Cavs' Mo Williams disappearing against the Magic (AP)

Mo Williams' left eye was swollen, bandaged with four stitches around it and bruises that caused him to wince with every blow. It's been rough out there for the Cleveland Cavaliers guard. Banged up and struggling with his shot, Williams had 10 of his 15 points in the first half and was just 5-for-16 shooting Sunday night in the Cavs' 99-89 loss to the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of the Eastern...

LeBron not enough to save Cavs from elimination (AP)

LeBron James walked off the court, head down, brushing off a few pieces of confetti. He ignored the few taunts by Magic fans and took one last look at the crowd without muttering a word. Not to anyone. A scintillating series by the NBA's MVP was washed away by his not-so-supporting cast, as the Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated Saturday night with a 103-90 loss to the Orlando Magic in Game 6 of...

James' greatness turns simple play into big win (AP)

Sometimes the toughest situations call for the simplest of plays. The kind only the most special of players can turn into a win. Trailing in the fourth quarter of a game that could end their season, the Cleveland Cavaliers couldn't wait until the buzzer for LeBron James to bail them out this time. So they started giving him the ball on every possession in the fourth quarter, in the middle of the...

Howard scores 40 as Magic make finals (AP)

The Orlando Magic can no longer be ignored. After 14 frustrating years, a team overlooked and ignored all season sent LeBron James home and is on its way to face Kobe Bryant in the NBA finals. Dwight Howard dominated inside for 40 points, Rashard Lewis added 18 and the Magic, a team that can make 3-pointers drop from thin air, hit 12 in a 103-90 victory over James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in...

Howard's 24 lead Magic past Cavs for 2-1 lead (AP)

From an unforgettable shot to a cheap one. Three games in, the Eastern Conference finals have grown a little nasty. Dwight Howard scored 24 points -- 14 on free throws -- and Rafer Alston added 18 as the Orlando Magic, sick of seeing replays of LeBron James' dramatic buzzer-beater to win Game 2, downed the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-89 on Sunday night to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Howard leads Magic to 116-114 OT win over Cavs (AP)

As LeBron James pulled up for the final shot, Orlando's crowd gasped, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy gulped and time stood still. Spinning through the air, James' 3-pointer looked good. Not this time, MVP. This was a Magic night. Dwight Howard scored 10 points in overtime and Orlando, raining down 3-pointers like a Florida thunderstorm, withstood 44 points and the last-second fling by James for a 116-114...

James scores 37 as Cavs win Game 5 (AP)

The message was quickly scribbled on the dry-erase board in Cleveland's locker room. It said little and said it all: 1:00 AM FLY. The Cavaliers are heading back to Florida, their wondrous season still alive. LeBron James wouldn't let it end. James, showing off every dimension of his unstoppable game, had 37 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists, and Mo Williams, who boldly predicted the Cavs would come...

LeBron, Cavs look to force Game 7 against Magic (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers walked around their plush hotel room Friday, cracking jokes and making dinner plans. They mulled around in flip-flops and T-shirts, their casual attire matched only by their swagger. There were no signs of a looming playoff elimination game. The Cavs were so confident they would be back in Orlando to continue the Eastern Conference finals, they packed their bags before Game 5...

Cavaliers won't be taking Magic lightly (Yahoo! Sports)

The Orlando Magic handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their worst loss of the season, by 29 points, on April 3 to...

Stars collide as James, Howard meet in playoffs (AP)

Two of the NBA's youngest ambassadors, they share infectious smiles, great senses of humor and unchained joy when they play. In a league loaded with remarkably gifted athletes, this pair stands out as physical phenomenons. Superheroes in shorts. One is Superman, a powerful, 6-foot-11 shot-blocking machine who went so far as to reject his coach during the postseason.

Griffin the big gift at lottery's 25th anniversary (AP)

Patrick Ewing and Dwight Howard worked out at one end of the court, a couple guys who know what it's like to be the grand prize in the draft lottery. At the other end Sunday night were the Boston Celtics, who've been ruined and resurrected by the NBA's ultimate game of luck -- without ever winning it.

Conference finals preview capsules (AP)

A look at the NBA's conference finals (with regular-season and playoff records): EASTERN CONFERENCE No. 1 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (66-16, 8-0) vs. No. 3 ORLANDO MAGIC (59-23, 8-5). Season series: Magic, 2-1. Orlando had a pair of double-digit wins at home, including a 116-87 rout on April 3 that was Cleveland's worst loss of the season and nearly its worst since drafting LeBron James in 2003.

Cavaliers, James waiting for opponent (AP)

After the Cleveland Cavaliers practiced, LeBron James began shooting from behind the backboard at a basket about 40 feet away. After missing on his initial attempts, his arcing shot swished cleanly and his teammates roared and applauded. James threw his arms in the air and walked to the locker room at Quicken Loans Arena.

Close-knit Cavaliers not just the LeBron show (PA SportsTicker)

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

Close-knit Cavaliers not just the LeBron show (AP)

Absent from any boxscore and unseen on TV highlights, the moment passed without fanfare. Earlier this year, LeBron James did something that may best define his breakthrough season with the Cavaliers. It wasn't a thunderous dunk or no-look pass. In the aftermath of a win, James was dissecting the game when he called Cavs point guard Mo Williams a name never uttered in Cleveland before.

Cavaliers play another waiting game (AP)

Team Sweep did some housekeeping on Wednesday. Waiting around -- again -- for their next opponent in the NBA playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers, an impressive 8-0 in the postseason, returned to the practice floor to begin preparations for an Eastern Conference final against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.

Cavaliers play another waiting game (PA SportsTicker)

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

Ex-NBA player Blount sentenced to 1 year in prison (AP)

Former NBA player and University of Cincinnati star Corie Blount was sentenced to one year in prison on Wednesday in a plea arrangement resulting from drug charges. Blount, 40, had pleaded guilty in Butler County Common Pleas Court last month to two felony counts of marijuana possession after prosecutors dropped two trafficking charges.

Ex-NBA player Blount to be sentenced in drug case (AP)

Former NBA player and University of Cincinnati basketball star Corie Blount will be sentenced on marijuana charges that could put him in prison up to 10 years. Wednesday's sentencing in Ohio's Butler County comes more than a month after the 40-year-old Blount pleaded guilty to two felony possession counts.

Top five most improved NBA playoff performers (Yahoo! Sports)

It's a well-vetted fact that, by merely approximating your regular-season averages during the playoffs, you're...

In the East, West is money for Cleveland (Yahoo! Sports)

Delonte West did the work at both ends of the floor for the Cleveland Cavaliers , who elimiated the Atlanta...

Get out the brooms: Cavs complete sweep of Hawks (AP)

LeBron James knew the routine. Exchange a few handshakes. Knock out a few interviews. Start getting ready for Cleveland's next series. This wasn't a time to celebrate. "Why should we celebrate?" James said. "We're playing for a championship." The Cavaliers made it 8-for-8 in the postseason, completing a second straight sweep with an 84-74 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.

James scores 27 as Cavs win 84-74, sweep Hawks (AP)

Like Michael Jordan, he knows there are times that call for dominating. Like Magic Johnson, he knows there are times that call for sharing the ball. LeBron James went with his Magic impression in the deciding game of another playoff sweep. While failing to match his offensive explosion in Game 3, the league's MVP scored 27 points and got his teammates involved as the Cleveland Cavaliers finished off...

Top five NBA playoff fall-offs (Yahoo! Sports)

We tried this with the best , and now it's (sadly) time for the rest. As stated in the "most improved"...

Lakers living in worry-free zone (Yahoo! Sports)

Los Angeles passed with surprising nonchalance on seizing control of its series vs. Houston.

Daddy Rich says goodbye (Yahoo! Sports)

To the very end, life was one long and successful coaching moment for Chuck Daly.

Unstoppable James turns everyone into fans (AP)

When LeBron James has one of those nights, everyone else turns into fans. His teammates? Yep. Even his coach. "I try as much as possible," Cleveland's Mike Brown said Sunday, "to stay out of the way." With one of his best performances ever, James carried the Cavaliers to the brink of another playoff sweep.

James scores 47, leads Cavaliers to 97-82 win (AP)

LeBron James had that unstoppable feeling. Everyone get out of the way. Time for him to do something really special. As if being the league's MVP wasn't enough, James scored 47 points in his best performance yet of these playoffs, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the brink of their second straight postseason sweep with a 97-82 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Hawks all banged up and running out of hope (AP)

If this was a heavyweight fight, the referee might have already stepped in to stop it. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are on a record roll and throwing nothing but haymakers. The Atlanta Hawks are all banged up and on the ropes. Of course, it takes four wins to advance in the NBA playoffs, so the Cavaliers' work is only half done.

No rest for Cavaliers' defense (PA SportsTicker)

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer

For the Cavs, easy does it just fine (Yahoo! Sports)

LeBron James and the Cavaliers continue to turn the East playoffs into a snoozer. That's OK with Cleveland fans.

LeBron, Cavs coast past Hawks 105-85 (AP)

From his corner cubicle in Cleveland's locker room, LeBron James kept his eyes riveted on the flat-screen TV. He wanted to see every replay. There was his no-look pass to Wally Szczerbiak. There was his reverse dunk in the final seconds of the first quarter. And then there was his majestic, step-back 3-pointer to beat the halftime horn, a shot he admired before playfully swinging his arms back and...

Facing LeBron James, Cavs no easy task for Atlanta (PA SportsTicker)

By GEORGE HENRY Associated Press Writer

Hawks short on answers for LeBron (Yahoo! Sports)

Led by the NBA's newest MVP, the Cavaliers continue to roll through the East playoffs.

Cavs guard break nose in opener (AP)

Cavaliers guard Sasha Pavlovic broke his nose in the fourth quarter of Cleveland's Game 1 win over Atlanta on Tuesday night. Pavlovic was elbowed by Hawks forward Zaza Pachulia in the fourth quarter of the Cavs' 99-72 win. He left practice early on Wednesday and was fitted with a mask at the Cleveland Clinic.

No rest for Cavaliers' defense (AP)

Arms flailing, fists pumping, a crazed look behind those designer eyeglasses, Cleveland coach Mike Brown nearly jumped out of his suit. A few feet away, Cavaliers reserve forward Wally Szczerbiak was sprawled on the Quicken Loans Arena floor after taking a charge against Atlanta's Marvin Williams in the third quarter of Cleveland's 99-72 win over the Hawks on Tuesday night.

'Net reaction: Hawks at Cavaliers, Game 1 (Yahoo! Sports)

Scanning the blogs and beats following the Cavaliers' 99-72 win over the Hawks in Game 1 of the Eastern...

MVP James honored in pregame tribute (AP)

LeBron James pressed the trophy high above his head and gave 20,000 Cleveland fans another chance to chant "M-V-P!" This time, officially. James was presented with the league's top individual award on Tuesday night by commissioner David Stern before the Cavaliers hosted the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal.

Cavaliers ground Hawks 99-72 (AP)

Alone under his basket, LeBron James braced himself for Atlanta's onslaught. As two Hawks swooped down on a fast break, James held his ground, stepped in front of Joe Johnson and took the charge. The only play. The smart play. A game-changing play. MVP. Indeed. James dunked the first time he touched the ball and scored 34 points -- 22 in the first half -- as the Cavaliers, who waited nine days between...

Report: LeBron James to be named NBA Most Valuable Player (Yahoo! Sports)

In what should come as no surprise , Brian Windhorst of The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that Cleveland...

Atlanta Hawks-Cleveland Cavaliers preview capsule (AP)

A look at the Atlanta Hawks-Cleveland Cavaliers semifinal series (with regular-season and playoff records): No. 1 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (66-16, 4-0) vs. No. 4 ATLANTA HAWKS (47-35, 4-3.) Season series: Cavaliers, 3-1. Cleveland easily won the first matchup, but the final three games were decided by six or fewer points.

Facing LeBron James, Cavs no easy task for Atlanta (AP)

Coach Mike Woodson spent much of the last two weeks insisting that his Atlanta Hawks had to defend an entire team, not just one player. Now that the Hawks have advanced to the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals after beating Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat, Woodson knows the next challenge, facing newly crowned league MVP LeBron James and the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, will be much harder.

LeBron James easily takes NBA MVP (AP)

Unstoppable at both ends of the floor this season, LeBron James claimed the league MVP on Monday, receiving the award in the high school gym where he first emerged on the national scene. "This is a place where all my dreams started and where I thought they could become real," James said in accepting the award at St.

AP source: LeBron James honored as NBA MVP< (AP)

Unstoppable at both ends of the floor this season, LeBron James is the NBA's Most Valuable Player. James, who led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a team-record 66 regular-season wins and the top overall seed in the playoffs, will receive the award Monday, a person with knowledge of the choice told The Associated Press.

Smith's game falls as flat as his missed dunk (Yahoo! Sports)

Josh Smith gave the Heat all the fuel they needed with his showy dunk attempt in Game 5. His only regret? He didn't make it.

LeBron James driven to win it all (AP)

Nobody will be there, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown thought as he left the house early one morning last May. It was a few days after Cleveland's disappointing season ended with a bitter Game 7 loss on Boston's famed parquet floor and it was down time. The Cavs had dispersed to Cancun, the French Riviera and other vacation spots for rejuvenation and reflection.

NBA Playoff Capsule (AP)

Dwyane Wade soared past Zaza Pachulia, throwing down a fierce dunk as the Atlanta forward sent him sprawling into a row of photographers. Down. Definitely not out. When the Miami Heat needed him most, Wade was at his best. Wade scored 41 points, Michael Beasley busted out of a slump with 22 points and 15 rebounds, and the Heat stayed alive by routing the Hawks 98-72 in Game 6 of the Eastern...

LeBron James driven to win it all (PA SportsTicker)

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer