Sports

Banged-Up Cavaliers, Hawks Adjust for Friday’s Game 2

Published

11 years ago

May 22, 2015

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves the ball as Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) looks on during the first half in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs, Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

CHARLES ODUM, AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) — While the Atlanta Hawks try to figure out who will guard LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers are just grateful the four-time MVP is still standing.

It’s understandable. This series could turn into a war of attrition — and they’ve only played one game.

James was limping around, Kyrie Irving went to the bench and didn’t return and DeMarre Carroll is listed as day-to-day after being helped off the court in Game 1.

There was “raging fear” swelling in Cleveland coach David Blatt when he saw James in obvious pain after rolling his right ankle for the second time in the playoffs.

But James, who said his first thought was “not again,” simply tied his shoe tighter and was back on the court within minutes. He’ll be ready to go on Friday night in Game 2.

“He’s the closest thing to Superman there is out there,” Blatt said. “That’s the only way I can explain it.”

Irving’s situation is more of a concern.

It’s unclear how effective he will be the rest of the playoffs. Irving hobbled into the series and played only about 3 minutes in the fourth quarter of Game 1 after tweaking his sore left knee.

“He wants to be out there at his best and he’s dealing with a situation that’s not easy for him,” Blatt said. “On the other hand he’s still out there contributing and giving us things we really need and battling through this thing with heart and with courage.”

Irving, who had 10 points and six assists, continues to receive treatment for tendinitis in the knee.

“We hope that he can play,” Blatt said. “The nature of his problem is one that allows him to do so. It’s just a matter of discomfort and sort of having to deal with the elements and play through it.”

The Hawks can relate.

Atlanta received good news when a MRI showed a sprain but no structural damage in Carroll’s left knee. He listed as questionable for Game 2.

The forward is Atlanta’s top perimeter defender and drew primary responsibility for guarding James. If Carroll can’t play, guard Kent Bazemore and power forward Paul Millsap could share that difficult assignment.

“The biggest thing is trying to limit everyone else,” Bazemore said. “He’s going to get what he’s going to get. If you can kind of keep everyone else in the bottle, you have a better chance.”

___

Some other things to watch in Game 2:

KORVER QUIET: Kyle Korver, one of the league’s top 3-point shooters in the regular season, has not scored in double figures in his last five postseason games. He attempted only five shots overall while making two of four 3s to finish with nine points in Game 1. Korver had two 3-pointers disallowed due to offensive fouls. His only other shot in the half led to a three-point play.

ONE-MAN BENCH: The Cavaliers had only one bench player score in Game 1 — but he scored a lot. Smith set a career playoff high with his 28 points, most coming while closely defended. He made 10 of 16 shots, including eight of 12 3s. He wanted more. “Honestly, I couldn’t really sleep last night,” Smith said Thursday. “I just kept playing the game over and over again. More the shots I missed, believe it or not, than the ones I made.”

SCHRODER SLUMPING: Dennis Schroder has been an explosive complement to starting point guard Jeff Teague, but he made only 2 of 10 shots with four assists. He missed each of his three 3-pointers. Coach Mike Budenholzer said he wouldn’t single out Schroder’s misses. “Our entire group, we could have gotten better shots,” Budenholzer said.

SCOTT SITS: Mike Scott didn’t play off Atlanta’s bench in Game 1 after averaging 7.8 points in the regular season. Budenholzer said Scott, a power forward, probably won’t be an option against James. Mike Muscala had two points in 10 minutes as the top backup at power forward.

ALL-NBA AGAIN: James was a first-team pick to the All-NBA team for the ninth time in 12 years. “To be rewarded again with that, it means a lot,” he said. “I’ve done something pretty cool in my career so far. Hopefully I can continue.”

___

AP freelance writer Amy Jinkner-Lloyd contributed to this report.

___

Follow Charles Odum at www.twitter.com/CharlesOdum

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Banged-Up Cavaliers, Hawks Adjust for Friday’s Game 2

Don't Miss

Serena’s Bid for 20, Other Things to Know About French Open

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Alameda County

Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.