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Live updates and chat: Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox, Game 68

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Can the Indians complete the sweep?

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

Game 68: Indians (37-30) vs. White Sox (33-35)

First pitch: 1:10 p.m.

Broadcast info: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100, 100.7 WMMS FM, Indians Radio Network

Pitching matchup: RHP Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 3.40 ERA) vs. LHP Carlos Rodon (2-6, 4.28 ERA)

Fact du jour: The Indians have won seven straight home games.


Dick's Sporting Goods to extend hours Sunday night if Cleveland Cavaliers win NBA Championship

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Dick's Sporting Goods will open immediately following a Cavs win Sunday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dick's Sporting Goods will open its doors to fans in the event the Cavs win the NBA Championship on Sunday night.

Seventeen locations will open immediately following the game if the Cavs beat the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The stores will also re-open at 6 a.m. Monday.

Tipoff is 8 p.m.

A spokesman for the sporting goods chain said the stores will offer "an assortment of NBA Championship gear and cheer cards."

The store at Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted will offer musical acts and photo opportunities, the spokesman said.

cleveland.com has reached out to other area retailers to see if they will also have special hours if the Cavs win the city's first major sports championship since 1964.

If other stores announce special times, their times and locations will be posted here.

The following Dick's Sporting Goods stores will have extended store hours Sunday and re-open Monday at 6 a.m. if the Cavs win the NBA title:

Great Northern Mall

200 Great Northern Mall

North Olmsted, OH 44070

Crocker Park

300 Crocker Park Blvd.

Westlake, OH 44145

Westfield Shoppingtown South Park

17071 Southpark Center

Strongsville, OH 44136

Belden Parke Crossings

5544 N.W. Dressler Rd.

Canton, OH 44720

Great Lakes Mall

7850 Mentor Ave, Suite 1044

Mentor, OH 44060

Market Square at Montrose

4036 Medina Road

Akron, OH 44333

Legacy Village

24545 Cedar Rd.

Lyndhurst, OH 44124

Bainbridge Shopping Center

7305 Marketplace Drive

Aurora, OH 44202

The Plaza at Chapel Hill

498 Howe Ave

Akron, OH 44221

Midway Market Square

360 Market Dr.

Elyria, OH 44035

The Shoppes at Parma

8113 W Ridgewood Dr.

Parma, OH 44129

Wayne Town Center

4027 Burbank Rd.

Wooster, OH 44691

Polaris Fashion Place
1510 Polaris Pkwy

Columbus, OH 43240

Easton Town Center
4304 Easton Gateway Dr.
Columbus, OH 43219

Sandusky Pavilion
4020 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, OH 44870

Dublin
6111 Sawmill Rd.
Dublin, OH 43017

Ontario Towne Center
2235 Walker Lake Rd.
Ontario, OH 44903

U.S. Open 2016: Who is Shane Lowry? (photos, video)

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Even though Shane Lowry leads the U.S. Open after 54 holes heading into Sunday's final round, folks are having a hard time getting the Irishman's name right. Watch video

OAKMONT, Pennsylvania -- While many of his 2016 U.S. Open competitors were practicing and prepping at Oakmont Country Club last week, Shane Lowry was home in Ireland throwing a huge party

While resting between playing the last four holes of the third round Sunday morning and the start of the final round Sunday afternoon, his plan was to watch some Gaelic football.

That's not all you need to know about the Open's 54-hole leader, but it's a start, because in the United States, he's hardly known at all.

"They're beginning to know me a bit over here, so hopefully by this evening they will all know me,'' he said Sunday morning. "They've mixed me up with (British golfer) Andrew Johnston quite a lot this week. I don't think his beard is as good as mine.

"They've like called me Steve as well over here. Hopefully by this evening, they'll know me.''

Lowry is best known in the U.S. for winning the the Bridgestone Invitational last August in Akron with a series of brazen and brilliant shots that rescued wayward drives late in the fourth round.

The Bridgestone win paid $1.5 million. The U.S. Open winner receives $1.8 million.

Lowry is seven-under par and owns a four-stroke lead over American qualifier Andrew Landry heading into their 3:30 p.m. Sunday tee time for the final round. Neither has won a major. In fact, none of the top eight through 54 holes has won a major, meaning this will be an intriguing final round as pressure and the course's severe reputation will overtake some.

Someone will rise or at least survive the grind. Many who follow golf are not counting out Lowry, who seems to have the right mix if temperament and talent, all of which were on display when he won the Bridgestone Invitational.

"It's going to be tough,' he said. "I mean, let's be honest, I've already visualized myself winning. Even out walking around the course this morning, when you get a few moments to yourself, you do think about that."

Lowry, ranked 41st in the world, was under the radar coming into the Open. At his most recent event, the BMW PGA, he missed the cut with a second-round 78 that included a five-putt triple bogey. He had shot a 69 in the first round. That was the end of a busy stretch, so he decided to take a break and threw the party last week instead of coming to Oakmont to practice.

The party back home was a celebration for friends of his wedding to Wendy Honner. The wedding had been a small affair in New York after the Masters. The party gave Lowry a chance to recharge his batteries, which appear to be full this week.

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A photo posted by Shane Lowry (@shanelowrygolf) on

Who is Shane Lowry?

Here's some quick facts:

Age: 29

Birthplace: Mullingar, Ireland, the seat of County Westmeath, and known for its nearby lakes and vibrant music scene

Home: Clara, County Offalay

Height: 6-1. Weight: 225

Website: www.shanelowrygolf.com

Twitter: @ShaneLowryGolf

Instagram: @ShaneLowryGolf

World rank: 41 FedEx Cup rank: 125

College: University College Dublin

Joined European Tour: 2009

Joined PGA Tour: 2016

PGA Tour victories: 1 - 2015 Bridgestone Invitational

European Tour victories: 3 - 2009 The 3 Irish Open, 2012 Portugal Masters, 2015 Bridgestone Invitational

Famous father: Son of 1982 All-Ireland winning Gaelic footballer Brendan Lowry.

Sterling debut: Won the Irish Open as an amateur in 2009 in his European Tour debut. He shot a 62 in the final round and won a playoff.

2016 PGA Tour: 11 events, 9 cuts made, 71.94 scoring average, 1 top-10 finishes (T6 Waste Management Phoenix Open). He shot a 68 in the first round of the Masters, including an ace, but he finished 10-over and tied for 39th

2016 European Tour: 6 events, 5 cuts made, 73 scoring average, 0 top-10 finishes.

U.S. Open record: Missed cut in 2011 and 2014. Tied for ninth 2015 (even-par 280).

Quotable: When I was a kid, I spent my summers playing pitch and putt on the local course with my mates.  It was there, in Clara, Co. Offaly, that I learned the basics and honed my short game without even knowing it. I started playing golf proper when I was 12. My family wasn't really into golf, so I taught myself how to play. I took every chance I had to get out on the course. I can't say it didn't frustrate my family and teachers a bit back then.  I think they've forgiven me now though. - Shanelowrygolf.com

What's it like to root for the Golden State Warriors while playing for Cleveland?

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Gimenez attended Game 6 of the NBA Finals with his wife on Thursday night. He wore a gray shirt, purposefully abstaining from publicly identifying as a fan of either team. After all, he's in a tough spot.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Chris Gimenez walked to his locker and slammed his hat down on his black, leather chair.

Gimenez attended Game 6 of the NBA Finals with his wife on Thursday night. He wore a gray shirt, purposefully abstaining from publicly identifying as a fan of either team. After all, he's in a tough spot.

The Indians drafted Gimenez in 2004. He has spent the majority of his time since then in the organization. He also hails from Gilroy, California. He grew up about 45 minutes from where the Golden State Warriors play their home games. He has rooted for the franchise his entire life.

On Sunday evening, he'll watch Game 7, an affair that promises to deliver either a second straight championship to his beloved team or a long-overdue title to the city in which he plays.

"It is very weird," Gimenez said. "I feel like it's a win-win situation. Obviously, this city means a lot to me. If the Cavs do win, it would be phenomenal. This town deserves a championship so much."

Cavs could secure perfect ending to city's title drought

Ruben Niebla, the Indians' minor-league pitching coordinator, jokingly mocked Gimenez from the Tribe's coaching room. Gimenez pleaded his case, assuring Niebla that he had credentials as a Golden State supporter.

"Us Warriors fans like to joke about the Western Conference being varsity and the Eastern Conference being JV," Gimenez said. "But LeBron [James] has these guys going. They are good. They are legitimately good."

Gimenez said at least one fan got on his case at Game 6 for not wearing the black Cleveland T-shirt given to those in attendance and for not celebrating every Cavs bucket.

Tribe manager Terry Francona wants to witness a Cleveland championship. Francona, who lives downtown, has season tickets at Quicken Loans Arena.

"One, I hope they win," Francona said Sunday. "Two, I hope people have a blast. Three, I hope they behave themselves. I think it would be great for the city. I hope we put our best foot forward.

"If I see [my] scooter flying across the street, I'm not going to be happy."

Cavs, Indians and the drive to break Cleveland's hex

Cleveland Indians overcome White Sox, 5-man infield for 3-2 win in 10 innings

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The Indians came from behind twice on Sunday to beat the White Sox at Progressive Field, 3-2 in 10 innings, and extend their home winning streak to eight games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians did it again to the Chicago White Sox.

Rajai Davis doubled to start the 10th inning Sunday and came around to score the winning run on a two-out single by Jose Ramirez as the Indians beat the White Sox, 3-2, in walk-off fashion for the second time in three days at Progressive Field.

The Indians beat Chicago, 3-2, Friday night on Carlos Santana's leadoff homer in the ninth. The Tribe, powered by a three-game sweep of Chicago, has won 10 of its last 16 games to retain its lead in the AL Central.

Davis, who had four hits and two steals in the game, took third on on a sacrifice bunt by Jason Kipnis. Closer David Robertson (0-1) followed with intentional walks to Mike Napoli and Francisco Lindor to load the bases. Manager Robin Ventura, meanwhile, inserted Tyler Saladino as a fifth infielder.

The five-man alignment worked against Santana as he fouled out to third. The White Sox, with two out, went back to a three-man outfield and four-man infield, but it didn't matter. Ramirez skipped a single past first baseman Jose Abreu, who went to the ground to try and make a play, for the victory.

"Every ball I hit I think has a chance to get by the infielders," said Ramirez, through team interpreter Anna Bolton. Ramirez is hitting .414 (12-for-29) with two out and runners in scoring position.

Manager Terry Francona appreciated Ramirez's hit, but gave a shout out Brandon Koehnke and his grounds crew "for putting a hop in there' to help the ball get past Abreu. Yes, was kidding.

Dan Otero (2-0) pitched a scoreless 10th for the win. He was one of four Indians' pitchers.

The Indians threatened in the ninth when Juan Uribe doubled off the wall in left center field with one out against Nate Jones. The rally fizzled when Yan Gomes struck out and Brett Lawrie made a game-saving stop and throw on Michael Martinez's sharp grounder on the outfield grass between first and second base to send the game into extra innings.

"He made a great play," said Martinez. "I crushed that ball."

Starters Carlos Carrasco and Carlos Rodon pitched well in no-decision efforts. Carrasco allowed two runs on five hits in 7 1/3 innings. He struck out six and walked four.

"I feel like I did before I got hurt," said Carrasco, making his fourth start since coming off the disabled list after straining his left hamstring on April 26. "I feel like I'm back."

Rodon, who remained undefeated against the Tribe at 3-0, allowed two runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out eight and walked one.

The White Sox took a 1-0 lead in the first on doubles by Tim Anderson and Abreu. Anderson opened the game with a double to left, took third on Adam Eaton's sacrifice bunt and scored on Abreu's double to left center.

The Indians tied it, 1-1, in the bottom of the first on Napoli's sacrifice fly. Davis started the inning with single and advanced on a bunt hit by Kipnis that eluded catcher Alex Avila for a hit. Davis stole third and scored on Napoli's fly ball to the track in right.

Melky Cabrera, a Carrasco nemesis, gave Chicago a 2-1 lead with a one-out homer in the fourth. Cabrera came into the game hitting .444 (8-for-18) with one homer and seven RBI against Carrasco. He hit a 2-2 pitch over the right field wall.

Uribe tied it for the Tribe with a homer of his own in the third. Uribe hit Rodon's 3-2 pitch into the left field bleachers. It was Uribe's second homer and fourth hit since returning to the lineup on Saturday night. He'd been sidelined after getting hit in the groin by a Mike Trout grounder on June 12.

What it means

The Indians extended their Progressive Field winning streak to eight games. They are 21-10 in the AL Central, 20-12 at home and 7-2 against the White Sox.

The White Sox lost for the 18th time in their last 25 games. They have lost 14 of their last 17 road games.

The pitches

Carrasco threw 100 pitches, 66 percent (66-for-100) for strikes. Rodon threw 99 pitches, 66 or 67 percent for strikes.

Lead the way

Davis, leading off the first, third, fifth and 10th innings, singled, doubled, singled and doubled. He scored in the first and 10th innings.

Davis, thanks to his two steals of third base, leads the AL with 20.

"Stealing bases has always been fun for me," said Davis. "I started when I was young and I've never stopped."

Asked if it was easier to steal third base than second, Davis said, "It can be. It depends who is on the mound."

Good teammate

Carrasco picked up Kipnis in the fifth when the second baseman made a two-out error on Adam Eaton's grounder to put runners on first and second with the score tied, 2-2. Carrasco retired Abreu on a grounder to short to end the inning.

Thanks for coming

The White Sox and Indians drew 25,269 fans to Progressive Field on Sunday afternoon for a three-game series total of 84,247. The Indians' attendance is 532,317 in 32 home dates.

First pitch was at 1:11 p.m. with a temperature of 86 degrees.

What's next?

Tampa Bay visits Progressive Field for a three-game series starting Monday night. Josh Tomlin (8-1, 3.27) will start for the Indians, while the Rays go with lefty Drew Smyly (2-7, 4.75) at 7:10. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 will carry the game.

Tomlin, coming off two well-pitched no decisions, is 2-2 in his career against Tampa Bay. The Rays who have faced Tomlin are hitting .107 (3-for-28) against him.

Smyly, 0-3 in his last five starts, is 0-1 against the Tribe this year and 2-2 in his career. Yan Gomes is hitting.364 (4-for-11) with two homers and two RBI against Smyly.

This is LeBron Land for reasons that transcend basketball: Grant Monachino (Opinion)

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Is being this emotionally invested in a player just the byproduct of being a lifelong Cleveland sports fan? Or, is there something more going on here? Cleveland sports fan Grant Monachino reflects on what it means to live in LeBron Land.

Why does LeBron matter? I asked myself this question as I watched the second half of Game 5, isolated from the rest of my family, for some reason half-kneeling, half-squatting, trying with little success to manage my overwhelming anxiety. And then, to distract myself or to try and head off a panic attack, I started to self-reflect. 

LeBron James after incredible Game 5: 'You just don't take these moments for granted'

Why did I care so much about a game? Why did I feel so connected to a person playing this game? Is being this emotionally invested in a player just the byproduct of being a lifelong Cleveland sports fan? Or the result of growing up in any sports town?

Or, was there something more going on here?  If you're not from Northeast Ohio, this might seem quite odd. If you're like me, though, and have grown up here, have family here, played sports here, and started your own family here, this is as normal as it gets.  

As I contemplated these questions while watching the game on mute, why LeBron matters became clear and seemed obvious. Who is LeBron James, not necessarily to his family and friends, but to the countless people who know him because of his basketball prowess? 

LeBron's a hometown kid, who by luck or fate or by whatever you wish to call it, found himself at age 18 playing for the Cavs -- and all he was expected to do was turn around the franchise and exorcise every sports demon of the last half-century.

Whether it was because of 18-year-old naivete or more likely a fierce fearlessness, he took on this daunting task and is now one game away from completing it. 

Why LeBron matters, however, is much more than this, which seems abundantly clear if you've been paying attention for the last 13 years and seen him mature not only as a player, but also as an individual.  

March: How LeBron James' friends from Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 'lessen the burden on me'

This personal maturity provides the key to why LeBron matters. In this maturity, LeBron knows that with distance comes perspective and it's from this perspective you find your center and your home.  He understands that we evolve as people and what we take for granted one day, we treasure the next.  He knows the value of leadership, hard work, overcoming adversity, perseverance, consistency, what it means to be the "man in the arena," and how this translates from basketball to life.

He recognizes that choosing the most difficult path will always lead to the toughest challenge, and can be humbling, yet that is the path he willingly chooses.  He calculates the odds, but then considers the odds irrelevant because they don't factor in him. 

He's grateful for praise and feeds off the fans, but his demeanor rarely wavers from, or goes beyond, resolute confidence. He accepts honest criticism, not because he needs motivation, but because we are all works in progress and always have room for improvement. He studies history and contemplates how it informs the present and future. He cherishes the opportunity to play and contribute to a game he loves. He's keenly self-aware and lives in the moment with passion and enthusiasm.

February: LeBron James and President Obama seem to share a burden to speak out on social issues

He acknowledges that the game of basketball is zero sum, but life doesn't have to be, which allows him to "live with the results."

LeBron matters not just because he's the best basketball player in the game right now or because he's priceless to the Cavs and the NBA or because of the "LeBron Effect" on the local economy or because he's a hometown kid who "started from the bottom," and now we're here. These are all fleeting.

LeBron matters because who he is and what he does transcends the game of basketball, and he knows it and embraces it.

LeBron matters because he has the ability to inspire, influence, and effect positive change in a dramatic way, not only on the basketball court, but in the hearts and minds of people who will never play the game. 

October: LeBron James was "just being cordial" while interacting with Cavaliers fans in Cincinnati

LeBron matters because his impact and legacy already endures outside of basketball and Northeast Ohio, but especially because it's felt by the people of this region. Although it would be easier and more understandable for him to disavow this unsought reality, instead he willingly accepts the challenge -- like all the others, the odds be damned.

Maybe I'm misreading the last 13 years of cues, or being too adulatory about what these cues mean, or my expectations and predictions are too lofty. I don't think so, but only time will tell. Using LeBron's body of work as a guide, though, I've likely undershot. If what we do in life "echoes for eternity," LeBron's echo will be loud and resounding.

Win or lose, you have our gratitude.

Grant Monachino resides in North Olmsted and is a lifelong Cleveland sports fan who's now trying to teach his kids what that means. A version of this op-ed first appeared on reddit.com/r/clevelandcavs.

NBA Finals 2016 live updates: Game 7, Cavs vs. Warriors

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Get the latest updates and analysis on the Cleveland Cavaliers Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers' season has come down to one game. They will play Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.

Follow along in the comments section as Chris Haynes, Joe Vardon and Chris Fedor bring you observations and analysis throughout the game.

Make sure to follow Haynes, Vardon and Fedor on Twitter.

Game 7: Cavs (3-3) vs. Warriors (3-3)

Tip off: 8 p.m. at Oracle Arena.

TV/radio: ABC; WTAM 1100, 87.7 FM (ESP)

Cavs probable starting lineup: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.

Warriors probable starting lineup: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala (not official).

FREQUENTLY REFRESH this page to get the latest updates. If you're viewing this on a mobile app, click here to get updates and comment.

Ichiro dazzles, but Pete Rose is still MLB's Hit King: Rant of the week

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Last week Ichiro Suzuki passed Pete Rose's total of 4,256 hits, but the fact that 1,278 of them were recorded in Japan means Rose is still MLB's true Hit King.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Pete Rose lied and he lied for a long time about gambling on baseball. It is a stain on his reputation that he'll take to the grave, but he is still the Hit King no matter what kind of math is employed.

Last week Miami's Ichiro Suzuki was honored for reaching 4,257 hits in his career. It was one more than Rose's major league record of 4,256 hits. But it comes with an asterisk; Ichiro recorded the first 1,278 of those hits while playing in Japan from 1992 through 2000.

Rose, 75, did all his hitting in the big leagues where Ichiro, as of Saturday night, had 2,980 hits. Rose told the Associated Press that Ichiro should be a Hall of Famer in both the big leagues and Japan, but he won't concede any hit title to him.

"'If you're talking about professional hits, I've got 4,683 of them,'' Rose told AP, referring to his minor league hits. ''Because I believe a professional hit, and I'm not talking about Ichiro now, but I think a professional hit is when you get paid to play ball and you get hits. I played two years and two months in the minor leagues, and so I've got a lot more professional hits than anybody.''

Ichiro has been a marvel no matter where he has swung a bat. He debuted with Seattle in 2002 and produced 10 straight seasons of 206 hits or better. At 42 he's currently hitting .354 (45-for-127) as he tracks 3,000 hits, which almost automatically unlocks the door to Cooperstown.

Still, to say Ichiro and Rose have climbed the same mountain is wrong. The talent level in Japan, while dazzling at the top, is not the same quality as the big leagues.

When Ichiro reaches 3,000 hits, Rose said he'll cheer him, but he added an asterisk of his own, "Absolutely because he'll be the 30th guy to get 3,000. There have been two get 4,000 and I'm the only one you're going to talk to at the present time because the other one is Ty Cobb."

Rose, of course, is ineligible for election to Cooperstown because he gambled on baseball as a player and manager for the Reds. The chances of that ruling ever being reversed are almost non-existent. When Rob Manfred, the new commissioner, reviewed Rose's case in 2015, he found more evidence pointing to Rose's guilt. Rose didn't help his cause by telling Manfred that he still gambled on baseball.

If Rose could sell every one of his 4,256 hits, he'd be on E-Bay right now. He has cashed in on every part of his career. But until someone gets 4,257 big-league hits, he remains the Hit King. He earned it.


Darius Bazley, fast-rising 2018 Ohio forward, gets offer from Buckeyes: Ohio State basketball recruiting

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Bazley is considered a top-60 national prospect in the Class of 2018 by ESPN. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State basketball offered one of the fastest-rising in-state products on Monday.

Darius Bazley, a 2018 forward from Finneytown High School, announced that he received an offer from the Buckeyes. Bazley is considered a three-star prospect and the No. 2 player in Ohio by 247Sports, but that will change as he continues to make his rise throughout this summer and next season.

He announced the Ohio State offer on his public Twitter account. He's also reported offers from Florida and St. Louis this month.

Bazley recently took part in the Nike Top 100 camp in St. Louis where he drew good reviews. You can read HoopSeen's a recap of Bazley from the Nike camp here.

The 6-foot-8 forward is rated a four-star prospect ranked No. 38 in ESPN's top 60 for the Class of 2018.

You can watch highlights of Bazley in the video above.

Ohio State already has a commitment from Upper Arlington shooting guard Dane Goodwin in the Class of 2018. Right now the Buckeyes could add as many as six players in the 2018 recruiting class, but that's contingent on how many they sign in 2017 and if any current players transfer or leave early.

See who Ohio State basketball has offered in 2018

Ohio State basketball scholarship chart

See social media recap of Cavaliers' arrival in Cleveland after winning 2016 NBA Championship

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Check out a social media recap of the Cavs arriving in Cleveland from winning Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers landed at the IX Center just outside of Cleveland on Monday as NBA champions for the first time in their history.

The Cavs won Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, 93-89, against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday in Oakland, completing a 3-1 series comeback.

Many fans came down to the IX Center to welcome back the champion Cavaliers for the first time since Game 7.

See how social media recapped the event.

More than 20,000 greet NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers at airport

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More than 20,000 fans showed up at at the Atlantic Airlines hanger Monday to greet the newly-crown NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- They waited. More than 20,000 of them.

As the plane carrying newly crowned NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers touched the ground in Cleveland at the Atlantic Aviation hanger at the IX Center, the anticipation swelled.

The fans screamed as the players made their way out of the team's charter jet. Queen's "We are the Champions" blared over the speakers.

First was Timofey Mozgov. Then James Jones. Others like Iman Shumpert, head coach Tyronn Lue, Channing Frye and Matthew Dellavedova followed.

Kevin Love, a shirtless J.R. Smith and Kyrie Irving made their way off the plane and stopped just enough to make room for one more.

Then Finals MVP LeBron James, wearing an Ultimate Warrior wrestling T-shirt, finally emerged.

The Akron-born superstar who first put northeast Ohio in the national spotlight as a teenager playing for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, clutched the Larry O'Brien trophy in one hand and a microphone in the other.

"Cleveland!" he bellowed into the microphone as confetti flew across the parking lot.

He power-walked up to the fence to show fans up close what a championship trophy looks like after more than a half-century of gut-wrenching sports defeats. 

Austin Carr, the Cavs TV broadcaster and former player in the 1970s, said he was still stunned at the Cavs, who are the first team in history to overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a championship.  

"I still can't believe it," he said after riling up the crowd before the Cavs arrived. "I haven't slept. I feel like I've been walking on air for 20 hours."

The celebration will continue with the team's parade Wednesday in downtown Cleveland.

A live-band and the Cavs "Scream Team" provided entertainment for the fans who showed up early. The first fans showed up at the airport less three hours after the Cavs defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Contessa Hoskings of Rocky River said she was the first to arrive at the airport at 1 a.m.

She said she felt compelled to greet the Cavs after watching James' postgame news conference. James said he couldn't wait to see fans swarming the airport after they got back to Cleveland.

"He said he wanted us to be here, so we're here," Hoskings said.

Some fans drove from the celebration in downtown Cleveland straight to the airport. Nick Toler and Cassandra Wheeler of Macedonia said they partied downtown, stopped at Denny's and got to the airport about 5 a.m.

"I never realized the city could come alive like that," Wheeler said.

"We had to come down here," Toler said. "It's never happened before. We don't know if it will ever happen again. It's worth missing a day's sleep for this."

Brothers Daniel and Neal Luketic of Kent and Twinsburg said they couldn't sleep following the Cavs win, so they drove to the airport at 2:30 a.m. Daniel Luketic said he watched the game at home with his wife and 1-month-old daughter, Sage. 

"She only had to wait a month for a championship," Daniel Luketic said. "She's one-for-one."

Cleveland artist creates city's largest basketball in honor of Cavaliers championship

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Cleveland artist Loren Naji has turned his sculpture, "They Have Landed" into the city's largest basketball.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland artist Loren Naji has turned his sculpture, "They Have Landed," into the city's largest basketball to celebrate the historic championship win of the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday night.

Naji feels the title of the sculpture fits well with the Cavs' monumental championship win after Cleveland's 52 years without a major-league sports title --  "They Have Landed." The round ball-like shape fits the theme pretty well, too. Naji added stripes and a Cavaliers "C" to his artwork. The giant orb was installed in 2011.

Naji's 8-foot basketball is located at the RTA station across from the West Side Market on Lorain Avenue at the entrance of the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge. He is inviting fans to share the image on his Facebook page, saying "Share this if you are 'All In,' love the CAVS and Cleveland art!"

What was the turning point in Game 7 of the NBA Finals?

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Chris Fedor and Michael Reghi discuss the turning point of Game 7. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There were so many incredible moments during the Cleveland Cavaliers Game 7 NBA Finals victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. LeBron James' chasedown, Kyrie's shot and Kevin Love's defense all qualify as ridiculously important.

Was there a true turning point in the game though? If so, when was it? Chris Fedor and Michael Reghi offered their opinions as part of our weekly series of sports videos. Check out what they had to say in the video above.

How the Cavs won Game 7 of the NBA Finals 2016: Breaking down the shot charts

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Shooting timely baskets and limiting the impact of the Golden State Warriors were two keys to the Cavs victory on Sunday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers returned home to an ecstatic crowd on Monday after winning their first NBA title in seven games against the Golden State Warriors.

LeBron James, named the series MVP, finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. His performance led the team to defeating the Golden State Warriors, 93-89 in Game 7?

The Cavs became the first franchise to ever win a championship after trailing 3-1 in the NBA Finals, but how did the Cavs pull off the win on Sunday? Shooting timely baskets and limiting the impact of the Golden State Warriors.

NBA Finals Game 7 First HalfShot chart from the first half of NBA Finals Game 7. Pictured from left is the chart for the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. 

First Half

The Cavs limited the Warriors from scoring inside the paint, but at the same time gave up too many baskets from beyond the arc.

By halftime, the Warriors led 49-42 shooting 47.6 percent from behind the 3-point line led by forward Draymond Green making all five attempts. Green had a plus-minus rating of +10 to go along with 22 points and six rebounds.

As for the Cavs, the team struggled shooting behind the arc until midway in the second quarter compliments of Iman Shumpert when. The Cavs were 1-of-15, which was not a good sign in winner-take-all title game.

However, the Cavs aggressive play in the paint kept them close with the Warriors outscoring them in the paint 28-12 and in transition 13-0 in fastbreak points. The Cavs looked nearly unstoppable around the rim getting to loose balls for second chance opportunities.

Kevin Love was the difference maker after struggling during the series to get going offensively. He had four of seven total rebounds on offense.

James led the Cavs with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Second Half

NBA Finals Game 7 Second HalfShot chart from the second half of NBA Finals Game 7. Pictured from left is the chart for the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Shooting guard J.R. Smith opened the third quarter for the Cavs draining three straight 3-pointers to cut the deficit. However, shooting from beyond the arc would not make for a strong case in winning the game as team shot 24 percent.

The Cavs continued to make up for the poor shooting by getting to loose balls outscoring the Warriors 12-4 and finishing 40-22 in the paint.

As for the Warriors threat of shooting the basketball, it failed them late in the game. The Warriors dropped to shooting 36.6 percent from the arc and 38.6 from the field.

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson had the lowest plus-minus rating with -11. Thomas finished with 14 points shooting 2-of-11 from the arc. Stephen Curry was 4-of-14 from the 3-point arc finishing with 17 points.

Warriors didn't score the last four minutes of the game.

The game eventually led to timely shots, which went in favor of the Cavs. Five 3-pointers in the second half was all that the Cavs came up with including Kyrie Irving's 3-pointer to give the Cavs the lead with less than a minute remaining in regulation.

By the end of the night, the Cavs rebounding efforts shadowed the 24 percent field goal percentage from beyond the 3-point line. The Warriors were outrebounded 48-39 and behind in transition as the Cavs outscored them 18-7 in fastbreak points.

NBA Finals Game 7 Shot ChartShot chart from NBA Finals Game 7. Pictured from left is the chart for the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Golden State Warriors did not choke; Cleveland Cavaliers ripped NBA Finals from them: DMan video

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The Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Finals in part because they played physical, the way the Golden State Warriors do.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cinesport called to talk Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA champions.

(Is it real?)

I admit: I didn't see it coming. I thought their opponent in the NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors, was too good. So did the Warriors, which is part of the reason the Cavs won in seven games.


LeBron James to be on Sports Illustrated cover this week

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James will be featured on the cover holding the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James has been on the cover of Sports Illustrated before, but this week he will be on it while holding the Larry O'Brien Trophy and wearing a Cavaliers uniform.

James is the cover subject of the magazine's NBA Finals coverage, which will recap the Cavaliers' win against the Warriors in seven games.  

The cover story is by Lee Jenkins, who wrote James' 'I'm Coming Home' essay in July 2014. This time, the theme of the story is James keeping his promise.

You can read The Promise Keeper on SI.com here.

How Cleveland sports have changed in 37 days since 'Believeland' aired

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See a timeline of Cleveland sports in the 37 days since the film "Believeland" aired on ESPN in May.

Cleveland Cavaliers fans wait hours outside Q to buy championship shirts, hats (video)

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Cleveland Cavaliers fans formed lines around Quicken Loans Arena, with at least some of the fans waiting more than two hours, to buy championship shirts and hats on Monday. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland Cavaliers fans formed lines around Quicken Loans Arena, with at least some of the fans waiting more than two hours, to buy championship shirts and hats on Monday.

It didn't matter that that the same shirts and hats would likely be available with far shorter waits in days to come. The fans had waited long enough to celebrate Cleveland's first major sports title since 1964.

View the video above to see the scene around the Q on Monday afternoon, less than day after the Cavs won the title.

Starting lineups, Game 69: Cleveland Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays

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Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Monday's series opener between the Indians and Rays.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Monday's series opener between the Indians and Rays.

Pitching matchup: RHP Josh Tomlin (8-1, 3.27 ERA) vs. LHP Drew Smyly (2-7, 4.75 ERA)

Lineups

Indians

1. CF Rajai Davis

2. 2B Jason Kipnis

3. SS Francisco Lindor

4. DH Mike Napoli

5. 1B Carlos Santana

6. LF Jose Ramirez

7. 3B Juan Uribe

8. C Yan Gomes

9. RF Michael Martinez

Rays

1. 2B Logan Forsythe

2. SS Brad Miller

3. 3B Evan Longoria

4. 1B Logan Morrison

5. DH Steve Pearce

6. LF Corey Dickerson

7. CF Desmond Jennings

8. RF Mikie Mahtook

9. C Curt Casali

An adopted son of Cleveland shares the Cavaliers fans' joy (photos)

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The Redemption comes at a good time for one of Cleveland's adopted sons.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers have redeemed Cleveland at a helpful time for one of its adopted sons.

Forgive me for having grown up in the late George Steinbrenner's adopted town of New York and gotten used to championships there. My next stop was Steinbrenner's Yankees spring training town, Fort Lauderdale. I hated it. People gushed about the weather and burrowed in the sand or huddled in the A/C. Buildings rusted. Burglars struck my home twice.

I applied to every decent-sized newspaper up North (or "back home," as most Floridians called it, no matter how long ago they'd left). Meanwhile, the third time Steinbrenner hired or fired manager Billy Martin, I can't remember which, I pushed aside the Yankees and vowed to root for the teams of whichever town took me in.

Late in 1985, fate threw me a curveball: Cleveland.

I grew to love the place, despite Steinbrenner's past here. Low prices, little traffic, convenient size, great libraries, copious parks and delicious crops from real soil, not sand and salt. Everyone seemed to know everyone and introduce me.

Even the local teams were showing signs of hope. I came just in time for Bernie Kosar, another Florida survivor, to lead his home state Browns to a surprising playoff berth. At my first Indians game, a flash crowd watched Pat Tabler drive a ball off an infielder's chest in the 10th inning for a walkoff win.

Soon a bigger paper grew interested in me. But I grew interested in an Ohio State grad who wanted to stay here, near her family. Meanwhile, the Indians floundered. The Browns couldn't quite scale the Rocky Mountains' Denver Broncos.

During my wedding reception, I joined a friend at the bar and saw "The Shot" by Michael Jordan end the Cavaliers' 1989 playoff run. Game 7 of the Indians' 1997 World Series reached its agonizing end a few hours before a family funeral. Yes, Berea son Jim Tressel coached the Buckeyes to a championship over Miami after having seemingly lost the game. But they didn't quite count as a Cleveland team.

We raised three boys, all fans and ballplayers. One entered Ohio State just in time for a championship led by Urban Meyer, another Ohioan back from Florida. But the boys grew as hungry as their Dad for a Cleveland crown.

These days, rosters often turn over, and marriages, too. Mine ended this month. But all my sons are in town or nearby and hope to stay here, so I'm staying, too. In two months, I'll have lived here half my life. (I'll leave the rest of the math to you.)

On Father's Day, the boys and I joined another big crowd for another Indians' walkoff victory, which completed a sweep. On the way out, one of the boys started shouting "Let's go, Cavs!" and the crowd joined in.

That night, under a nearly full moon, the boys and I hosted a friend to watch the Cavs complete their historic comeback and beat the Golden State Warriors for the NBA championship. LeBron James, yet another prodigal son by way of Florida, shared tears with his team. I shared cheers and hugs with my family and their pal, now a friend for life.

For an anthem, Steinbrenner's Yankees adopted "New York, New York," with that pompous line, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere." Last night demonstrates that we Clevelanders, native or not, can make it here.

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