BDL Power Rankings: 'Red rover, red rover; send Kobe over' (Yahoo! Sports)

The BDL NBA Power Rankings combine two parts hard work with one part deep and devoted research to create ...no,...

Ilgauskas' 10,000th-point ball disappears (AP)

Zydrunas Ilgauskas (ZHEE'-droo-nuhs ihl-GOWS'-kuhs) became only the fourth Cleveland Cavaliers player to score 10,000 points, but he doesn't have the ball marking the accomplishment. The ball went into the stands as Cleveland's March 21 game against Atlanta ended and disappeared as the crowd left the arena.

Suicide lines: '@MCuban' fined, Kidd hints at joining LeBron ... (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your Grins & Smiles...

James says NBA title is his goal on '60 Minutes' (AP)

LeBron James can add "60 Minutes" to his ever-growing list of accomplishments. James was the subject of a flattering profile by show contributor Steve Kroft that aired Sunday night on CBS and highlighted the quick ascent to stardom and versatility of the Cleveland Cavaliers' 24-year-old leader. James has graced the covers of sports and fashion magazines, shown a knack for comedy hosting "Saturday...

Cavaliers top Mavs 102-74 for 12th straight win (AP)

LeBron James ran over an unsuspecting referee. The Cleveland Cavaliers flattened another record. James scored 24 points with 12 assists while orchestrating Cleveland's show on and off the floor as the Cavs made more history with a 102-74 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, hitting the 60-win mark and extending their winning streak to a franchise record 12 straight.

James, Williams lead Cavs to 11th straight win (AP)

LeBron James scored 25 points and Mo Williams added 22, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their 11th straight win, a 107-85 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Cleveland's victory ties the franchise record for consecutive wins in a season. The Cavaliers (59-13) also won 11 straight from Nov.

Police look into altercation involving Cavs owner (AP)

Police are investigating an altercation between Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and a former executive of his mortgage company during a private function at a posh hotel in suburban Detroit. Birmingham police are looking into the March 21 incident at the Townsend Hotel, Police Chief Richard Patterson told The Associated Press on Friday.

LeBron to appear on '60 Minutes' (AP)

Tick ... Tick ... Tick ... LeBron James is set to appear on TV's most famous stopwatch. Cleveland's superstar will be profiled on CBS' "60 Minutes" this Sunday in an interview he did a few months ago. The 24-year-old, who has led the Cavaliers to the NBA's best record this season, sat down for the one-on-one with show contributor Steve Kroft.

Suicide lines: Wolves' poster gaffe, Gil retires from blogging ... (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your cinnamon latte rolls.

James joins Robertson in prestigious club (AP)

LeBron James moved into the Big O's neighborhood. With a layup early in the first quarter Wednesday night against New Jersey, Cleveland's superstar joined Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to post 2,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists in a season at least four times.

James, Cavaliers set team record with win No. 58 (AP)

The questions have become repetitive for LeBron James. Right now, he and the Cleveland Cavaliers have all the answers. James scored 22 points and tagged another performance onto his MVP resume as the Cavaliers set a franchise record with their 58th win of the season, 98-87 over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night to extend their winning streak to 10 straight.

Cavaliers set team record with 58th win (AP)

LeBron James sensed something special about this Cleveland team from the outset. He liked the talent, the chemistry, the vibe. Months later, his instincts were correct. These Cavaliers are like no others. James scored 22 points with 11 assists and made all the right moves in the closing minutes as the too-tough-at-home Cavaliers set a franchise record with their 58th win -- and 10th straight -- by...

BDL NBA Power Rankings: Take a picture, it lasts longer ... (Yahoo! Sports)

The BDL NBA Power Rankings combine two parts Flaming Moe with one part flippant observation to create the most...

Cavaliers running down history (AP)

Owners of the NBA's best record and a second Central Division title, the Cleveland Cavaliers are making jumpers. And history. They're leading the Boston Celtics by four games for the Eastern Conference's best record and hold a 1 1/2 -game advantage on the Los Angeles Lakers for crucial home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

James, Paul named Players of the Week (PA SportsTicker)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James again was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

LeBron hints he and Wade could be teammates in 2010 (Yahoo! Sports)

LeBron James didn't come out an say he and Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat could be teammates on the Cleveland...

Cavs beat Nets to tie team mark with 57th victory (AP)

One more victory and these Cavaliers can say they were the best in Cleveland's history. LeBron James and Co. aren't interested in competing with the old Cavs -- the real competition is with the current Celtics and Lakers. James had 30 points and 11 rebounds, and the Cavaliers won their ninth straight game, beating the New Jersey Nets 96-88 on Sunday night to tie a franchise record with their 57th...

Cavs win 9th straight, tie team mark with 57th win (AP)

Long before LeBron James arrived and started Cleveland's climb toward the top of the NBA, Zydrunas Ilgauskas was quietly putting up numbers on some terrible teams. So as Ilgauskas continues to rewrite the Cavaliers' record book, it means so much more that it comes while his team is doing the same. James had 30 points and 11 rebounds, and the Cavaliers won their ninth straight game, beating the New...

How about LeBron vs D-Wade -- in practice? (AP)

LeBron James on South Beach? Dwyane Wade in Cleveland? Both of them in New York? James raised the possibility Sunday of the MVP candidates playing together somewhere after he was asked a question about the friendly rivalry between the U.S. Olympic teammates. James was asked if he'd prefer they both stay in the same conference, so they could play against each other more often, or end up in different...

Williams, James lead Cavs to eighth straight win (AP)

Any ideas the Atlanta Hawks had of extending their seven-game winning streak ended quickly Saturday. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers rolled to a 24-point lead early in the second period in winning their eighth straight game, 102-96 over the Hawks. "That's what we wanted to do," said James, who scored 22 points as the Cavaliers upped their home record to 32-1.

Cavaliers' Ilgauskas surpasses 10,000 point mark (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas has passed the 10,000 career point mark in Saturday's game against Atlanta. Ilgauskas, who has battled numerous foot injuries in his 11 seasons in the NBA, passed the mark when he made two free throws with 7:21 left in the first quarter. The 7-foot-3 Ilgauskas missed the entire 1996-97 and 1999-2000 seasons and played in only 24 games in 2000-01 because...

Cavaliers' Varejao questionable with contusion (PA SportsTicker)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Anderson Varejao is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Atlanta after suffering a right quad contusion in the first quarter of Thursday's 97-92 overtime victory over Portland.

Cavaliers recall Darnell Jackson (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers recalled rookie forward Darnell Jackson from Erie of the NBA Development League on Thursday. Jackson has averaged just 1.0 point and 1.2 rebounds in 37 games for the Cavaliers. He was sent to Erie on Wednesday and scored 15 points with six rebounds in a win over Austin. Jackson entered Thursday night's game against Portland in the second quarter.

James' triple-double gets Cavs past Blazers in OT (AP)

LeBron James notched a triple-double and the Cleveland Cavaliers set a franchise record with only two turnovers. Still, this Cleveland Cavaliers' victory was no masterpiece. "It was an ugly ballgame, but you've got to win ugly sometimes," said Cleveland coach Mike Brown, who recorded his 200th career victory in a 97-92 win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.

James leads Cavaliers past Trail Blazers in OT (AP)

Despite getting his 24th career triple-double, LeBron James was more impressed by the Cleveland Cavaliers tying the NBA record for fewest turnovers. James had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Cavaliers to a 97-92 overtime victory against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night. Cleveland committed only two turnovers, setting a franchise record and matching the mark set by...

Cavs G-F Szczerbiak out 2-3 weeks (PA SportsTicker)

Cleveland Cavaliers swingman Wally Szczerbiak will miss two to three weeks with a sprained left MCL, the team announced Wednesday.

Cavs Szczerbiak out with knee injury (AP)

Forward Wally Szczerbiak could be out for three weeks with a sprained left knee, yet another injury for the bruised Cleveland Cavaliers. Szczerbiak injured his knee in the closing seconds of the third quarter of Tuesday night's 97-93 win over the Orlando Magic. He underwent an MRI exam that revealed a sprained medial colateral ligament, the team said.

Suicide lines: S. Williams' arrest, Harris' AC, Sheed's Fathead ... (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your custard.

LeBron scores 43 as Cavaliers move to 30-1 at home (AP)

The Orlando Magic didn't shoot well in the fourth quarter. They were plenty hot afterward. Unable to stop LeBron James down the stretch and incensed by a 3-second violation that went against them, the Magic dropped a 97-93 thriller on Tuesday night to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who improved to 30-1 at home in a game drenched with playoff intensity.

Cavaliers edge Magic 97-93 (AP)

There was a dramatic shot, a questionable call -- or two -- in the closing seconds and a frenzied crowd. On an unseasonably warm night in March, it sure felt like June. The NBA playoffs don't start for another month. Tell that to the Magic and Cavaliers. LeBron James dropped a long 3-pointer with 47.4 seconds left and added two clutch free throws with 8.7 seconds to go as Cleveland avoided just its...

Game to pay attention to: Magic vs. Cavaliers (Yahoo! Sports)

Throw it down Kenny Powers big man! Orlando at Cleveland It won't be pretty, the game will be awfully slow, not...

BDL NBA Power Rankings: The end is near (Yahoo! Sports)

The BDL NBA Power Rankings combine two parts milk with one part flippant observation to create the most...

LeBron, Kobe honored by NBA (PA SportsTicker)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant were honored Monday as the NBA's Players of the Week.

Cavaliers trip Knicks 98-93 (AP)

On his way off the floor, LeBron James stopped to admire the brand new banner hanging from the rafters high above Quicken Loans Arena. It said: Central Division Champions 2008-09. Nice addition. Not enough. "We've got bigger goals," James said. Mo Williams scored 23 points, making all five of his 3-pointers, and James added 19 as the Cavaliers opened a crucial stretch of home games by beating the New...

Suicide lines: 'Bron's block, M. Williams injury update, Mullin ... (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your breakfast kamut .

Knicks' Hughes thinks LeBron might stay in Cleveland (Yahoo! Sports)

New York Knicks forward Larry Hughes jokingly added fuel to the fire by reporting how fond Cleveland Cavaliers...

Power Poll: Can Larry Brown redeem himself in Charlotte? (SportingNews.com)

Only two clubs are on significant win streaks right now. Utah is no great surprise, but the revival of Larry Brown in Charlotte could turn some heads.

James probable, G West questionable for Cavs vs. Kings (PA SportsTicker)

A left knee contusion should not keep LeBron James off the court for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Friday's contest against the Sacramento Kings, but the same cannot be said for Delonte West.

LeBron's 51 points give Cavs the Central title (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers are champions again, though not playing championship-caliber basketball on the defensive end. Having LeBron James allows them to overcome those defensive lapses. James scored 51 points, including six in overtime, and the Cavaliers clinched their first Central Division title since 1976 on Friday night with a 126-123 victory over the Sacramento Kings in the finale of a perfect...

Cavs' G West bruises back (AP)

Cavaliers guard Delonte West could miss Friday night's game in Sacramento after bruising his lower back in a fall at Phoenix on Thursday night. West slammed hard onto the floor in the third quarter when he charged into Suns guard Steve Nash under the basket. X-rays taken at the arena showed nothing broken, the team said.

James wins at Suns with 3rd straight triple-double (AP)

LeBron James had won in every building in the NBA, except the US Airways Center in Phoenix. He put an emphatic end to that drought on Thursday night. The Cleveland phenomenon had his third straight triple-double -- 34 points, 13 assists, 10 rebounds -- and the Cavaliers pulled away over the final seven minutes to beat the sinking Suns 119-111 on Thursday night.

Shoe puts James' hometown at center court (AP)

LeBron James is stepping out for his Ohio hometown on his newest Nike sneaker. The latest shoe in the company's Zoom LeBron VI line pays tribute to Akron by featuring the city's downtown skyline in its stitching. It also shows a sign for Hickory Street -- where the Cleveland Cavaliers star grew up -- and a milk crate, the "basket" James used when he first played hoops.

James' third straight triple-double gives Cavs win (AP)

LeBron James finally won in Phoenix, with the latest in a string of fabulous performances for the East's front-running Cleveland Cavaliers. James had his third straight triple-double -- 34 points, 13 assists, 10 rebounds -- and the Cavaliers pulled away over the final seven minutes to beat the sinking Suns 119-111 on Thursday night.

Cavaliers rally from 19 down to beat Clippers (AP)

A 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter isn't always insurmountable when LeBron James is on the court. James recorded his second straight triple-double with 32 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, Mo Williams hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 6.6 seconds to play, and the Cavaliers stormed past the Los Angeles Clippers for a stunning 87-83 victory on Tuesday night.

BDL NBA Power Rankings: Wild week (Yahoo! Sports)

The BDL NBA Power Rankings combine two parts sweetened lemon natural flavor iced tea with one part flippant...

Cavaliers turn down Heat 99-89 (AP)

With the game building to its crescendo and the crowd expecting the MVP candidates to soar, LeBron and D-Wade simply stepped aside. Mo Williams took over. Williams scored 12 of his 29 points in the final 7:12 and LeBron James recorded a triple-double as the Cleveland Cavaliers quickly shook off any hangover from a disappointing loss at Boston by beating Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat 99-89 on...

Game to pay attention to: Cavaliers vs. Celtics (Yahoo! Sports)

Cleveland at Boston Yesterday we saw some second-tier action, filled with promise , eventually awash with...

Celtics beat Cavs at home to tighten East race (AP)

Home-court advantage has meant everything when the new Big Three plays King James, and the Boston Celtics may have swiped the edge away from the Cavaliers on Friday night. Paul Pierce scored 29 points, reserve Leon Powe had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and the Celtics beat Cleveland 105-94 to move within percentage points of the East-leading Cavaliers in the race for home-court advantage through the...

Weekend brings challenging tests for Celtics (Yahoo! Sports)

Celtics face the Cavaliers and Magic within 48 hours of each other. They'll do so without Kevin Garnett.

Suicide lines: 'Melo's hustle, Wade considers MVP, Amare, Ivy ... (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your Egg McMuffin .

Gooden has chance to sign with contender (Yahoo! Sports)

The Sacramento Kings have waived Drew Gooden. The Spurs and Cavs hope to sign him.

Cavaliers sign F Smith (PA SportsTicker)

The Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday signed forward Joe Smith to bolster their frontcourt for a championship run.

Cavaliers sign Joe Smith (AP)

Joe Smith passed his physical, signed the final paperwork and walked out onto the floor to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers. At last. Traded away, Smith was welcomed back. To him, the six-month separation was an eternity. "It felt like I've been gone forever," he said after practice. Smith officially returned on Thursday to the Cavaliers, who signed the 14-year veteran forward to a one-year contract, an...

Suicide lines: Spurs land Gooden, Deng down, Smith, Head ... (Yahoo! Sports)

Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your Toaster Strudel...

Gooden commits to sign with Spurs (Yahoo! Sports)

Drew Gooden has committed to sign with the Spurs after he clears waivers, two league executives said.

Cavaliers clinch playoff spot with win over Bucks (AP)

There was no celebration, no champagne, nothing really to signify the win's importance. The Cleveland Cavaliers made the playoffs and hardly cared. "We got one goal," LeBron James said. "That's to win an NBA championship." James scored 23 points, Delonte West had 13 with a career-high eight steals and the Cavaliers became the first team to clinch a spot in the NBA playoffs by beating the Milwaukee...

Cavaliers, Smith agree on 1-year contract (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Joe Smith, bringing the veteran forward back for another NBA title run. Smith cleared waivers on Wednesday and must pass a physical before he can sign with the Cavaliers, who reluctantly traded him away last summer. Smith is not expected to be in uniform for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee but should be ready for Cleveland's...

Power Poll: Hornets crack mighty tough top 10 (SportingNews.com)

The fact the the Tyson Chandler deal fell apart has been a blessing for the New Orleans locker room.

Cavs agree to terms with F Smith (PA SportsTicker)

As expected, the Cleveland Cavaliers have snatched up recently released forward Joe Smith to bolster their frontcourt for a championship run.

Joe Smith returning to Cavaliers (AP)

Joe Smith is about to bounce back to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The veteran forward, traded last summer by the Cavs in the deal that brought them All-Star guard Mo Williams, agreed to terms Tuesday night on a one-year contract with Cleveland, his agent told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "After careful consideration of his options, Joe has decided that the Cavs are the best fit," agent Dan Fegan told...

BDL NBA Power Rankings: Lakers, Cavs neck-and-neck (Yahoo! Sports)

The BDL NBA Power Rankings combine two parts Pepsi Free ("hey, if you want a Pepsi, you have to pay for...

Brown, Sloan named Coaches of the Month (PA SportsTicker)

The NBA on Monday named Cleveland's Mike Brown and Utah's Jerry Sloan as the Coaches of the Month for February.

LeBron says he'd happily welcome Smith back (AP)

LeBron James remembers plenty about what Joe Smith did for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. And that's why he wants Smith back for the stretch run this season. The veteran forward is expected to clear waivers on Wednesday, and when that happens, James says he's hopeful that Smith comes back to the Cavaliers, for whom he averaged 8.1 points as a reserve a year ago.

James gets 42, Cavs' rally stuns Heat (AP)

LeBron James watched Dwyane Wade steal the ball, drive for a reverse dunk that gave the Miami Heat an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, and summoned Mo Williams for a quick meeting. "It's up to us," James told Williams. With that, the comeback got started. James scored 42 points, Williams got 15 of his 30 points in the final 7:14 to lead a stirring rally, and the Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the...

ESPN Radio easily trumps the NBA on ABC (Yahoo! Sports)

Break out the hats and hooters, because Sunday was movin' day ‘round these parts. (OK, it was more like...

Thunder waives Joe Smith; could be headed to Cleveland (Yahoo! Sports)

The Oklahoma City Thunder waived veteran Joe Smith Sunday and speculation is he could be on his way back to the...

Cavs may complain to league about scorekeeping error (PA SportsTicker)

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown was upset after Sunday's 88-87 road win over the Atlanta Hawks, considering a complaint with the league in the wake of an erroneous personal foul charged to Delonte West.

James wins it with free throw, Cavs prevail 88-87 (AP)

LeBron James dribbled at the top of the key with the clock winding down, then made his move. What happened next was a matter of debate. Al Horford thought he played good defense. The officials decided otherwise. After the call went his way, James stepped to the line and made one free throw with 1.6 seconds remaining, just enough to give the Cavaliers their seventh win in eight games, 88-87 over the...