Dwyane Wade, Heat spoil LeBron's 24th birthday (AP)

Dwyane Wade knew exactly what he wanted to give buddy LeBron James for his birthday: a loss. Miami's star guard had 21 points and 12 assists, and the Heat dropped King James' pro record on birthdays to 0-3 with a 104-95 victory over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. The Heat handed the Cavs only their fifth defeat in 31 games this season and rebounded from a tough loss to them...

Un-Happy Birthday for LeBron: Heat beat Cavs (AP)

Dwyane Wade embraced LeBron James after the final horn sounded, whispering a birthday greeting into his close friend's ear. Even with that, it wasn't a happy 24th for King James. Wade had 21 points and 12 assists, Mario Chalmers was 6-for-7 from 3-point range in a 21-point, eight-assist, no-turnover effort, and the Miami Heat dropped James' pro record on birthdays to 0-3 by beating the Cleveland...

BDL NBA Power Rankings: Look who's looking up (Yahoo! Sports)

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

NBA Power Poll: Lakers bump Celtics from top spot (SportingNews.com)

Who deserves to be at the top of the latest NBA Power Poll? The Christmas Day game tells the story.

’08 NBA stories: Feeling green (Yahoo! Sports)

Kobe and Team USA found gold, but the Celtics' return to championship form stole the show.

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

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant helped end the Boston Celtics' historic run. On Monday, he was honored for his impressive week.

Cavaliers cool off Heat 93-86 (AP)

There was a time, not too long ago, when the Cleveland Cavaliers couldn't stop Dwyane Wade from scoring in the fourth quarter. He could do anything he wanted. Not anymore. "He's a difficult player to guard," LeBron James said. "But we've grown as a defensive team." And in so many other ways. James scored 33 points -- four more than his good buddy Wade -- and took on the challenge of guarding the NBA's...

Cavaliers G Szczerbiak out one week (PA SportsTicker)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Wally Szczerbiak will miss approximately one week due to contusions in his right knee, the team announced Saturday.

Szczerbiak out for 1 week with knee contusions (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Wally Szczerbiak will miss at least one week with a bruised right knee. The team said in a statement Saturday that Szczerbiak suffered right knee contusions during the last several games. He had an MRI at the Cleveland Clinic on Saturday that confirmed the contusions. Szczerbiak is averaging 6.6 points and 2.6 rebounds this season.

Damon Jones: Ready to Join Bucks (RotoWire)

Open thread: Wizards at Cavaliers (Yahoo! Sports)

Cleveland Cavaliers : 24-4, 89.5 possessions per game (24 th ), 114.2 points scored per 100 possessions (1 st...

Cavaliers storm back to stun Wizards (AP)

In a generous, gift-giving mood, the Cleveland Cavaliers nearly handed a precious win to one of the NBA's neediest teams. Down by seven points in the final minutes to woeful Washington and their home winning streak in serious jeopardy, the Cavaliers clamped down on defense, made their free throws and scored 11 straight points in the final 1:33 to beat the Wizards 93-89 Thursday night Mo Williams...

Howard, Bryant top vote-getters for All-Star game (PA SportsTicker)

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant lead the Eastern Conference and Western Conferences, respectively, in the latest All-Star voting results, released on Thursday.

Cavs' strong start is music to LeBron's ears (Yahoo! Sports)

LeBron James returned this season hungrier and stronger than ever. So did his supporting cast.

LeBron James to debut 'chalk' shoe (AP)

To launch his newest sneaker, LeBron James and 20,000 fans will turn Quicken Loans Arena into an indoor winter wonderland. When the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Washington Wizards on Christmas night, James will be wearing a "chalk" version of his signature Nike shoe, a tribute to his pregame ritual of tossing and blowing hand rosin into the air above the scorer's table before he takes the court.

LeBron has teams fighting over King's ransom (PA SportsTicker)

If you haven't noticed, LeBron James has a chance to do some special things in 2009.

Power Poll: East looking strong but still lacks West's depth (SportingNews.com)

Looking at the top of this week's poll would probably bring a smile to any of the Eastern Conference GMs who...

LeBron, Cavaliers ground Rockets 99-90 (AP)

LeBron James sat in one corner of Cleveland's locker room soaking his sore feet in a tub full of ice. Like a boxer who just left the ring, he was hurting all over. The Houston Rockets gave him their best shot. "That," James said, "was a heavyweight fight. It felt like a playoff game." James scored 27 points -- 18 in the second half-- and made one of the defining defensive plays of his career by...

Games to pay attention to: Rockets vs. Cavaliers (Yahoo! Sports)

Houston at Cleveland A big night in the L, and I'm sorry if my horrible touch is ruining it for everyone, but...

BDL NBA Power Rankings: 'Tis the season to be ranking ... (Yahoo! Sports)

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

LeBron isn't the only option for Knicks in 2010 (Yahoo! Sports)

When LeBron James coyly advised New Yorkers to keep their eyes on 2010, he was not promising a marriage with...

James has 31 has Cavs down pesky Thunder 102-91 (AP)

There's a simple reason why LeBron James shifted the conversation from his anticipated free agency in 2010 to the possibility that he'd sign an extension and stay in Cleveland: The Cavaliers keep on winning. James scored 31 points and Mo Williams provided the kind of scoring punch expected out of him when he was brought in to be LeBron's sidekick as Cleveland finished a four-game road trip with a...

LeBron: 'I will consider' re-signing with Cavs this summer (PA SportsTicker)

LeBron James will consider signing a contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer, according to a report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on Saturday.

Report: LeBron James may sign extension early (AP)

LeBron James said he'll consider signing an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer, well before he enters the free-agent market in 2010. "You play out the season of course; I will consider it," James told The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer before the team practiced in Denver on Saturday. "The direction we are headed is everything I expected and more." James, under contract for two more...

Cavs may keep Szczerbiak unless they can get Carter (Yahoo! Sports)

It's quite possible that the Cleveland Cavaliers will elect to hang onto Wally Szczerbiak's $13.8 million...

James, Ilgauskas lead hot Cavaliers past Nuggets (AP)

The showdown between Olympic teammates LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony quickly turned into more of a smackdown -- and a statement. James said Cleveland's 105-88 runaway win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night was a shout-out to the rest of the NBA and all those doubters out there who contend the Cavaliers' record -- now 22-4 -- was more a testament of their soft schedule than their...

For Billups, home is where the heart is (Yahoo! Sports)

Chauncey Billups' return to Denver has proven to be an uplifting experience for the Nuggets and his neighborhood.

LeBron's lead Cavs past Wolves, 93-70 (AP)

LeBron James looked relaxed as ever during a rather nonchalant night, a performance still impressive enough for the success-starved Minnesota crowd to warrant a standing ovation upon his departure from the court near game's end. His effort did not go unappreciated by the Cleveland bench, though, after some demonstrative work on defense.

Cavaliers still without Gibson, Ilgauskas (PA SportsTicker)

The Cleveland Cavaliers once again will be without guard Daniel Gibson and center Zydrunas Ilgauskas for Wednesday's game at Minnesota.

Cavs' Ilgauskas getting closer to return (AP)

Cavaliers starting center Zydrunas Ilgauskas is out of the walking boot, but he's not quite ready to get back into Cleveland's lineup. Ilgauskas will miss Wednesday night's game in Minnesota with a sprained left ankle he injured last week in Philadelphia. On Tuesday, Ilgauskas said he's hoping to return to the practice floor on Thursday and maybe play in the Cavs' game in Denver on Friday.

LeBron James' charitable group cuts staff (AP)

The nonprofit organization launched by Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James is cutting its staff and some of its charitable work. The LeBron James Family Foundation will produce its annual King for Kids Bikeathon in June with consultants instead of staff to lower administrative costs. "It was a tough decision, but I'm going to continue to be as active as I am," James told The Associated Press on...

Power Poll: Pink slips fly for NBA coaches (SportingNews.com)

Some coaches deserved to get the boot, but others are getting unfair pink slips in unwinnable situations.

BDL NBA Power Rankings: And then there were five, six, seven ... (Yahoo! Sports)

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

Marion could be defensive edge for Cavs (Yahoo! Sports)

The Cavs are just one team eyeing the Heat's Shawn Marion as they look to keep pace with the Celtics.

Cavaliers C Ilgauskas, G Gibson sit vs. 76ers (PA SportsTicker)

The Cleveland Cavaliers are without center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and guard Daniel Gibson for Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Hawks end Cleveland's 11-game winning streak (AP)

Mike Bibby had a message for all those ambivalent Hawks fans in Atlanta. "I didn't come to watch LeBron James," Bibby said. "I came to play." Bibby scored 24 points, Marvin Williams hit the clinching free throws, and Atlanta snapped the Cleveland Cavaliers' 11-game winning streak with a 97-92 victory Saturday night.

Grizzlies sign Miles (Yahoo! Sports)

Still hoping to revive his career, Darius Miles could threaten the Portland Trail Blazers' salary-cap flexibility if he plays in 10 games.

Grizzlies close to signing Miles (Yahoo! Sports)

Still hoping to revive his career, Darius Miles could threaten the Portland Trail Blazers' salary-cap flexibility if he plays in 10 games.

Cavs win 11th straight, but Celtics' streak at 14 (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers are making franchise history, but they aren't making up any ground on the Boston Celtics. The Cavaliers matched a club record Friday night with their 11th straight win, 88-72 over the Philadelphia 76ers. Cleveland (20-3) is 19-1 since starting the season 1-2 and can set a record for consecutive wins in Atlanta on Saturday.

Cavaliers make it 11 straight, beat Sixers (AP)

Wrapped in a pair of towels after his postgame shower, LeBron James paused in front of one of the flatscreen TVs mounted in Cleveland's locker room. He saw the Boston Celtics were winning their 14th straight game. The defending champions are the NBA's hottest team. James' squad is right behind them. James scored 28 points and Anderson Varejao added 17 in his first start this season as the Cavaliers,...

James becomes Cavaliers' all-time steals leader (PA SportsTicker)

LeBron James already hit a milestone Tuesday, becoming the Cleveland Cavaliers' all-time leader in steals.

James, Ilgauskas set franchise records for Cavaliers (PA SportsTicker)

LeBron James already hit a milestone Tuesday, becoming the Cleveland Cavaliers' all-time leader in steals.

Large audience awaits Bosh's next act (Yahoo! Sports)

If Chris Bosh can't win enough with the Raptors, will he look for a bigger stage in 2010?

Cavaliers G Gibson out two weeks (PA SportsTicker)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson is expected to miss two weeks with a sprained left big toe, the team announced Wednesday.

Cavs center out with sprained ankle (AP)

Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas sprained his left ankle in a win at Philadelphia on Wednesday, the second significant Cleveland player to go down with an injury this week. Ilgauskas rolled his ankle when he tried to block former teammate Donyell Marshall's shot in the fourth quarter and came down on the foot of the 76ers forward.

Pacers' reconstruction taking hold (Yahoo! Sports)

The Pacers aren't winning much, but they're playing hard and staying out of trouble. Larry Bird thinks they've turned the corner.

James lead Cavs to 10th straight win (AP)

LeBron James had to sweat out the fourth quarter for once. The result was still the same: another Cleveland victory. James scored 29 points, Mo Williams added a season-high 27 and the Cavaliers cruised to their 10th consecutive victory, beating the Philadelphia 76ers 101-93 on Wednesday night. "This one, you had to earn," James said.

Cavs' Gibson out with toe injury (AP)

Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson will miss two weeks with an injured toe in the first setback this season for the NBA's hottest team. Gibson sprained his left big toe in the second quarter of Tuesday night's win over Toronto. He did not travel to Cleveland's game in Philadelphia, staying back Wednesday to be examined by Dr.

Cavs' Gibson, Ilgauskas sidelined by injuries (AP)

Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson will miss at least two weeks because of a toe injury and center Zydrunas Ilgauskas likely has a sprained left ankle, the team's first significant setbacks of the season. Ilgauskas limped to the locker room with 9:39 left in the fourth of Cleveland's 101-93 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday with an injured left ankle.

Sixers' Brand limited in practice, but should play Wednesday (Yahoo! Sports)

Elton Brand tried to get beyond the noncontact drills during the Philadelphia 76ers ' practice Monday, but the...

James passes Price as Cavs steals leader (AP)

LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas made more history together Tuesday night. Cleveland's superstar forward became the franchise's career leader in steals while Ilgauskas, the Cavaliers' beloved big man, moved to the top of the team's rebounding chart. By swiping a Toronto pass in the opening minute, James eclipsed Mark Price's steals record.

Cavaliers win ninth straight, 114-94 over Raptors (AP)

The NBA has never seen anything like these Cleveland Cavaliers. On a night when their top two players set franchise records, the Cavs broke a league mark with a 114-94 romp over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. LeBron James scored 31 points and became Cleveland's career steals leader and Zydrunas Ilgauskas moved atop the Cavaliers' rebounding chart as Cleveland improved to 12-0 at home with its...

BDL NBA Power Rankings: Every day we shufflin' ... (Yahoo! Sports)

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

Power Poll: Schedule tells who is the real deal (SportingNews.com)

The Pacers aren't a playoff team, but one look at their schedule tells any smart fan that Indiana has the toughest schedule in the NBA to date.

Cavaliers rout Bobcats 94-74 for 8th straight win (AP)

LeBron James sat in front of his locker an hour before tipoff and joked that if Zydrunas Ilgauskas was closing in on Cleveland's career rebounding record against Charlotte he'd "take one from him." James added that if he was a steal away from breaking the Cavaliers' career franchise record he'd "let one go." James wanted both marks set at home Tuesday night -- and another record-tying rout made...

Former NBA player Blount arrested (AP)

Former NBA player Corie Blount was charged with felony drug possession after authorities saw him pick up a package they knew contained marijuana, then found more marijuana at his home, the Butler County sheriff said Friday. Deputies watched as the U.S. Postal Service delivered a package containing 11 pounds of marijuana to a Liberty Township address northwest of Cincinnati on Thursday.

Cavaliers pound Pacers 97-73 (AP)

After the referees separated Indiana and Cleveland's heated players, Cavaliers guard Mo Williams stood and stared at the Pacers. With his teammates surrounding him, Williams smiled and slowly shook his head from side to side. His unspoken message was simple. "We're not backing down from anybody," Williams said.

Ex-NBA player Blount arrested on drug count (AP)

Former NBA basketball player Corie Blount has been charged with picking up 11 pounds of marijuana in southwest Ohio. Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said after the 39-year-old Blount retrieved the package from a Liberty Township address on Thursday, deputies followed him to his home nearby and arrested him.

The business of basketball (Yahoo! Sports)

How much is your favorite NBA team worth?

Cavaliers, Celtics looking better every day (AP)

The Cleveland Cavaliers keep rolling at home while the Boston Celtics have been unbeatable almost anywhere. The Eastern Conference's two best teams look better every day. LeBron James scored 21 points then grabbed an early seat on the bench as the Cavaliers improved to 10-0 on their own floor for the first time in their history and won their 14th in 15 games, 118-82 over the New York Knicks on...

Cavaliers rock Knicks 118-82 (AP)

If this keeps up, LeBron James will never leave home. James scored 21 points and then grabbed an early seat on the bench as the Cleveland Cavaliers improved to 10-0 on their own floor for the first time in their history and won for the 14th time in 15 games, 118-82 over the tired and tired-looking New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Forbes: Knicks most valuable NBA team again (AP)

For the fourth straight year, and despite front office and player turmoil, the New York Knicks are the NBA's most valuable team. The Knicks are worth $613 million, according to Forbes' latest rankings, an increase of 1 percent over their 2007 value. Throughout the past year, the franchise has made many headlines off the court, ranging from former team president Isiah Thomas being found guilty in a...

Power Poll: It's a Lakers-Celtics world (SportingNews.com)

It's a league dominated by the Lakers and Celtics, but do the Lakers really deserve to be above the defending champs? Sean Deveney explains his choice.

James, Cavaliers rolling along (AP)

While he teases New York's voracious media and desperate Knicks fans about his free-agent future, LeBron James and his current team have become an NBA powerhouse. The Cleveland Cavaliers are rolling like never before. At 14-3, they're off to the best start in franchise history. Undefeated through nine home games, the Cavs have won 13 of 14 -- their best stretch since 1989 -- and are blowing out...

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

New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James were named the NBA's Players of the Month for November, the league announced Monday.

BDL NBA Power Rankings: Brandon Roy, Blazers keep rising (Yahoo! Sports)

The BDL NBA Power Rankings combine two parts Dewar's 12 with one part flippant observation to create the most...