Tyronn Lue said he misinterpreted a question before last night's 113-104 win over the Pacers, in which he was asked when he learned that something was wrong with Love's left knee.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cavs coach Tyronn Lue now says he had no knowledge of Kevin Love's knee injury when he chose to play him on the second night of consecutive games last week.
Lue told a small group of reporters he misinterpreted a question before last night's 113-104 win over the Pacers, in which he was asked when he learned that something was wrong with Love's left knee and he said: "those couple games before the last game he played, when he was hurt."
Lue's answer, to the entire room, as well as to the Cavs' front office (much to its members' chagrin) meant that he was aware there was a problem with Love's knee when he played last Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder on the second night of back-to-back games.
Lue then said Love "played through it, his knee was swollen a little bit. Then he came and got the MRI after the that third game, and so, now we have the results."
But after stories reporting Lue's comments were posted to cleveland.com and other media sites, Cavs sources reviewed the tape of what Lue said and told reporters the coach misspoke, that the team was unaware of an issue with Love's knee until swelling occurred Saturday when he played against the Denver Nuggets.
Playing an All-Star who's under contract for $113 million at all with a knee injury, let alone on consecutive nights, especially on a team trying to conserve its stars for a deep postseason run, would raise questions about the way the Cavs were managing their roster.
Lue told reporters after Wednesday night's game that he was referring to when Love suffered the injury -- which apparently was in a game Feb. 6 in Washington -- and not when he learned about it.
Love had surgery to remove "loose bodies" from his knee Tuesday and is expected to miss six weeks.
Why did the Cavs play Kevin Love last week on the second night of consecutive games in Oklahoma City when they knew his knee was bothering him?
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said he knew Kevin Love's knee was bothering him last week when Love played on the second night of consecutive games.
Love, who underwent surgery to clean up "loose bodies" in his left knee Tuesday morning and will miss six weeks, was apparently playing on a sore knee last Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers.
The next night, the Cavs were to play the Oklahoma City Thunder. After beating the Pacers, Lue said he would "probably" rest Love, Kyrie Irving, and LeBron James. Then before the Thunder game he announced that all three would play.
"It was already (hurt), loose bodies were already in there so he just played through it and then after it got to a certain point he got the MRI and he found out it was loose bodies floating around," Lue said tonight, before the Cavs' rematch with the Pacers.
Love's presence on the court against the Thunder, in a game where Lue was already considering resting him with a knee that was aching, would seem to raise questions about the team's commitment to resting players the rest of the regular season as the Cavs gear up for the playoffs.
Since the Cavs' Big 3 came together in 2014, the organization's mission has always been to value rest over a heavy workload during the regular season, because a playoff berth is promised and a deep run is the goal.
Lue indicated he did not regret playing Love that night against the Thunder -- it was the Cavs' third game in four nights and fourth in sixth -- because Love was "was already heading for surgery."
A team source later refuted Lue's characterization of some of the events, arguing that while the team was aware Love had banged his knee prior to the Indiana game, the Cavs didn't know there was a problem until it swelled prior to playing against the Nuggets on Saturday.
Love, James, and Irving all indicated to Lue that they wanted to go against the Thunder, a game that ended in a 118-109 loss.
Love was actually better against the Thunder than he was in the Pacers game -- when his knee was already bothering him -- scoring 15 points with 12 boards on 5-of-12 shooting in Oklahoma City after shooting just 3-of-11 against Indiana.
The Cavs are, of course, not obligated to rest anyone in any game. And all healthy players were in fact in the lineup tonight against the Pacers, meaning James (40 minutes Tuesday in a win over Minnesota) and Irving (37 minutes) played another back to back before the team heads toward the All-Star break.
But this is the organization that left Love, Irving, and James all home from a road game against Memphis in December to rest. James is tied for the NBA lead in minutes at 37.6 minutes per game -- a workload he has publicly suggested he wants.
There have been calls outside the organization for Lue to curtail James' minutes to ensure his health as he seeks to reach the Finals for the seventh consecutive season; Lue has countered that the Cavs seldom practice (which saves his body) and, as previously mentioned, James wants to play these minutes.
"Guys are going to get their proper rest going forward," Lue said.
One factor that complicates Lue's resting of James with Love out is his desire (shared by the organization) to limit the wear and tear on Irving, who is 24 but has a slight frame at 6-3 and about 190 pounds. Lue (and the Cavs) are concerned that if Irving plays without James and Love on the court for an entire game, the ball would be in his hands too much and he would take too much pounding from opposing teams.
So any time that Lue wants to rest James from a game after the All-Star break, he has to consider sitting Irving that night as well.
"I definitely have to figure it out," Lue said. "And with the additional guys that we have now and Kay (Felder) and Liggs (DeAndre Liggins) and those guys can step up and be ready to play. D-Will's (Derrick Williams) been great for us. So guys just have to step up and be ready to play. We do have to manage that and we'll see what's right."
The PGA Tour's Genesis Open features Jordan Spieth, Sergio Garcia, Adam Scott and other stars.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The strongest field of the PGA Tour 2016-17 season to date is at the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club this week.
Eight of the top 10 players in the world are scheduled to compete at Riviera, which is in Pacific Palisades, Calif. Only No. 2 Rory McIlroy, who is injured, and No. 4 Henrik Stenson are absent.
The list of those beginning competition Thursday includes No. 1 Jason Day, No. 6 Jordan Spieth and No. 9 Sergio Garcia. Spieth won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week. Garcia won the Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour two weeks ago.
Garcia, of Spain, and No. 7 Adam Scott, of Australia, make their 2017 stateside debuts.
The tournament had hoped for even more star power when Tiger Woods committed to play, but back issues knocked him out. Woods, while a shell of himself on the course at the moment, is on the short list of greatest golfers ever.
PGA TOUR GENESIS OPEN Site: Greater Los Angeles. Course: Riviera Country Club. Yardage: 7,322. Par: 71. Purse: $7 million. Television: Thursday-Friday, 2-6 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 1-2:30 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS); Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6:30 p.m. (CBS). Defending champion: Bubba Watson. Last week: Jordan Spieth won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Notes: Tiger Woods has not played Riviera since 2006. His foundation now runs the tournament. ... Bubba Watson has not won since Riviera last year. ... A testament to Riviera's teeth is that the 72-hole scoring record was set by Lanny Wadkins (264) in 1985. ... Dustin Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama each has a mathematical chance to replace Jason Day at No. 1 by winning, depending on how Day plays. Jordan Spieth can only move to No. 2. ... Thomas Pieters is playing on a sponsor's exemption. He won the NCAA individual title at Riviera when he played for Illinois... The Charlie Sifford Memorial exemption was awarded to Kevin Hall, the deaf golfer who played at Ohio State. Next week: Honda Classic. Online: www.pgatour.com
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
See takeaways and predictions from the area Division I girls basketball tournaments.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The girls basketball postseason began Feb. 13 across Ohio with sectional games as part of district tournaments.
Here is a preview of each Division I district tournament in the cleveland.com coverage area. Check back for information about Division II on Friday, and Divisions III and IV on Monday.
Click on each district name for the updated bracket.
Teams: 1. Kent Roosevelt, 2. Stow, 3. North, 4. Austintown-Fitch, 5. Warren G. Harding, 6. Boardman, 7. Canfield, 8. Walsh Jesuit, 9. East, 10. Youngstown East, 11. Canton McKinley
Takeaways: Two regional qualifiers in one district suggests this could come down to a showdown between Stow and McKinley. Stow defeated top seeded Canfield, 56-40, for the district championship last year and followed it up winning a share of the Suburban League National Division this month with Twinsburg. McKinley joins the district after winning the Canton District last year. (Last year’s bracket)
cleveland.com prediction
Canton McKinley over Stow
Both sets of Bulldogs will have their share of challenges in reaching the finals. Looking back at Stow’s schedule I can’t find where the team has had the challenge this year of stopping a scorer as prolific as sophomore Kierstan Bell. The sophomore reached 1,000 career points last week in a 62-48 win against Hathaway Brown, which suggests she is the key to this year’s success. Last year, the teams met in the regional semifinals with McKinley taking a 45-27 win. If Stow can win this district, it will because of their lineup and defense. Stow has given up an average of 35.3 ppg to opponents and its five starters have been active each averaging between 8.5 and 13 points per game.
The winner advances to the Canton regional and faces the Perry district champion.
Teams: 1. Canton GlenOak, 2. North Canton Hoover, 3. Massillon Jackson, 4. Massillon Perry, 5. Massillon Washington, 6. Louisville, 7. Green, 8. Barberton, 9. Ellet, 10. Lake, 11. Garfield.
Takeaways: Canton McKinley, last year’s district champion, is now gone after moving to the Akron District. So this leaves Hoover has a favorite, but don’t forget about the 59-55 loss to GlenOak in early December. Ellet joins the group after competing in the Akron district last season. (Last year’s bracket)
cleveland.com prediction
Hoover over GlenOak
Circle your calendars because the district finals could be a third meeting between GlenOak and Hoover. Hoover lost in the finals last year and has two losses to avenge against Federal League champion GlenOak. Both losses ended in close games, so don’t be surprised if the Vikings come out with a chip on their shoulders.
The winner advances to the Canton regional and faces the Euclid district champion.
Takeaways Amherst would have the edge to reach the finals as one of the leaders in the Southwestern Conference that includes a handful of the district title contenders. The only other team in the pairings to beat the Comets was Westlake who won the district a year ago against Avon, 39-21. Amherst fell in the semifinals to Avon 53-51. in 21 games, Amherst averaged 12.1 assists highlighted by Kamyrn Dziak (9.8 ppg) and Sydney Roule (19.9 ppg) combining for 6.3.
Freshman Gina Adams (14.4 ppg and 7.8 rpg) has come on as a key contributor for Westlake coupled with Kate Pavilonis (9.2 ppg), Maddie Fleming (6.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.1 apg) (Last year’s bracket)
cleveland.com prediction
Amherst over Olmsted Falls
Coaches have said that beating a team three times in a row is always tough, but I like Amherst against some of its familiar conference opponents. The Comets came close to winning the conference title, but dropped two games to Westlake and one to Berea-Midpark. Westlake, last year’s champion, would get my vote to win but dropped six of its last eight games to end the regular season.
However, don’t count out Olmsted Falls. The Bulldogs are assisting on 60 percent of its field goals. The team was lost in the success of its Southwestern Conference counterparts, but in the past week picked up momentum with three wins including one over conference champ Berea-Midpark. Olmsted Falls should have added motivation by avenging some earlier losses, but they still have a tough challenge. Amherst has had one of its better seasons and I refuse to believe that the girls are going to end the year falling early in the playoffs.
The winner advances to the Broadview Heights/Norwalk regional and faces the Toledo district champion.
Takeaways Solon has been a dominating force in its conference and in the area this season. Twinsburg, who won a share of the Suburban League National Division title, has history against the Comets and could have a good shot of contending. Jasmine Bishop (13.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Dasja Anderson (12.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg) all average double-figure scoring for Twinsburg through 21 games.
DePaul signee Dee Bekelja leads the Comets in scoring with 18.2 followed by Alexis Stover (11.3 ppg) signed to Ohio University and Valencia Myers (13.8).
Maple Heights, Bedford, John Hay and Aurora were leaders in their respective leagues, so don’t underestimate their momentum. Nordonia has an uphill battle to return to the district finals without some key players from a year ago. (Last year’s bracket)
cleveland.com prediction
Solon over Twinsburg
Solon has at least a few more consistent scorers than their opponents in the Euclid district and is playing exceptionally well. Twinsburg started out strong in their last meeting with the Comets, but were outscored 48-18 over two quarters. Solon went on to take a 67-45 win at home.
The winner advances to the Canton regional and faces the Canton district champion.
Takeaways Wadsworth, last year’s state champion, would be no surprise. However, Southwestern Conference champion Berea-Midpark has made a strong case to return to the district finals once again.
The Titans have five players averaging seven points or more, highlighted by Jada Marone (19.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 5.0 apg, 3.0 spg); Miranda Otero (9.3 ppg, 13.7 rpg) and Lexie Scarton (9.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2.0 spg). Jasmine Kinsey (8.0 ppg) and Amaya Johnson (7.0 ppg) combine for an average of eight rebounds per game.
North Royalton senior Gabby White (21.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.5 spg, 1 bpg) is playing in her final season and is a talent to keep an eye out for when the Bears open at Highland on Saturday. She is signed to play at West Point.
Strongsville juniors Lindsey Thall (15 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 3.1 bpg) and Marnae Holland (14.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.2 spg) are all averaging in double digit scoring for the Mustangs. (Last year’s bracket)
cleveland.com prediction
Berea-Midpark over Wadsworth
The idea that last year’s state champion Wadsworth might not win the district is incredible, but that just reflects how Berea-Midpark has found more ways to win ball games. The Titans rode a long 13-game win streak since December, but the success caught up after dropping 49-47 loss to Olmsted Falls last week. Berea-Midpark should be able to get back on track for the playoffs, but every possession will surely count.
The winner advances to the Canton regional and faces the Parma district champion.
Takeaways: The St. Joseph Academy Jaguars have had an incredible regular season and have drawn a line separating themselves from their district opponents. Last year, 23 points separated the Jaguars from winning the district to watching Magnificat advance to regionals. The Blue Streaks ended the regular season losing seven of its last eight games. Brecksville joins the district after moving from Medina and Garfield Heights comes from Euclid. (Last year’s bracket)
cleveland.com prediction
St. Joseph over Magnificat
The Jaguars have proven they can compete with the state’s finest teams, defeating Magnificat twice this season, including a 16-point win in late January. St. Joseph Academy has multiple players who can score consistently. Senior guard Claire Orsagos leads the Jaguars in assists with three per game. Colleen Neitzel leads in scoring with 11 ppg.
Sara Spicer (13.2 ppg), Colleen Woidke (9.9 ppg) and Abby Adler (8.9 ppg) are the top three scorers for Magnificat.
The winner advances to the Broadview Heights/Norwalk regional and faces the Medina district champion.
Takeaways: There's several possible contenders here. Take for example last year’s finalists Euclid and Mentor, which split their head-to-head meetings by a single point. Then, Western Reserve Conference opponents Chardon, Eastlake North and champion Brush have all had a shot at each other.
Chardon has put together a balance with six players led by sophomore Sydney Feller (12.5 ppg) shooting 40 percent from the 3-point arc, and Grace Bradley (10 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.2 spg, 3 apg).
Eastlake North junior Samantha Pirosko (18.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg) and freshman Destiny Leo freshman (13.7 pts, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.8 blocks, 1.7 steals) are two players to watch.
Keep a look out for WRC champion Brush. Former Richmond Heights coach Demarris Winters, now with Brush, led his former team to the district finals in back-to-back seasons, so he knows the way. He is supported by the help of Arielle Debase (15 ppg), Danea Sanders (12 ppg) and Jenna Perry (12 ppg). (Last year’s bracket)
cleveland.com prediction
Mentor over Euclid/Brush
Mentor needs to redress some painful district losses from the past two years. The Cardinals were upset by Shaw two years ago and then last year in the finals to Euclid after earning the top seed. Nicole Heffington (14.8 ppg), Maddy Moyer (15.8) and Gianna Pegoraro (8 ppg) have given coach Steve Thompson consistent offense. But if the team doesn’t shoot well the title could go to Brush or Euclid. Both teams are physical and can defend the 3-point line.
The winner advances to the Canton regional and faces the Akron district champion.
Reporter’s note: Stats through games played through Feb. 14
What is it that keeps Browns fans so loyal, after suffering through years and years of the team's futility?
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What is it that keeps Browns fans so loyal, after suffering through years and years of the team's futility?
On the latest episode of Takes By The Lake, Doug Lesmerises and Zack Meisel speak with cleveland.com's Mark Naymik, who has suggested a boycott of the franchise, based on its lengthy stretch of losing.
There's much to discuss with Cleveland sports, though, so Doug and Zack also examine the impact Kevin Love's injury could have on the Cavaliers' plans as the trade deadline approaches. Also, does the Cavs' playoff seed matter? Should they prioritize rest down the stretch?
Finally, Doug (in a futile effort) and Zack (with a triumphant argument) debate Major League Baseball's potential rules changes and whether the league needs to make any radical modifications.
Listen to Episode 11 of Takes By The Lake below. Download the podcast and tell a friend or two or 20.
If you haven't listened before, this is our new plan to bring you cleveland.com beat writers and experts on the most interesting topics in Cleveland sports. We'll hit you twice a week, on Thursday morning and Monday morning, on the Cavs, Indians, Browns and whatever else matters to you.
Our goal is to provide you with a diversion. Whether you're faking your way through the workday or faking your way through your trip to the gym or driving around, we want you to have compelling sports talk. Our intention is to offer conversation on outside-the-box topics that you can't find in other places, entertaining and -- if we're lucky that day -- humorous dialogue and guests who are closer than anyone to the teams they cover.
Today, the Cleveland Indians' full roster reports for spring training in Goodyear, Ariz.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Today, the Cleveland Indians' full roster reports for spring training in Goodyear, Ariz.
The wait is finally over and all the Indians players are in Goodyear. Get hyped by watching the video above.
After the Indians' amazing World Series run in 2016 and big off-season, Tribe fans are eager to see what this year brings and if Cleveland can repeat this great performance and win it all.
Cavs' J.R. Smith tests repaired broken thumb (video)
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - J.R. Smith took to the court last night before the Cleveland Cavaliers faced the Indiana Pacers to test out his surgically repaired broken right thumb.
Smith, who has been out of the lineup since Dec. 10, ended his shooting session by attempting a few shots from half court.
Monday, Smith was seen doing cardio on a stationary bike after the rest of team practiced.
No exact time for his return has been set, but the team originally said it would keep him out 12-to-14 weeks.
Join our curated conversation about the Cleveland Indians and their 2017 expectations as the team officially reports to spring training today.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- All signs are pointing in one direction. The 2017 Cleveland Indians, by all accounts, will be very good.
The 2016 American League Champions return a top-of-the-line pitching rotation, a bolstered bullpen and a formidable lineup, while adding one of the league's best sluggers in Edwin Encarnacion.
A season ago, though they defied projections, the Indians were certainly not in the position they are today... which begs the question.
Are the Indians ready for another World Series run and if they don't win it, will the 2017 season be a failure? Join us today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a pre-curated discussion on this topic. Information on how these discussions work can be found below.
The Indians have their first full squad workout of spring training today in Goodyear, Ariz.
Here's the message Indians manager Terry Francona gave to his team as they embarked upon their 2017 campaign.
Comments on this topic will be reviewed by a moderator before they are published.
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Tri-C is nationally ranked, No. 2 in the nation in the Division II junior college ranks. The Challengers are 21-1, poised to make another championship run to match the national crown won in 2004.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If you're looking for a potential championship caliber college basketball team in Cuyahoga County you might want to check out Cuyahoga Community College.
Tri-C (24-1) is currently ranked the No. 2 team in the nation in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA Division II).
The Challengers, who play at the Metro Campus Gym at the East 30th Street Campus, have a chance on Saturday to avenge their only loss of the season, 92-86 in 2OT, with a home game against Cincinnati State.
"First time we played we didn't have our starting point guard,'' head coach Michael Duncan said. "He had an ankle sprain, and we had 27 turnovers in that game. I figure if we take seven of those turnovers away we win.''
This is a unique team as only one player - 6-7 Ramon Sheffield from East Tech - stands taller than 6-5, and no player averages more than 11.2 points a game. The leading scorer on the team is freshman Devon Robinson from John Adams High.
But overall Tri-C averages 90 points a game, with six players averaging nine points or more. Duncan's team normally takes no prisoners. In the Challengers last five games Tri-C has won by margins of 13, 18, 21, 46 and 64 points.
"With this group, I didn't know how good we'd be, but I thought the key was keeping a lot of local kids home,'' Duncan said.
He said landing Robinson was the first domino to fall.
"Once you land one kid that can play, it helps you get another one, it was like a chain reaction,'' Duncan said.
One thing his team does lack is size, but the coach is not complaining.
"We're not big, but we got a lot of lift, and we're pretty athletic,'' Duncan said. "We got nine guys averaging over seven points, and we play 10 guys a night, sometimes 11.''
The one plus for Duncan is this is a team that will be around for awhile.
"Out of the 10 guys that play, eight are freshmen our top four scorers are all freshmen,'' he said.
Duncan played on Tri-Cs 2004 NJCAA National Championship team so it begs the question if this team can measure up?
"I don't want to put them on that pedestal yet,'' he said. "But they are off to a better start than we were, and this group is deeper, although we had some size when I played."
Going forward, Duncan said that lack of size should not be an overall hinderance.
"I think we're athletic enough that we can play with anybody no matter how big or tall they are,'' he said.
Test your knowledge of the Cleveland Cavaliers history in the NBA All-Star 3-point shootout.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kyrie Irving will compete in the NBA All-Star Game three-point shootout Saturday for the fourth time in his career. He joins Mark Price as the Cleveland Cavaliers' only four-time competitors in the event.
And the current Cavaliers roster boasts two more past shootout winners besides Irving.
But how deep is Cavs' fans knowledge of the team's history at the All-Star weekend showcase event? We've put together some "almost impossible" trivia to put fans to the test.
Take the quiz below. Scroll down to find the answers underneath the video. (Hint: All of the answers can be found by watching the video) See how many you can get right and then post your score in the comments section below!
ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS NBA ALL-STAR 3-POINT SHOOTOUT TRIVIA
1. Name two Cleveland Cavaliers who won the NBA All-Star three-point shootout crown.
2. Name three Cleveland Cavaliers who finished second in the NBA All-Star three-point shootout.
3. Name two former Cavaliers players who went on to win NBA All-Star three-point shootout titles with different teams.
4. Name two current Cavaliers players who won NBA All-Star three-point shootout titles before coming to Cleveland.
5. Name the only Cleveland Cavaliers player to ever compete in both the slam dunk contest and the three-point shootout (hint: not in the same year).
6. Name the only Cleveland Cavaliers player ever to compete in multiple NBA All-Star three-point shootouts and not advance out of the first round.
7. Name the only Cleveland Cavaliers player to ever finish last (8th) in an NBA All-Star three-point shootout.
ANSWERS:
1. Mark Price, Kyrie Irving. Price won the event in back-to-back seasons (1993-94), but injuries prevented him from seeking a third straight title. Irving won in 2013 in his first time entering the shootout.
2. Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gibson, Wesley Person. Person was the first Cavalier ever to finish as a runner-up. He had a chance to beat Peja Stojakovic in the final round, but missed his final shot on the last rack. That forced a 24-second shootout that Stojakovic won. Gibson ran into a buzzsaw named Jason Kapono in the 2008 final. Kapono scored 25 points to win the title. Irving battled both Splash Brothers from Golden State (Steph Curry and Klay Thompson) but could not overcome Curry's dazzling 27 points in the final round.
3. Steve Kerr, Jason Kapono. Kerr won the shootout in 1997 for Chicago by besting Tim Legler in the final. Kapono, who was drafted in 2003 by the Cavaliers, won back-to-back titles for Miami and Toronto in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
4. Kevin Love, James Jones. Jones won the title in 2011 while a teammate of LeBron James in Miami. Love, then with Minnesota, won the following year in 2012 by beating Jones and Kevin Durant in the finals.
5. Bob Sura Sura finished fifth in the 1997 slam dunk contest in Cleveland. He went on to compete in the 2000 three-point shootout in Oakland.
6. Craig Ehlo. Ehlo was part of a loaded field in the 1990 shootout. He failed to reach the final, but finished with a better score (14) than teammate Mark Price (11), three-time winner Larry Bird (13) and nemesis Michael Jordan (5). He returned in 1992, but finished seventh behind John Stockton, Dell Curry, Drazen Petrovic and champion Craig Hodges.
7. Bob Sura. Sura managed just nine points in the first round at the 2000 shootout, finishing eighth. At one point he connected on five straight shots. He finished one behind Allen Iverson, who was seventh.
The Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving has become an even better player with the confidence gained in last year's championship season. No matter how cold he starts, he probably won't finish that way.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Sniffling and looking drawn, Kyrie Irving said on Valentines Day that he felt lousy after the Cleveland Cavaliers' victory at Minnesota and couldn't wait to get home. There, presumably in lieu of chocolates, he could "give my cold to my girlfriend."
He was joking. But not every day is hearts and chocolate creams.
It usually is, however, when fans watch Irving play.
Slow starts
Before Kevin Love was lost until April because of arthroscopic knee surgery, the Cavs' game plan was to run the offense through him in the opening minutes to make sure Love received the confidence boost a strong first quarter provides.
With Irving, it's as former baseball pitcher and philosopher Joaquin Andujar said: "There's one word in America that says it all, and that word is, 'You never know.'
Just because Irving starts cold does not mean he will stay that way.
Slow starts
It's the slump-busting tendency that keeps fans watching.
When Cavs assistant coach Damon Jones played, after sinking a 3-pointer he often pretended to turn on a faucet and let the torrent flow.
Cold spells by Irving could end with the Cavs' point guard prancing down the court as the shots fall, twirling a make-believe umbrella, while "Singin' in the Rain."
In 2015, Irving, playing without LeBron James to assist him, started 0-for-7 at The Q against Portland. Then he hit a 3-pointer near the end of the quarter and went on to score 55 points in a 99-94 Cavs' victory.
With most players, starting 0-for-7 means slogging through a performance that goes into the filed and forgotten category.
Earlier this month in Washington in the best game of the season, after James fouled out just 43 seconds into overtime and with the Cavs trailing by as many as five points, Irving made two free throws, then began one of his spasms of offense from everywhere.
The spree included a scooped layup, an angled shot from behind the backboard while closely guarded by John Wall, and a "Steph Ball" replay of his NBA championship-winning shot against Golden State's Curry from the arc's right side, against Wall again.
Irving made three in a row after starting 5-for-20. He scored 11 points in the overtime as the Cavs won, 140-135.
Quest for fire
What opens the door to the furnace and lets Irving stoke the fire?
Studio analyst Campy Russell credited the fire-starter that night with two free throws Irving made just after James fouled out.
Is it the positive reinforcement of seeing the ball finally go through the basket, whether on a three or a simple free throw? That is the theory behind the game-day shoot-around at arenas on the road, which most NBA teams hold.
Is it staying true to an aggressive, attacking mind-set, as coach Tyronn Lue suggested?
Is it simply, as teammate Richard Jefferson said, "what he does in the big moments"?
Irving has always been able to finish layups on crossovers, shimmies, and ambidextrous flips with a spider's spin on the ball. He makes shots from angles that insult geometry.
He has become an even better player after the championship, possessed of increased intensity in the crunch and an unshakable core of confidence in himself that supports and sustains his teammates.
In Minneapolis, Irving spoke about new Cavs' acquisition Derrick Williams, once the second player taken overall in the draft behind Kyrie. Irving said Williams is playing with a winner for the first time, getting a chance to experience "the pure joy of what the game is supposed to look like."
The same applies to fans watching Irving, with the twist that few dreamed it would ever look like that.
Bud Shaw and Doug Lesmerises discuss what the Browns still need to figure out about the Texas A&M defensive end in this Prepare for List Off.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The consensus has built around Myles Garrett as the No. 1 pick for the Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft. And then there was that brief issue with the Cowboys video.
Is that reason enough for the Browns to wonder about the top-ranked player in the draft?
Obviously, the assumptions so far are on the outside, not within the Browns, but even if Garrett is clearly the best player, the Browns need to be sure. Not just that he's the most talented option, but that he's the guy most likely to make the Browns better.
In this Prepare for List Off, Bud Shaw and I discuss Garrett, his videos and what the Browns should do next.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James were among the topics during my weekly Thursday hit with hosts Andy Baskin and Jeff Phelps on "Baskin & Phelps'' on 92.3 The Fan.
We talked about how well the Cavs and LeBron have played in February, and whether the James Gang needs to make any moves the rest of the way.
Among other items discussed: the Cleveland Browns' QB situation and the prospect of Myles Garrett at No. 1 overall.
The worst-case scenario for Michael Brantley and the Indians would be a case of deja vu.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This is simple. The worst-case scenario for Michael Brantley and the Indians would be a case of deja vu.
The nadir would be a repeat of last year, when Brantley suffered setback after setback, limiting him to only 11 games, requiring a second surgery and prompting questions about whether he'll ever regain his All-Star form. It's one thing to know a player will miss a significant chunk of time and be able to plan accordingly; it's another to expect a return to prominence and never have it materialize.
At this juncture, there's no evidence to suggest that Brantley and the Indians will reach rock bottom. Then again, it's far from a foregone conclusion that Brantley will join Terry Francona's lineup in early April and provide that familiar, steady presence for the duration.
A second straight lost season could spell doom for his career. Grady Sizemore's presence around the team as an advisor could instead represent some twisted, haunting reminder of what can happen when a gifted player can't seem to heal properly while at the peak of his abilities.
For now, Brantley's status remains uncertain. He'll be a casual observer at the start of the exhibition slate next weekend. When he might appear in some games is a mystery.
When the Indians secured the American League Central in late September, they soaked the visitor's clubhouse at Comerica Park with champagne. Brantley stood just outside the double doors, away from the alcohol-infused frenzy. When the team knocked out the Red Sox at Fenway Park in the Division Series, Brantley stood by his locker, downing a plate full of food, as his teammates drenched each other in bubbly.
It's not ideal to have Brantley filling a bystander role. The worst-case scenario for the Tribe this season, though, would be an inability to overcome another Brantley absence.
Brantley approached the plate only 43 times last season. Rajai Davis filled in admirably, with a league-high 43 stolen bases in 49 attempts. Tyler Naquin emerged as a regular contributor in center field. Jose Ramirez spent the first half of the season patrolling left.
What if Brantley endures another lost season and the cast of outfielders can't replace his prolific production? That would be one way to wreck a promising season.
The Indians brought in Austin Jackson for some outfield insurance, but he's still working his way back from knee surgery. Davis relocated to Oakland on a one-year deal.
A full bill of health for Brantley would ease much of the burden on the front office and on Francona. First, he'll have to play in some spring training games and avoid any ensuing fatigue or soreness. At that point, perhaps, the Indians can remove the worst-case scenario from the list of possible outcomes for Brantley in 2017.
Until then, the injury bug lurks in the shadows of Goodyear Ballpark, waiting to strike again on the injured left fielder.
While the projected Top 16 teams for the NCAA Tournament have been revealed the top No. 1 seeds could certainly change and injuries could see others drop out.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- We already know who the NCAA projects as the top 16 teams for the NCAA Tournament. All of them are just about locks.
However, some could drop out of the ranks should they struggle down the stretch. As recently as a week ago, Duke looked to be one of those teams, but they have rebounded nicely. Injuries, however, have hit a few teams, like Florida and Butler, and could have an impact down the stretch.
One of the five power conferences, the Big Ten, had no teams in the Top 16. That's a pretty strong signal a league that often sends half of its members or more into the field may get four teams or less. So many teams in the league are having down seasons including Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan.
Also, it's the undercard that is still to come into form. Several teams can rise to the top of the NCAA Tournament bubble, perhaps as soon as this week.
For example, in the Atlantic 10 Conference VCU and Dayton are tied for first place and are quite likely in as at-large teams. VCU plays at third-place Richmond on Friday. Should the Rams win that game and then make it through the rest of the season without a major stumble, consider them in.
Dayton plays St. Bonaventure on Saturday. Like VCU, if the Flyers take care of business against the Bonnies, and likewise have no major stumble, consider them in. The Atlantic 10 will then be a two-bid league with the possibility of a third should another team win the Conference Tournament.
Can Indians' prospect Yandy Diaz play third base in the big leagues or is he more of a utility player?
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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Do you have a question that you'd like to have answered in Hey, Hoynsie? Submit it here or Tweet him at @hoynsie.
Hey, Hoynsie: I was wondering if you'd seen or heard enough about Yandy Diaz to determine if he can play third base at a Major League level? Diaz at third and Jose Ramirez as a "10th starter' would make the lineup tough to beat. - Jeff Mount, Anacortes, Wash.
Hey, Jeff:I saw Diaz play two games at third base last year in spring training with the big league club. He made a throwing error in each game. But that's far from a fair evaluation. I think the fact that he played 52 games in the outfield compared to 30 at third base last year for Class AAA Columbus tells you he's probably not a regular third baseman. This winter in Venezuela he played the outfield as well.
The Indians are trying to make Diaz as versatile as possible, but he's a hitter and will go as far as hit bat takes him.
Hey, Hoynsie: I am 74 and have lived here all my life. You speculated that if the Indians can stay healthy this year, they could draw 2 million fans. I think they'll draw at least 2.5 million. By the way, I was in the stands in Winter Haven, Fla. when the snake crawled across your computer and almost got you. Very funny. - Mark Meyers, Willoughby.
Hey, Mark: That snake gets bigger every year. I figured if he was going to crawl across my laptop, he could have at least written the game story. Hope you're right about the attendance.
Hey, Hoynsie: The only rule that needs to be changed in baseball is adding the DH to the National League. You don't see a free pass to the No.8 hitter in the American League very often. My sons both played college ball and I would rather see someone like them hit rather than the joke some pitchers are in the box. In the National League a pitcher is essentially pitching to seven batters. - Jerry Thomas, Litchfield.
Hey, Jerry: It still amazes me that MLB is played under two sets of rules. One way or the other, I think a decision should be made on the DH. Former Commissioner Bud Selig said it would take something cataclysmic for that to happen.
Well, if baseball is talking about putting a runner on second base to start an extra inning game, I think the cataclysm is upon us. Can you imagine if the Cubs trotted a runner out to second base to start the 10th inning of Game 7 of the World Series last year?
Hey, Hoynsie: Are the Indians going after another big bat before the start of the season? - John Catalano, North Canton.
Hey, John: Let's not get greedy. You do know they signed Edwin Encarnacion to a three-year $60 million contract, right?
Hey, Hoynsie: What is the real story on Chris Johnson? Why did he fall out of baseball grace so fast? - Ron Centennial, Colo.
Hey, Ron:Chris Johnson is making $9 million this year courtesy of the Indians. He just signed a minor league deal with the Orioles and has spent parts of eight seasons in the big leagues with Houston, Arizona, Atlanta, the Indians and Miami. OK, he's not going to the Hall of Fame, but if he has fallen from grace, he has a golden parachute to guarantee a soft landing.
Hey, Hoynsie:Aw, who cares about the intentional walk. If a team wants to walk someone, the catcher should just say to the umpire, 'Walk.' It saves time, it's less boring and moves the game along. - Ron Lundmark.
Hey, Ron: Is there no place for nuance in your soul?
Hey, Hoynsie: If the powers that be want to save time in a baseball game, they should eliminate all batting gloves. Players take forever fooling with them while batting. - Nelson Damschroder, Hershey, Pa.
Hey, Nelson: You want a revolt? You want fighting in the streets? Try taking away a player's batting gloves. Mike Hargrove will come out of retirement to lead the charge.
Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think Terry Francona regrets not using Ryan Merritt against those lefties in the 10th inning of the seventh game of the World Series? - Mary McLaughlan.
Hey, Mary: I can hear Francona's answer to your question right now. He'd say, "That wouldn't be fair to Merritt."
If you had asked if Merritt should have started Game 5 of the World Series at Wrigley Field, I think you'd have a stronger argument. Still, Merritt matched up well with Toronto's big swingers. I think the Cubs' lineup was much more disciplined.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- World No. 1 Lydia Ko competes in her first tournament of the LPGA Tour season at ISPS Handa Australian Open 2017 this week. LPGA AUSTRALIAN OPEN TEE TIMES Round 2 begins Friday morning in Adelaide, South Australia, which was Thursday afternoon Eastern Time. LPGA AUSTRALIAN OPEN LEADERBOARD Event: LPGA Australian Open. Site: Grange, Australia. Course: Royal...
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- World No. 1 Lydia Ko competes in her first tournament of the LPGA Tour season at ISPS Handa Australian Open 2017 this week.
Previous tournament: Brittany Lincicome won the PureSilk Bahamas LPGA Classic.
Notes: Lydia Ko makes her 2017 debut with a new coach (Gary Gilchrist), a new caddie (Gary Matthews) and new clubs (PXG). Her most recent victory was in July. ... Ariya Jutanugarn also is in the field, one of the strongest ever for this event. ... This is the sixth year that the Women's Australian Open has been an official LPGA Tour event. ...Aditi Ashok and Mariah Stackhouse received sponsor exemptions. ... The LPGA season began in the Bahamas with Lincicome winning, and with five Americans finishing in the top five for the first time on the LPGA since the 2011 Canadian Women's Open. ... Three Australians are among the top 100 in the women's world ranking: Minjee Lee (17), Karrie Webb (62) and Su Oh (70).
Next week: Honda LPGA Thailand.
Online: www.lpga.com
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Cleveland sports fans wonder about analytics driving the Browns draft, Joe Thomas appreciation for awkward moments and if the Indians will deliver a happy ending.
