the games..

What does it mean your first season in NBA after winning a lot overseas, to get to the Eastern Conference Finals?

I'm happy as I can be. I'm happy for my guys. I know where we started this year and the goals that we set. We're slowly but surely attaining them. We're not done with the job by any stretch of imagination. We're moving forward in a very good way. We're doing a great job and hope to continue.

What Bulls forward Pau Gasol said after Chicago's 94-73 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 6

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See what Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol said after his team's 94-73 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Thursday.

CHICAGO - Here is what Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol said after his team's 94-73 series-clinching loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. 

As someone won two championships, do feel like you missed an opportunity here?

In a way, yes; in a way no. They played well, better than us and they won the series. They did a much better job than we did obviously in that close out situation. It gives you extra confidence and burst. They took advantage of that position. Unfortunately I was banged up, had to miss two games, couldn't help my team.

Can you address your physical situation going into this game? What you could and couldn't do? And in the second quarter, what did you see from them?

It was a turning point. I think I started off well. I felt well enough to go up and down. I felt that I started aggressively and with energy. I didn't have much continuity, sitting for long stretches in the game. It didn't help my hamstring stay loose. They made plays. Hard foul on NIko, those plays happen in a game. Shumpert made a couple more plays. They made their run and were in commanding position from that point on. In the third quarter, we tried to come out with intensity. We played good defense, but couldn't make a shot; tough game on our part. Every guy out there tried to give it his best. We couldn't convert; they made a lot more shots than we did.

Did this team reach its potential?

I don't think so. We had more potential, we showed it during times. In order to be a great team and championship team, we need to be more consistent than we have been. Injuries happen, but those happen to most teams out there. We have to mature, digest the pain of losing, being eliminated. Take it all in and work this summer and get ready for the next run. We have to realize every game important in regular season, seeding is important. I think if you have a higher seed you have a better chance. There's nothing we can do but let it settle in. This team has more potential to get farther and win a title.

When teams lose, hear about changes, questions about coach...what do you expect?

I don't know if there will be changes. Management and ownership has to decide. They will evaluate what they think is best for the team.

You had high hopes when you signed with Chicago. Assess your season and what you did this season.

I'm not happy with not the ending, but season has been extremely positive for me. The team has shown great potential and high quality. We have to find more consistency and more sense of urgency throughout the year. We could have been a better home team throughout the year. I'm very happy with my decision, to be with this team, these guys, in this city. I'm looking forward to next year.

When you signed here you talked to Noah, there was a real big hunger. Why was there a disconnect from that to the urgency?

It's difficult, the NBA season is long. Sometimes you take things for granted. We're resilient, but certain points in the season we were content with winning a couple good games and having good stretches. To be a top team, you have to be disciplined throughout 82 games. I think the better teams are the ones that have less of those downs. We all learned and grew, haven't had consistency because of a lot of injuries. I think the starters only had 15 games together before the start of playoffs. Not a lot of time to develop chemistry and rhythm. But the mindset, mentally of approaching training camp regular season with hunger, is important to limit the downs of the season.

What LeBron James, Matthew Dellavedova, Tristan Thompson said after the Cleveland Cavaliers' 94-73 win vs. Chicago Bulls in Game 6

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Read what Matthew Dellavedova, LeBron James and Tristan Thompson said after Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 2015.

CHICAGO -- Here is what Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, guard Matthew Dellavedova and forward Tristan Thompson said after their team's 94-73 win against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. 

LeBron, can you evaluate Jimmy Butler's defense on you throughout the series?

LeBron James: I think he's a competitor. And that's half the battle. He's a guy who wants to complete every single possession, every single night. He does that. He does it on both ends. 

Talk about the bench production tonight.

James: We got 40 points off our bench. This guy to my right, this guy to my left. Delly coming in under extreme circumstances, leading our team in scoring. It was his impact. He made shots, but what he did defensively. Picking up a change on D-Rose. Just trying to create havoc defensively. These two, as hard as they play, as a coach and as a leader for me, you have no problem with them making mistakes. Because of how hard they are playing. Their intensity. They give everyint to the team. They're giving everything they got.  We don't get this win without 13 and 17 from this guy. And just how in-tuned they were.

Are you surprised at how well your team has performed your first year?

James: These guys work their tails off every single day. Yes. I'm a little bit surprised. Because of how we've handled the postseason so far. These are first-timers. As well as Kyrie and Kev before the injury. They want to be great. Every single day they prepare the right way. They go out and play with their instincts. Good things happen to guys who are true to the game. That's what we have right now.

Even with the injuries, you never seemed to let doubt creep in. How?

James: When you're a leader, you can't show any weakness. My back got turned. I had a little spasm. I went up for a rebound and fell on my knee. I have to be out there for my guys if I can. I can't show any weakness. Stats tonight, how I shot the ball, they don't define who I am and what I mean to this team. I try to bring hat leadership to these guys. Try to bring that leadership and that energy to make these guys believe they're supernatural. The things they did tonight were unbelievable. These two guys right here. They were spectacular.

Matthew, were you feeling tired with all the minutes you got to play?

Matthew Dellavedova: The put so much attention on LeBron and you know he's going to find you when you're open. Obviously Kyrie was out for the second half. I knew I was going to be out there. It's easy to let shots go when your teammates have that much confidence in you.

Matthew, did you ever picture yourself sitting on podium in the Eastern Conference Semifinals?

Dellavedova: This is all the extra fluff stuff. What matters is what happens in the game. I've pictured myself making important plays in a game. It was nice to be able to help this team out tonight.

Tristan, you began the year taking a role off the bench. Talk about the whirlwind, and was it easy stepping in and taking the starting role at the end of the season?

Tristan Thompson: The way I approached it at the beginning of the season, I felt like I had a cheat sheet. Coming off the bench, I'm able to view the game, see how their bigs are playing. And what I bring to the table is energy. The starters go in and run their bigs for a bit, when I check in its time to punch the clock and play hard. Whatever the team needs me to do to help us succeed, that's what I'm about. 

Matthew, what was it like being booed like LeBron tonight?

Dellavedova: I don't know if I was booed like that. I don't really hear that. I've played at Gonzaga and BYU. It was definitely a lot louder than boos there.

Tristan, year four for you. First time in the playoffs and here you are going to the Eastern Conference Finals. What does that mean to you?

Thompson: What a year. The previous three years, we're thinking about the lottery and who we're going to draft. Now just being part of the playoffs and having the opportunity top play with this great father over here. It's definitely special. What a ride. I'm glad to be a part of it and help this team win. It's not over yet. We've still got goals to achieve. We're going to enjoy this for a couple of hours, but then it's time to lock back in and get ready for our next opponent.

Matthew, when you found out Kyrie wasn't going to start the second half, what was going through your mind, and what did LeBron tell you?

Dellavedova: Andy grabbed me an extra coffee at halftime. And said just go out and play. That's about it.

Matthew, did the team searching for point guard help in January motivate you?

Dellavedova: I wasn't playing as well as I would have liked helping the team. We had a lot of guys in and out of the lineup. Then the trade happened. I was always confident I could be the backup point guard and perform that role. I'm just happy that they stuck with it and I'm doing the job.

James: You can't coach a motor. Some guys have it, some guys don't. I have the luxury of having three guys on this team with high motors. If you put those guys on the floor, they're going o make something happen. When you have guys who play as hard as they do, they're in-tune with what they need to do to help the team win, the mistakes or the shots missing, I don't care about. Delly doesn't make a mistake just because he misses a shot. Tristan doesn't make a mistake because he didn't get a stop. These guys play so hard. You're able to brush that to the side because their intentions are so for the team. It has nothing to do about themselves. I'm a team guy. I've always been that way. I was taught that way. When you're around guys who are only about the team and about themselves secondary, you can appreciate that. 

LeBron you've made 5 straight Eastern Conference Finals where do you think the potential is?

James: This one has been a little tougher. Obviously with the injuries. The hill we have to climb. We're playing basketball with one of our best players not even playing in Kevin Love. One of our best players is playing on one foot. We have no room for error. I've had some error. But I try to clean it up in other ways. This is just a different challenge. I'm very blessed to be a part of the Eastern Conference Finals. This is my fifth straight time. It doesn't feel that much right now because I'm in it. Ive always talked to Maverick Carter and said someday we will sit back and enjoy some wine and look at all the accomplishments I've had. But I do everything for my teammates. I want these guys to be able to feel this moment. That's what I came back here for. I got four guys who have never made the postseason that play a key role on this team. For me to be able to bring them the joy of playing the game of basketball again, that's what I care more about than anything. 

What are fair expectations going forward. Do you feel like you guys are underdogs? Would you call yourselves a favorite?

James: Underdog? Me? I would never be an underdog. I think we have a great chance. We're going to play hard and give ourself a fighting chance. Let the game take care of itself. If you're true to the game, the game will give back to us. Our coaching staff will give us a great game plan whether its Washington or Atlanta. And its up to us as players to go out and execute.

Talk about the development of the young guys on this team.

James: It's the development of the mind more than anything. The game will take care of itself. These guys work their tails off before and after practice. How you approach the game mentally will take you farther than just going out and dribbling and shooting. How you approach the game mentally will take you a lot further. This guy right here is not the tallest power forward in the league. He's not the strongest power forward in our league. But not too many guys keep him off the glass. This guy right here, he's not the most athletic, fastest, doesn't shoot it as great as all the other point guards in our league. But I'll put him out there against anybody. This guy has to go against Kyrie Irving every single day in practice. It's not an easy task. When your mind is true, the game gives back to you. I'm just really blessed to have a bunch of guys who care about the game of basketball in its true form. Not the stat sheets and all that crazy mess.

How much of this season has been an opportunity, and how much a responsibility?

Dellavedova: It's been a great opportunity to watch him work and learn and observe. The biggest thing for me was how much he takes care of his body. Learning from that. I don't think it's a responsibility, it's just a big opportunity. You want to make the most of the opportunities that come and we've obviously got a great opportunity here and we're trying to make the most of it. 

Thompson: Its a great opportunity. Myself Delly, Kevin and Kyrie. The way we approached the season is that we have a chance to play with somebody that's going down as one of the best ever. It's motivated us to work harder. At the same time we want to be great in our own way. It started on Labor Day. LeBron was the first one in the gym working out, getting ready for the season. As a young player, it just shows you he never stops working on his game. He's in two hours before practice, two hours after practice. Getting treatment, watching film. For us we got to catch up. We gotta do the extra things. If he's doing them, we need to do double, triple. This opportunity has definitely been a blessing. And we have to make the most of it. And help him, especially in the playoffs, to have success. 

Give Cleveland Cavaliers' Matthew Dellavedova his due: DMan's analysis (video)

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The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff admits he was caught off-guard by Thursday's performance of Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Did anyone see this coming?

The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff admits he was caught off-guard by Thursday's performance of Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova, who led the team with 19 points in a 94-73 win at Chicago to close out the Bulls, 4-2.

"Give Delly his due. He was the star of Game 6," Manoloff says. "Listen, I will say it right up front, I was 100 percent, 1,000 percent wrong about Dellavedova. I didn't think he would see the light of day during the playoffs.

"Invaluable performance, especially with Kyrie (Irving) going down."

To hear more of DMan's insights about Delly and the Cavs' victory, watch the video below.

LeBron James, Matthew Dellavedova help Cleveland Cavaliers dispose of Chicago Bulls: DMan's Report: NBA Playoffs, Round 2, Game 6

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LeBron James averaged 26.2 points, 11.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists as the Cavaliers defeated the Bulls, 4-2, in an Eastern Conference semifinal.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Backup point guard Matthew Dellavedova scored a team-high 19 and Tristan Thompson had 13 points and 17 rebounds as the Cavaliers defeated the Bulls, 94-73, in Game 6 of an Eastern Conference semifinal Thursday night at United Center in Chicago. LeBron James amassed 15 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and two blocks.

The Cavs won the series, 4-2.

Here is a capsule look at the game after a DVR review of the ESPN telecast:

(Rhetorical) question for Northeast Ohio basketball fans: Aren't you glad LeBron chose to come back?

King on fire: LeBron's teams advanced to the conference final for the fifth consecutive season. The Cavs returned to the conference final for the first time since 2009 -- when LeBron led the way.

Ownership: LeBron's teams have eliminated the Bulls in four of the past six seasons. He was with the Miami Heat for the first three of them.

Quite the paradox: The Cavs wanted to be healthy throughout the playoffs, of course, but it hasn't happened. Not even close. Yet, the more banged up they are, the better they seem to play.

Impressive turnaround: The Cavs trailed in the series, 2-1, and trailed Game 4 in Chicago by 11 points with 42 seconds left in the third quarter.

They won Game 4, 86-84, on LeBron's buzzer-beater from the left corner; won Game 5, 106-101, in Cleveland; and rolled in Game 6.

Playing like a four-time MVP: LeBron averaged 40.8 minutes, 26.2 points, 11.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.7 steals in the series.

Other than that, he was quiet.

Overcoming obstacles: The Cavs' victory in Game 6 was something to behold. They hammered a healthier opponent on its floor despite:

*Kevin Love being sidelined because of injury. Love's left shoulder was ripped to shreds by Boston's Kelly Olynyk in the final game of the opening round; subsequent surgery ended Love's season.     

*Kyrie Irving and Uncle Drew being limited to 12 minutes and six points because of injury.

Early in the second quarter, Irving landed awkwardly on Thompson's foot after a pass and aggravated his left knee. He exited the court with the score tied, 35-35, and did not return. He has been hobbled by an assortment of leg issues that originated in Round 1 against Boston.

*LeBron shooting 7-of-23 from the field, including 0-of-4 from 3-point range. King made up for it in numerous ways but, entering the game, the Cavs presumably were going to need more efficiency and much higher volume than 15 points.

*LeBron dealing with a creaky left ankle, which he rolled in Game 4.

*Thompson dealing with a sore left shoulder. He landed on the shoulder after making a spectacular shot -- and drawing a foul -- off a lob from Dellavedova with two seconds left in the first quarter.

Dialing 13-16-13: Those were Chicago's points in each of the last three quarters.

LeBron told ESPN reporter Lisa Salters: "Another offensive struggle for us as a team, but when we defend at a high level, we're going to give ourselves a chance to win every single night.''

Delly on display: LeBron carried the Cavs to the finish line in the series. Dellavedova pushed them across it.

Given Irving's status, the Cavs desperately needed a prime-time performance from the second-year undrafted Australian. Dellavedova delivered, going 7-of-11 from the field -- including 3-of-6 from 3-point range -- and 2-of-2 from the line in 34 minutes. He was his typical gritty, pesky self on defense. He posted a +21.

(Full disclosure: DMan's Report has been critical of Delly throughout the season and did not think he would be anywhere close to relevant in the playoffs, certainly not against the Bulls. Wrong. One thousand times wrong. Even if his contributions were to end with the Chicago series, he would have warranted congrats for a job well done.)

In Game 6, Dellavedova outplayed Bulls starting point guard and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose. On Rose's court. Let it marinate.        

Dellavedova's fingerprints were all over a fourth-quarter stretch that summarized the night for both teams.

The fun began when Dellavedova received a pass from LeBron topside left. Dellavedova drove on Aaron Brooks, spun and schooled Brooks, elevated and sank a silky jumper in the paint to give the Cavs a 75-60 lead with 10:48 remaining.

ESPN analyst Mark Jackson said: "This is a big-time play....How good has he been? And not just scoring. His toughness, his defense.''

Moments later, ESPN showed Rose pedaling on a stationary bike.

On the ensuing Chicago possession, Taj Gibson powered into the paint against Thompson. Dellavedova stripped Gibson (the official play-by-play incorrectly stated that LeBron blocked Gibson) and the Cavs controlled.

Jackson said: "Give (Cavs coach) David Blatt credit. He believed in this guy from Day 1. He trusted him from Day 1, and he is rewarded.''

As Jackson spoke, Iman Shumpert made a ridiculously good transition skip pass from left to right to an open Dellavedova, who channeled Lamar Mundane and splashed a triple for a 77-60 advantage with 10:18 remaining.

Thompson rejected Gibson, which led to a possession that produced a LeBron jumper. After Brooks made a layup, LeBron and Delly worked a two-man game. Delly came up to show pick, then quickly popped to the left wing. LeBron hook-passed over the double team of Brooks and Jimmy Butler to Dellavedova, who drilled a 3-pointer with 9:11 remaining.

Cavs, 82-62. Timeout, Bulls. Season over, Bulls.

In their postgame chat, Salters asked LeBron to tell the nation about Dellavedova. King said: "He grew up playing rugby, so you know he's the toughest guy on the team. He's tough as nails. He's just a guy who works extremely hard....If he makes a mistake, you're OK with it because of how hard he plays and how in-tune he is.

"I'm so happy for him. I'm so proud of him.''

New York, New York: In early January, Cavs General Manager David Griffin legally stole guards Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith from Phil Jackson's Knicks.

It is difficult to imagine where the Cavs would be without Shumpert and Smith. On Thursday, alone, they were a combined +50 in 70 minutes.

Shumpert capped a scintillating series with 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. As usual, he was a beast defensively.

Shumpert, despite dealing with a groin injury, averaged 12.7 points and 4.5 rebounds in 36.2 minutes in the series. He was Cleveland's best defender.

ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy said: "I'll tell you who's had a great series: Iman Shumpert. He has had a great series. He has played lights-out.''

Shumpert is the consummate team player. His basketball IQ is off the charts, leading to smart decision after smart decision.

Smith missed the first two games of the series because of a suspension. He more than made up for it.

In Games 3-6, Smith shot a combined 50 percent from the field, including 44.4 percent from 3-point range, and averaged 12.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in 29.3 minutes.


Fueled by a second cup of coffee, Matthew Dellavedova gives Cleveland Cavaliers jolt to close out Bulls

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Then there's Matthew Dellavedova, who oddly chugs a cup of black coffee before games, helping him boost the often-criticized second unit.

CHICAGO -- A number of players around the NBA have a specific pregame ritual. It could be a shower before every game like J.R. Smith. It could be writing a phrase on the side of a sneaker like Kyrie Irving when he penned "Whiplash" as an ode to the popular film while he continues to strive for greatness. Or it could be as simple as listening to a specific song.

Then there's Matthew Dellavedova, who oddly chugs a cup of black coffee before games, helping him boost the often-criticized second unit.

But on Thursday night, with Kyrie Irving leaving the game at the 9:47 mark of the second quarter after re-aggravating a left knee injury, one cup of joe wasn't going to do the trick.

"Andy (Varejao) grabbed me an extra coffee at halftime," Dellavedova said after playing the final 24 minutes. "Just go out and play. That's about it."

As the saying goes, coffee is for closers, and Dellavedova helped send the Bulls to an uncertain future, scoring 16 of his team-high 19 points in the second half.

"They put so much attention on Bron and you know he's going to find you when you're open," Dellavedova said of LeBron James. "Obviously Kyrie was out for the second half so I knew I was going to be out there. It's easy to just let shots go when your teammates have that much confidence in you."

It was a modest response, something unexpected considering who it came from. After all, by the time the plucky Australian got to the podium, sharing the stage with James and Tristan Thompson, Dellavedova was wearing a green zip-up hoodie and his hair was a mess -- quite a difference from the two well-dressed guys flanking him. But that's Delly.

There's nothing flashy about him and he won't make too many highlight packages. He just works hard, keeps to himself and pours his energy out on the court.

"I don't think it's a responsibility, just a big opportunity, so you want to make the most of the opportunities that come and we've obviously got a great opportunity here and we're trying to make the most of it," Dellavedova said.

That's what he's always done. Coming from Australia, he was the 73rd ranked shooting guard for the 2008-09 season, according to ESPN.com recruiting. He had interest from five schools before choosing St. Mary's where he became the school's all-time leader in scoring, assists, games played, free throw percentage and three-point shots. Despite his resume, Dellavedova went undrafted and had to fight for his NBA spot. He got an opportunity to showcase his talents during summer league and training camp and the Cavs head coach at the time, Mike Brown, couldn't keep him off the roster.

A few years later, here he is. All the extra hours in the gym have paid off, culminating in the memorable Game 6 performance.

"For Delly to come in under extreme circumstances and do what he did tonight, leading our team in scoring, it was just his impact," James said with a smile. "Obviously we know he made shots, but what he did defensively picking up a big charge on D-Rose, just trying to create havoc defensively (was huge)."

Being at the postgame podium. Leading the team in scoring in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Playing 34 minutes in a closeout game. Earning the primary backup point guard spot. None of it looked likely two years ago, let alone four months ago.

It was early January when Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin mentioned publicly his desire to find point guard help. The team explored trades and free agent options before coming up empty.

"Yeah, I remember that," Dellavedova said after scoring a season-high point total. "You know, I guess I wasn't playing as well as I would have liked, helping the team. We had a lot of guys in and out of the lineup and then the trade happened. But I was always confident that I could be the backup point guard for this team and perform that role."

Cavs head coach David Blatt has been in his corner all season. Oftentimes criticized for when and how long Delly's been on the court, Blatt never stopped believing.

"It is one of those things like talking to one of your kids," Blatt said. "You are talking about character and what it means. That's what you say about Matthew. He embodies it all. He was an undrafted kid, and not a lot thought he would be in the league."

Character and effort can only get a player so far. When the number gets called, it's time to produce. Delly's number was called for 24 straight minutes in the second half and he provided a much-needed pick-me-up with Irving transforming into a cheerleader. 

"That's my Aussie brother," Irving said. "We do a lot of talking, a lot of watching film and breaking down other point guards. Obviously when he comes in he wants to sustain the same level I do when I'm out there. Just a lot of talking to him, encouraging him. He's an incredible competitor. Man, I'm just so happy for him. Without his effort tonight this win probably wouldn't happen."

Irving admitted after the game that he thought about going back in, but it wasn't necessary.

"I've been telling people Delly is the man," Iman Shumpert said, referencing the one line about Dellavedova from his Cavs playoff anthem. "He's one of those guys who comes to the gym early and leaves the gym late. You see him put the work in all the time. Delly is always ready and he's always positive and he's always clapping, making sure everybody is OK, making sure everybody is smiling. You got to see a little bit of Delly tonight."

And so did the Bulls, too much for their liking. The feisty player known for his hustle and grit pestered Rose on the defensive end, even picking him up full court at times. During this hard-fought series, Dellavedova was shoved, kicked and booed. He just kept fighting with the same tenacity that helped him become Cleveland's backup point guard and the Game 6 hero.

"I don't really hear that," he said of the boos from the United Center crowd. "Well, I mean, I've played at Gonzaga & BYU, and it's definitely a lot louder, the boos there."

Those heckles dissipated late in the fourth quarter as the crowd bolted to the exits early. Then as the clock hit zero, it was only well-earned praise that he heard.

The uncertainty. The criticism. The slow start to the season. None of it mattered. The last time the Cavs were in Chicago the moment and stage belonged to James. Not Thursday. James was forced to share it.

Fueled by a second cup of coffee at halftime, it was Delly's night. He earned every sip.

"This guy right here he's not the most athletic, fastest, greatest shooter in our league, I'd put him out there with anybody," James said.

LeBron James gets plenty of help as Cleveland Cavaliers move past Chicago Bulls: Fedor's five observations

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Three of the first five games of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls came down to the final possession. But the closeout game in the tightly-contested series turned into a laugher as the Cavs raced past Chicago, 94-73.

CHICAGO -- Three of the first five games of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls came down to the final possession. But the closeout game in the tightly-contested series turned into a laugher as the Cavs raced past Chicago, 94-73. 

Now it's on to the Eastern Conference Finals after an impressive performance in Game 6 on Thursday night. 

Here are five observations:

Turning point -- Many NBA games have a turning point and for the Cavs, and Iman Shumpert, it came with 5:18 seconds left in the first half.

He started his drive from beyond the three-point line before Nikola Mirotic clotheslined him, earning the inconsistent rookie a flagrant 1.

At the time, the Cavs were leading by a single point, 41-40, and Shumpert was a quiet 1-for-4, a continuation of his Game 4 shooting struggles in front of friends and family at the United Center. But that play got him going.

"That wasn't smart," Shumpert said of Mirotic's foul. "I didn't like that at all. There was no need for it and to stand over me, that wasn't smart."

The fiery swingman, who had words with Mirotic shortly after, responded another way, sparking a 6-0 run and forcing Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau into a timeout. It didn't work. The Cavaliers were already steaming as they finished the half on a 17-4 run.

"Everybody needs to be inspired by something," Shumpert said. "At that moment, I just took it as instead of winning the fight I wanted to win the game."

Shumpert finished with 13 points to go with seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a blocked shot.

"I think the wrong guy to clothesline in his hometown is Iman Shumpert," Cavs head coach David Blatt said. "That's a tough, tough, real tough guy, and also is a heckuva basketball player. It's not like he wouldn't play hard and hasn't played hard and hasn't played a great series without that extra motivation. But it seemed to wake him up. And he gave us another great performance."

Team play -- Kyrie Irving left the court in pain early in the second quarter. Kevin Love didn't make the trip, being forced to Facetime with the team after. LeBron James was 7-of-23 from the field en route to a 15-point game, his lowest in this year's postseason.

Yet the scoreboard showed a Cavaliers rout, the biggest margin of victory thus far.

So how did they do it? As a collective group, which was the theme of the series. The Cavs are much more than a talented Big Three that has been trimmed down to two. The roster, bolstered by a pair of midseason trades, is one of the best and deepest James has ever had.

"I just think the power of team trumps all," Blatt said. "I thought we behaved as a team in every respect. Faced a lot of adversity coming into the series and during the series. Individually we manned up and as a team we believed in ourselves and we beat a very good opponent."

James, Matthew Dellavedova (team-high 19 points), Tristan Thompson (13), Shumpert (13) and J.R. Smith (12) all reached double figures.

"Being on a team like this we have so many guns," Shumpert said. "I think I still had an important role before Kevin Love went down and J.R. got suspended. My role was always big, just sometimes didn't show up in the stat sheet. With J.R. being suspended I got more looks at the basket and it showed up on the stat sheet -- people put more eyes on it. These guys have always asked me to contribute in different ways and it might not always show up on the stat sheet but I'm always there."

Even the much-maligned bench chipped in with 40 points, outscoring Chicago's by 20.

"These guys work their tails off every single day when you guys are not around," James said. "Obviously yes, I'm a little bit surprised because of how we handled the postseason so far. These are first timers right here and as well as Kyrie and Kev before the injury and they want to be good, they want to be great and every single day they prepare the right way and they just go out and they just play with their instincts. They've been playing basketball their whole lives and for them to go out there and just put it out there on the floor, I think good things happen to guys that are just true to the game. That's what we have right now."

Bench production was a story throughout. Chicago's bench made 12 total three-pointers in the six games, which was only three more than what Cleveland's second unit provided in Game 6 alone.

To further illustrate the point, these were the total scoring numbers throughout the six-game series:

1. LeBron James, Cleveland - 157

2. Derrick Rose, Chicago - 130

3. Jimmy Butler, Chicago - 126

4. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland - 105

5. Iman Shumpert, Cleveland - 76

6. Mike Dunleavy, Chicago - 68

7. Tristan Thompson, Cleveland - 56

8. J.R. Smith, Cleveland - 51

9. Matthew Dellavedova, Cleveland - 50

10. Timofey Mozgov, Cleveland - 46

Butler and Rose did their part offensively, but Chicago, expected to have the depth advantage, didn't get enough from rest of the roster. Three of the top five and seven of the top 10 scorers wore wine and gold. No wonder Chicago was prone to lengthy offensive lulls.

"Who would think before the game someone was going to say Bron will have 15-11-9 and the balanced scoring and we win by double digits," Irving asked. "Going into the game is unpredictable. We ended up being a six-man rotation at one point. We needed everything for everyone, including the bench mob. We call them the bench mob for a reason. They came in and got it done."

Rebounding -- Whichever team had the rebounding edge won the game. That's how the winner was determined in the series. Games one and three, the Bulls crashed the glass, winning the battle on the boards. But Game 6, and three others, belonged to the Cavs, with a 53-32 rebounding advantage Thursday.

Thompson led the way with 17 boards, including six on the offensive end. He finished the series averaging 11.2 rebounds per game and collected 24 total on offense.

"He was a monster on the boards," Thibodeau said.

Added James: "He's not the most athletic guy right here, he's not the tallest power forward in the league he's not the smallest power forward in the league, but you've got to keep him off the glass."

Second quarter blues -- Thibodeau alluded to it following the game as he pointed to the second quarter as an area that was problematic throughout the series.

For the series, the Cavs outscored Chicago, 157-128, in the second quarter, an average of 4.8 points. Thursday's contest was no exception. The Bulls were outscored, 25-13, as they trailed by 14 going into the half.

"It's very hard but there is nothing you can do about it," Derrick Rose said about the scoring droughts. "I'm just looking forward to the summer and getting better individually."

The challenges on offense led to the crowd getting taken out of the game early and the Bulls getting frustrated. Trying to crawl out of a double-digit hole for the second game in a row was too much.

"It kind of summed up the whole year in terms of we couldn't channel our best when we needed to," Mike Dunleavy said. "I thought our best was as good as anybody in the league. But we couldn't find it consistently."

Sigh of relief? -- It looked like bad news when Irving was carried off the floor. But the talented youngster seemed in good spirits after.

"OK," Irving said. "A week of treatment and then it all just goes down in one play. I came in the locker room and was figuring I was going to go back out but we were up by 14 at that point."

He played 12 minutes and scored six points before landing awkwardly on Thompson's foot in the second quarter.

"My knee kind of just buckled and there goes all our treatment out the window in a matter of a play," he said. "I came to the locker room, Bron said they have it. I said, 'OK well I'm going to go out and encourage the guys like I normally do. I'm the biggest cheerleader on the team.' I'm just happy we got this win."

With the matchup between Atlanta and Washington still going, the Eastern Conference Finals won't start until Wednesday, giving Irving time to rest and recover.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "Tonight was an incredible win for our team and now these next days' rest is very vital for me. Now I'll be ready for the Eastern Conference Finals."

For Love -- He was expected to be the second-most important player in the series, and some wrote the Cavs off when he went down, but they've used the doubters as fuel. 

"I haven't seen a shadow of a doubt on anyone's face or hear anybody verbalize some sense of fear or some lack of chance to keep moving forward," Blatt said. "I haven't seen it. I haven't heard it. Fairly, and not to belabor the point, I think you've got to give LeBron a lot of credit. This guy has become here a true leader. He's vocal and he's an example. He's out there. And he's willful and so committed to helping this team succeed. I give him a lot of credit. He really, really is stepping up as far as leading these guys to believing what we can do. And he deserves credit for that."

Love's loss can't be ignored and it could still end up derailing the season, but for now, Cleveland has learned how to play without him and every time the player step on the court they are thinking about their missing puzzle piece. 

"If anything it motivated us more," Shumpert said about being written off. "Whether or not people write you off is fine but it would mean the world to Kevin to keep the train going. He would love to be here with us right now and we're probably going to Facetime when we get on the plane. He's a warrior and if he didn't have to get surgery he would probably tape it up and try to play. We're doing this for him."

Was Corey Kluber's 18K performance the start of something big? -- Bud Shaw's You Said It

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Cleveland sports fans have questions about Deflategate, Corey Kluber's magical performance and, of course, Shakespeare -- Bud Shaw's You Said It.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You Said It is based on the premise that the only thing Cleveland sports fans need more than a championship is a sense of humor...

YOU SAID IT

(The Early Weekend Edition)

Bud: Should we assume that during Corey Kluber's 18-strikeout gem Yan Gomes was calling pitches via text? -- Steve, Hinckley

Kluber was so good Roberto Perez could've been calling the pitches with a megaphone.

Bud: If the ball is easier to throw and harder to fumble and the players want it, why does the NFL not reduce the air in the ball? -- Austin

NFL rules stipulate that the football only resemble a whoopee cushion in cities that haven't won a title since 1964.

Bud: Why do NFL pundits keep quoting "Hamlet" when talking about the Browns? QB, or not QB, that is the question - Eric Arnold, Lexington, MA.

They know a Shakespearean tragedy when they see one?

Bud: Is the league going to make Tom Brady change his number from 12 to 12.5 PSI - Michael Sarro

Braylon Edwards is pretty sure the only reason the league is going after Brady is because he went to Michigan.

Bud: Say what you will about the Indians' ownership but at least they are not under government investigation - Robert

Another rousing Cleveland sports endorsement.



Hey Bud: Is it true that the first thing Patriots' interception hero Malcolm Butler did after accepting the Super Bowl MVP truck from Tom Brady was check the tire pressure? - Ken, Strongsville

First-time You Said It winners are understandably pumped up.

Bud: Will Browns' first round draft choice Cameron Erving's tour of Progressive Field be counted in Indians' attendance figures? - Jim Corrigan, Fairview Park

Repeat winners can always be counted on.

Hey Bud: What is more demoralizing, Roger Goodell taking your 1st round pick or Ray Farmer making your 1st round pick? -- Bob H., Strongsville

Some repeat winners are the pick of the litter.

LeBron James is never an 'underdog,' but he and the Cavaliers have overcome plenty to reach Eastern Finals

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LeBron James is "a little surprised" the playoffs have gone so well for the newbie Cavaliers.

CHICAGO - In fairness to the questioner, LeBron James was flanked at the podium by Matthew Dellavedova to his right and Tristan Thompson to his left.

Neither Dellavedova nor Thompson had ever played a playoff game prior to April 19.

Dellavedova, 24, went undrafted in the 2013 draft. His deficiencies as a point guard were so apparent earlier in the season, that general manager David Griffin spoke about looking for a better player to back up Kyrie Irving.

Thompson, 24, was a first-round pick in 2011. But this season, with James back in the fold in Cleveland, Thompson was beaten out for a starting spot by Anderson Varejao. And when Varejao was lost for the season two days before Christmas Griffin traded for Timofey Mozgov about two weeks later.

So here they were Thursday night in Chicago, the three of them, sitting at the podium inside the United Center after the Cavaliers hammered the Bulls 94-73 in Game 6 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Podium seats are reserved for the team's best and most popular stars, those who would attract too many media members around their lockers in the NBA's cramped locker rooms. James always qualifies.

Dellavedova was seated to James' right because he scored a team-high 19 points, mostly in Irving's absence. Thompson, to James' left, contributed 13 points and 17 rebounds.

Dellavedova. Thompson. Not Irving or Kevin Love, the other two members of Cleveland's Big 3.

The visual was too much. And so James was asked, given the reasons Dellavedova and Thompson now have such big roles on the Cavs, is the team an underdog for the rest of the postseason?

"Huh? Underdog? Me?" James responded. When the questioner said "I don't think you are," James retorted "I don't either."

"I would never be an underdog," James said. "I think we have a great chance. That's what we're here for."

James will play in his fifth straight conference finals when it starts Wednesday (against either Atlanta or Washington) and sixth in seven seasons. He's trying to reach his fifth consecutive Finals. It's no accident.

The two-time champion, five-time Finals participant, and four-time MVP is the reason the Cavaliers pushed past the Bulls. He averaged 26.2 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists and is 4-0 lifetime in playoff series against Chicago (and 24-9 in closeout games).

James changed the course of this series with his buzzer-beater here Sunday over Jimmy Butler in Game 4, and broke Chicago in Game 5 with his virtuoso 38 points and 12 boards.

On Thursday night, James was one rebound from a triple-double with 15 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists. It sounds better than it looked. He shot 7-of-23 from the field and committed four turnovers. He registered his second-lowest point total in 33 career closeout opportunities. It was a far cry from Game 5, when he shot 14-of-24 and was without a turnover for the first time all season.

LeBron Game 6.jpegLeBron James shot 7-of-23 in Game 6 against the Chicago Bulls. 

The difference for James Thursday night was he seemed much slower to attack, often allowing Butler to get good position on defense. Also, the Bulls were quicker in sending someone to help Butler, making it more difficult for James to get to the rim.

While all of this was going on, Irving, who's been playing the whole series with leg injuries, hurt himself so bad early in the second quarter that he limped off the court and was carried to the locker room.

To recap: James was struggling, Irving was hurt. Love was already lost for the season. And instead of folding, the Cavs limited Chicago to 42 points after the first quarter and received 40 points from three bench players.

It wasn't an upset because, as James said, he's not an underdog. But the tribulations Cleveland overcame this series were notable.

Before the Cavs even set on foot on the court, Love had come out of season-ending shoulder surgery and J.R. Smith was suspended two games for punching Jae Crowder in Boston. Love's shoulder injury, which happened in the same Game 4 against the Celtics in which Smith punched Crowder, is how Thompson found his way into the starting lineup.

Iman Shumpert, starting in Smith's place and blossoming, injured his groin in Game 2 but played through it. Irving aggravated a foot injury in Game 3 and hobbled through Game 4. And Thursday night, Irving went down in a heap and a few minutes later James tweaked his back.

Those were some of the circumstances which led to the play that effectively ended the clinching game of this series - a pick-and-roll with James and Dellavedova in which James flipped one to the backup point guard for a three-pointer and a 20-point lead with 9:20 to go.

"Obviously, this has been a little tougher because of the injuries we've had, the hill that we have to climb," James said. "We're playing basketball with one of our best players not playing, in Kevin Love. And we're playing basketball right now with one of our best players playing on one foot.

"So, we have no room for error. None of us. And I've had some error, but I just try to clean it up in other ways. So this is a different challenge."

James said he's "a little bit surprised" how the Cavs have come through the playoffs thus far, winners of 8-of-10 despite the postseason inexperience of Irving, Love, Dellavedova, and Thompson.

On Thursday night, Cavs coach David Blatt said "I think you've got to give LeBron a lot of credit.

"This guy has become here a true leader," Blatt said. "He's vocal and he's an example. He's out there. And he's willful and so committed to helping this team succeed. I give him a lot of credit."

With Irving (whom the Cavs said aggravated his left knee tendinitis with that second-quarter fall) resisting the urge to sit out the second half, James came to him and said they had it under control. Irving knew he could take it easy.

And that's what the Cavs can do for the next six days - rest. Perhaps Irving's lower body injuries and Shumpert's groin can improve (dramatically?) from now until when the ball again goes in the air.

Until then, as the Cavs ponder what's next, they know they have James.

"I want these guys to be able to feel this moment," James said.

Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers series preview, pitching matchups

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The Indians, following a miserable 3-6 homestand, open a seven-game trip with a three-gamer series starting Friday night at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

When: Indians vs. Rangers, Friday through Sunday.

TV/Radio: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM AM/1100 and WMMS FM/100.7 will carry the series.

Pitching matchups: LHP Bruce Chen (0-1, 13.50) vs. LHP Wandy Rodriguez (1-1, 2.70) Friday at 8:05 p.m.; RHP Danny Salazar (4-1, 3.27) vs. RHP Colby Lewis (3-2 2.40) Saturday at 8:05 p.m. and RHP Carlos Carrasco (4-3, 4.84) vs. RHP Nick Martinez (2-0, 1.88) Sunday at 3:05 p.m.

Season Series: The Indians went 6-1 against Texas last year. The Rangers lead, 241-204, overall.

Indians' update: They just finished a disappointing 3-6 homestand against Kansas City, Minnesota and St. Louis. After going 7-14 in April, they're 5-7 in May. Jason Kipnis is hitting .391 (27-for-69) since moving into the leadoff spot on April 26.

Rangers' update: They just split a four-game series with the Royals. Former Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo is riding a 14-game hitting streak. Rodriguez, facing the Indians on Friday night, set a Ranger record with 34 straight outs during his last two starts.

Injuries: Indians -- LHP TJ House (left shoulder), RHP Gavin Floyd (right elbow), RHP Josh Tomlin (right shoulder) and C Yan Gomes (right knee) are on the disabled list. Rangers - RHP Yu Darvish (right elbow), RHP Lisalberto Bonilla (right elbow), OF Josh Hamilton (right shoulder), LHP Matt Harrison (spine), LHP Derek Holland (left shoulder), LHP Martin Perez (left elbow) SS Jurickson Profar (right shoulder), OF Antoan Richardson (back), OF Ryan Rua (right foot) and Nick Tepesch (right elbow) are on the DL. OF Leonys Martinez (left wrist) is day to day.

Next: The Indians open a four-game series Monday night against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.

Bullpen, baserunning prevent back-to-back wins, as Cleveland Indians fall, 2-1, to St. Louis Cardinals

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If the Indians have any intention of reversing course this season, they'll have to win back-to-back games at some point. Their pursuit of consecutive victories was not fruitful on Thursday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If the Indians have any intention of reversing course this season, they'll have to win back-to-back games at some point.

Their pursuit of consecutive victories was not fruitful on Thursday. Matt Carpenter's two-run blast off of Marc Rzepczynski spoiled Trevor Bauer's stellar showing and sent the Indians to their third consecutive series loss, a 2-1 defeat at Progressive Field.

Bauer followed Corey Kluber's 18-strikeout masterpiece with 10 strikeouts in 7 1/3 frames. He exited in the eighth after issuing a one-out walk to Peter Bourjos. Carpenter followed with the decisive swing.

The two-run shot erased the Indians' 1-0 lead. They clung to it all afternoon while making key mistakes on the basepaths. They placed a pair of runners aboard in the first, second and sixth, but could not take advantage. Michael Brantley's leadoff home run in the sixth provided the only scoring.

The Indians are 1-11 in games following a victory. They fell to 8-4 when scoring first.

What it means

The Indians have not won consecutive games since April 8-9 in Houston. That was also the last time the club won a series. At 12-21, the Indians remain in last place in the American League Central.

Bauer outage

Bauer's 10 strikeouts gave Indians starters 28 strikeouts over the last two games. The right-hander finished one whiff shy of his career high of 11, which he set on April 9 in Houston. Bauer has tallied 10 or more strikeouts in a game on three occasions in his career.

Baserunning blunders

Lonnie Chisenhall was caught trying to steal home in the sixth. At least, that's how it will read in the scorebook. When Michael Bourn started toward second base, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina faked a throw in that direction. Chisenhall then motioned toward the plate, but Molina had the baseball in his glove and supplied the tag to end the inning.

Bourn was also thrown out at home in the second when Jose Ramirez bunted the ball back to the pitcher.

The Indians had two on with one out in the first and second, but couldn't score. They had two aboard with two outs in the sixth, but couldn't capitalize.

Still hot

Jason Kipnis collected two hits and a walk as he continued his torrid May. Kipnis doubled in the first, singled in the fifth and walked in the seventh. He has logged a .490 batting average, .576 on-base percentage and .796 slugging percentage this month.

Smooth operator

Brantley led off the sixth with a solo blast to right-center on a 1-2 fastball measured at 88 mph. It was the left fielder's fourth home run of the season and it landed an estimated 386 feet from home plate.

What's next

The Indians will venture to Texas to begin a seven-game road trip on Friday. They will play three times against the Rangers before shifting to Chicago for a four-game set against the White Sox.

Bruce Chen will take the hill for Cleveland on Friday. In his only outing for the Tribe this season, he surrendered six runs on 10 hits over four frames. He'll oppose Rangers southpaw Wandy Rodriguez (1-1, 2.70 ERA). Danny Salazar (4-1, 3.27 ERA) will square off against righty Colby Lewis (3-2, 2.40 ERA) on Saturday. Carlos Carrasco (4-3, 4.84 ERA) is slated to oppose right-hander Nick Martinez (2-0, 1.88 ERA) on Sunday.

Cleveland Browns sign 1st-round picks Danny Shelton and Cameron Erving

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The Browns have signed No. 12 overall pick Danny Shelton and No. 19 overall pick Cam Erving.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns don't have to worry about Danny Shelton or Cameron Erving missing a beat in training camp.

They signed the No. 12 overall pick and the No. 19 overall pick to their four-year rookie contracts Friday. That makes eight out of the 12 Browns draft picks signed.

NFL Network reported earlier in the week that Shelton's contract is worth $11.7 million fully guaranteed, including a $6.7 million signing bonus. Erving will make slightly more than No. 20 overall pick Nelson Agholor, the Eagles receiver who signed a four-year deal worth $9.377 million, including a $5.1 million signing bonus.
 
"I really like Danny,'' cornerback Joe Haden said at the Browns Foundation golf outing Friday at Barrington Golf Club. "I really like Danny a lot. Just buffering up the offensive line and defensive line ... If you can control the trenches you can control the game. So I really was glad with what we did there.''

Shelton, the nosetackle from Washington, also impressed the Browns in the three-day minicamp that concluded Sunday. He then returned to Washington to graduate with his degree in anthropology, and will return June 14 -- just in time for the mandatory June minicamp.

"I'm glad we have Danny,'' defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil said Saturday at rookie minicamp.  "I was confident with the guys we had coming back. But am I glad we drafted Danny No. 12 overall? Hell yeah. He's a big body who was dominant at Washington and in the PAC-12 for two years. He's a guy that's going to command four hands on him or two bodies on him. When you have that, you keep linebackers clean over top.''

Shelton, who's likely to start right away at nosetackle, finished 2014 with 16.5 tackles for a loss, a career-high nine sacks and five fumble recoveries.

"The thing he doesn't get credit enough for is he's not going to have great sack production, but he's going to push the pocket and get the quarterback off his spot,'' O'Neil said. "That's going to open things up for the rest of our pass rushers. That's what we really needed in the pass game, somebody that could push the pocket, collapse the pocket on the quarterback back, get him off the spot and now flush it to a guy like (LBs) Paul Kruger or (Barkevious) Mingo or Nate Orchard or Xavier Cooper or (DL) Des Bryant or Armonty Bryant, all those guys. To me, he's going to help us tremendously there, too."

Shelton (6-2, 339) re-dedicated himself to the game last season, leading to a career season and a first-round pedigree.

"I made a promise to the team in the offseason that I'd be the guy who brought positive energy,'' he said on draft weekend. "Honestly, just keeping with that, it brought production. I was having fun. I was having a good time. I was feeling good, looking good and playing good. I owe it all to my defensive players. We compete. We get after it. I always competed against (LB Hau'oli Kikaha) with sacks. I always competed with (LB) Shaq (Thompson) with fumble recoveries, (LB John) Timu with tackles. It was all just a big game to us, and we just wanted to have fun."

He's confident his college production will transfer to the pros.

"Honestly, I don't see a need to go backwards,'' he said. "It's always been my motto to just keep moving forward. With everything I've been through, it's all been learning opportunities. I've been improving each year, and I'm just excited to continue that progress."

The coaches view Shelton (6-2, 339) as an every down player and he sees himself that way too.

 "I'll play two downs, three downs, four downs,'' he said. "Even if there was a five down I'd play five downs. Honestly, it doesn't matter about my weight or whatever. I'm going to be that guy who's going to outwork people. I'm going to be that guy who breaks stereotypes, breaks negativity/ I'm going to bring the positive energy. I'm just excited to get in and work with these guys and be a part of the Dawg Pound."

Erving (6-5, 313), the offensive lineman from Florida State, will probably start on the right side of the line, but is the heir apparent to Alex Mack if the Pro Bowl center opts out of his contract after this year.

 "I have always been the type of person to do what was best for the team,'' Erving said on draft weekend. "When I moved to offensive line from defense line when I was at Florida State, I was a little hesitant because I didn't trust a lot of people. I didn't know if it was something that they were going to do and forget about me or if it was something that was really going to help me or help the team. I got older and matured and realized that it was for the betterment of the team and myself."

The four remaining unsigned picks are third-round running back Duke Johnson, fourth-round safety Ibraheim Campbell, fourth-round receiver Vince Mayle and seventh-round linebacker Hayes Pullard.


Shaun Marcum continues to impress at Columbus: Cleveland Indians Class AAA Report

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If the Indians are in need of another starter, Columbus Clippers righthander Shaun Marcum has impressed.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The fifth spot in the Cleveland Indians' rotation remains a question mark and Shaun Marcum remains on call in Columbus.

The veteran right-hander is 4-0 with a 1.36 ERA in five starts for the Clippers. In 33 innings he has allowed five earned runs and 25 hits, while striking out 22 and walking eight. Opponents are hitting .207.

Marcum, 33, made one impressive relief performance with the Indians earlier this season, allowing one run and three hits in five innings.

Southpaw T.J. House opened the season as the fifth starter, but struggled and eventually went on the disabled list with shoulder tenderness. House was scheduled to make his first rehab start on Friday with the Class A Lake County Captains.

Veteran left-hander Bruce Chen was called up to replace House and was hit hard in his first start last week. Chen was Friday's scheduled starter in Texas.

Indians manager Terry Francona recently said that Marcum was someone who could be in the picture for the fifth spot. Marcum owns a 58-46 record in the big leagues with a 3.87 ERA. He was 13-8 with Toronto in 2010 and 13-7 with Milwaukee in 2011 before arm injuries.

Defense, Defense: The Indians could find future defensive help as the Clippers are ranked third in the International League with a .984 fielding percentage and 18 errors. Top prospect Francisco Lindor leads the way. He has been rated by Baseball America as the best defensive infielder in the organization in each of the last four seasons and the best defensive shortstop in the Eastern, Carolina and Midwest leagues in the last three years. He currently has four errors in 32 games (.969).

First baseman Jesus Aguilar has committed just four errors in 107 games with the Clippers over the past two seasons and had a 54-game errorless streak in 2013.

Outfielder James Ramsey currently has a 131-game errorless streak and third baseman Giovanny Urshela has a .977 fielding percentage.

Assisting: Through 33 games, the Clippers have 10 assists from the outfield, led by Carlos Moncrief with four. Moncrief led the IL with 22 assists last season, which tied for the highest total in the last 38 seasons in the IL.

Streak snapped: The Clippers lost to Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, 6-5, after allowing two runs in the bottom of the ninth. It marked the first time in 81 games that the Clippers had lost when taking a lead into the ninth, dating back to August 27, 2013. It was also only the second time in that span that they lost a lead in the ninth. The other time was exactly one year earlier, May 12, 2014 vs. Syracuse and Columbus won that one in the bottom of the ninth.

Clip notes: The Clippers became the last team in the IL to lose a game in which they had at least 10 hits (started the season 6-0) on Tuesday. ... Lindor hit .191 in his first 13 games, .625 over his next four, then .114 in nine games, and .368 in his last five, through Wednesday. ... Alex Lavisky (St. Edward High) snapped an 0-for-20 streak with a homer on Wednesday. ... The Clippers are threatening to top 200 roster moves for the third straight season. They have had 43 through 33 games and are on pace for 189 for the season. ... Catcher Adam Moore had a nine-game hitting streak snapped Thursday. He hit .353 in the streak and is at .341 on the season.

Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers lineups for Friday night's game

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Left-hander Bruce Chen will make his second start of the season Friday night for the Indians when he faces Texas. In his career, Chen is 2-3 with a 8.45 ERA in 11 games against Texas.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Here are the starting lineups for Friday night's game between the Indians and Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m.

Indians

2B Jason Kipnis.

1B Carlos Santana.

CF Michael Brantley.

LF Ryan Raburn.

DH Nick Swisher.

RF Brandon Moss.

3B Zach Walters.

C Brett Hayes.

SS Jose Ramirez.

LHP Bruce Chen (0-1, 13.50).

Rangers

RF Shin-Soo Choo.

SS Elvis Andrus.

DH Prince Fielder.

3B Adrian Beltre.

LF Kyle Blanks.

1B Mitch Moreland.

2B Thomas Field.

C Carlos Corporan.

CF Delino DeShields.

LHP Wandy Rodriguez (1-1, 2.70).

Umpires

H Joe West.

1B Gabe Morales.

2B David Rackley.

3B Rob Drake.

Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine becoming increasingly involved in team's offensive planning

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Pettine, who spent more than a decade as an NFL defensive assistant and coordinator, is taking a more active role in the offense in his second year.

AURORA, Ohio - A year ago, Mike Pettine paid a visit to his hometown in suburban Philadelphia and answered questions about his days as a daring offensive play-caller.

The former prep coach chuckled as a local reporter reminded him of the trick plays he ran against his father's team.

"That side of my brain's been sort of asleep for a while," Pettine said.

It's awake now.

Pettine, who spent more than a decade as an NFL defensive assistant and coordinator, is taking a more active role in the offense in his second year as Browns head coach. He carries a playbook. He studies formations on flash cards. He sits in all offensive meetings.

"It's been great," Pettine said Friday at a team golf outing. "I feel very rejuvenated as a coach to be a part of it."

The former prep quarterback plans to work closely with first-time NFL offensive coordinator John DeFilippo as they try to resurrect a unit that finished 27th in scoring and 22nd in yards per game a year ago. That's no easy task for an offense that lost veteran coordinator Kyle Shanahan, former Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron and its best offensive weapon, receiver Josh Gordon, to a season-long suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Mike PettineBrowns head coach Mike Pettine listens during a news conference with new offensive coordinator John DiFilippo. 

Pettine led the Browns to an improved 7-9 mark last season, but focused much of his time on installing his defense, overseeing the club and extinguishing brush fires created by the off-field exploits of young players like Johnny Manziel. The coach said he intended to become more offensively inclined even had Shanahan stayed.

Instead, the former Browns coordinator resigned amid controversy and left the offense to start over with DeFilippo and several new offensive assistants. The Browns expect to start 35-year-old journeyman Josh McCown at quarterback with Manziel trying to rebound from a turbulent rookie season on and off the field.

Pettine is eager to face the challenge and seems unfazed by criticism of the quarterback situation and lack of playmakers. He was part of a Jets coaching staff that made back-to-back AFC title game appearances with game manager Mark Sanchez as quarterback in 2009-10.

"It's a formula, it's not the most common path, people still try to be quarterback driven, and I'm not saying we are going to be looking to win games 9-6," Pettine said. "We still want to be explosive on offense. We just don't want to put our quarterback in situations where the percentages aren't there.

"We don't want to be in third-and-long and second-and-long, where the quarterback is getting hit a lot. When a quarterback is upright and can get through his reads quick and get the ball out of his hands he's a lot better. When you get hit early, you are kind of seeing ghosts late. You are not as accurate. We want to make his life easier."

Pettine believes he and DeFilippo are "on the same page" philosophically. There's little question the Browns will run the ball with regularity as they did a season ago.

With Shanahan guiding the offense, Pettine rarely involved himself in particular play calls. That could change this season.

"If I'm involved in the game planning I could certainly see that happening, getting more specific on game day," he said.

Pettine ran a creative offense as head coach of North Penn High School while amassing a 45-15 record. His input into the Browns' attack, however, will come from the insights of a longtime NFL defensive assistant.

"I want to be part of the game planning as well just to give them the defensive perspective of who they are going against," Pettine said. "I have a good feel for NFL defenses, having studied a lot of them and knowing the coaching trees, the different styles and rules within those. I think that's where I can be beneficial."

Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Texas Rangers at 8:05 p.m. Friday

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The Indians and Texas open a three-game series on Friday night at 8:05 p.m. at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. Lefty Bruce Chen will face Texas lefty Wandy Rodriguez.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Get live updates and chat with beat writers Paul Hoynes and Zack Meisel in the comments section below as the Indians open a seven-game trip with a three-game series against Texas at Globe and Life Park in Arlington on Friday night.

Game 34: Indians (12-21) vs. Rangers (15-20).

First pitch: 8:05 p.m. ET.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM AM/1100 and WMMS FM/100.7 will carry the game.

Can hot corner warm Zach Walters' cold bat? Cleveland Indians notes

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Lonnie Chisenhall is back at the scene of his greatest game, but Zach Walters gets the start at third base.

ARLINGTON, Texas - The last time Lonnie Chisenhall found himself at the plate inside Globe Life Park in Arlington he had the best game of his career.

Chisenhall went 5-for-5 with three homers and nine RBI on June 9 against the Rangers. The nine RBI tied a franchise record for one game.

The Indians returned to Globe Life Park on Friday night for the first time since that game, but Chisenhall was not in the lineup. With the Rangers starting lefty Wandy Rodriguez, manager Terry Francona started switch-hitting Zach Walters at third base.

Chisenhall is actually hitting better against lefties (.256/.326/.308) than righties (.203/.231/.405), but this move seemed to be more about Walters than Chisenhall. OK, maybe not totally.

In the just-completed three-game series against St. Louis, Chisenhall went 1-for-12. He is currently in a 3-for-25 skid, but Walters, well, he is looking for some real help.

Walters, recalled May 8 when Mike Aviles was placed on the Family Medical Emergency list, is 0-for-8 with six strikeouts. He was hitting .239 (11-for-46) with three doubles, two triples, one homer and nine RBI at Class AAA Columbus.

"We want to get Zach going a little bit," said Francona. "In his bat he has that home-run potential. Yes, he has some swing-and-miss, but we don't want to just stay away from him.

"Maybe he can do some damage and if they make a pitching move, we've got some guys on the bench we can plug in."

The Indians acquired Walters last year from Washington for Asdrubal Cabrera on July 31. He showed power - 10 homers in 127 at-bats with the Tribe and Nationals - while striking out 48 times.

"You know with him there is always going to be some swing-and-miss," said Francona. "But you also love the numbers he's put up at Triple-A. They're almost silly numbers ... almost a .900 OPS and all those home runs (46 in 755 at-bats since 2013).

"Then we saw the home runs he hit here last year. The power he has is pretty rare. I would like to give him a chance."

Aviles update: The Indians have moved Aviles from the Family Medical Emergency List to the restricted list. He will not join the team this weekend in Arlington and it's unclear if he'll join them when they open a four-game series in Chicago on Monday night.

Aviles' 4-year-old daughter, Adriana, was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is being treated at Cleveland Clinic. The Indians have told Aviles to take all the time he needs.

While on the restricted list, Aviles will receive his full pay and service time.

Change of plans: Catcher Yan Gomes was originally scheduled to start his rehab assignment Friday night at Class A Lake County by DHing. But with left-hander T.J. House also making his rehab debut with the Captains, the Indians decided to left Gomes catch House and DH on Saturday.

"He did so well on his return-to-play program, and with TJ pitching, we felt it made more sense this way."

After DHing on Saturday, Gomes will take a day off Sunday and catch again on Monday.

House, scheduled to pitch three innings Friday, will get stretched to five innings on Wednesday, but what minor league team he'll pitch for has not been determined.

Game of inches: Center fielder Michael Bourn couldn't stop flashing back to the game-saving catch he almost made in the eighth inning Wednesday afternoon against Matt Carpenter of the Cardinals.

Trevor Bauer had 10 strikeouts in seven innings and a 1-0 lead, but when he walked Peter Bourjos in the eighth, lefty Marc Rzepczynski relieved to face Carpenter. On a 2-1 pitch, Carpenter hit a two-run homer to center that Bourn put a glove on above the wall, but couldn't hold.

The Cardinals won, 2-1.

"I just wish I could have got to the spot a tad quicker," said Bourn. "He hit the ball well. With the wind blowing in, I didn't think it would get out of there. Baseball is a game of inches, too, just like football.

"I was inches away from catching it and saving two runs. It hit the end of the glove. If I had it inside the glove, it would have been a little easier. I had to bend my hand back too much.

"I wish I could have got it. I was thinking about it a lot on Thursday."

Finally: Francona doesn't know if he'll get fined or not for his ejection by plate umpire Mike Everitt on Wednesday.

"I know some people in the league office so I've gotten some pretty funny letters in the past," said Francona. "They'll say, "You said this, and we're not sure exactly what it means, but we're going to fine you.'"

Francona said that usually happens when he meshes "three or four' curse words together.

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