Grady Sizemore gets MRI on his right knee -- not the knee he had surgery on last year -- after injuring it while sliding into second base Tuesday night.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerGrady Sizemore gets MRI on sore right knee.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Just when everything was going right for the Indians something could be going very wrong.

Center fielder Grady Sizemore injured his right knee sliding into second base in the sixth inning Tuesday night in the Indians' 5-4 victory over Tampa Bay. Wednesday afternoon he left Progressive Field in street clothes after telling reporters he didn't have time to talk because he needed an MRI on his right knee.

The good news is that the injury was to his right knee. Sizemore missed most of last season after injuring his left knee and undergoing microfracture surgery on it in June. After an lengthy rehab process, he rejoined the Indians on April 17 to help keep the team atop the AL Central with the best record in the AL.

Sizemore is hitting .282 (.22-for-78) with 10 doubles, six homers and 11 RBI. He leads the team in homers and doubles despite playing only 18 games.

"Grady banged his knee on second base Tuesday," said manager Manny Acta. "So he's going out today, for some peace of mind, to get a picture (MRI) taken.

"He jammed it on the bag when he slid. Our medical staff doesn't think it's anything serious. For his peace of mind, and today is a good day to give him a day off against a left-handed pitcher (David Price), we're just taking some precautions with him."

Sizemore finished Tuesday's game.

"When he woke up, it was a little sore," said Acta. "When you jam your knee on the bag, it's not going to go right away. We did this to clear his head after what he's gone through with the other knee."

When asked how much better Sizemore makes the Indians, Acta said, "He makes a huge difference. We weren't waiting on him to come back in the pre-injuries 2008-type of form. We just wanted to have him around so we could feed off his presence and his defense.

"But he has come out swinging the bat so well that it has really put us one step higher than where we were playing. He's in scoring position as soon as he steps in the batter's box. He generates so much for us. When he couldn't play last year, we saw how much we missed him."

Tonight's lineups:

Rays (20-15): LF Sam Fuld (L), 2B Ben Zobrist (S), DH Johnny Damon (L), 3B Evan Longoria (R), RF Matt Joyce (L), CF B.J. Upton (R), 1B Casey Kotchman (L), SS Reid Brignac (L), C John Jaso (L), LHP David Price (4-3, 3.26).

Indians (23-11): CF Michael Brantley (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), C Carlos Santana (S), DH Shelley Duncan (R), 2B Orlando Cabrera (R), 1B Matt LaPorta (R), LF Austin Kearns (R), 3B Jack Hannahan (L), RHP Carlos Carrasco (1-1, 4.97).

Him vs. me: Damon is the only Rays player to face Carrasco. He's 0-for-4. Shin-Soo Choo is hitting .286 (2-for-7) vs. Price.

Left vs. right: Lefties are hitting .365 (19-for-52) and righties .236 (13-for-55) with one homer against Carrasco. The Rays have six lefties and one switch hitter in the lineup.

Lefties are hitting .163 (7-for-43) and righties are hitting .280 (40-for-143) with four homers against Price. The Indians have four right-handers and two switch hitters in the lineup.

Lineup notes: Travis Hafner is out of the Tribe's lineup. He's 0-for-3 against Price. Sizemore, also out of the lineup, is 2-for-2 against him.

Shelley Duncan will DH for the Tribe. He's hitting .333 (7-for-21) with four doubles and four RBI against lefties.

Quote of the day: "Poets are like baseball pitchers. Both have their moments. The intervals are the tough things, " poet Robert Frost.

Umpires: H Jerry Meals, 1B John Tumpane, 2B Dan Iassogna, 3B Dale Scott.

Next: RHP Justin Masterson (5-0, 2.11) vs. RHP James Shields (3-1, 2.01) Thursday at 12:05 p.m. STO and WTAM/1100 will carry the game.   

Radames Colon III will run his first marathon this weekend, and the 14-year-old will have his distance-running parents at his side as he crosses the finish line.

View full sizeLynn Ischay / The Plain DealerAt 14, Radames Colon III has no fear about competing in his first marathon Sunday in Cleveland. "Anyone can do it if they try," he says. "It's hard because the runs are difficult. But anyone can do this if they try."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After Radames Colon III finished running a half-marathon through the streets of Cleveland last year, he returned to his home in Painesville, rested on the sofa for a few minutes, and was soon out the door skateboarding in the neighborhood.

That was when the then-13 year old decided he could probably challenge himself physically even more. Which is when the idea of running in this year's Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon began to form.

After persuading his parents he was serious about both the goal and the training, Radames began training in January, and anticipates completing the marathon Sunday with his parents, Laurie and Radames Jr., flanking him as he crosses the finish line.

It will be his first marathon, and comes after some hesitation from his parents, who were concerned 14 was too young to complete 26.2 miles. But both Laurie and Radames Jr. are experienced runners, too, and have helped their son to train properly and prepare for what he promises is just the first of many distance races to come.

The Colon family began its running obsession when Laurie started running after the birth of Radames III, just to lose weight. About six years ago, she graduated to marathons. Now, she runs ultra-marathons, 100-mile races that she completes in a span of 23-24 hours. She often rises at 3 a.m. to make sure she can squeeze in her training runs, which can vary anywhere from 2-8 hours.

Radames III began competing for Riverside High School's cross-country team two seasons ago, and quickly decided a half-marathon should become his next goal. When he began to train for the long-distance running, his father, Radames Jr., decided to join in the family hobby, too.

Both completed the Rite Aid Cleveland Half-Marathon last year, with Radames III crossing the line at 2 hours, 7 minutes. Afterward, he felt good. Good enough that he was zipping around on his backyard skateboard ramp.

"We thought he'd come home and crash," Laurie Colon said.

When Radames III floated the idea of running this year's marathon, his parents balked at first.

"I didn't know what to do -- if I should let him do it or if I should not let him," Laurie Colon said. "Finally, I just figured if parents let their kids play Xbox for four hours, why not?"

Radames III won't be the youngest to complete the marathon, and no age minimums or limits are set in Cleveland or other city marathons.

"As long as it doesn't interfere with their school, psychological development and overall enjoyment of the sport, there's no right age," said Laura Goldberg, a physician at Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine in Avon Lake and medical director for the Cleveland Marathon.

Goldberg recommends all runners -- not just young ones -- have a good base for training, with about a year of running shorter distances on their resume. A good training program that allows for gradual increases in distance and plenty of rest, in particular for young runners, is vital.

"Because they're growing and their body is growing in all ways -- physically and psychologically -- they do need a little bit more rest than, say, someone in their 20s or 30s," Goldberg said. "There's no science behind that, other than it just makes sense. We really haven't seen anything negative on young people running as long as you follow those guidelines."

Both Radames III and Radames Jr. began training in January, following a program that Laurie's coach, Ray Zahab, developed. The 14 year old has run all the long-distance training runs with his father. Father anticipates son will run about 10- to 12-minute miles this weekend.

"I saw him run the 13 miles [half-marathon] and he did it with ease," Radames Colon Jr. said. "He's trained properly for it, he hasn't had any injuries going into this marathon. And I've run every long run with him, so I keep a really close eye on him."

Radames III has learned everything he knows about running marathons from his parents, with his mother advising him on supplements to take every 5-6 miles, helping with pacing and proper form, and encouraging to simply run for pleasure instead of a specific time.

"I'd probably be lost [without them]," Radames III admitted. "I wouldn't know what to do."

Because of both of them, he already has another goal in mind after this weekend. Last year, both Radames Jr. and Laurie Colon competed in Bills' Bad Ass 50K in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Graduating to 31 miles in the fall? Sure, why not?

"Anyone can do it if they try," Radames III said. "It's hard because the runs are difficult. But anyone can do this if they try."

McCoy has chosen to keep the camp low-key and has declined interview requests.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain DealerJake Delhomme joined Colt McCoy in helping the Browns' offensive skill players get some work in learning the new West Coast offense on Wednesday at Baldwin-Wallace.

BEREA, Ohio -- Quarterback Jake Delhomme and rookie tight end Jordan Cameron were among the new faces at the Browns' second player-organized minicamp being held this week at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea.

Rookie receiver Greg Little was invited but was unable to attend. Rookie fullback Owen Marecic was also believed to still be in classes at Stanford and unable to participate.

Many of the other players in attendance also were on hand for the first installment of "Camp Colt," as Josh Cribbs dubbed it. That session was held last month at the University of Texas, McCoy's alma mater.

Working out on the field at Finnie Stadium in T-shirts and shorts on Wednesday were McCoy, receivers Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi and Carlton Mitchell and tight ends Evan Moore and Ben Watson.

McCoy said recently that Moore and Watson will be great mentors for Cameron, who played only full season at the position at USC. McCoy and Delhomme threw passes to the receivers, and the players also did position drills.

Inside, they worked out in the weight room, had meetings and watched film. McCoy has had a playbook for several months and said after the first camp that the primary goal is to get the players acclimated to the new West Coast offense.

It's uncertain if the Browns will conduct a camp at Kent State, something Golden Flashes alum Cribbs was hoping for. KSU director of football operations Casey Wolf said Wednesday that the school is fully prepared to host if and when the Browns players choose to train there.

So far, McCoy has chosen to keep the camp low-key and has declined interview requests.

Outfielder admits game-winning base on balls was an unusual experience.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz / The Plain DealerIn addition to his game-winning walk on Tuesday, Michael Brantley belted a solo homer in the fourth inning, getting congratulations from Jack Hannahan (right).

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Clubhouse confidential: Michael Brantley heard about the five-man infield. He'd seen it on TV. But he'd never faced it until Tuesday night in the ninth inning when he drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home the winning run in the Tribe's 5-4 victory over Tampa Bay.

"You never really think it's going to happen to you until it does," said Brantley. "It looks funny out there to tell you the truth. You see the outfielders shifting around because they're only two of them. Hey, but they couldn't defend the walk with a five-man infield."

Brantley fell behind Kyle Farnsworth, 0-2, before taking four straight pitches for the walk.

"You always have a plan, but when you're down 0-2 against a guy with an electric arm, it goes out the window," said Brantley.

Familiar face: Andre "Thunder" Thornton was at Progressive Field for Wednesday's game with a group of pastors from Portland, Ore. Thornton, a member of the Tribe's Hall of Fame, hit 214 homers as an Indian.

Stat of the day: Asdrubal Cabrera is tied for fifth in the AL with 13 multi-hit games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Some serious decisions will need to be made over the next four days if high school principals in Northeast Ohio expect to have their voices heard by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. The Plain Dealer conducted an anonymous survey of the 152 principals in the seven-county coverage area to learn how they have voted --...

High school administrators around the state are making their minds up about the most recent effort to even the sports playing field. - (Ted Crow / The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Some serious decisions will need to be made over the next four days if high school principals in Northeast Ohio expect to have their voices heard by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

The Plain Dealer conducted an anonymous survey of the 152 principals in the seven-county coverage area to learn how they have voted -- or how they will vote before Sunday's deadline -- on the OHSAA's competitive balance referendum that would change the face of many high school sports. The state's 827 principals have been voting since May 1 on the referendum, which seeks to level the playing field between private and public schools.

The results of The Plain Dealer's survey are inconclusive because too many principals were undecided or did not respond to messages.

• Of the 152 principals contacted this month, 112 responded to phone calls.

• There were 26 yes votes, 23 by public school principals.

• There were 31 no votes, 18 by public school principals.

• There were 55 undecided votes, 49 by public schools.

The number of undecided votes did not surprise one principal with a unique perspective.

"I think you would be amazed at the number of administrators who are either uninformed or don't care about the issue," said Jim France, who is both the principal and football coach at Manchester, which is a member of the Principals Athletic Conference.

A group of Wayne County superintendents pushed the issue to the OHSAA after compiling a study that showed private schools had dominated the state tournaments in selected team sports since 1999. Private schools have won 43 percent of the state championships but make up just 17 percent of the member schools.

The OHSAA came up with a multi-faceted formula for determining how schools would be placed in divisions. Calling it the first of its kind in the country, OHSAA administrators have figured open enrollment, tradition and socioeconomic standards into the equation.

Some principals believe the referendum is not the ultimate solution to the public vs. private argument. Nor does it address recruiting.

"It's an attempt to do the right thing," said Mayfield Principal James A. Loewer, but he is voting against. Mayfield is one of the smallest Division I schools in football. "The new proposal would adversely affect a school like Mayfield. Smaller parochial schools will love it. If you are Division IV, V or VI, you've got to love it. But for Division I and II public schools, it's going to be an even greater challenge."

Mentor Principal Joe Spiccia, whose school is one of the largest in the state, is also against the referendum.

"I don't think it addresses the concerns or needs," said Spiccia, a former wrestling coach.

Columbia Principal Sean Lynch, whose school has an enrollment of about 400, competes in the smallest of the state's six football divisions. Still, he agreed with Spiccia and will also cast a no vote.

"It really doesn't address the issue," he said. "For a school like ours and having open enrollment, we could be bumped up to Division V. On a larger scale, it won't affect the big schools."

Some principals favor the referendum because it is a step toward balancing the playing fields.

"The referendum won't affect us negatively," said Eastlake North Principal Jennifer Chauby, who is voting in favor. Eastlake North is a smaller Division I member in football. "It doesn't go far enough, but at least it's a start."

Plain Dealer reporters Bob Fortuna and Joe Maxse contributed to this story.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: trogers@plaind.com; 216-999-5169

Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco allowed four runs on six hits in five innings in first start since coming off the disabled list.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz / The Plain DealerIt wasn't the best of nights for Carlos Carrasco, who allowed four runs in five innings of work in his return from the disabled list Wednesday night against Tampa Bay.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When a baseball team loses, it leaves the dugout, walks through the tunnel and into the clubhouse. When it wins, it walks on the field to celebrate, two lines forming as the players leaving the field are congratulated by the players, manager and coaches emerging from the dugout.

The Indians have been line dancing at Progressive Field since early April. The dance ended Wednesday night as David Price and the Rays stopped the Indians' 14-game home winning streak with a 8-2 victory in front of 17,741 fans.

It was the Indians' first loss at home since April 2.

"It felt weird to go through the tunnel instead of going on the field and shaking hands," said manager Manny Acta. "That's a pretty amazing streak."

Price is the streak breaker when it comes to Progressive Field. Last year, the left-hander ended the Rays' 18-game losing streak in Cleveland with seven good innings. He was better this time.

"To me, that's the best pitcher we've seen all year," said DH Shelley Duncan. "The two guys in Anaheim [Dan Haren and Jered Weaver] are good. Jon Lester in Boston is good. But tonight Price was the best."

Price (5-3, 3.12) went eight innings for the victory. He had a no-hitter through four innings and a shutout through seven.

"We had a good run at home, but it had to end some point," said Acta. "Price was overpowering. When everybody knows what's coming and you still can't hit it, that's what I call overpowering. That's how he was for the first seven innings.

"Tremendous fastball to both sides of the plate. It was easy with [lots of movement]."

Carlos Carrasco (1-2, 5.29), making his first start since April 24, took the loss. He threw eight of his first nine pitches for balls. It was an indication of things to come.

"I was a little nervous in the first inning," said Carrasco, losing pitcher in the Tribe's last home loss. "I was only throwing 90 to 91. But then I started throwing what I normally do."

Carrasco allowed four runs on six hits in five innings. He threw only 56 percent (56 of 100) of his pitches for strikes.

"No excuses," said Acta, when asked if Carrasco was rusty. "He didn't throw enough strikes."

The Rays took a 1-0 lead in the second, added three more runs in the fourth, another three spot in the seventh and one more in the ninth.

Sam Fuld opened the scoring with a two-out RBI double past first in the second. In the fourth, B.J. Upton opened with a bunt single and went to third on Casey Kotchman's single to right. The Indians caught a break when Reid Brignac popped up an attempted squeeze bunt for the first out, but they couldn't take advantage.

With Kotchman moving on the pitch, John Jaso sent a hard grounder to Matt LaPorta at first. LaPorta looked to second to start a 3-6-3 double play, but Kotchman was almost to the bag. Then he threw home, but the fleet Upton was safe with a head-first slide.

Fuld followed with an RBI single as Jaso went to third. Ben Zobrist added a sacrifice fly.

Justin Germano, who pitched a scoreless sixth in relief of Carrasco, found trouble in the seventh. He gave up a leadoff homer to Zobrist, his eighth of the season. After retiring Johnny Damon, Germano hit Evan Longoria with a pitch. Matt Joyce followed with a single and Upton doubled them home with a drive off the wall in left center to make it 7-0.

Joyce finished the scoring for the Rays with a leadoff homer in the ninth. The Rays own MLB's top road record at 12-5. Overall, they've won 20 of their last 27 games.

The Indians, with the best home record in the big leagues at 14-3, scored their two runs off Price in the seventh. Asdrubal Cabrera and LaPorta started the inning with consecutive doubles. Michael Brantley blooped a single into left field to score LaPorta with two outs.

Price retired 12 straight before Carlos Santana ended the no-hitter with a leadoff double in the fifth. Price retired the next three batters, stranding Santana at second. For the night he allowed two runs on five hits. He struck out seven and threw 112 pitches, 70 for strikes.

"Basically, you know what's coming every time," said Duncan. "He manages to go corner to corner with the fastball. The fastball away rides away from you a little and the fastball in rides in on you. Man, he just wouldn't miss over the plate tonight.

"He's got a very good fastball that's hard to hit. When he's hitting the corners like he did tonight, it's damn near impossible."

Trivisonno enters final round with two-shot lead at Firestone.

Gary Trivisonno of Aurora shot a 7-under 63 for a two-shot lead over Mitchell Camp of Aurora after the first round of the Michelob Ultra/MinuteMenJobs.com 26th Ohio Senior Open Wednesday at Firestone Country Club's West Course.

Walt Robertson of Maple Heights was in third place after a 68.

• Complete leaderboard/results

Defending champion Gary Robison of Canton, the 2010 senior player of the year who is going for this third title, led a group of four at 69, along with Tom Atchison of Silver Lake, Tim Krapfel of Centerville and Tim Lindemann of Blacklick.

Three-time winner Jim Logue of Canton lead the Super Senior Division with a 2-under 68, one shot ahead of Ray Bush of Massillon. Three-time winner Bryan Abbott, now of Stuart, Fla., shot a 70, along with amateurs Frank Chasar of Dublin and Lynn Martin of Findlay.

The second and final round will be played Thursday.

The source said Scott does not have an "out" clause in his contract that would allow him to pursue the Lakers job.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey / The Plain DealerWith three years left on his contract, Byron Scott would not be given permission to talk to the Lakers if Los Angeles calls the Cavaliers, says an NBA source.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- While Byron Scott's name seems to be turning up on speculative lists of potential candidates to replace Phil Jackson as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, it appears unlikely the Cavaliers coach will be going anywhere.

Scott, who won three titles as a player with the Lakers, is under contract for three more years, and the team would not grant the Lakers permission to speak to him even if they asked, an NBA source said. The source said Scott does not have an "out" clause in his contract that would allow him to pursue the Lakers job.

When Jackson contemplated retirement last year, Scott's name popped up as a potential replacement because of his close relationships with owner Jerry Buss and star Kobe Bryant. Scott acted as Bryant's mentor in his rookie season, Scott's last in the league.

But when Jackson decided to return for another season, Scott and Brian Shaw, Jackson's top assistant and possible successor, pursued the Cavs job despite the likelihood that the Lakers job likely would be open this summer.

Scott could not be reached for comment, and a phone call and email to his agent, Brian McInerney, were not returned.

Former MLB infielder says the Detroit Tigers are the biggest threat to the Tribe's chances in the AL Central. Watch video

The Indians' 12:05 p.m. game today against the Tampa Bay Rays is not on SportsTime Ohio, but it will be shown on MLB Network, which will show the Sun Sports Telecast feed of the game.

So what better opportunity to have MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds as a guest on SBTV.

Reynolds explains why the Indians are for real with an exciting, well-rounded team which has different players step up every night.

He goes on to say how late-inning heroics keep the Tribe in every game. And he warns that there is a cold streak for every hot streak, and he says the Tribe’s ability to bounce back and stay healthy will be essential for the rest of the season.

Reynolds shares his thoughts on Cleveland biggest threat to the division lead (it's the Detroit Tigers). And Chuck asks about Harold’s most memorable players back when he announced the Little League World Series.

SBTV will return Friday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi answering fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.

BTW, you can find channel listings for MLB Network at www.mlbnetwork.com.

LeBron James scored the game's last 10 points in a spectacular closing flourish, part of Miami's 16-0 run over the final 4:15 — and the Heat beat the Celtics 97-87 on Wednesday night to win their Eastern Conference semifinal series in five games.

The Miami Heat's LeBron James hugs Dwyane Wade after Miami defeated Boston 97-87 in the fifth game of their NBA playoff series at American Airlines Arena, Wednesday May 11, 2011.(AP Photo/The Palm Beach Post, Damon Higgins)

MIAMI — For LeBron James, Game 5 last season against Boston was horrific.

A year later, Game 5 was humbling.

And he and the Miami Heat are halfway to an NBA championship, having finally found a way to vanquish the Celtics.

Dwyane Wade scored 34 points, James added 33 — including the game's last 10 in a spectacular closing flourish, part of Miami's 16-0 run over the final 4:15 — and the Heat beat the Celtics 97-87 on Wednesday night to win their Eastern Conference semifinal series in five games.

Related: • Box score

• LeBron James apologizes for 'The Decision'

When it was over, James knelt on the court, oblivious to the photographers who quickly surrounded him in Miami's celebration.

"Everything went through my mind at that point," James said. "Finally getting over this hump against this team. Everything I went through this summer, with 'The Decision' and deciding to come down here to be a part of this team ... because I knew how important team is to this sport ... and all the backlash I got from it.

"I'd be up here for two hours if I tell you exactly everything that went through my head. Very emotional at that point, you know, and happy we got through it as a team."

That they did — as a team.

James Jones hit a 3-pointer that kickstarted the final push, and Chris Bosh finished with 14 points — none of them more important than the two coming when he blew past Kevin Garnett for a game-tying dunk with 2:57 left.

Wade carried Miami early, then James finished the job. His personal 10-0 run to close the game put some long-simmering Celtics demons to rest.

"I play with the two best players in the league," Bosh said. "And we do this together."

True, this was about the collective.

And in the end, for James, it was also personal. The Boston series a year ago was painful for him, as was the summer — and the fallout — that followed after he left Cleveland.

"I apologize for the way it happened," James said. "But I knew that this opportunity was once in a lifetime."

Ray Allen led Boston with 18 points. Garnett had 15 points and 11 rebounds, Paul Pierce scored 12 and Delonte West added 10.

"Right now, I am really upset," Pierce said. "I wish I could have played better tonight. Unfortunately we came up on the short end of the stick. I tip my hat off to Miami. They really played great basketball."

Rajon Rondo finished with six points in 31 minutes for Boston, playing with what appeared to be a slimmer brace over the still-painful left elbow that he dislocated during Game 3.

"I know we gave a lot in Game 3," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "And I don't know if we could ever get that effort back."

The Celtics got one measure of a victory Wednesday night: Ending months of speculation, Rivers said he will likely return to coach next season.

"I'm a Celtic," Rivers said. "And I love our guys. I want to win again here. I'm competitive as hell, I have a competitive group. So we'll see. That's where I'm at today. Tomorrow I may change my mind."

Exactly one year earlier, James was maligned in Cleveland when the Cavaliers were embarrassed by the Celtics, 120-88 in Game 5 of that East semifinal series. Boston won in six games, the finale of that matchup being James' last game with the franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2003.

He wound up in Miami, alongside Wade and Bosh, aiming to chase a title.

Eight wins down, eight wins to go.

Next up for the Heat is the East finals against either Chicago or Atlanta, a series that may begin as early as Sunday. Chicago leads 3-2 with Game 6 on Thursday.

"When you're playing this game, and you have another guy over there doing the things and as capable as LeBron, not only am I a fan on the court, but it makes the game easier," Wade said. "Obviously."

Obviously.

James put Miami up for good with a 3-pointer with 2:10 remaining, then added a game-sealing — more aptly, a series-sealing — 3 with 40.4 seconds left, then turned and posed for some fans who screamed in delight.

"They make you fight for everything," James said. "You can never take the foot off the gas. You can never take a second off against that team."

So he kept playing, all the way to the final second.

A steal and two-handed slam 6 seconds later for good measure, followed by a Celtics turnover, got the party started. It was over, the Heat and Celtics knew it, and Rivers stood silently near the bench, his arms folded across his chest as James ran down the clock on Miami's final offensive possession of the series.

Of course, he scored.

Boston was done, thoroughly worn down by a younger, more athletic opponent. The Celtics won the first three meetings between the clubs this season, then lost five of the final six.

"It was a series that all of us wanted, really since training camp," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Wade was knocked over into some courtside seats trying to snare the final rebound, but that only prolonged the moment. James knelt in prayer for several seconds, then ran over to wrap Wade in a long embrace as the fans screamed loudly.

"D-Wade, he made it real difficult," Celtics forward Glen Davis said. "He came through. He carried the team. He willed them to win. He carried them just long enough for LeBron to knock us out."

The Heat said often in this series, Boston laid the plan for what Miami needed to ultimately do to become champions.

James said it again when it was over Wednesday night.

"It's a great team," James said of Boston in the on-court celebration. "Like I said, I got the utmost respect for that team. They're the reason why all three of us came together, is because of what they did, that blueprint they had in '08 when they all came together. So it's a great team win and get ready for our next opponent."

It's Miami's fourth trip to the East finals, its first since 2006.

Wade had 30 points through three quarters. James added 20, while the rest of the Heat managed only 21 and they were down 73-71.

And when everyone went cold to open the fourth, Boston seized a bit of control. West scored six of the Celtics' first eight points in the final quarter, the last of those coming on a drive with 9:21 left for an 81-74 lead.

NOTES: Celebrities at the game included financial guru Suze Orman (in a jacket, as always) and 18-time golf major champion Jack Nicklaus (in no jacket, Masters green or otherwise). ... The game's first six sets of two-shot trips to the foul line resulted in everyone going 1 for 2 — Wade and Garnett did it twice, with James and Joel Anthony doing it once. ... Wade had a spectacular play with 1:22 left in the opening quarter, when he fought off Jeff Green to rebound a missed 3-pointer by Mario Chalmers, then — while falling, in one motion — tossed it off the rim and in, beginning a three-point play.

More NBA Playoffs: Oklahoma City takes 3-2 series lead on Memphis

Do you accept James' apology, or was it a backhanded insult?

APThe Miami Heat's LeBron James hugs Dwyane Wade after Miami defeated Boston.

The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs Wednesday night to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

LeBron James kneeled on the court and teared up following the game. He and the Heat also celebrated like they won the NBA title, but the excuse for all of the posturing following the game was because James defeated the Celtics (albeit with an injured Rajon Rondo and without Kendrick Perkins) for the first time in the playoffs.

On ESPN.com:

 “I knew I had to go through Boston at some point. I went through a lot signing to be here… The way it panned out with all the friends and family and fans back home, I apologize for the way it happened.  This was the opportunity of lifetime.”

The victory (at least in James' mind) also justified his departure from the Cavaliers. Because, in his words, he couldn't defeat the Celtics by himself.

“As much as I loved my teammates back in Cleveland, as much as I loved home, I knew I couldn’t do it by myself against that team.”

That's right. James played by himself when he was with the Cavaliers. In other words, it was all James when the Cavaliers won, but he was by himself when the Cavaliers lost. So how much help did the Cavaliers get from James in Game 5 last season?

Which position should be a priority for the Browns during free agency?

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerCleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur.

The Cleveland Browns helped themselves at a few positions during the NFL Draft. But even the Browns will tell you that the team still has holes to fill. The Browns also need to add more depth at several positions.

So whenever this lockout is over, which is the main position the Browns should focus on when it comes to signing free agents?

The Tribe and Tampa Rays complete the three-game series today.

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerCleveland Indians' Fausto Carmona gets a pat on the back from manager Manny Acta.

Come on now. When you looked at the baseball scheduled during the winter and saw the Cleveland Indians against Tampa Bay, no one figured it would be a series between two of the best teams in the American League.

Well the rubber match of this three-game series will be decided today, writes MLB.com's Jon Star. The Tribe will send Justin Masterson (5-0, 2.11 ERA) to the mound today, and that excites manager Manny Acta.

"He has improved his mechanics in a way where he's able to repeat his delivery more often. For him, it's just a matter of pitching ahead in the count. That's been a drastic change for him over the last six weeks last year and this year. He's staying away from big innings," Acta detailed.

What has been the difference for Masterson?

Maturity has been a pivotal development for Masterson, who often struggled to battle through difficult innings last season. This year, Masterson appears to be on cruise control, having allowed 55 baserunners in 47 innings and just one home run.

The Tribe will face Tampa pitcher James Shields, who is undefeated in his last six starts, since dropping his first start of the season on April 2.

The right-hander is 3-0 with a 1.94 ERA over his last six outings. Nevertheless, Shields feels he was a little off his game in last start, despite giving up just one earned run in 7 1/3 innings.

The Acta way

Marla Ridenour of Ohio.com writes how manager Manny Acta lives a life where he doesn't get too high or too low when it comes to baseball.

He keeps his emotions at an even keel when it comes to this game.

Acta's tough demeanor has even rubbed off on his players.

''That tells you about our team,'' third baseman Jack Hannahan said. ''Even if we get behind early or we're not swinging the bats too well the first couple times through the order, we're always hanging around. Later on when we get those big hits, we find a way to get 'em over, get 'em in. Next thing you know we've got the lead, we win the game. You can't teach something like that.''

Game stories

MLB.com: Indians' home streak ends.

Cleveland.com: Tampa's David Price is too much for Tribe.

The News-Herald: Price stops streak.

Ohio.com: Blown out at home.

TBO.com: Rays end Indians' streak.

CF Grady Sizemore (right-knee contusion) is not in the lineup today.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz / The Plain DealerGrady Sizemore missed his second straight game on Thursday with a bruised knee.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Grady Sizemore is not in the lineup for this afternoon's game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field.

Tribe right-hander Justin Masterson faces Rays right-hander James Shields. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05.

Sizemore injured his right knee during a slide Tuesday night. He did not play Wednesday.

An MRI showed no structural damage. Sizemore is listed as day-to-day with a contusion.

Sizemore was in the clubhouse this morning but exited when he saw reporters approaching. It was a veteran move, where a player declines comment without having to say he declines comment. Sizemore appeared to be walking fine.

Michael Brantley is starting in center field and batting leadoff. Shelley Duncan starts in left in the seven-hole.

For the Rays, center fielder B.J. Upton will not play because of a two-game suspension for his actions toward an umpire May 5. Upton also will not play Friday against Baltimore.  

Lineups:

Rays -- 1. Sam Fuld cf; 2. Ben Zobrist rf; 3. Johnny Damon dh; 4. Evan Longoria 3b; 5. Matt Joyce lf; 6. Casey Kotchman 1b; 7. Elliot Johnson 2b; 8. Reid Brignac ss; 9. Kelly Shoppach c; and James Shields rhp.

Indians -- 1. Michael Brantley cf; 2. Asdrubal Cabrera ss; 3. Shin-Soo Choo rf; 4. Carlos Santana c; 5. Travis Hafner dh; 6. Orlando Cabrera 2b; 7. Shelley Duncan lf; 8. Matt LaPorta 1b; 9. Jack Hannahan 3b; and Justin Masterson rhp.

Umpires: P -- John Tumpane; 1b -- Jerry Meals; 2b -- Dale Scott; 3b -- Dan Iassogna.

Justin Masterson looks to get the Indians back in the win column this afternoon at Progressive Field in the series finale.

AP PhotoJustin Masterson is 5-0 this season for the Indians.

CLEVELAND -- Trying to bounce back from their first home defeat in more than a month is just one concern facing the Cleveland Indians.

With Justin Masterson on the mound but star Grady Sizemore possibly out of the lineup, the Indians look to regroup by continuing their success against James Shields in Thursday's conclusion of a three-game set with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Hours after Sizemore underwent an MRI on the right knee he injured while sliding into second base Tuesday, Cleveland (23-12) had its 14-game home winning streak snapped in an 8-2 loss to Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

Though the Indians are 14-3 at home and have the AL's best record overall, Sizemore is day to day with a bruised knee after tests showed no structural damage.

"It's good news for us," said manager Manny Acta, who will decide before Thursday's game if Sizemore can play.

Batting .282 with six homers and 10 doubles in 18 games since returning from left knee surgery, Sizemore is a big reason for the Indians' early success.

"He makes such a huge difference," Acta said. "He generates so much for us."

Cleveland was unable to generate much without Sizemore on Wednesday, recording five hits and not scoring until the eighth inning as Tampa Bay (21-15) won for just the third time in its last 22 games at Progressive Field.

At 12-5, the Rays have the majors' best road record.

"They didn't have Grady and Travis (Hafner) in there, but it's still a tough lineup," winning pitcher David Price said. "That's a good win for us."

The Indians may have a good chance to bounce back against Shields (3-1, 2.01 ERA), who is 0-4 with a 4.06 ERA in six starts versus Cleveland.

Shields, however, has allowed just three runs and 17 hits while striking out 33 over 33 1-3 innings to go 3-0 in his last four starts overall. The right-hander gave up one run and three hits in 7 1-3 innings of a 6-2 win at Baltimore on Friday.

"That's what he's been, he's really been sharp," manager Joe Maddon said. "Sharp on both sides of the plate, sharp with all his pitches. He's been very frugal with his pitches, getting deep into the game."

Masterson (5-0, 2.11) has enjoyed similar success this season, but will try a third straight start for his sixth victory.

Though he allowed a season-high nine hits, Masterson yielded one run with five strikeouts and no walks in seven innings of Cleveland's 2-1, 11-inning loss at Los Angeles on Friday - the Indians' first defeat in Masterson's seven starts.

The right-hander has struggled versus Tampa Bay, going 1-3 with a 6.37 ERA in five starts.

Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist is 0 for 5 against Masterson, but is batting .403 with five home runs and 20 RBIs his last 16 games. He homered and drove in a pair of runs Wednesday.

Masterson will not have to face B.J. Upton, who will begin serving his two-game suspension Thursday for a tirade after striking out for the fourth time against Toronto on May 4.

"It's not something I want to go through, but I have to take responsibility for my actions," Upton said.

Cleveland's Matt LaPorta, 3 for 5 against Shields, drove in a run Wednesday. He's batting .340 at Progressive Field this season, recording 10 of his 17 RBIs and three of his four homers there.

Plain Dealer Browns reporter says team can still stand to shore up front seven, even after drafting for defense. Watch video

Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Bill Lubinger, who is standing in for Branson Wright and Chuck Yarborough, who are on assignment.

When the NFL lockout ends and the free-agency period begins, what positions should the Browns pursue? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest, Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot, says that even though the Browns went defense at the top of their draft, the front seven still needs to be shored up.

Mary Kay also talks about the Browns players who showed up for workouts at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea this week; what the team's backup quarterbacks think of the way Colt McCoy has taken the lead in organizing these workouts; and whether Kent State might still be an option for future workouts.

SBTV will return Friday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi answering fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.

Ford left KSU on March 27 to take the job at Bradley.

AP photoGeno Ford left Kent State to take the job at Bradley.

Kent State University president Lester Lefton and athletic director Joel Nielsen said from the outset they would aggressively go after the $1.2-million contract buyout of former men's basketball coach Geno Ford.

The university has now backed that up with a lawsuit against Ford for the $1.2 million in damages for departing March 27, 2010 to become head coach at Bradley University in Illinois.

KSU athletic administrators said today they are not able to talk about the matter because of the pending litigation.

The suit was filed April 26 and states Ford had no permission to terminate his contract with KSU, which he re-negotiated after the 2009-2010 season and extended to 2015. A buyout clause was part of that agreement, equal to one year's salary ($300,000) for every remaining year on the contract.

Buyout clauses are common in college sports contracts, as successful coaches in the major sports of football and basketball are lured away annually for higher-paying jobs. This is not the first time a university and a former coach have gone to court over a broken contract.

In 2009, Marist sued former coach Matt Brady for leaving for James Madison University just weeks after signing a four-year contract extension. In 2010, a New York court ruled in Marist's favor.

Both Ford and Bradley AD Michael Cross issued statements late Wednesday regarding the litigation.

"During the process, everything was handled professionally and appropriately," Ford said. "It is unfortunate this has turned into a legal matter. I look forward to a quick resolution."

Cross said: "Bradley University is respectful of employer-employee relationships, including those involving current and former employees, and has acted accordingly. As testament to that, Bradley and Coach Ford handled the hiring process in a straightforward and professional manner with the clear consent of Kent State University.

"It is unfortunate that Kent State filed a completely unnecessary lawsuit against Coach Ford and Bradley. Since it has done so, Bradley will make no further public statements at this time."

No need to guess how well your friends are doing at the big race Sunday. The race offers a digital tracking service, and the PD's own Zachary Lewis will be wearing a GPS device.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey / The Plain DealerThe 2011 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon takes place Sunday, May 15.

Spectators curious how their friends or family members are faring in the 2011 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon can sign up for live runner tracking at clevelandmarathon.com.

The service will send updated text messages or e-mails to cell phones and computers as individual runners cross certain points along the course.

But The Plain Dealer is offering a more detailed attraction. Fitness reporter Zachary Lewis will be running the full marathon Sunday while wearing a GPS device, enabling anyone to follow every step of his 26.2-mile journey online.

To track his progress online, click here.

How does playing golf from sunup to sundown on the longest day of the year sound? Still reading? Then consider entering The Plain Dealer's Summer Solstice Golf Challenge.

View full sizeScott Shaw l The Plain DealerThe seventh hole at Sweetbriar's Legacy Course in Avon Lake will be one of dozens of holes played on June 21. Four Plain Dealer staffers -- and four readers who win a contest -- will attempt to play golf from sunup to sundown on Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Enter the contest to join The Plain Dealer's Summer Solstice Golf Challenge by emailing summergolf@plaind.com, and see details below.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - How does playing golf from sunup to sundown on the longest day of the year sound? Still reading? Then consider entering The Plain Dealer's Summer Solstice Golf Challenge.

Four Plain Dealer staffers will be writing a feature about attempting to play golf for more than 16 hours on Summer Solstice -- Tuesday, June 21 -- and we're looking for four Plain Dealer readers to join the group.

The details: Four contest winners will play golf with The Plain Dealer's Bud Shaw, Tim Rogers, Chuck Yarborough and Kristen Davis, and will be part of the feature story. All greens fees will be covered by The Plain Dealer. Golf will be played from sunup to sundown -- roughly 5:15 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. -- at Avon's Bob-O-Link and Avon Lake's Sweetbriar, which each have 36 holes.

How to enter contest: Send an email to summergolf@plaind.com with your name, city, phone number, average 18-hole score, handicap if you have one and -- most importantly -- why you want to be selected. The four winners will be chosen at the end of May.

The defining moment in Cleveland Browns' history.

Mark Duncan / Associated PressJim Brown's name is prominent among the 16 Hall of Fame players memorialized in the Browns' new Ring of Honor.

James Walker of ESPN writes how the Cleveland Browns have a history of championship highs and lows.

Walker wants to know what moment in history best defines the Browns?

Was it the Browns' first NFL championship in 1950? The team had won titles before, but this was the first of four since joining the NFL. The Browns' last NFL championship in 1964 remains the most recent pro sports title in Cleveland.

How about drafting Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown in 1957? Brown is often viewed as the greatest running back in NFL history -- and some believe the best overall player. He remains Cleveland's most recognizable face.

Unfortunately, Walker writes about the negative side when he brings up the "The Fumble" and "The Drive" in which the Denver Broncos stopped the Browns in back-to-back years.