**NOTE: The news clips and articles listed don't necessarily reflect the views or beliefs of the Cleveland Cavaliers or their Basketball Operations staff, partners, or sponsors.**
How the Celtics are handling Kevin Love and defending LeBron James in the post
Author: Jared Weiss
Publication: The Athletic
Brad Stevens has preached a simple mission statement since he came to Boston: control the things that are within your control. One of his greatest strengths has been in finding ways to control situations that are usually up to the opponent.
The Celtics’ defensive game planning throughout the playoffs has been based on finding ways to preserve their own resources while creating vulnerabilities to nullify the opponent’s greatest strengths. They’ve faced a trio of teams whose best player routinely draws a double team on the block and uses that to slice up the defense by moving the ball. They’ve been able to avoid it the entire way as they’ve jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
They have been switching most screens, which has generally allowed them to remain consistent and spread out on defense. But Cleveland has been effective at finding ways to take advantage of this, requiring Stevens to dig deep to solve these issues mid-game. - CLICK HERE to read full story.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Do they have energy to beat Boston?
Author: Terry Pluto
Publication: Cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When the Cleveland Cavaliers lose, they often looked bored, weary and old.
Not every player. Not all the time.
But in key parts of the game where the opponent is starting to run away with the verdict, the Cavs seem to say, "Forget it, we'll get 'em tomorrow."
This is not all the time. They can play inspired basketball. They did it a few times in the opening series against the Indiana Pacers, especially the dramatic Game 7. - CLICK HERE to read full story.
LeBron James named finalist for NBA MVP, seeking fifth award
Author: Chris Fedor
Publication: Cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After being squeezed out of the top three one year ago, LeBron James was named a finalist for 2017-18 NBA MVP, the league announced Wednesday night.
James joins Houston Rockets point guard James Harden and New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis as the three finalists for the prestigious award that will be handed out on Monday, June 25 at 9 p.m. on TNT.
The finalists were determined based on voting results from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.
A four-time winner, James averaged 27.5 points -- the most for him since the 2009-10 season -- on 54.2 percent from the field to go with 8.6 rebounds and 9.1 assists. - CLICK HERE to read full story.
More Daily Press Links:
- (5/17) No additional punishment for JR Smith from Game 2 shove of Al Horford Cleveland.com
- (5/17) Cavaliers have tools to improve roster around LeBron James or smooth transition if he leaves this offseason Cleveland.com
- (5/17) Cavaliers report: With Celtics ‘gooning the game up,’ coach Tyronn Lue continues to question Cavs’ toughness Akron Beacon Journal
- (5/17) Cavaliers notebook: With 3-pointers possibly on his mind, LeBron James arrives early, works alone before shoot-around Akron Beacon Journal
- (5/17) J.R. Smith and George Hill aren’t helping the Cavaliers News-Herald
- (5/17) Playing hard doesn't seem to be a priority for the Cavs right now Medina-Gazette
- (5/17) Cavaliers not panicking, but need to get better ... fast Medina-Gazette
- (5/17) NBA Playoffs: LeBron James stunned after collision, but returns and finishes with 42 points in triple-double Medina-Gazette
- (5/17) Cavs' lottery luck runs out, making the Kyrie Irving trade appear to be even more of a debacle Crain's Cleveland
- (5/17) LeBron James seeks fifth MVP award; James Harden, Anthony Davis eye first ESPN.com
- (5/17) NBA won't discipline JR Smith for 'hard foul' on Al Horford ESPN.com
- (5/17) In a 2-0 Hole, Cavaliers Need to Give LeBron James Some Help New York Times
- (5/17) James Harden, LeBron James and Anthony Davis vying for MVP as NBA announces awards finalists Yahoo Sports
- (5/17) Could history repeat itself? Celtics in position to send LeBron James to another destination once again Yahoo Sports