Cleveland, OH
Cavaliers Earn 1st NBA Playoff Series Win Without LeBron James Since 1993 vs. Magic
Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images
After defeating the Orlando Magic in Game 7 by the final of 106-94 on Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs.
The Cavaliers, who have largely been defined by LeBron James throughout their history, secured the organization’s first playoff series victory without James on the roster since 1993.
Cleveland was led by Donovan Mitchell this time, with the five-time All-Star shooting guard pouring in 89 points and nine assists throughout the final two games of the series.
The Cavaliers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead over Orlando at home before dropping two consecutive road contests to tie the series. Both teams secured wins in Game 5 and Game 6, setting up a series-defining Game 7 in Cleveland.
The Magic started off strong on Sunday, jumping out to a 47-29 lead just over halfway through the second quarter. Cleveland was able to erase the deficit after halftime due to the heroics of Mitchell as well as Caris LeVert, who finished as the team’s second-leading scorer with 15 points off the bench.
By earning a win after trailing by 18 points, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s team completed the largest Game 7 comeback win by a team since the 1997-98 season.
The series victory was impressive for an organization that has struggled to remain successful without James. He helped the Cavaliers earn four straight trips to the NBA Finals from 2015 through 2018, including an iconic 2016 championship.
When James left the team to join the Miami Heat in 2010, Cleveland finished with the worst record in the Eastern Conference at 19-63. After he departed the organization once again to join the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, the Cavaliers recorded another 19-63 season.
Now, the team is trending in the right direction with Mitchell and a young core that includes Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Isaac Okoro.
The Cavaliers will face a tougher task in the second round, as they’ll battle with a Boston Celtics team that finished the regular season with a 64-18 record before beating the Miami Heat in five games during the opening round of the postseason.
Cleveland, OH
Donovan Mitchell Trade Rumors: Heat a 'Team to Watch' After Eyeing Cavs SG for Years
Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ season ended on Wednesday, and they now face an offseason full of questions.
One of the biggest questions is about star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, who has been involved in trade rumors before the season even finished.
Of the teams that could add a star this offseason by trading for the 27-year-old, ESPN’s Zach Lowe believes the Miami Heat is one of the teams to watch.
“Miami, to me, is the other team to watch,” he said. “They’re always hunting around, they’ve been connected with Mitchell over the years. They’re lurking and they have a lot of stuff to offer in terms of picks and young players.”
Mitchell, who just wrapped up his second season in Cleveland, averaged 26.6 points, 6.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game this year.
He helped lead the Cavs to their first playoff series win since the LeBron James era, though they couldn’t get past the Boston Celtics in the second round with Mitchell sidelined for Games 4 and 5.
While the five-time All-Star found success during his first two years in Cleveland, he could be on his way out this summer.
Along with the Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are among the early teams linked to Mitchell. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the two teams “have their offers ready” for Mitchell should the Cavs decide to trade him.
Mitchell’s future remains a question mark this offseason, but it’s far from the only one for Cleveland. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported after the season-ending loss to the Celtics on Wednesday that the Cavaliers “plan to take time to evaluate” head coach JB Bickerstaff’s future.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd also reported that point guard Darius Garland’s representation could be interested in a trade if Mitchell signs a long-term contract extension with Cleveland.
The Cavaliers have taken major strides and emerged as a serious threat in the Eastern Conference for the first time since James left, but things could look very different next year as a big offseason awaits in Cleveland.
Cleveland, OH
This Week in Cleveland Food News: Issho Ni Team Heading to Ohio City
– The folks behind Issho Ni have quickly built a sterling reputation out east for ramen, sushi, and omakase. Now, with the departure of Cha in Ohio City, they’re bringing a fresh izakaya concept and omakase tasting room to the near west side.
– One Pot Hot Pot & BBQ is now open in Coventry, and the room and menu are something to behold.
– The newest entry to AsiaTown is Yi Er Chuan, which serves up malatang hot pot.
– ICYMI, Gather Food + Drink opened its doors in Rocky River.
– Summer’s almost here and there’s a boatload of new dining options on tap. Catch up right here.
Subscribe to Cleveland Scene newsletters.
Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Cleveland, OH
Police Memorial Week parade in Cleveland to celebrate fallen officers
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Police Memorial Week parade will kick off Friday morning, honoring all fallen officers, including the recent loss of Euclid officer Jacob Derbin.
The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. and will march down Lakeside Avenue and East 12th Street.
A memorial service at the Greater Cleveland Peace Officer Memorial will take place following the parade, officials say.
Saturday, the Cleveland International Tattoo at Cleveland Public Hall will have bagpipe bands paying tribute to the fallen officers.
Copyright 2024 WOIO. All rights reserved.
-
Politics1 week ago
Ohio AG defends letter warning 'woke' masked anti-Israel protesters they face prison time: 'We have a society'
-
Finance1 week ago
Spring Finance Forum 2024: CRE Financiers Eye Signs of Recovery
-
Politics1 week ago
Biden’s decision to pull Israel weapons shipment kept quiet until after Holocaust remembrance address: report
-
World7 days ago
India Lok Sabha election 2024 Phase 4: Who votes and what’s at stake?
-
News1 week ago
The Major Supreme Court Cases of 2024
-
News1 week ago
Tornadoes tear through the southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
-
World1 week ago
A look at Chinese investment within Hungary
-
Politics1 week ago
Tales from the trail: The blue states Trump eyes to turn red in November