NBA

AP Basketball WriterFor LeBron, another Cavs' sweep is within reachBy TIM REYNOLDSLeBron James doesn't prolong the inevitable.The last seven times that James' teams have had a 3-0 lead in a playoff series, the matchup has ended in the most humane fashion - a sweep. He gets a chance at...

Ellis, Bullock suspended 5 games under NBA drug policyBy The Associated PressMonta Ellis of the Indiana Pacers and Reggie Bullock of the Detroit Pistons have been suspended five games under the NBA's anti-drug program.The league announced the suspensions Friday without disclosing details of the violations.The 31-year-old Ellis averaged 8.5...

AP Basketball WriterWhere's the drama? Blowouts the rule in these NBA playoffsBy TIM REYNOLDSThink back to the very first game of this NBA postseason: A one-point nail-biter of a win for Cleveland over Indiana, that outcome not getting decided until the final second.Hardly any have gone like that since.Dramatic...

L.A. CLIPPERS (117)Barnes 10-15 2-2 26, Griffin 11-16 8-11 30, Jordan 3-6 2-8 8, Paul 4-13 4-4 12, Redick 7-14 0-0 18, Crawford 5-15 2-2 13, Rivers 0-3 1-2 1, Hawes 2-5 0-0 4, Jones 0-2 0-0 0, Davis 2-3 1-2 5. Totals 44-92 20-31 117.SACRAMENTO (108)Williams...

AP Sports WriterCeltics stagger on without Thomas; guard may need surgeryBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) With his Boston teammates clawing to stay in the NBA playoffs, Isaiah Thomas can't do anything to help.Thomas, who turned to basketball for comfort after his sister's recent death, has been ruled out for...

AP Sports WriterCeltics ready for next challenge after tough Bulls seriesBy ANDREW SELIGMANCHICAGO (AP) The Boston Celtics got hit with a devastating emotional blow just as the playoffs were about to start. They dropped the first two games at home, too.Just as things really were starting to look...

In a season full of injuries, many hoped that the new, longer All-Star break would help NBA players catch their breath and recover after a grueling first 3 1/2 months.Commissioner Adam Silver extended the break at the players' behest, but it resulted in a more compressed season, more back-to-backs,...

AP Basketball WriterAP Source: Pau Gasol agrees to 3-year deal with SpursBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIA person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Pau Gasol has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs.The 7-foot Spaniard and the Spurs came to agreement on...

Magic, guard Arron Afflalo agree to free agent dealORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Free agent guard Arron Afflalo is rejoining the Orlando Magic.The Magic announced the signing Thursday but didn't disclose terms. The 11-year NBA veteran who shot 41 percent from beyond the arc for the Sacramento Kings last season...

AP Sports WriterBling and baseball: Cleveland at center of sports stormBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Blinking back tears, LeBron James extended his right ring finger, the one sparkling with 400 diamonds, and touched the championship banner.As it rose from a golden, miniature Cleveland skyline toward the ceiling, Queen's ''We...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Cavaliers to sign forward Larry SandersBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Larry Sanders walked away from the NBA. He's coming back to a team that needs his help.Sanders, who left the league two years ago, will sign with the champion Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, a person...

All-Star guard DeRozan to miss 2 games with ankle injuryTORONTO (AP) All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors will miss the next two games because an injured right ankle.Coach Dwane Casey made the announcement before the Raptors hosted New Orleans on Tuesday night. DeRozan also will sit...