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Tag: Ohio Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Cavaliers close out another ‘Season of Giving’ to surrounding community

    CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers announced another successful Season of Giving throughout November and December. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Throughout the two months, the Cavs hosted 23 events to uplift the community

    • This past season, more than 54,000 community members were served, over 60,500 meals were provided and 470 hours of volunteer service was done

    • For more information on initiatives, click here

    Throughout the two months, the Cavs hosted 23 events to uplift the community through volunteering or providing meals. 

    “The Cavaliers Season of Giving, championed by Cleveland-Cliffs, is a tradition that reflects our shared commitment to support and uplift our neighbors across Northeast Ohio,” said Pam Frasco, Cleveland Cavaliers Senior Vice President of Social Impact and Executive Director of the Cavaliers Community Foundation. “As one organization, from the players to front office team members and community partners, we are able to make a meaningful impact during the holiday season and beyond. The joint collaboration that drives this yearly effort highlights the power that can come from our exceptional community.”

    This past season, more than 54,000 community members were served, over 60,500 meals were provided and 470 hours of volunteer service was done by team members.

    Some highlights included:

    • Thankful For ALL Holiday Dinner: Where the Cavs served 150 students and families from Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s Project ACT at Rocket Arena
    • Cavaliers Annual Holiday Hospital Visit: Team members brought gifts to patients throughut Cleveland in hospitals
    • Holiday Pajama Party: The Cavaliers visited 100 women and children at Laura’s Home with a celebration that included pajamas for all, milk and cookies, holiday story time and additional holiday festivities
    • Holiday Meal Packing: More than 52,000 meals were prepped for distribution by the Children’s Hunger Alliance through the Cavs, Cleveland-Cliffs and Greater Cleveland Food Bank

    For more information on initiatives, click here.

    Madison MacArthur

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  • Cavaliers outlast short-handed Nuggets 113-108

    CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points and Darius Garland had 18 points and eight assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the short-handed Denver Nuggets 113-108 on Friday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points while Darius Garland scored 18 as the Vacs beat the short-handed Denver Nuggets 113-108 Friday

    • The Cavaliers trailed 105-101 with 4:43 remaining before scoring 10 consecutive points

    • The Cavs host Detroit on Sunday

    De’Andre Hunter added 16 points and Jarrett Allen had eight points and 12 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who trailed 105-101 with 4:43 remaining before scoring 10 consecutive points. Garland’s 3-pointer put them ahead for good with 2:13 left.

    Jamal Murray scored 28 of his 34 points in the first half for the Nuggets, who played their second game without superstar center Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP hyperextended his left knee at Miami on Dec. 29 and will miss at least a month.

    Peyton Watson had 21 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 15, but missed eight of their nine shots in the fourth quarter as Denver was outscored 24-11. Murray also had six rebounds and seven assists, finishing 12 for 28 from the field.

    Three additional Nuggets starters were inactive in forwards Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain) and Cam Johnson (right knee soreness) and guard Christian Braun (left ankle sprain). Backup center Jonas Valanciunas (right calf strain) also is out for a month.

    The Cavaliers took advantage of their absences, dominating the rebounding battle 55-32. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley had eight points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, but missed all five of his free throws.

    Mitchell, Garland, Mobley and Allen were all in the starting lineup for just the seventh time this season, winning for the fifth time. The Cavaliers have played an NBA-high 21 home games and are 13-8 at Rocket Arena.

    Lonzo Ball saw his first action in three games for Cleveland, scoring six points in 15 minutes. Ball was taken out of the rotation in favor of Craig Porter Jr., who had 10 points, six rebounds and five assists.

    Up next

    Nuggets: Visit Brooklyn on Sunday.

    Cavaliers: Host Detroit on Sunday.

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Hawks beat Cavaliers 130-123 in NBA Cup game

    ATLANTA — Jalen Johnson had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 130-123 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA Cup game on Friday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs lost to the Hawks 130-123 in an NBA Cup game Friday night

    • Jalen Johnson had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists

    • Atlanta eliminated Cleveland from the in-season tournament, meaning neither team advances to the quarterfinal round
    • Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 42 points

    Atlanta eliminated Cleveland from the in-season tournament, meaning neither team advances to the quarterfinal round.

    Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 28 points, including a clutch late 3-pointer, helping Atlanta go on an 7-0 run in less than 30 seconds to create separation.

    Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 42 points. It was Mitchell’s sixth game out of the last eight scoring at least 30 points and the second-highest point total of the season.

    Atlanta’s Zaccharie Riscaher hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:09 remaining to break a 123-all tie, and Alexander-Walker hit a pull-up 3-pointer with 47.7 seconds left after Mitchell misfired on a potential game-tying shot.

    Atlanta held Cleveland scoreless over the final 2:03. The Cavaliers had led by four points with 2:25 to play.

    Both teams went on extended runs in the first half. The Hawks used a 21-4 spurt in the first quarter and led by as many as 13. The Cavaliers used a 14-0 run in the second quarter to erase their deficit.

    The teams have split their first two regular-season games, with each side winning at home. The teams will meet two more times in April, during the final week of the regular season.

    Up next

    Cavaliers: Will host the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

    Hawks: Will face the 76ers in Philadelphia on Sunday.

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Cavaliers beat Pacers 120-109 in NBA Cup

    CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points, Darius Garland had 20 in his return to Cleveland’s lineup and the Cavaliers pulled away in the second half for a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in an NBA Cup game on Friday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs took down the Pacers 120-109 in an NBA Cup game Friday

    • Donovan Mitchell put up 32 points, and Darius Garland scored 20

    • The Cavaliers will host the LA Clippers on Sunday

    It was the first meeting between the teams since the Pacers eliminated the top-seeded Cavaliers in five games in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals.

    Evan Mobley added 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who improved to 2-1 in East Group A.

    Andrew Nembhard had a career-high 32 points for injury-plagued Indiana, which fell to 0-2 in group play. Pascal Siakham added 26 points and nine rebounds and Bennedict Mathurin scored 21 points.

    The NBA finalists from a year ago are 2-14 and missing six players. Indiana has dropped nine of its last 10.

    Garland missed five games due to a contusion on the left big toe that he had surgically repaired in June.

    The two-time All-Star point guard played 26 minutes and scored 18 points in the first half. He finished 5 for 12 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and made all seven of his free throws.

    The Cavaliers led 62-55 at halftime before they went on a 21-9 run over a four-minute span in the third quarter to take control. Jalen Tyson scored eight of his 14 points during the spurt, which pushed their advantage up to 16 midway through the quarter.

    Cleveland’s largest lead was 103-81 on Mitchell’s pullup 3-point early in the fourth quarter. It was the ninth time in 15 games this season the All-Star guard has scored at least 30 points.

    Indiana made a 16-4 run to get within 10 with five minutes remaining, but could not draw closer.

    Up Next

    Pacers: Host Detroit on Monday.

    Cavaliers: Host LA Clippers on Sunday.

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Cavaliers rout Wizards 148-114 to improve to 1-1 in NBA Cup

    WASHINGTON — Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points, Darius Garland had 20 points and nine assists and the Cleveland Cavaliers routed the Washington Wizards 148-114 on Friday night to improve to 1-1 in NBA Cup play.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs routed the Washington Wizards 148-114 on Friday night to improve to 1-1 in NBA Cup play

    • Cleveland fell a point shy of matching the franchise record for a regulation game, set at Denver in a 149-135 victory last Dec. 28

    • The Cavaliers have won three straight after dropping their Cup opener a week ago at home to Toronto, a game Mitchell missed because of hamstring tightness
    • The Cavs host Chicago on Saturday night

    Cleveland fell a point shy of matching the franchise record for a regulation game, set at Denver in a 149-135 victory last Dec. 28. The overall mark came in a 154-153 quadruple-overtime victory at home over the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 29, 1980. The Cavaliers also had 148 points at home in a December 1991 victory over Miami.

    The Cavaliers have won three straight after dropping their Cup opener a week ago at home to Toronto, a game Mitchell missed because of hamstring tightness.

    CJ McCollum scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half for Washington in its East Group A opener. The Wizards have lost seven straight to fall to 1-8.

    Both teams are home Saturday night to complete back-to-backs.

    Two days after Mitchell scored a season-high 46 points in a home victory over Philadelphia, Garland and Sam Merrill led Cleveland to a 76-59 advantage at the half. It was 109-86 after three quarters.

    Garland played his second game after missing the first seven following surgery on his big toe to repair a turf toe injury. In his debut against the 76ers, he had eight points and four assists.

    Garland and Merrill each had 14 points in the first half. Garland was 5 for 5 from the field in the half, hitting two 3-pointers, and making two free throws without a miss. Merrill was 5 of 6, going 4 of 5 from 3-point range. He failed to scored in the second half.

    Evan Mobley had 18 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland. Jarrett Allen added 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Tyrese Proctor scored 17 points. The Cavaliers had 25 offensive rebounds.

    Alex Sarr had 20 points for Washington.

    Up next

    Cavaliers: Host Chicago on Saturday night.

    Wizards: Host Dallas on Saturday night.

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Mitchell scores 35 as Cavaliers outlast Nets 131-124

    NEW YORK — Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points, Jarrett Allen added 22, and Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the Brooklyn Nets 131-124 on Friday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs beat the Nets 131-124 Friday night

    • Donovan Mitchell scored 35, and Jarrett Allen scored 22

    • Cleveland will host Milwaukee on Monday night

    Sam Merrill finished with 22 points, and Evan Mobley chipped in 13 for the Cavaliers, who won their first game of the season after losing to the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

    Cam Thomas scored 33 points, and Michael Porter Jr. had 31 for Brooklyn, who are 0-2.

    Cleveland led by 25 points in the third quarter before the Nets rallied in the fourth.

    Ziaire Williams hit a 3-pointer to make it 121-115 with 5:18 left before a short delay after a fan ran on the court.

    Merrill missed a 3-pointer after play resumed, and Thomas’ layup cut the deficit to 121-117.

    Mitchell, who was 10 for 15 from the floor, turned the ball over on the ensuing possession before Brooklyn rookie Egor Demin’s 3-pointer made 121-120 with 3:48 remaining.

    Cleveland then took advantage of multiple missed shots by the Nets and scored six consecutive points to extend the lead 127-120 with 38 seconds remaining.

    The Cavaliers shot 44 for 82 from the field and made 18 of 42 from 3-point range, including 9 of 11 in the third quarter.

    Up next

    Cavaliers: Host Milwaukee on Monday night.

    Nets: Visit San Antonio on Sunday.

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Billups, Rozier and Jones: A look at arrested NBA player and coaches

    Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Damon Jones were arrested Thursday in connection with a federal investigation into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by Mafia.

    What You Need To Know

    • Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones were arrested Thursday in connection with a federal investigation into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by Mafia

    • Authorities said Billups is charged in an indictment alleging a wide-ranging scheme to rig underground poker games that were backed by Mafia families

    • Rozier and Jones are accused in a separate indictment of participating in an illegal sports betting scheme using private insider NBA information

    Billups is charged in an indictment alleging a wide-ranging scheme to rig underground poker games that were backed by Mafia families, authorities said. Rozier and Jones are accused in a separate indictment of participating in an illegal sports betting scheme using private insider NBA information.

    Here’s a look at the NBA figures involved:

    Damon Jones

    Jones, 49, was an unofficial assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23 when he allegedly was involved with the betting scheme, according to the indictment. He’s been coaching since at least 2014 after finishing an 11-year NBA playing career.

    He is from Galveston, Texas, and played for Houston in college before suiting up with NBA teams in New Jersey, Boston, Golden State, Dallas, Vancouver, Detroit, Sacramento, Milwaukee, Miami and Cleveland.

    Jones averaged 11.6 points in the 2004-05 season with Miami, his only season scoring in double figures.

    Jones joined Cleveland’s coaching staff in 2014 as a shooting consultant. He was on Tyronn Lue’s Cleveland staff for the postseason in 2016 and was named a full-time assistant for the Cavaliers later that year. He also worked as a TV analyst for ESPN in 2018.

    Chauncey Billups

    Billups, 49, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2024. The Denver native played college ball at Colorado, then was the No. 3 pick by Boston in 1997. He also played for Toronto, Denver (two stints), Minnesota, Detroit (two stints), the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers in a 17-year playing career.

    Billups was a five-time All-Star and won a championship with Detroit in 2004, when he was named the NBA Finals MVP.

    This combo of images shows, from left, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers’ Damon Jones. (AP Photo/File)

    On Nov. 16, 2020, Billups was named a Clippers assistant on coach Tyronn Lue’s staff. Billups was hired as Portland’s coach in 2021 and signed a multi-year extension with the Trail Blazers on April 13. Billups took a 117-211 coaching record into this season.

    Billups was known as Mr. Big Shot during his playing career and won the Joe Dumars Trophy, the NBA’s sportsmanship award, in 2009 while playing for his hometown Nuggets.

    Terry Rozier

    Rozier, 30, was raised primarily by his mother as his father, Terry Rozier Sr., has been in prison for most of the younger Rozier’s life. Rozier, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, was a standout guard at Louisville who was the 16th pick by the Boston Celtics in 2015.

    Rozier was traded to Charlotte on July 6, 2019 and flourished with the Hornets. He set career highs by averaging 18 points in the 2019-20 season, 20.4 points the following season and 21.1 points in 2022-23.

    Onn Jan. 23, 2024, Rozier was traded to Miami for Kyle Lowry. Rozier averaged 10.6 points for Miami in the 2024-25 season while playing in 64 games, including 23 starts.

    In 2018, Rozier became only the second player in NBA history to record a triple-double in his first start when he scored 17 points with 11 rebounds and 10 assists in Boston’s 103-73 win over the Knicks.

    Rozier’s game on March 23, 2023 for Charlotte against New Orleans has been in question. He played the first 9 minutes and 36 seconds in the first quarter before exiting and did not play again in that game or the final eight games of the season. Charlotte was not in playoff contention, so it did not seem particularly unusual that Rozier was shut down. However, posts still online from that 2023 game show that some bettors were furious with sportsbooks. Many posted on social media that something “shady” had gone on regarding the prop bets involving Rozier’s stats for that night.

    A prop is a type of wager that allows gamblers to bet on whether a player will exceed a certain statistical number, such as whether the player will finish over or under a certain total of points, rebounds, assists and more.

    Rozier was in uniform as the Heat played the Magic in Orlando Wednesday evening, though he did not play in the game.

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Swensons Drive-In comes to Cavs’ arena

    CLEVELAND — The Cavs are adding a hometown favorite, Swensons, to their array of eateries around the arena.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs are adding two Swensons locations to their concessions area

    • The locations will be in the Loudville and Street level concourses

    • Fans attending the game will receive free food when the opposing team misses two consecutive free throws

    There will be two concession locations on the Loudville and Street level concourses.

    “By welcoming Swensons to Rocket Arena, we’re adding a celebrated local favorite to our lineup and deepening our commitment to expanding our culinary offerings to continue creating an elevated fan experience,” said Allison Howard, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Swensons is one of Northeast Ohio’s most beloved food brands, and we know just how much the community, our fans and our team love their food. This partnership is a testament to our shared dedication to community and local legacy—both on and off the court.”

    Generations of Ohioans view the drive-in as an integral part of the state’s culture. Swenson’s CEO said he’s “all in” for providing Cavs fans with local flavors they crave during a game.

    “Swensons has always been about creating legendary experiences — from a Galley Boy served car-side to going “All In!” on the Cavs at Rocket Arena. We’re stoked to join forces with the Cavaliers to bring our phenomenal flavors to fans and be part of moments that matter both on and off the court. Go Cavs!” said Dan Mesches, CEO of Swensons Drive-Ins.

    The partnership will allow fans to earn Cavs rewards points when they purchase anything from a Swensons restaurant.

    Swensons will also give fans free potato teezers at any locations if they are attending a game when the oposing team misses two consecutive free throws.

    Ryan Johnston

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  • Cavs unveil classic uniform to celebrate their 55th anniversary

    CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers are bringing back their 2000s alternate jerseys in celebration of their 55th season. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs are throwing back to the 2000s with their new alternate jerseys

    • The jerseys celebrate the team’s 55th anniversary

    • The team will wear the jerseys in 11 games throughout the season

    The jerseys were brought back as a nod to some of the Cavs’ most memorable players during that time period, such as LeBron James, Daniel Gibson, Žydrūnas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejão.

    The nostalgic uniforms were originally worn in the 2000s to pay tribute to the “Miracle of Richfield” jerseys from the 1970s. Cleveland’s 1975-1976 team is revered for having their first winning season and upsetting the Washington Bullets in a seven-game Eastern Conference Finals.

    A classic edition court was also designed to accompany the jerseys, which incorporates elements reminiscent of the 2000s like its iconic logo with the sword.

    Fans will see players don the jerseys during these games:

    • Saturday, Nov. 8 vs. Chicago Bulls 
    • Wednesday, Nov. 19 vs. Houston Rockets 
    • Sunday, Nov. 30 vs. Boston Celtics 
    • Saturday, Dec. 6 vs. Golden State Warriors
    • Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 vs. Denver Nuggets 
    • Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 vs. Los Angeles Lakers 
    • Sunday, March 8, 2026 vs. Boston Celtics 
    • Friday, March 27, 2026 vs. Miami Heat 

    The Cavs will also wear them for these three away games:

    • Monday, Nov. 24 @ Toronto Raptors
    • Thursday, Dec. 25 @ New York Knicks
    • Wednesday, March 11, 2026 @ Orlando Magic

    The jerses are one of five options for the Cavs during the upcoming season.

    Ryan Johnston

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  • Cavaliers honor teen cancer survivor with big surprise

    CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers are used to being the ones getting applause at Rocket Arena, but it was a 14-year-old boy who was the center of attention on the court Friday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs honored 14-year-old Evan Lallo at the annual Wine & Gold Gala Friday night

    • He was declared cancer-free after treatment for a rare bone tumor called Ewing sarcoma

    • He and his family will also be allowed to travel on the team’s plane, with the Cavs, to a game

    The Cavs court was transformed into a beachside casino for their annual Wine & Gold Gala. Hundreds got dolled up for a good cause.

    Evan Lallo was one of the night’s honorees. The 14-year-old has been declared cancer-free after treatment for a rare bone tumor called Ewing sarcoma.

    Lallo was diagnosed at the start of the Cavs season. He and his family watched Cavs games during his 70 days in the hospital.

    Lallo’s wish while receiving chemotherapy was to meet Cavs players, but the team is going beyond that. The Lallo family will travel on the team’s plane, with the Cavs, to a game.

    There’s one thing evan is looking forward to the most.

    “Definitely spending time with them, getting to know them a little more, knowing what the public doesn’t know about, you know, watching them play,” he said.

    “Now he can go to school, he can play sports, be with his friends,” Evan’s dad, Matt Lallo, said. “It’s just, the little things now mean a lot to us.”

    “He is our very own comeback kid,” said his mom, Megan Lallo.

    Hundreds spent the night bidding on auction items and hitting some casino tables. The money raised will support nonprofits throughout the Cleveland area.

    Here are some photos from Friday night:

    Spectrum News Staff, Kimberly Perez

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  • Cleveland Cavs look to unlock young potential with civic leadership program

    CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers partnered with the City Club of Cleveland to promote civic leadership among younger generations through a nine-month program.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs partnered the City Club to promote civic leadership among students

    • The program will teach 20 students at Cuyahoga high civic skills in a capstone class 

    • The program will last nine months

    The program plans to teach 20 students at Cuyahoga High School the skills needed to create meaningful social change through engagement in capstone classes.

    “The launch of the Cavaliers Social Impact Academy reflects our deep commitment to Northeast Ohio’s youth and carries forward the powerful legacy of the 1967 Cleveland Summit,” said Kevin Clayton, Cleveland Cavaliers executive vice president and chief impact & equity officer. “The Academy is designed to empower the next generation to lead with awareness, courage and purpose to strengthen our community and build a future rooted in equality”.

    Cleveland’s City Club already has 40-some students participating in multiple forums a year and welcomes thousdands of youth advocates to participate in civic dialogue.

    “This partnership brings together the Cavaliers’ commitment to the community and the City Club’s dedication to civic dialogue,” Education Engagement Manager Ariana Smith explained. “Together, we’re creating a program that will prepare young people to think critically, act boldly, and make a lasting impact in Northeast Ohio and beyond.”

    The Cavs will be recognized as sponsors of the Youth Forum Council and student attendance for all civic gatherings.

    To learn more about the Cavaliers Social Impact Academy, visit the program’s website.

     

    Ryan Johnston

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  • Cavs single game tickets to go on sale soon

    CLEVELAND — Basketball fans looking to catch the Cavs in action will soon be able to purchase single game tickets for the team’s two preseason and 41 regular season home games.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tickets for the Cavs preseason and regular season home games will go on sale soon

    • They’ll go on presale Sept. 8 and to the general public on Sept. 10

    • They have sold out 146 consecutive games

    The team announced in a release that the tickets will go on presale on Sept. 8 and will be available to the general public at 2 p.m. on Sept. 10.

    The regular season begins with the Cavs matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at Rocket Arena. There will be preseason games against the Chicago Bulls at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 and against the Detroit Pistons at 7 p.m. Oct. 14, both at Rocket Arena.

    According to the release, Cavs United Members will have access to tickets at 10 a.m. Sept. 8, while Cavs Rewards account holders and Cleveland WNBA initial payment holders will have access at 9 a.m. on Sept. 10.

    “The Cavs have sold out 146 consecutive games at Rocket Arena, a streak that dates back to the end of the 2021-2022 season,” the release reads.

    You can purchase tickets online here, with a limit of six tickets per person for each game.

    Cody Thompson

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  • Cavs’ Larry Nance Jr. to appear on show to discuss NBA, soccer

    CLEVELAND — Larry Nance Jr. is going to shed some light on why so many NBA players have become big fans of international soccer.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cleveland Cavaliers forward has teamed up with the Men in Blazers Media Network to launch a digital show called “Switch the Play”

    • The ties between soccer and the NBA have never seemed to run so deep

    • The NBA even modeled its NBA Cup in-season tournament in part around what has worked in European soccer regarding in-season trophy play

    The Cleveland Cavaliers forward has teamed up with the Men in Blazers Media Network to launch a digital show called “Switch the Play,” a weekly program that will feature those NBA players who are soccer aficionados and discuss happenings in the game.

    The first episode, featuring Alex Caruso of the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, debuts Thursday.

    “I entered the NBA in 2015, and I was probably one of only a couple of guys in the league that could tell you who won the Premier League the previous season,” Nance said. “Now, soccer is a constant conversation starter in the locker room. Soccer’s popularity has grown so much over the past 10 years, as has the international influence on the NBA creating more and more players that follow the game consistently.”

    The ties between soccer and the NBA have never seemed to run so deep.

    Many of basketball’s top stars — Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Luka Doncic, James Harden, Joel Embiid and more — make no secret of their fascination with soccer. Wembanyama was on the field for a Paris Saint Germain-Manchester City game in Paris last winter when he and the San Antonio Spurs were there for a pair of games against the Indiana Pacers. The Spurs center also went viral this summer for taking part in pickup soccer games around the world.

    The fandom goes both ways: Soccer icon Lionel Messi and other Inter Miami stars were at a Miami Heat game in 2024, Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe are regulars at NBA games and Butler said last season he’s lost count of how many jerseys he’s exchanged with soccer standouts at NBA games.

    The NBA even modeled its NBA Cup in-season tournament in part around what has worked in European soccer regarding in-season trophy play.

    “This show will give stars from around the league the opportunity to let fans hear them talk about their soccer fandom, parallels in the two games, and how we see it as professional athletes,” Nance said.

    Nance played soccer until he was 16 and is now part owner of Premier League club Leeds United — becoming an investor in 2023 along with Indiana guard T.J. McConnell. Now 33, he is entering his 11th NBA season with career averages of 7.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

    Nance signed with Cleveland as a free agent in July. It’s his second stint with the Cavs; he was previously with the club from 2018 through 2021.

    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Cavaliers embark on search for next coach

    Cavaliers embark on search for next coach

    INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — J.B. Bickerstaff didn’t do anything wrong to deserve being fired. The Cavaliers just feel like they reached their limit with him.

    What You Need To Know

    • Altman said he and his staff will use the holiday weekend to decompress before reconvening and beginning their first search for a new coach in five years

    • Altman intimated he doesn’t have a list of candidates yet, adding the new coach will have to fit “very highly specific” criteria

    • Bickerstaff was fired one week after the Cavs’ playoff run — the team’s deepest since 2018 and longest without LeBron James on the roster since 1993 

    A day after Bickerstaff was let go despite winning 99 games the past two seasons and taking the Cavs into the second round of the NBA playoffs despite numerous injuries in 2024, president of basketball operations Koby Altman tried to explain the rationale behind the somewhat shocking dismissal.

    Altman praised Bickerstaff’s many successes in his four-plus seasons, but feels the Cavs need a new leader.

    “Someone with a new approach, someone with a different voice, a fresh set of eyes to help us move forward,” Altman said Friday. “We’ve accomplished a lot in the last few years, getting to a conference semifinal and we don’t want to be complacent.

    “We feel we’re not far off.”

    Altman said he and his staff will use the holiday weekend to decompress before reconvening and beginning their first search for a new coach in five years.

    Altman intimated he doesn’t have a list of candidates yet, adding the new coach will have to fit “very highly specific” criteria.

    Bickerstaff was fired one week after the Cavs’ playoff run — the team’s deepest since 2018 and longest without LeBron James on the roster since 1993 — ended with a second-round loss to the Boston Celtics. Cleveland played the final two games of that series without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell due to a calf injury.

    Mitchell can sign a four-year, $200 million contract extension with the Cavs this summer, and Altman believes the 27-year-old is committed to chasing a title in Cleveland.

    “This is a player that has had two of the best years of his career here, has had a lot of success here, understands the infrastructure,” Altman said. “I think he has a lot of trust in what we’re doing and understands that our goal is to win a championship.”

    Associated Press

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