The Indians and Royals will conclude their four-game series on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians and Royals will conclude their four-game series on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field. Get scoring updates and participate in a live chat as the clubs square off.

Games 55: Indians (30-24) vs. Royals (30-25)

First pitch: 1:10 p.m.

Broadcast info: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100, Indians Radio Network

Pitching matchup: RHP Corey Kluber (4-6, 4.15 ERA) vs. RHP Chris Kennedy (2-5, 5.94 ERA)

Fact du jour: The Indians are 17-7 against AL Central opponents, and 15-3 against division foes that are not the Minnesota Twins.

The 2016 OHSAA state track and field championships had a lot of great moments. Check out this slideshow to see some fantastic finishes.

Novak Djokovic won his first French Open title, beating Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday.

PARIS --  Novak Djokovic became the first man in nearly a half-century to win four consecutive major championships and finally earned an elusive French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, beating Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday.

This was the top-seeded Djokovic's 12th appearance at Roland Garros, and his fourth final, and after being stymied over and over in years past, he managed to cast aside a shaky opening set to dominate No. 2 Murray the rest of the way, buoyed by a supportive crowd that repeatedly chanted his nickname, "No-le!"

Dijokovic looked in complete control, making Murray run all over the court. As this happened, Murray spoke more and more to himself and began complaining to the chair umpire about the noise made by spectators between points.

"It has been happening all match," Murray shouted.

Watch Novak Djokovic complete the Career Grand Slam by defeating Andy Murray in the #FrenchOpen!https://t.co/b1n847GK9g

-- SCOUT Fantasy (@ScoutFantasy) June 5, 2016

When his victory was over, Djokovic took a racket to etch a heart in the red clay that had given him such heartache in the past and dropped down on his back.

"It's really a very special moment," Djokovic said afterward, "perhaps the greatest moment of my career."

Since losing the 2015 final in Paris, Djokovic has won 28 Grand Slam matches in a row, from Wimbledon and the U.S. Open last year, to the Australian Open in January, and now, at long last, the French Open.

The last man to hold all four major titles simultaneously was Rod Laver in 1969, when he earned a calendar-year Grand Slam. Djokovic now can set his sights on that ultimate tennis achievement, because he is halfway there.

The 29-year-old Serb's first French Open trophy goes alongside six from the Australian Open, three from Wimbledon and two from the U.S. Open to give him a total of 12. Among men, only Roger Federer (with 17), Rafael Nadal (14) and Pete Sampras (14) own more.

Murray said "it sucks to lose" the French Open final but is proud to have played his part in Djokovic's "amazing achievement" of becoming the first man since Laver to win four Grand Slam titles in a row.

"This is something that is so rare in tennis," said the Scot. "It's going to take a long time for it to happen again."

On Sunday -- the weather overcast but dry, unlike so much of the rainy past two weeks -- the first choruses of "No-le! No-le!" accompanied Djokovic's entrance to the court. They returned when an announcer introduced Djokovic during the warmup period. And again when he skipped from sideline to baseline to receive in the opening game -- and, louder still, when Djokovic broke two-time major champion Murray to start.

All in all, it sounded as if this were Belgrade, rather than a neutral site.

"I told him one of these days, I'm going to make him take a day off," Francona said, "because I think it would be good for him. He's a pretty big body. He's got some wear and tear. I just want to make sure we don't run him into the ground."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Terry Francona has a bit of a predicament.

The Indians' manager wants to keep his first baseman fresh, but he also doesn't want to make out a lineup that omits Mike Napoli.

Napoli slugged his 14th home run of the season on Sunday afternoon. He entered contest leading the team in that category, as well as RBI (41), runs (37) and slugging percentage (.503). He also entered Sunday's action with 215 plate appearances, which would put him on pace for more than 600 in a full season. Napoli has never logged more than 578 plate appearances, which he racked up in 2013.

"We talked all along about wanting to keep Nap's bat in the lineup," Francona said, "with the possibility and potential of trying to get him more at-bats than he's had in the past. I think to do that, we've got to keep him fresh and healthy."

Therefore, Napoli served as the designated hitter on Sunday for the third straight day and the fourth time in five games.

In Tuesday's contest, Napoli missed a dugout step as he attempted to catch a foul pop-up in the Rangers' dugout. Francona said the misstep "jarred him a little bit."

"He's fine," Francona said. "I just think that it's a long year."

Napoli entered Sunday's series finale with six home runs and 15 RBI in his previous 12 games. He posted a .791 slugging percentage (1.183 OPS) during that stretch.

"I told him one of these days, I'm going to make him take a day off," Francona said, "because I think it would be good for him. He's a pretty big body. He's got some wear and tear. I just want to make sure we don't run him into the ground."

Welcome back: The Indians plan to activate reliever Joba Chamberlain from the disabled list prior to Monday's series opener in Seattle. The right-hander threw a simulated inning at Progressive Field on Saturday. Chamberlain posted a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings before he landed on the shelf with a strained chest muscle in late May.

Chamberlain feeling fine after simulated game

Long time: The Indians have not swept a four-game set against the Royals since Aug. 11-14, 2006.

Finally: Francona isn't one for artificial occasion, including the 54-game mark, which represents one-third of the 162-game schedule. The Indians entered Sunday's game with a 30-24 mark through 54 games.

"Our game is fluid," Francona said. "You play a game today, you play a game tomorrow. The only time it matters is when the season's over, then you add them up. It's a third of the way through -- you don't just multiply by three. It doesn't work that way."

The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to even the NBA Finals at one game apiece when they play Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. and the game will be shown on ABC.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to even the NBA Finals at one game apiece when they play Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. Tipoff is at 8 p.m. and the game will be shown on ABC. On radio, it will be simulcast on WTAM 1100 and 87.7 FM (ESP). 

Game 2 can be viewed online via WatchESPN. 

The Cavaliers are coming off a loss, 104-89, in Game 1 of the Finals. Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 26 points while LeBron James added 23 on 9-of-21 shooting. But Cleveland struggled on offense, being held under 100 points for the third time in the postseason. The Cavs shot just 38.1 percent from the field in the defeat. 

On Thursday, the Warriors won their sixth consecutive game against the Cavs, a stretch that dates back to last year's NBA Finals series.

Golden State's All-Star backcourt, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, struggled throughout, combining for 20 points on 8-of-27 shooting. The Warriors' supporting cast led the way, with seven players reaching double figures.

Shaun Livingston scored a team-high 20 points. Draymond Green added 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. 

Chris Haynes has the latest on the Cavs' desire to push the pace in Game 2. Catch the coverage from before the game; join in the live chat starting at tipoff; and stick around for full postgame coverage. For all Cavs information, be sure to check out cleveland.com/cavs. 

Ali floated like a butterfly in and out of the ring, in health and in sickness.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In the boxing ring, Muhammad Ali was exactly what he said he was, "The Greatest!"   In the ring of life, he was just one of the greatest human beings to walk the planet.

Boxing has never been the same since Ali retired.   No one has come close to filling his gloves in terms of boxing, showmanship and worldwide influence in and out of the ring.   There has yet to be a boxer who I've felt the need to pay to view on TV after seeing the greatest on ABC's Friday night fights for free.     Even most of Ali's opponents, like Joe Frazier and George Foreman, were in a different league than most who came after them. 

It's hard to believe Ali was just in his early 40's when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.   But Ali was such a force of nature, the disease could only silence his voice, not his influence on the world around him.   

Ali floated like a butterfly in and out of the ring, in health and in sickness. He filled the world of everyone who was lucky to be in his presence with unforgettable color.

In a 1974 interview with David Frost, this is how Ali said he wanted to be remembered:

"I'd like them to say: He took a few cups of love.  He took one tablespoon of patience, one teaspoon of generosity.  One pint of kindness.  He took one quart of laughter, one pinch of concern.   And then, he mixed willingness with happiness.  He added lots of faith, and he stirred it up well.   Then he spread it over a span of a lifetime, and he served it to each and every deserving person he met."

A look at seven key stats that help explain Golden State's 33-point in win Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

Things look bleak for LeBron James and the Cavs against the Warriors, who own a 2-0 lead in the Finals and have beaten Cleveland seven consecutive times.

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Cavs are probably not going to win the 2016 NBA Finals.

What the Warriors have done in this series to this point is historic in its own right, their 48-point margin over Cleveland in the first two games is a Finals record, and we're talking about the most successful regular-season team in NBA history.

Also, most teams, as in 28 out of 31, with 2-0 leads in the Finals like the one Golden State owns over the Cavs, go on to win the series.

Cleveland needs four wins in the five theoretically remaining games to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy. The Warriors have now won seven in a row over the Cavs.

LeBron James dressed and exited the locker room following Cleveland's 110-77 loss in Game 2 Sunday with a speed unseen since he returned to the Cavs prior to last season.

He stood in the back of the press-conference are at Oracle Arena and waited for coach Tyronn Lue to finish his remarks so he could quickly take his place.

Without diving too far into the minutia of player-media postgame protocol and relations, let's just say that never happens. James is pretty much always the last player or coach to speak at the podium after a playoff game.

He ices, takes his time showering and dressing, and after bad losses like this (whether it's the postseason or regular season), he often sits inside his locker with a towel draped over his head and thinks.

No one bothered to ask why he was so quick to get out Sunday night. Maybe he just didn't have much to think about.

"It's hard for me to kind of pinpoint what's not working and what could work right now," James said. "Obviously not much is working, especially offensively."

The Cavs were mostly steadfast following a 15-point loss in Game 1 that little needed to change from a schematic perspective. Make quicker decisions, cut down on turnovers, convert layups.

Lue wanted Cavs to play faster, not different

Sticking to the game plan led the Cavs to their worst defeat of the season - playoffs or regular season - in Game 2. It's drawing board time, assuming there's a big enough board out there for the Cavs to do the math necessary to find a way back into this series.

There's a thick irony hanging over this team right now; that perhaps the most viable solution is to adapt the game plan created for the 2015 Finals by the coach virtually no one inside the Cavs' locker room liked or supported, one David Blatt.

Out of necessity and due to massive injuries, Blatt drew up an offense in which literally every play ran through James, and the Cavs slowed the pace so dramatically on both sides of the court that it brought the Warriors down to their level for three games.

Blatt's plan ultimately didn't work - Golden State did, after all, win the Finals in six games - but with both Irving and Love sidelined and very few dependable reserves, the Cavs still rode James to a 2-1 lead in the series.

Under Tyronn Lue, the plan has been one in which Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are often the two players who get the most plays called for them, with James facilitating and creating in the empty spaces. Lue wants a faster pace, which is supposed to create more open 3s for Cleveland's array of deep shooters.

It's how the Cavs won 12 of 14 playoff games to start the 2016 postseason, to be sure. But it's failed spectacularly against the Warriors. Irving and Love are shooting 33.3 and 37.5 percent, respectively, and Love's in the NBA's concussion protocol, so his availability for Game 3 is questionable.

J.R. Smith and Channing Frye have been total non factors from the perimeter. They have two 3s and 10 points between them for the series.

So the evidence is there to make the switch to a James-only offense, with the idea that Irving and Smith and Frye, et. al, are better equipped to take advantage when the Warriors force James to give up the ball than the depleted 2015 Cavs.

But the sobering truth is, while James hasn't dominated the ball in this series as much as he did in last year's Finals, he has been Cleveland's primary option on offense. And it hasn't gone all that well.

James is leading the Cavs in points (21), shots (19) and turnovers (5.5) per game in the Finals.  He committed eight turnovers in Game 2, is shooting 42 percent for the series, and is 4-of-15 on shots outside of 5 feet.

LeBron's streaks broken Sunday night

He's "using" more than 30 percent of the Cavs' possessions - which means he either shoots, assists, or otherwise dominates the ball. That's less than the 39 percent of possession he used in the 2015 Finals, but it's still high.

Most onlookers point to Andre Iguodala's presence on the court as bothering James, though Lue insists the Warriors switch constantly and are throwing multiple defenders at James. With Iguodala on the court, James is shooting 12-of-30 (40 percent).

But the broader issue is the Cavs, with a full complement of players, are trying to go to James, and he's having his own problems.

"I've got to be better," James said. "I've got to be better with the ball. You know, trying to play make for myself and play make for my teammates at the same time, I've just got to be more solid."

The most consistent answer coming from the Cavs right now is they "have to play better," which is obvious and doesn't account for the way in which the Warriors have commanded this series. Neither Stephen Curry (14.5 ppg) nor Klay Thompson (13.5 ppg) has had a big night yet, and they still have two wins to show for it.

"The guys are not discouraged -- more pissed than anything," Lue said.

The Cavs are coming off a playoff series in which they destroyed the Toronto Raptors in games 1 and 2, and then were handled on the Raptors' home court in games 3 and 4. The optimist will point to that.

But when the Cavs fly home to prepare for Game 3 at The Q, they'll board the plane with few answers. Those belong to the Warriors right now.

"I would say we're confident that we can beat anybody," Golden State coach Steve Kerr said. "But we're definitely not comfortable playing against LeBron. He's obviously one of the great players in the history of this game, and we've had success the first two games, but there's a lot of basketball left." 

Let's examine a few encouraging signs from the 31-24 Tribe. Here are a handful of thoughts about the Indians and their rather pedestrian division. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mike Napoli knows the Indians' standing in early June isn't what's imperative.

"We don't want to be anywhere else," he said of his first-place club. "But it doesn't mean anything right now."

It's like learning your flight is on schedule about 12 hours before its anticipated departure. It's the preferred situation, but it means little if the plane doesn't actually take off on time. Plenty can change at the airport in 12 hours. Plenty can change in four months of a baseball season.

For now, let's examine a few encouraging signs from the 31-24 Tribe. Here are a handful of thoughts about the Indians and their rather pedestrian division.

1. Right-handed power bat: Is Mike Napoli the next Mark Reynolds?

Through 55 games:

Reynolds, 2013 with Cleveland: .251/.333/.492 slash line (.825 OPS), 13 home runs, 41 RBI, 23 walks, 60 strikeouts, 30 runs scored

Napoli, 2016 with Cleveland: .239/.311/.513 slash line (.824 OPS), 14 home runs, 42 RBI, 20 walks, 76 strikeouts, 38 runs scored

Reynolds warned reporters that season that he would eventually endure a dreadful slump. He was spot-on. The Indians severed ties with the slugger in early August, when Reynolds' OPS dipped to .680 and he went more than a month without a home run.

Francona doesn't want to take Napoli out of lineup

2. Keeping pace: What does Reynolds' Tribe tenure teach us? That one-third of a season, no matter how prolific, does not secure a statue outside of Progressive Field. Napoli is on pace to register 41 home runs, 124 RBI, 112 runs scored (and 224 strikeouts). He is also on pace for 645 plate appearances, which would shatter his previous season high. He logged 578 plate appearances in 2013, 510 in 2010 and 500 in 2014. Since 2009, he has averaged 477 trips to the plate each year.

3. Long division: The Indians are 18-7 against AL Central opponents this year. Last season, the amassed a 32-43 record against division foes, with a losing mark against each.

Oddly enough, the Indians have handled every AL Central adversary save for the Twins, who own the AL's worst record, at 16-40. The Indians are 2-4 against Minnesota. They are 16-3 against the Tigers, Royals and White Sox, who all sit at .500 or better.

This is a division with five flawed teams, some far more than others.

Zack Meisel, cleveland.com 

4. South side: The White Sox have lost 18 of 24 since a 23-10 start. They were swept by the Tigers at Comerica Park over the weekend. They acquired James Shields, who posted a 4.28 ERA (4.41 FIP) in 11 starts with the Padres. The right-hander's best days are behind him -- he surrendered 33 home runs while calling spacious Petco Park home last season -- but he should round out Chicago's rotation, which is the club's strength.

5. Pitching jesters: For two years, the Royals excelled despite an unimposing starting rotation. They thrived defensively, boasted a stout bullpen, slapped singles and doubles all over the place and ran the bases, as Terry Francona likes to say, "like their pants were on fire."

Well, now, the rotation owns a 4.86 ERA, 23rd in the majors. Third baseman Mike Moustakas is out for the season with a knee injury. Left fielder Alex Gordon is on the shelf. Real humans named Cheslor Cuthbert and Whit Merrifield -- not Downton Abbey characters -- are playing on a daily basis.

Still, the Royals arrived in Cleveland riding a six-game winning streak. The Indians did well to capitalize on their lack of health and on their shaky rotation and defeat them four straight days.

Tribe plays home run derby to sweep Royals

A moment of silence was held for Muhammad Ali, and Carlos Santana performed the National Anthem with wife Cindy Blackman Santana. Starting lineups were next, but they did not appear on TV.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Disney is such a tease.

The inclusion of starting lineup introductions during broadcasts seems long abandoned in favor of more commercial opportunities. ABC did not show introductions before Game 1, but appeared ready to do so Sunday night for Game 2.

A moment of silence was held for Muhammad Ali. Carlos Santana and wife Cindy Blackman Santana followed by performing the National Anthem. The starting lineups were next.

We think. Only those inside Oracle Arena know for sure.

Previous Finals amped up the presentation for introductions with giant inflatable Larry O'Brien trophies as decorations next to each team. Sure that might be overdoing it, but cheers and jeers that go with the public address announcer's introduction of each starter is part of the spectacle. It sets the stage for the event at hand.

Do you prefer to see the starting lineup intros, don't like them or don't care? Vote in the cleveland.com poll below.

Rose picks at Cavs' thorns

A stat that hurt Sunday from Jalen Rose at halftime: the Cavaliers' 28 shots in the paint during Game 1. They missed 19 in the first half of Game 2.

"They don't have the ability to finish when they get inside," Rose said.

In the fallout from the Cavaliers' 33-point loss, Doug Collins said the Warriors are beating them in every phase of the game. Golden State finished plus-10 in the paint (50-40) and owned a 46-34 rebounding edge.

Cavaliers dismantled in Game 2

Rose called the Cavaliers' run through the Eastern Conference a "red-carpet ride."

Rose, who went to the Finals with the Indiana Pacers, suggested the league re-evaluates its playoff seeding. He wants a 1-16 format for the whole league instead of eight teams from each conference.

As Amin says

ESPN analyst Amin Elhassan always has a take and lets it be known on Twitter. The former assistant director of basketball operations for the Phoenix Suns also likes to have fun with it.

Here are some of his Tweets from Game 2.

Only slightly worse than things in Cavs World https://t.co/rPohnmzB6l

-- Amin Elhassan (@AminESPN) June 6, 2016

Cavs giving up out there

-- Amin Elhassan (@AminESPN) June 6, 2016

I know Sheed talks a lot of trash, but this truth. This team isnt disciplined enough to run this defense https://t.co/CKcx1upbcu

-- Amin Elhassan (@AminESPN) June 6, 2016

LeBron Crab Dribble RETURNS!

-- Amin Elhassan (@AminESPN) June 6, 2016

I think a bigger concern is will LeBron have that opportunity to begin with https://t.co/4DM3ZlDi1l

-- Amin Elhassan (@AminESPN) June 6, 2016

Cavs need Jesus https://t.co/cJut7hcqdH

-- Amin Elhassan (@AminESPN) June 6, 2016

[?] [?] [?] https://t.co/A61jb7VET5

-- Amin Elhassan (@AminESPN) June 6, 2016

Beginning to realize many of you think I mean LeBron when I say LB. I'm talking about Barbosa. Who calls LeBron just LB???

-- Amin Elhassan (@AminESPN) June 6, 2016

During a halftime show via Periscope, Elhassan suggested the Cavaliers must play Tristan Thompson and Matthew Dellavedova if they wanted to erase an eight-point deficit.

"You can't finesse this," Elhassan said, "because they're better at it than you are."

Thompson picked up his fourth foul within the first 50 seconds of the third quarter.

Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

Cleveland sports fans wonder what happened to the Beast of the East Cavaliers and whether there were any late nights in the Bay Area contributing to their demise -- Bud Shaw's You Said It

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to Golden State by 33 points in a game where Terry Pluto predicted a victory.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Guilty.

That's the verdict from many of my readers. And I can't blame them.

That's because it's hard to know what was worse...

How the Cavs played in Sunday's 110-77 NBA Finals loss to Golden State in Oakland...

Or how I wrote a weekend column predicting the Cavs would win Game 2...

"You're simply stupid! Sorry, but you are..."

That was from one nameless reader.

The headline on my prediction was how the Cavs would win Game 2: "It's my story and I'm sticking to it."

That inspired another nameless emailer:

"Wrong again, Terry. You said Cleveland was going to win Game 2. That's your story and you're sticking to it. Well, my story is Golden State wins series and I'm sticking to it."

That's not exactly a bold prediction at this point. The Warriors have won the first two games by a combined 48 points. According to ESPN, no NBA team has ever lost the first two Finals games by at least 48 points.

But I can understand the wish to gloat.

A GREAT FIRST QUARTER?

Coach Tryonn Lue seemed a bit overwhelmed at his press conference. He fell back on how the Warriors did "what they're supposed to do" by winning on their home court.

He started by saying. "I thought we had a great first quarter, but they were still making the tougher plays ... holding them to 19 points in the first quarter was really good for us. But over the course of the night, they just continued to make the tougher plays."

There was nothing "great" about the first quarter.

The Cavs had a 21-19 lead. But they shot only 32 percent. They were out-rebounded, 18-10. LeBron James was scoreless, having missed all five of his shots.

The Warriors simply were shooting poorly, but doing everything else right.

Lue's point is a team is supposed to win on its home court. But isn't the visiting team also is supposed to play with some heart?

"They played well in their first two games at home," said Lue. "And we expected them to play well. So now we've got to go home and play well."

I understand Lue is soft-spoken. And he is a rookie head coach under enormous pressure in The Finals.

But this was time to say something along the lines of: "There's no excuse for our lack of effort on defense and the boards. I'm angry. We're all angry. We simply can't play like this again."

YES, CLUELESS

In my column from Sunday's loss, I called the Cavs "clueless."

That inspired a nameless fan to write: "Sorry, Terry, but you're the one who is CLUELESS!!! Even my 7-year-old nephew predicted Golden State to win Game 2. Tisk, tisk...you're pretty dumb."

The nephew will probably have my job in a few years ... maybe a few months, if things keep going like this.

I really did think the Cavs would win Game 2, or at least make it close.

There often are major swings from one game to another in the playoffs -- and it happened again.

Only the Cavs went from really bad in the 104-89 loss in Game 1 to utterly awful in Game 2.

Some fans on Twitter ripped the Cavs plans for running more with Golden State. I'd do the same, only I didn't see them try to play at a quicker pace.

They did everything they did in Game 1 ... only worse ... and seemingly slower.

That goes for offense ... defense ... even rebounding.

Get this: The leading rebounder ... not scorer ... the leading REBOUNDER in the game was Golden State's Stephen Curry with 9 in 24 minutes.

He's a point guard!

That's a tribute to the heart of the thin, 6-foot-2 Curry.

But it's also an indictment of the Cavs, who were out-rebounded by a dozen and out-hustled by miles and miles on the court.

WHO'S TO BLAME?

According to some who emailed, it's me.

I understand the frustration. My prediction had about as much insight as the Cavs plans for Game 2.

But some fans are calling for the return of David Blatt, or at least remembering the former Cavs coach fondly. The Cavs lost in the 2015 Finals to the Warriors in six games. They were usually competitive.

Brad Swinehart sent me this tweet: "Not many winning teams fire a coach midseason if they are clueless -- or do they?"

One reason the Cavs fired Blatt (who had a 30-11 record) was they believed the players used the coach as an excuse for losing. They feared the players would tune out Blatt in the big games.

Maybe the results would have been the same.

Golden State is a better, more confident team than a year ago.

But there was something endearing by James leading a bunch of role players in The 2015 Finals.

That gritty group of Tristan Thompson, Matthew Dellavedova, Iman Shumpert, Timofey Mozgov, etc. found a way to win two games. Their biggest loss was by  20 points -- a game where they entered the fourth quarter only losing by six.

The Cavs are such a disaster right now that LeBron James had as many turnovers (7) as he did field goals (7), and he was the Cavs second-best player in Sunday's loss. He had 19 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds and 4 steals.

The Cavs best player?

It was Richard Jefferson, who shot 4-of-6 for 12 points with 5 rebounds.

Love and Irving have shot a combined 21-of-60 in the first two games. Love is shooting 9-of-24, Irving is 12-of-36.

Love is the easy target of critics, but Irving deserves equal blame in this series.

NOW WHAT?

Tom Ryugo wrote a longer email (and attached his name).

His bottom line:

"The Warriors still have to play in Cleveland and the Wednesday game will be a desperation game for the Cavaliers... The key issue is the Warriors have played defense very well and the Cavaliers haven't.

"In retrospect, the Cavaliers 12-2 playoff run was the result of mediocre opponents. Their defense looked good because of inferior opponents. If the Cavs don't play significantly better defense, they may not win a single game."

I agree with every word.

I'll add the Cavs are shooting 37 percent, averaging 83 points. Forget pace ... they don't even know what they are supposed to do on offense.

Joe Penna wrote: "Read your article ... was hoping you were right .... but thought no way ... wish I was wrong ... we are so out-classed."

So true.

The last words go to John E. Toale, who emailed: "Still like the Cavs in Game 2?"

LeBron James gave the Cavaliers a shield as a present, but it's not protecting them against the Warriors, writes Chris Haynes.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Before the Cavaliers embarked on their postseason journey, LeBron James came bearing a unique set of gifts.

Each of his teammates was handed a personalized, handcrafted, life-size shield with each player's nickname inscribed, I've learned. Also, the armor included a message referencing protection and unity, I'm told.

James' friendly gesture elicited a thought-provoking conversation about the importance of unity and safekeeping while on the path to the Larry O'Brien trophy.

His present hit home.

"For me, I appreciated it," forward Channing Frye said of the gift. "It just showed his thought process not just about the game, but about the mental aspect of everybody being on the same page."

The shields have proven to be durable in protecting against the strikes, the thumps, and the swipes of the Eastern Conference landscape. However, the blows unleashed by Golden State Warriors in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals have shattered those shields into a thousand pieces.

Golden State finds itself up 2-0 following a 110-77 battering Sunday night at Oracle Arena. After cruising through the first three rounds with a 12-2 mark, Cleveland has been outscored in this series by a staggering 48 points.

"What we've done these last two games doesn't put a damper or a cloud over how we got to this point," James argued. "We're still here..."

Cleveland won't be here for long if this continues.

Right now the Cavaliers, who possess the second-highest payroll in league history, are defenseless and the outcomes have shown as much. They're absent of a shield, but most significantly they're absent of fight. They're going up against a Western Conference predator who's equipped with an abundance of ammo and all the Cavaliers have done is scurried for cover.

Is home court at The Q going to make that huge of a difference come Wednesday? Cleveland had two days to prepare for Game 2, and yet still rolled up in a ball when adversity came knocking.

Before Kevin Love exited the game with concussion symptoms, he suffered from Draymond Green symptoms. The Warriors' forward was in his head and made it a point to stay attached to Love more than he did in Game 1.

Love was 2-of-7 from the field with three boards in 20 minutes of play. He looked intimidated. It looked like he didn't want any part of that game. Green was so glued to him that Love gave him a miniature shove in the first half. Green just smiled, and got right back in Love's personal space.

Kyrie Irving struggled the most, going 5-of-14 for 10 points in 33 minutes. He's now shooting 33 percent for the series. But the team typically goes as the leader of the team goes.

"LeBron is in a unique situation to where we all know how (bleeping) good he really is," Frye said. "The humility he has with us shows us, 'Hey, I need you guys for all of us to succeed.' We know he's going to help us, but he needs everybody to be locked in."

First and foremost, James needs to be locked in. In these two games, the four-time MVP is averaging 21.0 points on 42 percent shooting and has coughed the ball up 11 times. The Warriors have suddenly transformed into a scary defensive bunch.

The perimeter defensive mixture of Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes, Klay Thompson and Green has been a nightmare for James. Whether James wants to admit it or not, he is being contained. And if he's contained, the Cavaliers will end up being ashamed when it's all said and done. The series is far from over, but the poor body language and the disconnect in communication is in dire need of repair.

James and the Cavaliers are being exposed before our very eyes, and there's no shield that can hide that.

"Whatever happens, happens," Lindor said. "I don't play for any awards. I play for October baseball. That's what it's all about. The biggest accomplishment anyone could have is win the World Series."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There's Xander Bogaerts and Alcides Escobar and Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Correa and J.J. Hardy.

Somewhere down the list sits Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor, though Major League Baseball only reveals the top five vote-getters at each position in its weekly All-Star Game balloting update.

Lindor might rank sixth. He might rank 14th. At this juncture, he does not rank inside the top five among American League shortstops.

Lindor wasn't aware of this. Lindor also said he doesn't care.

"That's fine. Whatever happens, happens," he said. "I don't play for any awards. I play for October baseball. That's what it's all about. The biggest accomplishment anyone could have is win the World Series.

"You can see this Kansas City team. They've got Gold Glovers, All-Stars and Silver Sluggers. And you can ask them, 'What was the best part of your career so far?' They will say winning the World Series. That's what I want."

Lindor nowhere to be found in All-Star voting

Zack Meisel, cleveland.com 

Fans elect the starters at each position on the diamond. Players and each side's manager fill out the rest of the roster. So, even if Lindor doesn't earn a starting gig, he could still make his way to San Diego for the Midsummer Classic.

"When you're in a place where your attendance isn't like some of these other places, it's going to be that way," said Tribe manager Terry Francona. "That's just kind of the way it is. He'll have his chance. That's just the way the game's set up. It's not a reflection in my opinion on him."

Here is how Lindor stacks up against the five AL shortstops who have received the most votes. The league will release a balloting update each Tuesday until voting ends.

Bogaerts: .345/.396/.500, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 46 R, 7 SB, 1 DRS, 3.1 WAR,

Escobar: .257/.285/.307, 0 HR, 15 RBI, 21 R, 10 SB, minus-5 DRS, minus-0.3 WAR,

Tulowitzki: .204/.289/.383, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 17 R, 1 SB, 0 DRS, 0.2 WAR,

Correa: .267/.357/.443, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 27 R, 8 SB, minus-7 DRS, 1.3 WAR

Hardy: .244/.291/.410, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 11 R, 0 SB, 4 DRS, 0.6 WAR (in 22 games)

Lindor: .313/.367/.456, 6 HR, 29 RBI, 38 R, 10 SB, 4 DRS, 2.7 WAR

(Note: DRS is FanGraphs' defensive runs saved metric)

"Absolutely, it's disappointing," said Indians pitcher Josh Tomlin. "You saw what he did last year, and he hasn't even really broke stride. He comes out here, he's prepared, he plays every single day. He's had one day off the whole season so far. And he doesn't really go into slumps. He just has good at-bats. He plays defense. He takes pride in both. And he takes pride in winning.

"To see him not even on the top list for the shortstops for the All-Star Game, it is disappointing. He's a special player and he needs to be there."

See newspaper front pages throughout the NBA Finals in this photo gallery.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Check out the photo gallery above featuring front pages and sports section covers about the 2016 NBA Finals from The Plain Dealer and San Francisco Chronicle.

The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 on Sunday, 110-77, giving the Warriors a 2-0 lead in the series. While the Chronicle focused on the dominating way the Warriors won, the Plain Dealer headline pointed out the frustrations of the other side of the outcome.

The best-of-seven series continues in Cleveland on Wednesday at 9 p.m.

Thanks to the San Francisco Chronicle for sharing advance copies of its sports and news front pages.

Ohio State basketball will add four new players as part of the 2016 recruiting class.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Thad Matta and Ohio State basketball's road to rebounding from a disappointing 2015-16 season is officially underway.

The Buckeyes four-man 2016 recruiting class -- three freshmen and a junior college transfer sophomore -- is expected to arrive on campus on Monday. That means forward Derek Funderburk, center Micah Potter, wing Andre Wesson and guard C.J. Jackson are officially in.

That gives the Buckeyes 11 scholarship players for next season.

Another boost to Ohio State's roster came Monday. An Ohio State spokesperson told cleveland.com that junior forward Jae'Sean Tate has been cleared for shooting. Tate had surgery on a torn labrum in February.

CBS Sports Jon Rothstein reported that Tate had been cleared for contact, but the spokesman said that hasn't happened yet.

Even after a somewhat tumultuous offseason, Ohio State's roster could be in a better place heading into next season. But that means the incumbent players need to make leaps in progression and the freshman need to be more productive than last year's were.

What number will Ohio State's freshmen wear?

So with the freshmen now in place, here's one final look at Ohio State's 2016 recruiting class before they officially begin their college careers:

Derek Funderburk, 6-foot-9, 210 pounds, forward

Funderurk comes to Ohio State from Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, where he played one year after three at St. Edward High School. He's one of two Northeast Ohio products in this class, joining Potter, and he also might be the most intriguing. 

It's been real Cleveland [?] [?] Love my City to the fullest but Columbus here I come [?] [?][?] #BuckeyeNation

-- Derek Funderburk (@TooEvsy4) June 6, 2016

Funderburk is long at 6-foot-9, but he doesn't have the traditional back-to-the-basket game of someone that size. He wants to be a wing, and Ohio State is excited about the possibilities of putting that of length on the wing.

"Derek can be anything he wants to be," assistant coach Dave Dickerson said. "He's athletic, he's got great range. I think Derek is gonna be one of those guys who can play multiple positions at Ohio State. We're excited about his versatility."

Fundeburk signing day profile

Can Funderburk develop a 'Durant-type' game?

Micah Potter, 6-foot-9, 230 pounds, center

Potter has more of a traditional big man game than Funderburk, but even he isn't hemmed in as only a post player. Potter has the ability to stretch the floor out to the 3-point line with his jump shot. Potter worked on his game and his body this past season at Montverde Academy after three seasons at Mentor High School.

That made him more college ready, and he should contribute immediately as Ohio State's No. 2 center.

"His body and ability to shoot the basketball, he can really stretch the defense," Matta said. "I think there's a chance to get back to playing two bigs at the same time."

Potter signing day profile

The unlikely conversation that led Potter to Ohio State

Move in day! [?] [?] [?] [?][?]

-- Micah Potter (@BigJam_23) June 6, 2016

Andre Wesson, 6-foot-6, 190 pounds, forward

The first of two late additions to Ohio State's 2016 recruiting class, Wesson parlayed a strong senior season at nearby Westerville South High School into a roster spot with the Buckeyes. But he's hardly an afterthought.

He projects as an ideal 3-and-D wing with good size and plus-shooting ability. He may have been under-recruited, or a late-bloomer, but Ohio State is taking him with the thinking that he can be an impact player immediately and a versatile reserve capable of playing multiple positions.

"He's got a terrific shot," Matta said. "He can really score the basketball for how tall he is. Defensively I think he's going to fall in line with those guys who can guard multiple positions, as well as play multiple positions offensively. You can add those type of guys who are hungry to come in here, and that's what excites me about him."

Wesson signing day profile

A different kind of commitment that Ohio State needed

One-on-one with Wesson

C.J. Jackson, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, guard

This was a must-fill spot for Ohio State once A.J. Harris transferred. For a time, JaQuan Lyle was the only ball-handling guard on the roster. The Buckeyes went into the junior college ranks to add the sharp-shooting combo guard from Eastern Florida State.

"Anybody that hit 100 threes in a season is pretty special, and he can definitely shoot the basketball," Matta said. "I like the fact that he comes out of Montverde, commits to George Mason and there's a coaching change. He takes the hard road, the long road, go to junior college for a year and see if I can put myself in a better position."

Jackson signing day profile

How Ohio State found Jackson, who signed sight unseen

St. Edward prevailed, 12-7, in Division I state title game.

RugbyOhio.com 

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The St. Edward rugby team picked up its third Division I state title defeating St. Ignatius, 12-7, at Fairview High School.

On Friday, Jaret Williamson scored the winning try for St. Edward with 6:47 left in regulation. Teammate Jack Bradfield scored on the conversion.

Earlier in the match, Joey Donay put St. Edward up 5-0 with his score. However, Brock Yoho responded with a try followed by Andrew Baldado's conversion to put St. Ignatius up 7-5 before halftime.

The Eagles ended the year sweeping St. Ignatius in the three-game head-to-head matchup, according to St. Edward Athletics. The Eagles' last two state championships were won in 2012 and 2013.

The St. Joseph Academy won its seventh title, defeating Lakewood, 54-7.

Great way to end your last game together #seniors #edsup pic.twitter.com/swKaI713yZ

-- St Eds Rugby (@StEdsRugby) June 4, 2016

Lakewood rugby falls to St. Joseph Academy, 54-7, in Division I state title game.

RugbyOhio.com 

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The St. Joseph Academy Rugby captured its fourth straight Division I state title defeating Lakewood, 54-7, at Fairview High School.

Rachel Kean led the charge on Friday for St. Joseph Academy, scoring two tries in the first half followed by Annie Rolf with one to help take a 19-0 lead at halftime, according to Jaguars Athletics.

In the second half, Becky Sullivan added two more tries and Kean scored one more to lead all players with four. Annie Rolf, Hannah Carruthers and Regina Balado each scored once.

State and National Champions 2016! pic.twitter.com/YEmVcdro5J

-- SJA Athletics (@SJAAthletics) June 3, 2016

Chris Fedor and host Dan Labbe talk all things NBA Finals in our day-after podcast.

(To have this podcast delivered straight to your mobile phone or device, subscribe to our iTunes channel.)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers are searching for answers following a Game 2 blowout in the NBA Finals on Sunday night in Oakland. Chris Fedor broke down Game 2 and looked ahead to Game 3 with me on Monday during our NBA Finals podcast.

Among the topics discussed:

Criticism of Kevin Love.

The Warriors are just the better team.

J.R. Smith's struggles on both ends of the floor.

How do the Cavaliers get this back to Oakland tied at two games apiece?

You can download the MP3 or listen with the player above.

Lesnar retired from UFC in 2011 with a 5-3 record after losing to Alistair Overeem in a first-round TKO.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar is returning to the Octagon, when he takes on Mark Hunt July 9 at UFC 200 in Las Vegas.

Lesnar, who held the UFC championship from 2008-2010 and is a former NCAA champion and a four-time WWE champion, made the announcement Monday on ESPN.

"I'm a prize fighter. Titles don't pay bills. I fight for money. I'm making money. They're making money. Everybody's making money. That's what this is all about," he said.

Lesnar retired from UFC in 2011 with a 5-3 record after losing to Alistair Overeem in a first-round TKO. Overeem will face Cleveland native Stipe Miocic in September at UFC 203 at Quicken Loans Arena.

Lesnar's opponent next month, Hunt, is a 42-year old New Zealand native who enters the match with a 12-10-1 record, including 9 knockouts. After losing to Stipe last year, he's beaten Antonio Silvia and Frank Mir, the latter on a knock-out punch three minutes into the fight back in March.

"I'm a grappler at heart. [Hunt] is a heavy hitter. I think that's what the people want to see," Lesnar told ESPN. "The UFC ultimately culminated because we're going to put guys with opposing disciplines against each other. I think I match up very well. If Mark ends up on the ground, the fight's over."

Lesnar's MMA future beyond July remains cloudy as he remains under contract with the WWE. The company described the Beast Incarnate's fight at UFC 200 as a "one-off opportunity" and said he would return to the WWE at SummerSlam on August 21.