Sports

Cavs Clinch Division, 2nd Seed, 104-99 Over Bucks

Published

11 years ago

April 9, 2015

In this Jan. 21, 2015, file photo Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James dunks against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Largely dormant through the first three quarters, LeBron James did just enough to help the Cleveland Cavaliers firm up their playoff picture.

James scored 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, including a critical 3-pointer, and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 104-99 on Wednesday night. With the win, the Cavs clinched the Central Division title and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

“To me, it means something,” James said of winning the division. “It should mean something to all of us. It’s not guaranteed every year with the tough competition in the NBA. We understand we have bigger goals than this, but along (those lines), you have accomplishments that you just can’t take for granted.”

Kyrie Irving scored 27 points. Kevin Love added 16 points and 11 rebounds. James also had nine rebounds and eight assists.

With the game still in doubt, James hit a 3-pointer with 14.1 seconds left to help preserve the win — after spending most of the night taking a back seat to Irving and other teammates.

“Once I was able to create a little space, I just let it go,” James said. “I was able to drop it.”

Bucks coach Jason Kidd praised his team’s ability to hang with the Cavs, but acknowledged that James’ 3 was decisive.

“He was going for the kill shot, and he delivered,” Kidd said. “That’s what MVP players do.”

Michael Carter-Williams scored 30 points for the Bucks, while Zaza Pachulia added 19 points and 10 rebounds. Milwaukee played without Giannis Antetokounmpo, although it wasn’t immediately clear why he sat out.

Bucks coach Jason Kidd said before the game that Antetokounmpo wouldn’t start, saying only, “just making a change.” Coming into Wednesday, Antetokounmpo had started 67 of the 77 games he played in this season. Kidd was evasive after the game.

“Coach’s decision,” Kidd said. “That’s what it says in the stats, right?”

Asked if it was a health issue, Kidd said, “He’s breathing.”

Antetokounmpo said he wasn’t informed before the game that he wasn’t playing, but didn’t say much else.

“It was a coach’s decision,” Antetokounmpo said. “I really respect it.”

Having given up a comfortable lead in the third quarter, the Cavaliers were leading by two with just over six minutes remaining when James — with only 13 points at that point — went on a scoring spurt. James hit a driving layup on one possession, then soared for a put-back slam to give Cleveland a 92-86 lead with 5:25left.

O.J. Mayo hit a 3-pointer for Milwaukee, but Iman Shumpert slammed back a miss by James and Kevin Love hit a layup for a 96-89 Cleveland lead.

Still, the Bucks had a chance until the end, cutting the Cavs’ lead to two on a driving layup by Mayo with 35.5 seconds left. James hit a 3-pointer with 14.1 seconds to go.

Carter-Williams responded with a driving layup to cut the lead back to 3 with 9.7 remaining. Irving hit a pair of free throws to put the game away.

“Even though we’re at the end of the season in pretty good position, we’re playing teams that are fighting for playoff spots,” Cavs coach David Blatt said. “We knew we would be challenged. We knew it would be competitive. Milwaukee certainly gave a great fight. Fortunately we responded.”

TIP-INS

Cavaliers: James had an acrobatic slam dunk early in the third quarter, on a long outlet pass by Irving. . The Cavaliers took a 52-44 lead into halftime after hitting three 3-pointers in the final two minutes of the first half, including a pair by Irving in the final minute.

Bucks: Carter-Williams took a sharp forearm to the face from Tristan Thompson on a rebound in the third quarter. After a review, officials called it a flagrant-1 foul. . The Bucks honored recently retired Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig at the end of the first quarter. Selig, a Milwaukee native, received a warm round of applause.

NEW ARENA?

After the Bucks released renderings of a proposed new arena and adjacent entertainment district in downtown Milwaukee earlier Wednesday, Kidd said the design matched his ambitions for the product on the floor.

“I think it’s great for the city, seeing the pictures of the design,” Kidd said. “It’s a beautiful building. We all know it takes money to build it. But I think it’s going to go hand in hand with the product, a beautiful building and we have some very talented players who will play inside of it.”

PLAYOFF PREPARATION

Asked about his team’s approach to the playoffs, Blatt said having to handle high expectations all season has provided good preparation.

“I think the whole year, people have sort of put the cart before the horse in terms of our team, and no one has allowed us the luxury of developing and progressing in a normal way,” Cavs coach David Blatt said. “I think we’ve faced that challenge.”

UP NEXT

Cavaliers: Friday night vs. Boston.

Bucks: Friday night at New York.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

The Man Who Defied Death Threats to Play at the Masters

Don't Miss

Cavs Clinch Division, 2nd Seed, 104-99 Over Bucks

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

4 days 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.