DARIUS GARLAND

Nikola Jokic is a finalist to win a second straight NBA MVP award, along with two-time winner Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.

Trae Young scored 32 of his 38 points in the second half and the Atlanta Hawks overcame losing center Clint Capela to a knee injury to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-101 in the play-in and earn the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 playoff seed.

Kyrie Irving had 34 points and 12 assists, Kevin Durant added 25 points and 11 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets took the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-108 in the play-in opener.

Not since 1998 have the Cleveland Cavaliers made the playoffs without LeBron James.

The Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to terms on a jersey patch sponsorship deal with hometown steel manufacturer Cleveland-Cliffs.

Darius Garland had 25 points and 12 assists, leading Cleveland to a 107-101 victory over the Orlando Magic in a game in which the Cavaliers lost rookie big man Evan Mobley to a sprained left ankle.

LeBron James scored 38 points, notched another triple-double and sparked memories of his time in Cleveland, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-120 win over the Cavaliers.

Joel Embiid had 35 points and 17 rebounds, James Harden scored 21 points and added 11 assists and the Philadelphia 76ers edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-114.

Cavaliers Pistons Basketball Cleveland Cavaliers guard Rajon Rondo (1) attempts a layup as Detroit Pistons guard Cory Joseph, left, and center Isaiah Stewart (28) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Carlos Osorio)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Guard Rajon Rondo will miss at least two weeks with a sprained toe, the latest injury to hit the Cavaliers’ backcourt. Rondo sprained his right big toe in the fourth quarter of Cleveland’s loss at Detroit on Thursday night. The 36-year-old Rondo, acquired earlier this season after Ricky Rubio tore a knee ligament, made his first start since joining Cleveland. He was forced to have a larger role because All-Star guard Darius Garland needs more rest with a bone bruise in his back.

Cleveland guard Rajon Rondo will miss at least two weeks with a sprained toe, the latest injury to hit the Cavaliers’ backcourt.

The Biden administration announced sanctions on Russia for military escalation against Ukraine. Here's how that could affect you.

Steph Curry nearly upstaged LeBron James’ homecoming weekend by scoring 50 points with a mind-boggling shooting display to lead Team LeBron to a 163-160- win over Team Durant in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night.

Karl-Anthony Towns gave big men everywhere something to shoot for.

LeBron James got the chance to live out his childhood All-Star dream.

The NBA’s All-Star weekend is about fashion and fun, Saturday night slams and celebrating the very best in the game today.

The NBA All-Star Game seems to be tailor-made for Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball.

Kevin Durant wanted no part of James Harden on the day their partnership in Brooklyn ended.

Giannis Antetokounmpo will team up with two of his brothers to compete in a revamped Skills Challenge during the NBA’s All-Star Saturday night.

Pacers Cavaliers Basketball Cleveland Cavaliers' Cedi Osman (16) and Kevin Love (0) celebrate after a basket against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb 6, 2022, in Cleveland. Osman finished with 18 in the period, while Love had nine points and drew two charging fouls on Pacers rookie Chris Duarte. Duarte paced Indiana with 22 points, Duane Washington Jr. scored 17 points and Domantas Sabonis had nine points and 11 rebounds. All-Star point guard Darius Garland missed his fourth straight game with a sore lower back. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle announced that the trade had been completed 90 minutes before the opening tip, pending approval from the NBA.

Cedi Osman scored 22 points and Kevin Love had 19 as the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied from 20 down to beat Indiana 98-85, shortly after agreeing to acquire shooting guard Caris LeVert from the Pacers.

Nets Suns Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and guard Chris Paul (3) motion after Booker made a three pointer against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) (Matt York)NEW YORK — (AP) — Devin Booker and Chris Paul were chosen Thursday as reserves for the NBA All-Star Game, giving the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns two selections. Guard Darius Garland will represent the Cavaliers but center Jarrett Allen was not among the seven players from the Eastern Conference. The other reserves from the Western Conference were Luka Doncic of Dallas, Karl-Anthony Towns of Minnesota and Draymond Green of Golden State. Reserves were voted on by the head coaches from each conference, who could not vote for players from their own teams.

Devin Booker and Chris Paul were chosen as reserves for the NBA All-Star Game, giving the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns two selections.

Nets Cavaliers Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Cam Thomas, left, grabs the ball ahead of Cleveland Cavaliers' Darius Garland in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, in Cleveland. The Brooklyn Nets knew life would be challenging without their superstar. Darius Garland strengthened his All-Star case with 22 points and 12 assists, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-107 win Monday over the Nets, who lost their first game since Durant injured his left knee. Durant, averaging 29.3 points per game, sprained his left medial collateral ligament (MCL) on Saturday in a win over New Orleans. ... F/C Nick Claxton (hamstring) missed his fourth straight game.

Darius Garland strengthened his All-Star case with 22 points and 12 assists, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets, who began a stretch without injured superstar Kevin Durant.

A person familiar with the decision tells AP that Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman has been rewarded for the team’s turnaround with a contract extension and new job title.

Cavaliers Warriors Basketball Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, left, looks to pass the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/John Hefti) (John Hefti)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — Klay Thompson scored 17 points in his return from two devastating injuries that sidelined him more than 2 1/2 years, helping the Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 96-82 on Sunday night. Stephen Curry had 29 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Jordan Poole added 14 points for Golden State. Moments later he made his first 3-pointer to go over 12,000 points and put the Warriors up 49-41. Warriors: Golden State has won 10 straight against Cleveland.

Klay Thompson scored 17 points in his return from two devastating injuries that sidelined him more than 2 1/2 years, helping the Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 96-82.

Once Ricky Rubio was lost for the season with a knee injury, the Cleveland Cavaliers knew it would take someone special to take his spot.

A person familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press the Cavaliers have agreed to acquire veteran guard Rajon Rondo in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers for swingman Denzel Valentine.

Lakers Bulls Basketball Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo, left, drives as he looks to pass the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Alfonzo McKinnie during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)CLEVELAND — (AP) — The Cavaliers have made progress in talks with the Los Angeles Lakers about a trade involving veteran point guard Rajon Rondo, a person familiar with the potential deal told The Associated Press on Thursday. Cleveland has been urgently looking for an experienced guard since Ricky Rubio suffered a season-ending knee injury Tuesday night. The Cavs and Lakers are “trending” toward completing the trade, said the person spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams have not yet reached an agreement. Rondo is in his first season with the Lakers, who are just 17-19 and have struggled with one of the NBA's older rosters.

A person familiar with the potential trade tells The Associated Press that the Cleveland Cavaliers have made progress in talks with the Los Angeles Lakers about a trade involving veteran point guard Rajon Rondo.

Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio has suffered a season-ending left knee injury.

The Cavaliers won 126-103. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig) (Craig Lassig)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff has received a multiyear contract extension for his role in the team's dramatic turnaround. After winning just 22 games last season, the Cavs are 19-13 and fifth in the Eastern Conference. Prior to coaching in Cleveland, Bickerstaff was an interim coach in Houston and Memphis. The Cavs won only 19 games in Bickerstaff's abbreviated first season, but were showing great promise before the season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cavaliers coach J.

Cavaliers Celtics Basketball Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown, right front, and Cleveland Cavaliers' Dean Wade vie for the ball during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson) (Winslow Townson)BOSTON — (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 34 points and the Boston Celtics beat depleted Cleveland 111-101 on Wednesday night to end the Cavaliers’ winning streak at six. Robert Williams III added a career-high 21 points along with 11 rebounds and seven assists, and Jayson Tatum had 18 points. Celtics: Williams returned to the starting lineup after missing the last game for personal reasons. ___More AP NBA coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Jaylen Brown scored 34 points and the Boston Celtics beat depleted Cleveland 111-101 on Wednesday night to end the Cavaliers’ winning streak at six.

Cavaliers Bucks Basketball Cleveland Cavaliers' Evan Mobley loses the ball in front of Milwaukee Bucks' Jrue Holiday during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo came back from a two-game absence and scored 27 points on his 27th birthday to help the Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-104 on Monday night. The two-time MVP also had 12 rebounds in his return from a sore right calf as the Bucks won for the 10th time in 11 games. Pat Connaughton scored 12, and Bobby Portis had 10 points and 16 rebounds. Bucks: Donte DiVincenzo was briefly assigned to the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ NBA G League affiliate, to get some practice sessions as he works his way back from a torn left ankle ligament.

Giannis Antetokounmpo came back from a two-game absence and scored 27 points on his 27th birthday to help the Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-104.

Darius Garland scored a season-high 26 points, rookie Evan Mobley had 13 points in his return from a sprained right elbow and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 105-92 on Saturday night.

Devin Booker scored 35 points, Chris Paul had 12 assists and made four free throws in the final 8.8 seconds the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to 14 games, holding off the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-1115.

Stephen Curry scored 20 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter, hitting three straight 3-pointers, and the NBA-leading Golden State Warriors overcame a 13-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-89 on Thursday night.

The Brooklyn Nets look like such a title favorite that James Harden felt the need for a reminder they aren’t a title team.

The Cavaliers filled one of their biggest needs, acquiring veteran point guard Ricky Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Cade Cunningham headlines the top prospects in Thursday's NBA draft in New York.

The Cavaliers intend to keep Kevin Love around.

Russell Westbrook got his first triple-double since passing Oscar Robertson and becoming the NBA's career leader earlier in the week and Washington beat Cleveland 120-105 to clinch a spot in the East play-in tournament.

Cole Anthony made the tiebreaking layup with 45 seconds left, and the Orlando Magic squandered a 23-point lead before edging the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-104 to snap a six-game losing streak.

Stephen Curry scored 33 points — topping 30 for a career-best ninth consecutive game — as the Golden State Warriors pulled away for a 119-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It was fitting that Kevin Love and Matthew Dellavedova returned to the Cavs at the same time.

Cleveland Cavaliers' Larry Nance Jr. (22) steals a pass intended for Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Cleveland. Sexton scored 15 points in the second OT — most of them over Irving — for the Cavs, who outplayed the Nets all night. Before the game, Nets first-year coach Steve Nash admitted being “curious” about how his trio of superstars would align on the floor. In the second quarter, Sexton ran back on defense and cleanly flicked the ball away from Durant as he was going in on a breakaway dunk. Irving's return to the Nets was also just his second game in Cleveland since he was traded by the Cavs after the 2017 season.

Gordon broke out of a shooting slump Monday night, hitting six of nine 3-pointers on the way to a season-high 24 points as the Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 103-83. Gordon scored 13 points in the third as the Magic broke open a close game. Khem Birch added 12 points and 12 rebounds, while rookie guard Cole Anthony added nine points, five rebounds and four assists. Cedi Osman scored 13 of his 18 points in the first half and added seven rebounds and seven assists. Magic: Orlando hosts Cleveland again on Wednesday.

The Lakers, who beat Miami to win the championship Oct. 11, start the new season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. Also on Wednesday, Chicago beat Oklahoma City 124-103, and Portland played at Denver. BULLS 124, THUNDER 103At Oklahoma City, the Bulls took control in the second quarter and didn’t let up. LaVine scored 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting in the first quarter while Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 for Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City couldn’t get into a flow, but part of that was because first-year coach Mark Daigneault gave minutes to 13 players.

Orlando Magic's Nikola Vucevic, right, goes up for a shot past Cleveland Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)ORLANDO, Fla. - Nikola Vucevic had 21 points and nine rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 94-85 on Wednesday night in the season opener for each team. Evan Fournier scored 16 points for Orlando, and Markelle Fultz had 12 points and six assists. It was Fultz's first game with the Magic after the No. Kevin Love had 11 points and 18 rebounds for Cleveland, which trailed by as many as 20 points. Collin Sexton and Tristan Thompson each scored 16 points in John Beilein's first game as Cavs coach.