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Cleveland Cavaliers snap 12-game losing streak against LeBron-less Lakers: Chris Fedor's instant analysis

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Of course, James wasn't in uniform for the final matchup of the season against Cleveland, dressed in a suit while his new squad continued to struggle without its star. The Cavs took advantage, beating the Lakers 101-95 on Sunday night.

LOS ANGELES -- All the Cleveland Cavaliers needed to snap their season-long 12-game losing streak was to see old teammate LeBron James again.

Of course, James wasn't in uniform for the final matchup of the season against Cleveland, dressed in a suit while his new squad continued to struggle without its star. The Cavs took advantage, beating the Lakers 101-95 on Sunday night. 

The Cavs know all about the challenge of playing without James. They've dropped to the bottom of the NBA standings and already surpassed last season's loss total. The Lakers are starting to learn, falling to 3-7 without him. 

Up until late in the fourth quarter, when youngster Kyle Kuzma tried to shoot the Lakers back into the game, James' new mates looked a lot like the Cavs once did, waiting for him to toss on his Superman cape and save the day.

Only there was no phone booth inside the Staples Center. James could only watch as he works his way back from a groin injury.

Perhaps it was fitting that Cedi Osman, one of James' favorite teammates and one-time understudy, shined brightest in the city of stars. 

Aggressive from the opening tip, Osman scored 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting. He led a balanced scoring attack, as all five starters reached double figures.

"It feels good to get off the streak," Cavs head coach Larry Drew said. "Anytime you go through a stretch like this it can be a little tough on you. I know for the players physically and mentally. I just want to see our guys grow. I want to see growth every game we play. We're not going to play well every game, we're not going to shoot the ball well every game, but from a mistake standpoint I would like to see us grow past where we are making the same mistake over again."

Rodney Hood, playing on a minutes restriction because of a sore Achilles, gutted through the pain en route to an 18-point night. Rookie Collin Sexton scored 17 points, including a snazzy drive to give the Cavs an eight-point cushion with 1:27 remaining.

The Cavs needed all of it, as the Lakers repeatedly made it a one-possession game late in the fourth quarter before Cleveland capped the win at the free throw line. 

"I've said it before and said it in pregame, one of our problems has been we've been doing things in spurts. I thought we got out to a great start tonight and we hit a couple of bumps in the road, but for the most part, particularly in that second half, we were able to sustain and close it out," Drew said. "Thought down the stretch we made the plays we had to make. Defensively, we probably made some mistakes as well, but we did close it out and executed and did what we had to do down the stretch to come up with a win."

On a night when offense was tough to come by for both teams, Cleveland's embattled defense was the difference. 

The Cavs, who are statistically the worst defense in NBA history, held Los Angeles to just 95 points, the first team since Memphis on Dec. 26 to fail to hit the century mark against Cleveland. The Lakers went 36-of-91 (39.6 percent) from the field and 7-of-34 (20.6 percent) from 3-point range.

Which team is better without LeBron? On Sunday night it was the Cavs. 

Quick start

The Cavs finally got the start they needed. 

Cleveland built a 15-point lead in the first quarter, the largest of the game, behind a crisp offense that hit 12 of its first 17 shots. By the end of the quarter, the Cavs had scored 32 points -- their third consecutive quarter hitting the 30-point mark.

Play of the game

The Cavs' offense was starting to wilt late. The Lakers were closing the gap. After a fourth straight miss, Tristan Thompson and Alec Burks battled for an extra possession. Eventually Burks ripped the ball away from Brandon Ingram before thundering down a dunk and then falling into the fans sitting along the baseline.

That kind of effort is what Drew has been demanding lately. It was missing against both New Orleans and Houston to open this lengthy road trip.

Burks' offensive board and dunk ended a near-3-minute scoring drought and pushed the lead back to seven points.

Up next

The Cavs will make their fourth stop on this six-game trip, as they play the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. 


Are NBA referees too soft?

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NBA referees have been quick to hand out technical fouls and many NBA fans are sick of seeing the zebras inject themselves into games.

NBA referees have been quick to hand out technical fouls and many NBA fans are sick of seeing the zebras inject themselves into games. Some think this batch of refs is the most thin-skinned group the league has ever had. Others think the referees are being consistent and players are complaining more than ever--these selfish, diva-like NBA players are the real snowflakes. What do you think?

PERSPECTIVES

There used to be a time when referees weren't so sensitive. They understood that in the heat of the moment, competitors are going to be emotional. Officials nowadays are quick with a whistle or a technical for the smallest complaints or reactions. 

Snowflake refs ruined a classic Thunder-Spurs game with a technical foul that was neither necessary nor warranted. They are the definition of snowflakes.

Referees might be quick to a whistle, but it's only because players are testing their patience constantly. While players complain they can't have a conversation with refs anymore, they also complain about every single call for the entirety of the game. 

Referees aren't perfect, but they don't get every call wrong. That kind of whining is grating and unprofessional. The referees are just doing their jobs. They aren't soft.

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

NBA clears Cleveland Cavaliers of any wrongdoing in Patrick McCaw signing

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The league -- at the urging of the Golden State Warriors -- interviewed numerous parties involved in the deal to see if there was any circumvention of salary cap rules.

LOS ANGELES -- The NBA completed its investigation into the Patrick McCaw signing and determined that the Cleveland Cavaliers did not violate the Collective Bargaining Agreement in any way.

The league -- at the urging of the Golden State Warriors -- interviewed numerous parties involved in the deal to see if there was any circumvention of salary cap rules. 

Had the Cavs been found guilty of any wrongdoing they could have been fined or even lost a future draft pick. 

The Cavs signed McCaw, a restricted free agent with the Warriors who was locked in a stalemate with the organization, to a two-year offer sheet worth $6 million on Dec. 28. The Warriors ultimately declined to match, letting McCaw join rival Cleveland.

After about a week with the Cavs, McCaw looked rusty and out of basketball shape, making little impact for his new team. Before his contract could become fully guaranteed and in need of another ball-handler, the Cavs waived McCaw and signed Cameron Payne to a 10-day contract. 

It was both the timing of the deal and subsequent quick release that had some the Warriors wondering about the Cavs' true intentions -- thinking a prior agreement with McCaw and his agent, Bill Duffy, was in place to get him out of Golden State's control and allow him to become an unrestricted free agent.

While the NBA's official ruling on Monday always seemed like the most likely outcome, given everything the Cavs did was logical and well within the rules, Cleveland can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that it will retain its draft pick and can put this all in the past.

The Cavs currently have the worst record in the NBA and would have a 14 percent chance of winning the lottery. 

As for McCaw, he signed with the Toronto Raptors on a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum after clearing waivers about a week ago. He has yet to appear in a game with Toronto. 

Cleveland Cavaliers to waive Jalen Jones, sign Deng Adel to two-way contract Tuesday, sources say

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Adel will ink his contract Tuesday, the final day for teams to sign players to new two-way deals, and report to the Canton Charge.

LOS ANGELES -- In a minor roster move, the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to sign G League player Deng Adel to a two-way contract and waive Jalen Jones, league sources told cleveland.com. 

Adel will ink his contract Tuesday, the final day for teams to sign players to new two-way deals, and is expected to report to the Canton Charge. 

Jones did nothing wrong with the Cavaliers and everyone in the organization really liked him, including head coach Larry Drew. Jones averaged 5.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 13.4 minutes. He reached double figures in scoring twice over the last six games.

But by rule, Jones started with just 34 days that he could spend with the Cavaliers and those were almost up. A league source estimated that Jones had just 10 days remaining with the Cavs before the team needed to make a decision between signing him to a contract or sending him back down to the G League until that season ended. 

This gives the Cavs more time to evaluate Adel, who is considered the best available G League wing, as he will be allowed to spend up to 22 days with the Cavaliers -- a number that includes official practices and games. 

NBA days for two-way contracts are not allocated. They are prorated. The number 22 is the league's calculation for proration based on the timing of Adel's deal. 

Adel, 21, was averaging 13.0 points on 42.3 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from 3-point range to go with 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 31.6 minutes with the Raptors 905.

A 6-foot-7 forward out of Louisville, Adel went undrafted in 2018 and signed with the Houston Rockets before joining the Raptors organization. 

Jaron Blossomgame, Cleveland's other two-way player, still has more time that he can spend with the Cavs. But his days are also starting to run out.

A source said the Cavs' plan for now is to either send Blossomgame back down Canton when his NBA time is up or he could be a candidate for the team's final roster spot, depending on what happens with Cameron Payne. 

Payne signed a 10-day contract on Jan. 6. 

Most entertaining gymnastics floor exercise: Katelyn Ohashi or Simone Biles?

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UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi notched a perfect 10 at the Collegiate Challenge, but her routine doesn't come close to the power, height, and difficulty that Simone Biles puts in hers. Watch video

UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi has been lighting up the floor exercise for years, but she gained superstar status after notching a perfect 10 at the Collegiate Challenge with a Jackson 5-inspired routine that sent the Internet rocking with joy. Many are saying it might be one of the most entertaining floor exercises ever for its artistry. Still, it doesn't come close to the power, height, and difficulty that Simone Biles puts in her routine. That's real entertainment. What do you think?

PERSPECTIVES

Did Simone Biles ever get a perfect score on her floor exercises? Didn't think so!

Biles might be the G.O.A.T., but in pure entertainment value, Katelyn Ohashi's is superior. Using the Jackson 5 and pairing it with her natural charisma made for a routine that lit the Internet on fire. Ohashi's passes may not have the difficulty Biles has, but she can definitely light up the room with her smile and swag.

Ohashi may have broken the Internet for a hot second, but don't forget the queen of gymnastics is still wrecking the competition on the international level. 

Collegiate floor routines generally have a little more personality to them, but when it comes to pure athleticism, and seeing something amazing, you can't get any better than Simone Biles with her routines. If you're not entertained watching her height and powerful twists, you need to check your pulse. Until she retires, she'll be alpha and omega of anything gymnastics related.

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Which team will win the AFC Championship: Patriots or Chiefs?

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The New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs are one step away from the Super Bowl, but only one team can make the trip. Watch video

The New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs are one step away from the Super Bowl, but only one team can make the trip. The New England Patriots are back in the conference championship game for the eighth straight season and with Bill Belichick calling the shots, many feel the Pats are going to Atlanta. Still, Tom Brady and company have to go through Kansas City, where the Chiefs' explosive offense and rowdy home crowd have taken them far. Who will win?

PERSPECTIVES

Another year, another AFC Championship appearance for the New England Patriots. While it may be boring to other teams, the Pats are a model of consistency and excellence rarely seen in the NFL. This year's iteration of the squad still depends on the accurate arm of Tom Brady, who has been slinging short passes with great ease, dinking and dunking his way to 4,355 passing yards--but the true genius is in the coaching.

Bill Belichick has seen roster turnover year after year, but the results have been mostly the same. His ability to game plan and get the most out of his players consistently is unparalleled and there's no way Kansas City will have an answer for his tactics. The Chiefs already showed their ineptitude Week 6 when they lost to New England. The Patriots are going to the Super Bowl... again.

Week 6 was a long time ago and the Kansas City Chiefs aren't the same team they were in October. Fans don't have to worry about the Chiefs putting up points in the cold after the team's 31-spot against the Indianapolis Colts. Kansas City also showed they can shut teams down, holding a hot Colts team to 176 passing yards and 87 rushing yards. If the Pats think this team is the same one they saw earlier in the year, they are in for a rude awakening.

The last time these two teams met, it was in Foxborough. But the AFC Championship will be hosted by Kansas City in one of the loudest stadiums in the entire league. There is no way New England will thrive in that environment. The Chiefs will go to the Super Bowl.

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Which team will win the NFC Championship: Rams or Saints?

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The NFC Championship is set and two teams will battle it out for a spot in the Super Bowl. Watch video

The NFC Championship is set and two teams will battle it out for a spot in the Super Bowl. The Los Angeles Rams rode a hot running game to a Divisional Round win against the Dallas Cowboys and have revenge on their minds. Still, the New Orleans Saints are the top seed in the conference and flexed their muscles by knocking out the defending Super Bowl champs in the Divisional Round. Who will advance to Super Bowl LIII?

PERSPECTIVES

The Rams are rolling and there's nothing that can stop them--not even the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Rams defense showed up when the team needed it most, stopping Ezekiel Elliott and the intimidating Dallas Cowboys rushing attack. If the Rams could stop the leading rusher in the NFL, they should have no trouble corraling the Saints' two-headed ground game featuring Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.

On the offensive side, Los Angeles' running game has been lethal with Todd Gurley II and C.J. Anderson pounding defenses into oblivion. The Rams combined to rush for 273 yards in the Divisional Round and Saints won't be able to stop that and play-action passing game. The Rams are going to the Super Bowl.

The Rams have one of the best running games in the league, but the Saints have the second-best rushing defense in the league. Whatever the Rams throw at New Orleans, Cameron Jordan and company will stuff them. Just ask the Philadelphia Eagles; the defending Super Bowl champions only managed to put up 49 rushing yards in a Divisional Round loss.

Throw in the Saints' efficient offensive game and you have an unstoppable force. Drew Brees is guiding the team with his league-leading completion percentage. Michael Thomas is catching every ball in sight, and the dynamic duo of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram are still giving teams fits. This team is destined for the Super Bowl.

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Cleveland Cavaliers at Portland Trail Blazers, Game 45 preview and listings

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The Cleveland Cavaliers (9-35) will continue their road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers (26-19) on Wednesday night.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Cleveland Cavaliers (9-35) will continue their road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers (26-19) on Wednesday night. 

When: 10 p.m.

Where: Moda Center

TV: FoxSports Ohio

Radio: WTAM 1100 AM; WMMS 100.7 FM, La Mega 87.7 FM.

Online: FoxSports Go apps

Last meeting: The Cavs lost to the Blazers 113-105 on March 15, 2018. 

Cavs minute: The Cavs snapped their 12-game losing streak with a 101-95 win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night. ... Tristan Thompson (397) needs one block to pass both Anderson Varejao and Brad Daugherty for sole possession of seventh place in franchise history. ... The Cavaliers are 4-0 this season when holding opponents to under 40 percent shooting. ... Cleveland starters tallied 87 points in Sunday's win vs. Los Angeles, the second highest scoring effort from that group this season. ... Cedi Osman has scored in double-digits in 13 of his last 15 games. Over the 15-game stretch, Osman is averaging 13.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 32.4 minutes per game. ... Alec Burks posted his first double-double of the season -- and third of his career -- with 17 points, a season-high 13 rebounds, four assists and one steal in 33 minutes against the Lakers. It was his first double-double since November 18, 2014.

Blazers minute: The home team has won the last nine games between the Trail Blazers and the Cavaliers. ... Portland ranks third in the NBA in second-chance points over the last 10 games. ... Damian Lillard reached 12,000 career points on Monday vs. Sacramento. He is the fastest Portland player to reach 12,000 points, accomplishing that feat quicker than Clyde Drexler. Only Drexler (18,040) and LaMarcus Aldridge (12,562) have scored more points than Lillard in a Trail Blazers uniform. ... Lillard has scored in double figures in 184 consecutive games dating back to 2016. ... The Trail Blazers' bench has scored at least 50 points in six games this season. Portland is 6-0 in those contests.

Probable starters:

Cavs

F Cedi Osman

F Rodney Hood

C Tristan Thompson

G Alec Burks

G Collin Sexton

Blazers

F Jake Layman

F Al-Farouq Aminu

C Jusuf Nurkic

G CJ McCollum

G Damian Lillard


Does the NFL need a Rooney Rule for women?

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The NFL has always been a boys club, but women are slowly making their way to the league.

Sarah Thomas made history in 2019, becoming the first female referee to work a game in the postseason. The NFL has always been a boys club, but women are slowly making their way to the league. While the NFL said a Rooney Rule equivalent for women was coming in 2016, it only applied to the league office. Expansion to all teams would help accelerate the NFL's inclusion of women. However, others feel opportunities shouldn't be handed out. They have to be earned, just like everything else in the league. What do you think?

PERSPECTIVES

Sarah Thomas broke another barrier for women in the NFL by becoming the first woman to referee a playoff game. While this is a remarkable achievement, the fact that this is newsworthy in 2018 is sad. Women in the NFL should be the norm, not the exception. 

The league's proposed Rooney Rule expansion for women in 2016 was a step in the right direction, but expanding it to all teams would modernize the league by putting women in executive positions on teams, which would only benefit the league with fresh perspectives and new ideas. Much like the original Rooney Rule, adding diversity to the league is never a bad thing.

Roger Goodell: NFL creating a Rooney Rule for women

True equality is earning your spot through your merit. Getting handed out opportunities is not the right path to diversity. Sarah Thomas earned her way to the NFL Playoffs because she proved her skills on the field in the regular season. If they put someone out there just because she's a woman, it would be a disservice to anyone to toiled and built their resume's fairly. If a woman is right for the job in the NFL, she will be hired. They don't need a rule to force teams to interview a woman to accomplish that.

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Cleveland Cavaliers sign Cameron Payne to second 10-day contract

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Payne, who inked his first 10-day deal on Jan. 6, has impressed the organization -- and head coach Larry Drew specifically -- during his first four games.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Cleveland Cavaliers signed point guard Cameron Payne to a second 10-day contract late Tuesday night. 

Payne, who inked his first 10-day deal on Jan. 6, has impressed the organization -- and head coach Larry Drew specifically -- during his first four games.

"I didn't know a whole lot about Cam," Drew said Wednesday. "But he has really surprised me. There's things about his game that I didn't know he had. He's a tremendous competitor. He doesn't shy away, he doesn't back down from the competition and he's not afraid to take the shot. He's done a really good job and picked things up quickly too, which is a big plus. I'm really pleased with how he's playing."

Payne is averaging 8.8 points on 50 percent shooting from the field and 2.8 assists in 17.7 minutes. Before joining the Cavs, Payne played in 31 games with Chicago, averaging 5.7 points and 2.7 assists in 17.3 minutes. 

By rule, this is the final 10-day contract the Cavs can give Payne. When it expires on Jan. 26, the Cavs could try to sign Payne to the minimum for the remainder of the season. If they really like what he brings in this next stint and believe he can be part of the team's future, then they could use some of their remaining midlevel exception to sign him to a longer deal. Or the Cavs could cut him loose, leaving the final roster spot open once again.

Payne participated in the team's Wednesday morning shootaround in Portland and is expected to see minutes off the bench, especially with David Nwaba still sidelined because of a sprained ankle.  

Cleveland Cavaliers can't overcome Portland Trail Blazers' 3-point barrage in 129-112 loss: Chris Fedor's instant analysis

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Sustaining early effort was once again problematic, as the Blazers began pulling away in the third quarter.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Larry Drew said getting off to a fast start -- similar to what happened in the win over the Lakers on Sunday -- was of the utmost importance against the Portland Trail Blazers. 

The Cavs did. Sort of anyway. They trailed by just four points at the end of the first quarter and were within single digits at halftime. 

But sustaining that effort was once again problematic, as the Blazers began pulling away in the third quarter and then fought off one last Cleveland rally for the 129-112 win.

In that third quarter, Portland outscored Cleveland, 38-30, taking a 15-point edge to the fourth. It was too much of a hill to climb. 

"I just thought we ran out of gas," Drew said after the game. There were guys that I thought did a heck of a job bringing us back within 10, but we just weren't able to sustain. When you get down against a team like this and you have to fight back, it's tough. You know, I told the guys after the game, on the road, you just can't dig those type of holes against a good team. We just weren't able to overcome that deficit."

Another key going into the game, according to veteran Channing Frye, was the 3-point line. The Cavs dominated the paint, winning inside 66-48. But the Blazers buried them beneath a pile of triples.

Sometimes, it turns into a simple math equation. When an opponent drills 16 3-pointers -- three more than the Cavs attempted as a team -- it's tough to keep the pace. The Blazers shot a season-high 55.2 percent from beyond the arc. 

"We have to defend the 3-pointer," Drew said. "I thought the first half we didn't do a good job of that. Break downs defensively. Nothing that we had not talked about, we just didn't execute coverages."

In fitting fashion, the last long-range bomb punctuated Portland's win. Damian Lillard took the pass from center Jusuf Nurkic, who recorded his first career triple-double on that play, and pushed the Blazers ahead by 21, matching the largest lead of the night. That basket allowed Blazers head coach Terry Stotts to pull his starters to a big ovation. 

"Man, they can really stroke it and they know how to move the ball," Cameron Payne said. "You have to try to run them off. Threes are worth more than 2s so we really wanted to run them off and get them to shoot more layups than 3s."

Lillard led all scorers with 33 points. CJ McCollum chipped in with 19 for Portland. 

For the Cavs, five players hit double figures. Jordan Clarkson notched 22. Rodney Hood added 20 on 7-of-15 from the field. 

But the story of Wednesday's game matched the season-long tale for Cleveland: Undone by the third quarter -- its Achilles heel -- a defense without solutions, and inconsistency from beyond the arc -- an area where the Cavs have dropped close to the bottom of the NBA and one that typically defines success or failure for so many squads.  

Historic night

Jordan Clarkson entered Wednesday's game needing 14 points to reach the 5,000-point mark. He hit that career milestone in the third quarter with a driving layup. 

Big lift

One game after the starters spearheaded the win, Cleveland's bench bounced back from a rare off night. Led by Clarkson, the reserves poured in 66 points. 

Ante Zizic, needed in this matchup against Portland's collection of bigs, stepped up with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting to go with eight rebounds. Zizic has now scored double figures in the three of the last four games. 

Payne, who signed a second 10-day contract on Tuesday night, chipped in with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. 

Up next

The Cavs will continue their road trip against the Utah Jazz on Friday night. 

Should the Los Angeles Angels trade Mike Trout?

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The Angels are trying to hand an extension to Trout, but reports are that it seems unlikely. Watch video

The Los Angeles Angels are trying to hand an extension to Mike Trout, but reports are that it seems unlikely. With Trout being arguably the best player in the entire league, many feel hitting the reset button and trading him would be the best option if the Angels are unable to retain him long term. However, Trout has been vocal about how much he enjoys playing for the team, and two years is enough time to build a winning squad around him. What do you think? 

PERSPECTIVES

Trout is languishing on a team that isn't competitive against the top teams in the league. For arguably the best player in MLB, that is a travesty. 

He needs to be with a team willing to surround him with top talent. The roster the Angels has built around Trout has not panned out and keeping Trout will not solve all of their problems. If the team wants to get back on track, they need to trade Trout and build from the ground up with cheap, but talented players in the minors -- or get young stars ready to explode. The Angels' thinning farm system is not doing well and Albert Pujols' huge contract is a financial albatross for the front office. 

The worst thing the Angels can do is wait and see. They need to trade him now.

If the Angels can't extend Trout, they need to trade him

Trout is a generational talent and the Angels would be fools to even consider trading him. Los Angeles has two years to improve its farm system and build a competent roster around him. 

The team already proved it was willing to shell out money by nabbing Shohei Ohtani, who has proven to be a monster at the plate, and on the mound, in his rookie year. The Angels are only going to get better, and once Pujols' contract expires in two years, the team will have even more payroll to invest in talent. Keeping Trout is the only option for Los Angeles. 

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Did former Alabama QB Jalen Hurts make the right choice transferring to Oklahoma?

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Hurts has found a new home. Do you agree with the decision?

Jalen Hurts has found a new home, transferring to Oklahoma to play for the Sooners. The former Alabama starter has a 26-2 record and led the Crimson Tide to two national championships. Many feel he made the right choice to transfer to a school where he can show off his talent and develop more. Others think he should have stayed at Alabama where the Tide are championship contenders every year. Do you like the decision? 

PERSPECTIVES

Hurts has been the good teammate all season. Instead of pouting about losing his starting job, he stayed at Alabama and helped the Crimson Tide earn a berth in the College Football Playoff with an incredible relief performance in the SEC Championship. If anyone deserved to transfer to build their individual resume, it's Hurts.

Before Tua Tagovailoa took over during the 2018 national championship game, Hurts earned a 26-2 record as a starter and showed improved touch on his passes. He has a chance to be a legitimate NFL quarterback prospect, but he needs more playing time in order to do that. He won't get that backing up Tagovailoa. He needed to transfer.

More playing time is a tempting proposition for Hurts, but what will happen when he gets it? Oklahoma isn't nearly has talented as Alabama and that was proven at the national semifinal game of the College Football Playoff. He will struggle and his draft stock will drop. Staying at Alabama would have afforded Hurts the best opportunity to improve.

Quarterbacks like Matt Cassell have been drafted as a backup, and Cassell never had the accomplished resume Hurts has at Alabama. Plus, he's still a hero in Tuscaloosa where he upheld a standard of loyalty rarely seen in the sport today. He should have stayed in Alabama.

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Local Media, LLC property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt, on Instagram @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

 

Alec Burks' departure from Utah has helped him revive career, with greater opportunity in Cleveland

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Burks' new role is guarding the opponent's best perimeter player.

SALT LAKE CITY -- Alec Burks was initially surprised by the trade from Utah to Cleveland in late November. There was even some question about whether he was actually going to stay with the Cavaliers or if perhaps a redirection elsewhere was possible.

But as Burks preps for his first return to Salt Lake City since that emotional deal, he has the benefit of hindsight on his side. It's allowed Burks to have a greater appreciation for Cleveland, as the rebuilding Cavaliers continue to give him a bigger platform.

"I would say there's more opportunity here, definitely," Burks told cleveland.com. "I think it's been great. Been up and down. Still going to be up and down I feel like just trying to find a rhythm. Only been like a month in. But it's getting better and better. I'm adjusting more and more every day."

Burks' newest role is guarding the opponent's best perimeter player.

He said he last got that chance a few years back when Utah played three wings. Because of the Jazz scheme, which featured constant rotation and switching, he would often find himself in one of those matchups. But what the Cavs are asking is a touch different. This isn't a case where Burks randomly guards one of those elite backcourt players because of a switch-heavy approach. No, in this case, head coach Larry Drew has dubbed Burks as his stopper at tipoff.

He's guarded Memphis point guard Mike Conley Jr., Atlanta Hawks rookie Trae Young, New Orleans' Jrue Holiday, Houston's James Harden and Los Angeles Lakers youngster Lonzo Ball.

On Wednesday night, it was Portland All-Star Damian Lillard.

"We are always looking at matchups," Drew said. "Alec has the foot speed and savvy of playing against point guards. Size can affect some guys. A lot of our game is pick and roll and where he does a good job is fighting over or under the pick and roll. He doesn't lay on the screen. He has the ability to what we call 'rearview contest.' With him, it's nice to have a guy that size that has that type of versatility and from a flexibility standpoint you can move him around, you can change coverages with him. You can switch him onto a bigger guy.

"He doesn't shy away from the challenge and he takes the challenge head on."

The results have been good for Burks. Well, as good as they can be against those caliber opponents.

According to NBA.com stats, only 10 of Lillard's game-high 33 points came against Burks. Ball managed just two points in 24 possessions against the 6-foot-6 swingman. Harden went just 2-of-7 shooting with Burks as the primary defender. Given Harden's historic run, that's a terrific night. Holiday tallied only four of his 18 against Burks.

Part of Drew's decision tied into rookie Collin Sexton's defensive woes. Sexton was being physically overwhelmed against some of the league's best lead guards and the Cavs became one of the worst teams defending that position.

Drew knew that had to change, especially with Sexton's lack of defense becoming a point of frustration among teammates. Not only has Burks allowed the Cavs to hide Sexton, take some pressure off him, but Burks has also displayed a new dimension.

"I just try to make it as difficult as possible for the opposing point guard," Burks said of his approach. "They start the team, they run the team so just try to play hard and compete."

Burks said the biggest change defending point guards is getting through on-ball screens -- the area where Sexton struggled most. Wings are more catch-and-shoot oriented. They run around without the ball. Point guards have the rock most of the time, operating the high pick and roll.

"He's a company guy," Drew said. "Coaches love coaching those type of players. He doesn't complain or make excuses. He just goes out and does his job. I appreciate that about him. He doesn't complain about the number of shots he's taken or if he hasn't gotten them, he just comes out and does his job with that same demeanor. He's such a valuable piece, he's just one of those guys...and I always say this about players when you take away their biggest strength of their game, can they impact of affect the game in other areas. He has that ability."

Next up for Burks will be Jazz sophomore Donovan Mitchell -- the reigning Western Conference Player of the Week. Yes, the same guy who displaced Burks and Rodney Hood in Utah, making both of them expendable in separate trades.

Burks was a Utah first-round pick in 2011. After two quiet years to open his career, Burks exploded, putting together three straight double-digit scoring seasons.

His breakout campaign in 2013-14 earned him a $42 million extension, as the Jazz tabbed him -- along with Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors -- as the core.

Injuries, including shoulder surgery in the 2014-15 season, and, Mitchell's arrival, altered that plan. Burks' playing time dwindled, his numbers suffered and his opportunities vanished.

In 17 games prior to joining the Cavs this season, Burks was averaging 8.4 points on 41.2 percent shooting and 37.2 percent from 3-point range in 15.8 minutes. The year before, just 7.7 points on 41.1 percent from the field and 33.1 percent on 3-pointers in 16.5 minutes.

In 25 games with the Cavs, including 16 starts, Burks is averaging 11.9 points -- the most since 2015-16 -- on 40.2 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from long range to go with 5.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and some stingier-than-anticipated defense.

"I'm extremely happy for him," Hood said of Burks. "I think a lot of guys, particularly in Utah, know how talented he is, especially before he had some key injuries. He's one of the most talented guys I've been around and played with. Just happy to see him healthy and getting the opportunity to show what he can do on both sides of the ball -- being able to defend, finish, knock down shots. He can do pretty much everything out there on the court."

Burks and Hood are teammates again. They're also good buddies, a relationship that goes back to their Utah days together. Hood's wife and Burks' fiancee are close. Returning to Utah will, no doubt, spark up some fond memories.

And while the duo struggled to process their respective swaps at first, it's worked out well. For now.

Hood, 26, is in the final year of his deal. He will be an unrestricted free agent following this season.

Burks has an expiring contract worth $11.5 million, which makes him a prime trade candidate before the Feb. 7 deadline. Of the pieces the Cavs would consider moving for future assets, Burks arguably carries the most value.

"Who knows what's going to happen," he said.

Even if Burks doesn't stick beyond February, he will still be appreciative of this opportunity.

The Cavs have helped revive his career. They have given him chances he never would have gotten in Utah. Funny how things work out. 

Cleveland Cavaliers at Utah Jazz, Game 46 preview and listings

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The Cleveland Cavaliers (9-36) will make their fifth stop on this six-game road trip when they play the streaking Utah Jazz (25-21) on Friday night.

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Cleveland Cavaliers (9-36) will make their fifth stop on this six-game road trip when they play the streaking Utah Jazz (25-21) on Friday night. 

When: 9 p.m.

Where: Vivint Smart Home Arena

TV: FoxSports Ohio

Radio: WTAM 1100 AM; WMMS 100.7 FM, La Mega 87.7 FM.

Online: FoxSports Go apps

Last meeting: The Cavs lost to the Jazz 117-91 on Jan. 4 in Cleveland. 

Cavs minute: This is Cleveland's final matchup of the season against Utah. ... Jordan Clarkson scored a team-best 22 points off the bench in Wednesday's loss against Portland. Clarkson has topped 20 points in four of the past six games. ... Tristan Thompson is expected to miss Friday's game because of foot soreness. ... Cleveland tied its season-low by recording only three turnovers against Portland on Wednesday, one game after matching that total against Los Angeles. The Cavs are now the only team to record three or few turnovers twice in a single season since the NBA began compiling team turnovers in 1970-71. ... The Cavs' reserves are putting up 44.1 points per game this season, which ranks fourth-best in the NBA. ... Ante Zizic, who is likely to receive more playing time in Thompson's absence, scored 16 points in 27 minutes against the Trail Blazers. Zizic has six double-digit scoring performances this season and three in the last four games. 

Jazz minute: Utah is riding a season-best five-game winning streak, averaging 13 points per victory during this stretch. ... Donovan Mitchell, the reigning Western Conference Player of the Week, tallied 28 points against the Clippers on Wednesday and is the first Jazz player to score 25 or more in seven straight games since franchise legend Karl Malone in 1998. ... Center Rudy Gobert has pulled down 20-plus rebounds in back-to-back games, becoming the first Utah player to accomplish that since Malone in 1988. ... Gobert leads the league in dunks. ... Kyle Korver recently passed Jason Terry for fourth place on the NBA's all-time 3-point list. Korver now trails just Reggie Miller, Ray Allen and Stephen Curry. ... Korver has reached double figures scoring in four of the last five games, including three straight. 

Probable starters: 

Cavs

F Cedi Osman

F Rodney Hood

C Channing Frye

G Alec Burks

G Collin Sexton

Jazz

F Joe Ingles

F Derrick Favors

C Rudy Gobert

G Donovan Mitchell

G Royce O'Neale


Rodney Hood making most of Utah return: 'You only get one first time back so I'm going to enjoy it'

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This matchup is different. This is the first time Hood and Alec Burks have been back in Utah since a pair of separate trades almost one year apart.

SALT LAKE CITY -- When the Cleveland Cavaliers' team plane touched down in Salt Lake City Thursday, the memories came racing back for Alec Burks and Rodney Hood.

In past years, that landing meant being back home. This time, they went straight to the team hotel. 

"A lot of mixed emotions," Burks said prior to shootaround at Vivint Smart Home Arena Friday morning. "I was here so long and just coming in here a different way and being around the city and staying at a hotel, a lot of different emotions and a lot of great memories that come back to my mind."

Burks and Hood have already played against their old squad once this season -- a 117-91 loss in Cleveland on Jan. 4.

But this matchup is different. This is their first time being back in Utah since a pair of separate trades almost one year apart. 

Hood was part of Cleveland's roster overhaul last February, coming in a three-team deal that ended his three-and-a-half-year tenure with the Jazz. The Cavs acquired Burks, who had spent his first seven seasons in Utah, on Nov. 28, getting him and future picks in return for sharpshooter Kyle Korver.

Hood admits he has no clue how he will handle the feelings that come with his return. Going into the visitor's locker room. Stepping onto the court for the first time as a member of the opposing team. Seeing old faces who didn't get to make the trek to Cleveland two weeks ago. Hearing the crowd reaction.

Just being in Salt Lake City has brought positive vibes.

"I'm excited to be back, but one thing I have to do is focus in on what we're trying to do," Hood said. "We've been playing better basketball the past few games on the road trip so want to continue to do that. But also enjoy my time here. You only get one first time back so I'm going to enjoy it."    

On Thursday night, Hood went to one of his favorite downtown restaurants. He dined with old teammate Ekpe Udoh. Hood wanted protege Donovan Mitchell and Royce O'Neale to join as well, but Hood said both players went to the Weber State-Idaho State hoops game. 

Hood's wife will be at the game. His son got to see some old family members. Thus far, it's been the return Hood wanted. There's only one way to make it better. A win. 

"I'm not here to prove nothing or anything like that," he said. "Just try to win." 

The recent conversations with old teammates haven't necessarily been game-focused. But as Burks said, the language used can't be shared on camera so there's been plenty of trash talk involved, just like the prior matchup. Burks joked about scoring on Rudy Gobert last time. He even said there are other names on his list that he's looking to attack.  

And even though they are on the other side now, the team standing in front of Utah extending its season-long winning streak to six games, both Cavaliers are expecting a positive reception. 

"I think it will be love. They showed me nothing but love when I was here," Burks said. "Think when the ball goes in there air I will be all right. Before that, just going to reminisce a little bit."

Did Tate Martell make the right decision to leave Ohio State for Miami?

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Martell is heading to Miami to play for the Hurricanes after the Ohio State Buckeyes picked up Justin Fields from Georgia.

Quarterback Tate Martell is heading to Miami to play for the Hurricanes after the Ohio State Buckeyes picked up Justin Fields from Georgia. Many are criticizing him from running from a challenge, saying he should have stayed and competed for the starting job. Others understand his predicament and don't mind him leaving. What do you think? 

PERSPECTIVES

Martell looks weak for this move. Someone comes in who hasn't run a single play for this offense, and he wants to run away? That's not what competitors do.

If he's confident in his ability, he should have stayed and earned that starting spot. He's spent a year learning under Ohio State's new head coach, Ryan Day, and already has a head start on Fields. Everyone raves about Martell's competitiveness. He should have stayed and fought.

Everyone jumping on this kid has no idea what he's going through. The coach that recruited him quit, and now he's stuck with a head coach that obviously likes Fields. There is no way it will be a fair fight for Martell, even though he spent a year under Day. Transferring to a Miami will give him a real opportunity. He made the right decision leaving Ohio State.

Martell arrived at Ohio State at the wrong time as a run-first QB

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Utah Jazz ruin homecoming for Rodney Hood and Alec Burks, smother Cavaliers 115-99: Chris Fedor's instant analysis

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It was a forgettable return to Utah, especially for Hood. Not only did the Cavs lose their second straight game 115-99 to the Jazz, but Hood had one of his worst performances all season.

SALT LAKE CITY -- Rodney Hood and Alec Burks each received a warm reception during player introductions. Then came a tribute video at the first timeout. 

Those were the lone highlights.

It was a forgettable return to Utah, especially for Hood. Not only did the Cavs lose their second straight game 115-99 to the Jazz, but Hood had one of his worst performances all season. 

The Cavs called the first offensive play for Hood, a chance to get him an early touch against his old team and perhaps calm the nerves. Brick.

That was just the start of Hood's nightmare.

In front of his wife and a handful of familiar faces inside Vivint Smart Home Arena, Hood wanted to make a few more memories in his beloved Salt Lake City. Instead, he finished with four points -- his second-lowest total -- on 1-of-6 shooting and 0-of-2 from beyond the arc. 

Hardly the homecoming he envisioned. 

"It started off a little slow, a little jittery," Hood admitted after the game. "They played a great game and exposed us on some stuff that we need to work on. Talking. Finding ways to score for each other. Things like that. But they played a great game."

Hood played three and a half years in Utah before the Jazz sent him to Cleveland in a midseason trade for Jae Crowder last February. There were plenty of reasons Utah moved on. Hood's contract situation. A chance to add a rugged defender like Crowder who can play power forward in a small-ball lineup.

Donovan Mitchell's emergence played the biggest role. The talented youngster showed why on Friday night. 

The sophomore, who credits Hood's mentorship for this quick rise, shredded Cleveland's flimsy defense. He scored 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting to go with four assists, two rebounds and two steals. The Jazz outscored Cleveland by 18 points with him on the floor.

Center Rudy Gobert repeatedly took advantage of the Cavs' thin frontline, as they were without their top three rotational bigs -- Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Larry Nance Jr.

Gobert capped a 19-point, 15-rebound night with an easy dunk. He only had to play 27 minutes to make that kind of impact. 

Burks, who spent seven full seasons with the Jazz, fared a bit better than Hood. Not much though. The swingman scored six points on 3-of-11 from the field, repeatedly getting turned away on drives to the basket.

"He is the Defensive Player of the Year award winner for a reason," Burks said of Gobert. "He changes the game offensively and defensively. He's gotten so much better than when I first met him six years ago, or five years ago. He has grown into the player that he is today and you can't do nothing but respect that. Got to give credit where credit is due."

The complications on offense weren't only felt by the former Jazz players. 

Against the league's fourth-ranked defense, the Cavs scored just 99 points on 36-of-87 (41.3 percent) shooting and 7-of-24 (29.1 percent) from 3-point range.

Cleveland shot just 21-of-68 (30.9 percent) from the field over the first three quarters, which allowed the Jazz to pull away early and rest most of their starters during the fourth quarter.

Cleveland's starters were still outscored 80-47, as the quintet shot 18-of-48 (37.5 percent) from the floor. 

"They put you in touch situations on the defensive end and we can't get stagnant," Hood said. "When teams get stagnant against that type of defense and they have rim protection like that, it's hard to score. They did the same thing last time we played them."

Hood spent Thursday night with some of his old teammates, reminiscing about the good times in this city. Friday night wasn't one of them. 

3-point futility

The Cavs started 0-12 from 3-point range before Jordan Clarkson finally broke the seal late in the second quarter. It's tied for the second-most misses from beyond the arc to start a game in the NBA this season. 

Up next

The Cavs wrap up their six-game road trip in Denver on Saturday night. 

Cleveland Cavaliers at Denver Nuggets, Game 47 preview and listings

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The Cleveland Cavaliers (9-37) wrap up their longest road trip of the season against the Denver Nuggets (30-14) on Saturday night.

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Cleveland Cavaliers (9-37) wrap up their longest road trip of the season against the Denver Nuggets (30-14) on Saturday night.

When: 10 p.m.

Where: Pepsi Center

TV: FoxSports Ohio

Radio: WTAM 1100 AM; WMMS 100.7 FM, La Mega 87.7 FM.

Online: FoxSports Go apps

Last meeting: The Cavs lost to the Nuggets 110-91 on Nov. 1, 2018. 

Cavs minute: The Cavs failed to reach the 100-point mark on Friday night against Utah, making it the 21st time this season that's happened. ... Ante Zizic, who got the start in place of injured Tristan Thompson on Friday night, has scored double figures in four of the last five games. ... The Cavs recorded just 16 assists on Friday night, their lowest mark since the first game of the season against Utah in early January. ... Cleveland's starters were outscored by their Jazz counterparts 80-47. ... Since a string of five straight games with double-digit triples, the Cavs have averaged just 7.5 over the last four. 

Nuggets minute: The Nuggets have won 11 of the last 17 games against Cleveland at the Pepsi Center -- a stretch that goes back to 2000-01. ... Denver has five players averaging double figures in scoring this season. ... Denver made a season-high 20 3-pointers in Thursday's win vs. Chicago. ... Center Nikola Jokic has tallied five triple-doubles this season. ... Jokic ranks seventh in the NBA, averaging 7.6 assists. ... Jamal Murray is shooting 48.6 percent from 3-point range over the last 11 games. ... Denver has held the opponent under 100 points in 15 games this season, tallying a 14-1 mark in those contests. 

Probable starters:

Cavs

F Cedi Osman

F Rodney Hood

C Ante Zizic

G Alec Burks

G Collin Sexton

Nuggets

F Torrey Craig

F Paul Millsap

C Nikola Jokic

G Malik Beasley

G Jamal Murray 

Tristan Thompson misses second straight game Saturday night with foot soreness

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He started feeling soreness during this current six-game road trip and Drew held him out of Friday's loss against the Utah Jazz. With this being the second game of a back-to-back, the Cavs opted to sit him once again.

DENVER -- The Cleveland Cavaliers did not have starting center Tristan Thompson on Saturday night. 

Thompson will miss his second straight game because of foot soreness. 

At the start of the new year, Thompson returned from a sprained foot that cost him 10 straight games. Since coming back, Thompson has recorded three double-doubles in eight contests.

He started feeling soreness in that same foot during this current six-game road trip and head coach Larry Drew held him out of Friday's loss against the Utah Jazz. With this being the second game of a back-to-back, the Cavs opted to sit him once again. 

Thompson was joined on the sidelines by Larry Nance Jr., David Nwaba and Kevin Love, which meant extended playing time for Ante Zizic once again. Drew also said the Cavs will be forced to "shuffle some things around," even possibly using two-way player Deng Adel for some minutes. 

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