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	<channel>		<title>RUWT? News</title>
		<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com</link>
		<description>RUWT? News for Cleveland Cavaliers</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
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		<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:05:41 GMT</lastBuildDate>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:05:41 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[LeBron's 32 lead Cavaliers over 76ers]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND(AP) -- There's one thing - other than LeBron James, of
course - that the Cleveland Cavaliers can always count on when
things get tough.

In a pinch, they turn to their defense.

"That's where we make our mark at," James said. "On the
defensive end. We just lock down."

James scored 32 points, Mo Williams added 18 and the Cavaliers
clamped down defensively in the fourth quarter for the second
straight game, holding the Philadelphia 76ers to 10 points over
the final 12 minutes for a 97-91 victory on Saturday night.

James added nine assists, seven rebounds and delivered a
resounding dunk with 2:41 left that effectively put away the
Sixers.

The Cavaliers, who have been guilty of lapses at both ends of
the floor so far this season, trailed by six entering the
fourth. But they held Philadelphia to 4 of 23 shooting from the
field in the final quarter to win for the 10th time in 12 games
after an 0-2 start.

"We just turned it up," James said of Cleveland's air tight
man-to-man. "When we're playing defense like that at a high
level, it's hard to beat us."

On Friday, the Cavs held Indiana to just 13 points on 4 of 18
shooting in the fourth in a 105-95 win. Cleveland needs to be
more consistent on defense, but the Cavs are beginning to play
with the same intensity that has made them one of the NBA's
stingiest teams the past few seasons.

"Defensively, everyone was on a string," Cavs coach Mike Brown
said. "Everyone helped one another. Everyone trusted one
another. It was great to see."

Lou Williams scored 22 and Thaddeus Young had 21 for the Sixers.
Andre Iguodala had 12 but was 6 of 22 from the field - only 1 of
7 in the fourth.

"We had them against the ropes," Iguodala said. "We couldn't
make shots and finish the game off."

Playing their fourth game in five nights and without center
Shaquille O'Neal for the fifth straight game, the Cavs could
have been excused for being tired down the stretch.

But they dug down and found some needed energy to hold off the
scrappy Sixers, who took an 81-75 lead into the fourth.

James, who scored 40 at Indiana, was on the bench when the Cavs
caught the Sixers at 83-all on a jumper by Williams. The score
was tied at 85 when James returned, and the superstar didn't
need long to help the Cavs open some breathing room after an
uneven performance through three periods.

After Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored on a putback, James fed Jamario
Moon for an alley-oop dunk to make it 89-85. Mo Williams then
hit Moon on a bounce pass for another dunk, and James, who had
his headband knocked off, scored to cap an 18-4 run that made it
93-85.

Nothing was clicking for Philadelphia on offense, mostly because
the Cavs finally decided to work hard with their backs to the
basket. Moon was instrumental in slowing down Iguodala, the
Sixers' leading scorer.

"We missed some open shots and they got into us a little bit
more," said Sixers coach Eddie Jordan, who had criticized his
team's lackluster effort in a home loss on Friday to Memphis.
"Credit their defense. They're a good defensive team when they
want to be."

Philadelphia ended a nearly five-minute drought with four
straight points, but James drove the lane and blasted a
two-handed dunk to put the finishing touches on Cleveland's win.
The slam came moments after his headband was retrieved.

"I didn't even know who I was when my headband got knocked off,"
James said. "I couldn't function without it."

The Cavs' early season has been a streaky one. They are
essentially resting O'Neal for the second half and a title push,
and the team is still trying to figure out what to do with guard
Delonte West, who has been working through personal and legal
issues.

"They're going for the gold, man," Jordan said. "They're doing
what they think is necessary to win the championship."

And for the Cavs, it all starts with defense.

NOTES: In his last eight games, James is averaging 32.6 points
on 55 percent (88 of 159) shooting, 8.3 assists and 6.1
rebounds. ... West played just four minutes. ... Allen Iverson's
toughness and scoring touch once symbolized the Sixers. However,
the guard remains without a team, a fact James finds
unfortunate. "He's a person I watched growing up," James said.
"It's kind of strange not having him. It doesn't seem right."
Iverson was recently released by Memphis. On Friday, the Knicks
announced they would not sign him. ... Sixers G Jason Kapono sat
out with a sprained left ankle. ... Ilgauskas played in his
721st career game, second most in Cavs history behind general
manager Danny Ferry's 723.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/136207-LeBrons-32-lead-Cavaliers-over-76ers</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/136207-LeBrons-32-lead-Cavaliers-over-76ers</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:32:36 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Shaq misses fifth straight game]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CLEVELAND(AP) -- Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal is out for
Saturday's game against Philadelphia, the fifth straight game he
has missed with a shoulder injury.

O'Neal hasn't played since a Nov. 12 win over Miami.

Cavs coach Mike Brown said before Saturday's game against
Philadelphia that O'Neal won't play in a game again until he
practices. The team is off Sunday and doesn't play again until
Nov. 25 at Detroit.

The Cavs are being cautious with O'Neal, who was acquired in an
offseason trade with Phoenix. Brown is closely monitoring
O'Neal's minutes to try and keep him fresh for the second half
of the season and playoffs.

O'Neal has averaged 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds in nine games.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/136131-Shaq-misses-fifth-straight-game</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/136131-Shaq-misses-fifth-straight-game</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:15:19 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[76ers-Cavaliers Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By MATT BECKER
STATS Senior Writer

Philadelphia (5-6) at Cleveland (8-4), 7:30 p.m. EDT

While the Cleveland Cavaliers aren't about to rush back aging
superstar Shaquille O'Neal from a shoulder injury, LeBron James
is not letting a sore wrist slow him down.

Coming off his highest-scoring game of the season, James looks
to help the Cavaliers win for the 10th time in 12 contests
Saturday night when they host the struggling Philadelphia 76ers.

James banged his left wrist on the basket while dunking late in
Wednesday's 108-91 loss to Washington, but the injury didn't
seem to bother him much in Friday's 105-95 win at Indiana. The
reigning league MVP scored 10 of his season-high 40 points in
the final 7:07, and also had nine rebounds and seven assists to
help the Cavaliers (9-4) continue their surge after back-to-back
losses to open the season.

"When you have a guy as talented as him, sometimes your best
coaching on the offensive end of the floor is staying out of his
way," coach Mike Brown said.

After a slow start, James has found his rhythm over the past two
weeks. He's averaging 32.7 points on 54.0 percent shooting in
his last seven games, up from 22.6 points on 46.9 percent
shooting in his previous five.

He could have trouble building on his latest performance,
though.

Although Cleveland has had little trouble lately beating
Philadelphia (5-7) with James on the floor, the five-time
All-Star hasn't had a 30-point game against the Sixers since
recording 39 in a 118-115 double-overtime loss on Jan. 24, 2007,
a span of seven games.

The Cavs had a five-game winning streak over Philadelphia end
with a 111-110 overtime defeat in the 2008-09 regular-season
finale. Cleveland wasn't at full strength, though, as James,
Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Mo Williams sat out to rest in
preparation for the playoffs.

After sweeping Detroit and Atlanta, the Cavs were eliminated in
six games by Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals.

Cleveland acquired the 37-year-old O'Neal in the offseason with
hopes the 15-time All-Star could help bolster the team's inside
game to make a championship run, but he has missed the last four
games with a strained right shoulder.

O'Neal is averaging 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds, and Brown
didn't give a timetable for his return.

Like Cleveland, the Sixers were also bounced from last season's
playoffs by the Magic in six games. Philadelphia was knocked out
in a first-round series, and hasn't been playing like a
playoff-caliber team lately.

The Sixers are coming off Friday's 102-97 home loss to lowly
Memphis, their fifth defeat in seven games, and are now set to
open a three-game road trip with seven of their next eight away
from Philadelphia.

They've had trouble getting their offense in gear on the road
lately, averaging 83.7 points on 25.9 percent shooting from
3-point range in the last three away from the Wachovia Center.

"We've got to find a way to regroup," said Andre Iguodala, who
finished with 15 points on 5 of 17 shooting against the
Grizzlies.

Iguodala averaged 23.3 points on 61.5 percent shooting in four
games against Cleveland last season while guard Lou Williams
averaged 19.3 points in three games.

Williams finished with a career-high 31 points on 12 of 16
shooting Friday, and is emerging as a legitimate scoring threat
for Philadelphia.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135877-76ers-Cavaliers-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135877-76ers-Cavaliers-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:31:49 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[LeBron's 40 leads Cavaliers past Pacers]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By CLIFF BRUNT
AP Sports Writer

INDIANAPOLIS(AP) -- Cleveland's offense was stagnant, and the
Indiana Pacers had turned a five-point halftime deficit into a
five-point lead entering the fourth quarter.

The Cavaliers went back to their tried-and-true formula -
LeBron, LeBron and more LeBron - and it got the usual result.
James scored 10 of his season-high 40 points in the final 7:07,
and Cleveland beat the Pacers 105-95 on Friday night.

"When you have a guy as talented as him, sometimes your best
coaching on the offensive end of the floor is staying out of his
way," Cleveland coach Mike Brown said.

The Pacers' poor shooting didn't give them a chance to take
advantage of Cleveland's lapse in the early part of the final
period. James didn't play for nearly five minutes to start the
quarter, yet the Cavaliers erased Indiana's lead while he was
out.

James sucked the life out of the Pacers and sent the crowd to
the exits with a 3-pointer over Dahntay Jones as the shot clock
expired that gave the Cavaliers a 101-94 lead with 53 seconds
left.

"That was huge," Cleveland forward J.J. Hickson said. "I always
have confidence in his shot, but that kind of sealed the game
for us."

Jones, brought in as a free agent to be the team's defensive
stopper, had no answer for James all night.

"He had a good game, and that's what great players do," Jones
said. "He shot the ball well, he made his teammates better. You
got to tip your hat to him."

James also had nine rebounds and seven assists for Cleveland
(9-4).

Cleveland center Shaquille O'Neal missed his fourth straight
game with a strained right shoulder. He did not travel with the
team, and Brown didn't give a timetable for his return.

Cleveland forward Anderson Varejao played after he missed two
games with a bruised hip. He finished with 10 points and seven
rebounds in 28 minutes.

Danny Granger had 19 points and nine rebounds, and Jones added
17 points for the Pacers (5-5), who lost their second in a row.
Indiana forward Troy Murphy played after missing six games with
a bruised lower back. He finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds
in 24 minutes.

Pacers coach Jim O'Brien was ejected with 5:20 left in the first
quarter after drawing two technical fouls for walking out to
near midcourt to argue with officials. He said was objecting to
a play in which he said James "leveled" Indiana point guard T.J.
Ford.

The Pacers nearly won one without him, but they shot 32 percent
in the second half, and 22 percent in the fourth quarter.

"Offensively, we got some decent looks, but they played good
defense and pushed us to the shot clock," Granger said. "We
really didn't get that many shots in rhythm."

James made his first eight shots and didn't miss a field goal
until the final three minutes of the second quarter. He finished
the first half with 22 points and five assists as Cleveland led
66-61 at the break. The Pacers shot 63 percent in the first
half, yet trailed because they were outscored 15-8 from the free
throw line.

Indiana took its first lead, 70-68, when James was called for
goaltending on a shot by Roy Hibbert with just over eight
minutes left in the third quarter. It was part of a 17-2 run at
the start of the second half that gave Indiana a 78-68 lead.
Cleveland shot 3 for 18 from the field with seven turnovers in
the quarter, and the Pacers led 82-77 at the end of the period.

"I wouldn't say frustrated, but the third quarter has been like
the only time we've had (consistent trouble) the past three or
four years," James said. "We can't get our hand on it. We're
going to figure it out."

Cleveland tied the game at 82 on a 3-pointer by Jamario Moon
early in the fourth quarter, and the game was competitive until
the final minutes.

James said the Cavaliers wouldn't have won without their
commitment to defense.

"That's what it's about," James said. "Our team is all based on
defense, and when we get stops like that, it makes offense a lot
easier. It was a great way to finish the game off like we did in
the fourth quarter."

NOTES: The Pacers announced Friday that guard Travis Diener had
surgery on the big toe on his left foot and is expected to miss
at least four weeks. ... Both teams shot 68.2 percent in the
first quarter, and the game was tied at 38-all at the end of the
period. ... Former Pacer Haywoode Workman was one of the
officials.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135827-LeBrons-40-leads-Cavaliers-past-Pacers</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135827-LeBrons-40-leads-Cavaliers-past-Pacers</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:55:52 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Shaq misses 4th straight game as Cavs face Pacers]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[INDIANAPOLIS(AP) -- Cleveland center Shaquille O'Neal has missed
his fourth straight game with a strained right shoulder.

O'Neal did not travel with the Cavaliers for their game Friday
night against the Pacers. He is averaging 11.3 points and 6.9
rebounds. Cleveland coach Mike Brown didn't give a timetable for
his return.

Cleveland, however, got forward Anderson Varejao back from a
bruised hip after he was inactive Wednesday against Washington.
J.J. Hickson was to start, but Brown said Varejao will play.

Indiana forward Troy Murphy will play after missing six games
with a bruised lower back.

The Pacers announced Friday that guard Travis Diener had surgery
on the big toe on his left foot and is expected to miss at least
four weeks.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135777-Shaq-misses-4th-straight-game-as-Cavs-face-Pacers</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135777-Shaq-misses-4th-straight-game-as-Cavs-face-Pacers</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:29:15 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Cavaliers-Pacers Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By BRETT HUSTON
STATS Writer

Cleveland (8-4) at Indiana (5-4), 7:00 p.m. EDT

Already without Shaquille O'Neal, the Cleveland Cavaliers don't
want to think about the possibility of LeBron James' sore wrist
causing him to miss any time.

He's caused enough of a headache for the Indiana Pacers of late.

James recorded two triple-doubles and a 47-point performance in
his past four trips to Conseco Fieldhouse, and the Cavaliers
hope the reigning MVP's wrist won't hinder him as they seek
their 11th win in 12 games against the Pacers.

Cleveland (8-4) was without O'Neal (shoulder) in the past three
games and forward Anderson Varejao (hip) for the last two. While
Varejao is expected to return Friday, a bigger concern may have
arisen Wednesday.

James banged his wrist on the basket while dunking late in the
game in Washington. Cleveland blew a 17-point second-quarter
lead and went on to lose 108-91.

"I hit it pretty bad on the rim," said James, who finished with
34 points and nine assists. "It's like you hit your funny bone,
but it's not funny at all."

James' teammates didn't give him much help Wednesday. No other
Cavalier scored more than 10 points, and second-leading scorer
Mo Williams shot 2 of 13.

"In general, our entire team - including LeBron - brought the
ball to a standstill," coach Mike Brown said.

Williams averaged 11.3 points and shot 27.1 percent in
Cleveland's four losses while scoring 20.1 points per game and
shooting 53.8 percent in its eight wins.

O'Neal is likely to miss games Friday and Saturday, while James'
status isn't clear - though he said the wrist was sore, no
X-rays were taken.

James has certainly enjoyed playing at Conseco recently. He
topped 30 points and had a triple-double in both visits in
2007-08, and averaged 42.0 points in two games there last
season.

James' 47-point effort Feb. 10, though, wasn't enough. He was
called for a controversial foul on Indiana's Danny Granger with
0.1 seconds left and the score tied, and Granger sank 1 of 2
free throws to give the Pacers a 96-95 win - their only victory
in the past 11 games against Cleveland.

Indiana (5-4) had won three straight at home and five overall
heading into a visit from New York on Wednesday, and Granger
scored 30 points in the first half to give the Pacers a 69-54
edge at the break. However, they shot 24 percent after halftime,
Granger was held to three points and the Knicks rallied for a
110-103 win.

"They're going to take the attitude, are all teams against this
particular group that we're playing right now, that somebody
else (besides Granger) is going to have to beat us," coach Jim
O'Brien said. " ... Somebody else needs to be that scorer and
tonight we just didn't get that after they took Danny out of the
game."

While the Cavaliers are dealing with injuries, the Pacers have
had a few key players out far longer. Troy Murphy has missed six
straight games with a bruised back, Jeff Foster has been out the
last seven with a high ankle sprain and offseason knee surgery
has kept Mike Dunleavy off the floor all season.

Murphy is considered the closest to returning, but likely won't
play Friday.

Granger averaged 22.8 points against the Cavaliers last season,
scoring 38 in a 117-109 home loss April 13.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135424-Cavaliers-Pacers-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135424-Cavaliers-Pacers-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:07:57 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[LeBron James hurts left wrist on rim vs. Wizards]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON(AP) -- LeBron James hurt his left wrist by banging it
on the basket while dunking late in the Cleveland Cavaliers'
108-91 loss to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

"I hit it pretty bad on the rim," said James, who iced his wrist
in the locker room after the game. "It's like you hit your funny
bone, but it's not funny at all."

He said it happened on one of his driving dunks that closed
Cleveland's scoring with more than 2 minutes left.

"Didn't feel good at the time," said James, who added that he
hurt the same wrist earlier this season.

He finished with 34 points and nine assists.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135218-LeBron-James-hurts-left-wrist-on-rim-vs-Wizards</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135218-LeBron-James-hurts-left-wrist-on-rim-vs-Wizards</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:38:35 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Jamison's double-double debut leads Wiz past Cavs]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By HOWARD FENDRICH
AP Sports Writer

WASHINGTON(AP) -- With LeBron James taking a second-half breather,
Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler put the
Washington Wizards way ahead.

When James returned to the court, instead of leading a comeback,
he became part of the problem in his Cleveland Cavaliers' 108-91
loss to Washington on Wednesday night.

The reigning NBA MVP threw an errant pass. He shot an airball.
He fouled DeShawn Stevenson, his old pseudo-rival from
postseasons past. He missed another jumper with Stevenson in his
face. He drew a technical for asking for a foul when Stevenson
stopped him on a drive.

Worst of all? James hurt his left wrist by banging it off the
basket while dunking.

"I hit it pretty bad on the rim," said James, who finished with
34 points and nine assists, but also had six turnovers and shot
only 3 of 7 in the fourth quarter. "It's like you hit your funny
bone, but it's not funny at all."

His teammates' play on this night was no laughing matter,
either. With Shaquille O'Neal and Anderson Varejao out injured,
no other member of the Cavaliers scored more than 10 points. No
one reached double figures in rebounds or assists.

"In general, our entire team - including LeBron - brought the
ball to a standstill," Cavs coach Mike Brown said, "which allows
them to do whatever they did defensively."

Icing his wrist in the locker room after the game, James noted a
35-15 discrepancy in foul shots that favored the hosts, saying:
"They definitely got to the free-throw line way more than we
did. We feel we attacked at times, and we didn't get the
whistle."

The Cavaliers had been figuring out how to play well
short-handed, winning five consecutive games heading into
Wednesday. But after racing to a 17-point lead in the second
quarter, they allowed the Wizards to come back, led mainly by
Jamison, who was making his season debut after hurting his right
shoulder in an exhibition game against Cleveland.

Jamison delivered 31 points and 10 rebounds - and some
much-needed leadership - to help Washington end a six-game
losing streak.

"Whether we miss a couple of shots or make a run, guys run to
the huddle with their heads down, and that's something that I
knew that I could come in and change," said Jamison, who made 12
of 22 shots. "I've been sitting down for what seems like
forever, so I had a lot of energy. I knew it was going to be
different."

Wearing a white protective sleeve over the right shoulder that
sidelined him since October, Jamison looked in midseason form
from the start, scoring 13 points in the first quarter. And
everyone was relieved to see him back: Arenas, Butler, other
teammates, coach Flip Saunders.

Saunders: "He makes the offense look so much better."

Brendan Haywood: "You have to make a decision: Are you going to
let him shoot? Are you going to let Gilbert Arenas drive? Are
you going to let guys like myself and Caron get dunks? You've
got to make your decision, and tonight they decided to let him
shoot. And that was the wrong decision."

Butler: "He spaces the floor. Obviously, he's a guy who's going
to knock down shots."

Arenas began 3 of 16 - and finished 6 for 22 - but wound up with
18 points, eight assists and six rebounds as the Wizards finally
got to put all three of their past All-Stars on the court at the
same time.

"It was great having (Jamison) back out there," Arenas said.
"This is what we envisioned ... during training camp, when
everybody was healthy."

NOTES: Arenas signed up for Twitter but says he won't post
anything on the social networking site until he has 1 million
followers. Could be quite some time: Arenas' feed had fewer than
1,700 followers as of Wednesday. ... James had seven assists in
the first quarter. ... The Wizards were without F Fabricio
Oberto (left hamstring). ... Cleveland's Jamario Moon played
despite spraining his left ankle Tuesday. He had 10 points and
five rebounds.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135184-Jamisons-double-double-debut-leads-Wiz-past-Cavs</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135184-Jamisons-double-double-debut-leads-Wiz-past-Cavs</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:36:54 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Shaq (shoulder) to sit out at least 1 more game]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[WASHINGTON(AP) -- Shaquille O'Neal could miss the Cleveland
Cavaliers' next couple of games with a strained shoulder.

O'Neal did not travel with the Cavaliers for their game at the
Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, the third consecutive
time he sat out.

Cleveland coach Mike Brown said O'Neal also will be out Friday
at Indiana, and the center also might be sidelined for
Saturday's home game against Philadelphia.

"It's early in the year. We all have a better comfort level than
what we had in Game 1, Game 2, Game 3. And so in my opinion,
it's an opportune time to let him get some rest and let him get
his body back," Brown said.

Asked if it's that he doesn't want O'Neal to play every game,
Brown replied: "I'm not thinking of, 'He's got to play 'X'
amount of games.' Just like in practice, I'm not thinking, 'He's
got to practice 75 percent of the time."'

Then, pointing to his gut, Brown continued: "It's just right
here, and if I feel it, I sit him down. If I don't, then I
won't. If he feels it, hopefully he'll communicate it with me,
and same with our trainers. We'll just kind of go from there.
But really it's not anything I'm doing that's scientific or with
a formula to it. I'm not that smart."

O'Neal is playing about 24 minutes per game this season,
averaging 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds.

Anderson Varejao has a bruised hip and also was inactive against
Washington.

"If tonight was a playoff game, he would play," Brown said.

The Cavaliers entered Wednesday on a five-game winning streak.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135166-Shaq-shoulder-to-sit-out-at-least-1-more-game</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/135166-Shaq-shoulder-to-sit-out-at-least-1-more-game</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:47:16 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Cavaliers-Wizards Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO
STATS Writer

Cleveland (7-3) at Washington (2-7), 7:00 p.m. EDT

Injuries are mounting for Cleveland, but LeBron James is doing
his part to help the Cavaliers overcome them.

With Shaquille O'Neal and Anderson Varejao likely sidelined
again Wednesday night, the reigning NBA MVP will try to help the
Cavaliers beat the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center for
the first time in more than two years.

O'Neal has missed two games with a strained shoulder and wasn't
expected to travel to Washington with the team, and coach Mike
Brown doesn't think Varejao will be ready to return from a hip
contusion to face the Wizards.

Jamario Moon joined Cleveland's list of injured frontcourt
players Tuesday. He's considered doubtful after suffering a
sprained ankle in the third quarter of the Cavaliers' 114-108
win over Golden State.

The Cavaliers (8-3) have won five straight in spite of the
frontcourt injuries, in large part because of James. The
five-time All-Star scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half
Tuesday and finished with a season high-tying 12 assists to help
the Cavaliers win for the eighth time in nine games.

"Your rhythm is going to change. There's no way to stay away
from it," James said, referring to all the injuries. "As long as
we continue to go with the game plan and play hard, we'll give
ourselves a chance to win. We've got guys out on the court who
have been in these situations time and time again."

James is averaging 31.0 points and 8.2 assists in during
Cleveland's winning streak, increasing his season averages to
27.8 and 8.0, respectively. He had 27 points, eight rebounds and
six assists to spur Cleveland to a 102-90 home win over
Washington on Nov. 3.

The Cavaliers, though, have dropped 19 of 23 regular-season road
games against the Wizards since Dec. 11, 1996, including nine of
11 since drafting James with the No. 1 overall pick in 2003.
They've lost four straight there since a 99-94 win April 6,
2007.

The Wizards (2-7) will try to continue that home success against
the Cavaliers and snap a six-game slide that started in
Cleveland. They haven't dropped seven in a row since an
eight-game skid from Dec. 11-25.

That losing streak came without Gilbert Arenas, who had been
limited to 15 games over the last two seasons due to three knee
surgeries.

Finally healthy, Arenas leads Washington with 23.4 points and
6.3 assists per game this season, but he's still coping with
returning to the court on a full-time basis.

"I find myself doing more thinking than I am just reacting, off
my instincts," Arenas said. "Players in this league, they react.
I was a reactor. Now I find myself being a thinker."

That may have been a reason for Arenas missing his first six
shots and going 1 for 3 in the fourth quarter of the Wizards'
106-103 loss to Detroit on Saturday. He finished the game with
19 points and a season-high 10 assists.

"There's always a half or a quarter where I don't shoot or I
don't score. Before, in (former Wizards coach Eddie Jordan's)
system, he needed me to score 30. In this system, I don't have
to," Arenas said. "Me sitting, not shooting for a whole quarter,
doesn't really bother (me), because we have other players that's
scoring.

"But then when I try to get in a rhythm, I just don't have that
feel, so I have to try to find a way to keep myself in the game
the whole time."

Arenas had 22 points while dishing out five assists against
Cleveland on Nov. 3.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134964-Cavaliers-Wizards-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134964-Cavaliers-Wizards-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:02:31 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[James, Hickson give Cavs 114-108 victory]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CLEVELAND(AP) -- LeBron James stood in front of his locker while a
trainer wrapped his knees and back in ice. When the cool bag hit
the small of his back, James shivered and flinched.

It was the only time he flinched all night.

James scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half and finished
with 12 assists, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-108
victory over the short-handed Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

"In the first half, it looked like he was being patient and
getting his teammates involved," Warriors guard Stephen Curry
said of James. "In the second half, he had a whole other
demeanor about trying to score. It shows you why he's the league
MVP right now."

It was a gutsy effort by the rookie Curry and the Warriors
(3-7), who dressed just seven healthy bodies.

J.J. Hickson had a career-high 21 points for the Cavaliers
(8-3), who had their own injury concerns.

Jamario Moon left in the third quarter with a sprained left
ankle, and Shaquille O'Neal and Anderson Varejao were both
inactive for Cleveland. Varejao was scratched with a hip
contusion and O'Neal missed his second straight game with a
strained shoulder.

Coach Mike Brown doesn't expect Varejao to play Wednesday at
Washington and he called Moon questionable. O'Neal isn't even
making the trip.

"Your rhythm is going to change. There's no way to stay away
from it," James said, referring to all the injuries. "As long as
we continue to go with the game plan and play hard, we'll give
ourselves a chance to win. We've got guys out on the court who
have been in these situations time and time again."

The injuries to O'Neal and Varejao forced the Cavaliers to
activate Delonte West, who has been in and out of the lineup
this year while dealing with personal issues. West scored two
points in 14 minutes after being inactive for the previous three
games.

With two of their best post players missing, the Cavaliers found
a new option in Hickson.

Hickson has flourished since entering the starting lineup,
setting career highs in three consecutive games. He is averaging
19.6 points over the stretch, but Brown was more concerned with
Hickson's mental lapses.

"I saw when he didn't box (Vladimir) Radmanovic out, and
Radmanovic got the rebound and scored it," Brown said. "He's got
to do better in that area."

The Warriors' fast and loose style had Cleveland adjusting with
new lineups, including playing James at power forward and
Hickson at center. Despite the limited personnel, Golden State
was within four with less than two minutes to play when Anthony
Parker came up with a steal and dished ahead to James, who
lofted an alley-oop to Hickson that sent a charge through the
sellout crowd at the Q.

All seven of Golden State's healthy players scored in double
figures, led by Monta Ellis with 23 points. Reserve Corey
Maggette had 19 and Anthony Morrow added 18. Curry had 14
points, seven assists and five rebounds. After the game, he met
briefly with James on the court.

"He told me to keep getting better every day," Curry said. "He
said to block out anything that's going on outside of what I can
control. I'm sure that's how he did it when he was a rookie.
It's nice of him to go out of his way and keep encouraging me."

James said before the game he was a fan of Curry's, and that he
takes it upon himself to help out younger players entering the
league.

"If the league MVP and an All-Star is a fan of yours, that's
pretty cool," Curry said. "Competing against him was a lot of
fun."

Golden State dressed the league minimum eight players, including
Raja Bell, who didn't play because of a wrist injury that will
require surgery next week. Bell and Radmanovic were acquired
from Charlotte on Monday for Stephen Jackson and Acie Law.

Radmanovic played 34 minutes in his first game with Golden
State, scoring 11 points and grabbing five rebounds.

Warriors forward Kelenna Azubuike will have surgery Wednesday
for a torn patellar tendon in his left knee and is lost for the
season. Guard C.J. Watson is out indefinitely after testing
positive for the H1N1 virus.

That left Golden State with two reserves Tuesday - Maggette and
Anthony Randolph, who managed to outscore the Cleveland bench,
32-23.

"We were right there," Warriors coach Don Nelson said. "I was
happy with the way we played with kind of a pickup team. We were
undermanned. The guys played together. I have no complaints
about the game at all."

It doesn't get any easier for the Warriors, who play at Boston
on Wednesday.

"I don't know what you can do," Nelson said. "You just play and
see what happens. Full roster or not, it was going to be a tough
go coming into these next two games. We realized that."

NOTES: The 114 points were a season high for the Cavaliers ...
James said before the game he believes he could have been a star
in the NFL, too. "If I put all my time and commitment into it,
if I dedicated myself to the game of football, I could be really
good," he said. "No matter what team I was on."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134877-James-Hickson-give-Cavs-114-108-victory</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134877-James-Hickson-give-Cavs-114-108-victory</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:22:29 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Cavs' Shaq, Varejao inactive for Tuesday's game]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CLEVELAND(AP) -- Shaquille O'Neal and Anderson Varejao are
inactive for the Cleveland Cavaliers' game against Golden State.

Varejao is scratched with a hip contusion. O'Neal is missing his
second straight game with a strained shoulder, and coach Mike
Brown doesn't expect either player back for Wednesday night's
game at Washington.

With both players inactive Tuesday night, along with Leon Powe,
who is recovering from knee surgery and not expected back until
the All-Star break, the Cavaliers were forced to activate
troubled guard Delonte West.

West has been inactive for the last three games while dealing
with personal issues, and Brown would not commit to playing him
extended minutes against the Warriors.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134835-Cavs-Shaq-Varejao-inactive-for-Tuesdays-game</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134835-Cavs-Shaq-Varejao-inactive-for-Tuesdays-game</guid>
				<pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:35:52 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Warriors-Cavaliers Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By BRETT HUSTON
STATS Writer

Golden State (3-6) at Cleveland (7-3), 7:00 p.m. EDT

The Golden State Warriors had been looking to deal Stephen
Jackson for months after the disgruntled guard demanded a trade
in the offseason, and they were finally able to ship their
second-leading scorer out of town Monday.

Golden State can only hope the return netted them some defensive
help.

The acquisition of Raja Bell comes after the Warriors allowed a
historic individual performance over the weekend, and they'll
have their hands full again Tuesday when they visit LeBron James
and the Cleveland Cavaliers - who nearly became Jackson's new
team.

The mercurial Jackson was one of Golden State's leaders when it
went 48-34 in 2007-08 and stunned top-seeded Dallas in the first
round of the Western Conference playoffs, but he wasn't pleased
with his role as the leading scorer on a 29-win team last
season.

Jackson went public with a trade demand in August, clashed with
coach Don Nelson during an exhibition game and was suspended for
two more preseason games before relinquishing his role as
captain, issues that hung over the Warriors (3-6) during their
rocky start.

As Cleveland (7-3) continued to deal with the off-court
distractions involving guard Delonte West, the two teams spoke
about a trade that would have involved backup center Zydrunas
Ilgauskas. An agreement wasn't reached, however, and Golden
State shipped Jackson and Acie Law to Charlotte on Monday for
Bell and forward Vladimir Radmanovic.

"We can get back to playing basketball," Warriors general
manager Larry Riley said. "Our players had done a great job
doing everything they could to play through this and not let it
be a major distraction. We felt we needed to do this and move
on."

While shedding the remaining three years and $28 million on
Jackson's contract, the addition of Bell - known as a defensive
stopper - could also be significant for the Warriors, who allow
an NBA-high 113.7 points per game.

They could have certainly used Bell on Saturday. Golden State
allowed Milwaukee's Brandon Jennings score a team-record 55
points in the Bucks' 129-125 win, the most by a rookie since
Earl Monroe had 56 on Feb. 13, 1968.

He scored 29 points in the third period, the most in a quarter
against the Warriors.

To make matters worse, Golden State's Kelenna Azubuike suffered
a patella tendon injury in the first quarter and could be done
for the season.

Centers Andris Biedrins (right groin and abdominal inflammation)
and Ronny Turiaf (sprained knee) are out, as is power forward
Brandan Wright (shoulder), leaving Golden State with Mikki Moore
and Anthony Randolph as its only healthy big bodies.

The Warriors likely won't have to deal with Shaquille O'Neal on
Tuesday, however. Cleveland's big offseason acquisition missed
Saturday's game against Utah with a strained shoulder and is
listed as doubtful against Golden State.

"We can be cautious during this time of the year," coach Mike
Brown said. "We're not going to rush anybody back, let alone
Shaq."

James was held to 21 points after averaging 34.3 in the previous
three games, but he scored seven in the final 28.8 seconds as
the Cavaliers beat the Jazz 107-103 for their fourth straight
win.

"Anytime the game is close or I feel like we have an opportunity
to win, I hit the switch and say 'It's time to get going. It's
time for you to lead this team,"' James said. "That's what I'm
here for. I'm not afraid of the moment. I kind of live for it."

James had 32 points - the final two on a jumper at the buzzer -
to lift Cleveland to a 106-105 victory in Oakland on Jan. 23.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134533-Warriors-Cavaliers-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134533-Warriors-Cavaliers-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:02:47 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Shaquille O'Neal doubtful for Tuesday's game]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[INDEPENDENCE, Ohio(AP) -- Shaquille O'Neal's mysterious shoulder
injury is expected to keep him out of Cleveland's game Tuesday
against Golden State.

O'Neal, who's still receiving treatment, did not practice Monday
and is considered doubtful for the game. Cavaliers coach Mike
Brown would not say which shoulder was injured.

"We're not defining it anymore than just a shoulder strain,"
team spokesman Tad Carper said.

O'Neal was scratched minutes before Saturday's 107-103 victory
against Utah. If he is unable to play Tuesday, Zydrunas
Ilgauskas likely would start at center against the Warriors.

O'Neal appeared in 75 games last season for Phoenix, his most
since the 1999-00 season in Los Angeles. Brown previously has
said he would be careful with the 37-year-old during the regular
season in order to keep him fresh for the playoffs.

"We can be cautious during this time of the year," Brown said
Monday. "We're not going to rush anybody back, let alone Shaq.
Even though guys may miss a few practices here and there or a
few games here and there, this is the time to do it as opposed
to the end of the year."

O'Neal played in two physical games last week against Orlando
and Miami, scoring 10 points and grabbing four rebounds in 20
minutes against Dwight Howard and the Magic in a 102-93 win.
Cleveland (7-3) has won four straight and seven of its last
eight following an 0-2 start.

Cleveland plays four games in five nights this week, beginning
with the Warriors on Tuesday.

"Obviously, I think we're a very, very good club," Brown said.
"It's part of the ups and downs of a season when you have guys
that are injured or have a sickness. We have to go out there and
keep playing."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134483-Shaquille-ONeal-doubtful-for-Tuesdays-game</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134483-Shaquille-ONeal-doubtful-for-Tuesdays-game</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:24:24 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[James leads Cavaliers to 107-103 win against Utah]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CLEVELAND(AP) -- After LeBron James finished off Utah, Cleveland
coach Mike Brown called him Rembrandt. After James did it to
Miami on Thursday night, Brown called him Picasso.

Regardless of the artist, James is doing his best work in the
paint.

His three-point play on a drive to the basket Saturday night
with 28.8 seconds remaining lifted short-handed Cleveland to a
107-103 victory over the Jazz.

James was 6 of 15 from the floor, but scored seven points in the
last 28.8 seconds to finish with 21. He also had six rebounds
and nine assists. Cleveland (7-3), which was playing without
Shaquille O'Neal, has won four straight.

"The way that he has closed these last couple of games has been
remarkable," Brown said. "He's closing games with a killer
instinct."

James scored Cleveland's final eight points over the last 2:42
to beat Miami on Thursday. Against the Jazz, he did it again -
scoring the team's final eight points over the last minute.

"Anytime the game is close or I feel like we have an opportunity
to win, I hit the switch and say 'It's time to get going. It's
time for you to lead this team,"' James said. "That's what I'm
here for. I'm not afraid of the moment. I kind of live for it."

J.J. Hickson set a career high with 20 points, and Mo Williams
added 21 for Cleveland.

Carlos Boozer scored 25 points for Utah (4-6), which dressed
just nine players for the second straight game. The Jazz were
again without starting point guard Deron Williams, who missed
his second game while dealing with a medical issue regarding his
daughter.

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan doesn't know when Williams will rejoin
the team. Utah's next game is Wednesday night at home against
Toronto. The loss to Cleveland completed a 2-2 road trip for the
short-handed Jazz.

"Nobody cares what we've done," Sloan said. "We've got to go
home and get ready to play again and not worry about who's here
and all that stuff you can't talk about. I'll tell you what you
can talk about, playing and winning basketball games."

The Cavaliers' 3-point shooting - they were 7 of 14 in the first
half - staked them to a 16-point lead early in the second
quarter. Utah didn't take its first lead until a pair of Boozer
free throws with 1:56 remaining.

Eric Maynor, starting again for Utah in place of Williams,
scored a career-high 24 points. Okur, Wesley Matthews and Andrei
Kirilenko each added 13 for the Jazz.

Utah couldn't hold off James, who aligned Cleveland's defense
coming out of a critical timeout. His three-point play gave the
Cavaliers a 103-101 advantage, prompting the Jazz to call a
20-second timeout. As Cleveland aligned defensively, James
positioned Anthony Parker down low while he remained high to
guard against a 3-pointer.

The plan worked. Utah fumbled the inbounds pass before Kirilenko
hoisted a hurried 3-pointer that missed badly.

"What he told our guys to do on the floor at the end of the game
was awesome," Brown said. "LeBron defensively as a coach on the
last couple of plays was off the charts. It speaks volumes about
his intelligence and his feel for the game. He put everyone in
the right spot. And I thanked him for that."

It was Cleveland's fourth straight win against Utah and sixth
straight at home. Utah hasn't won in Cleveland since 2004.

O'Neal missed the game because of a strained shoulder, but
Hickson set a career high in points for the second straight
game. He had 18 against Miami, but topped that against the Jazz
with dunks, tip-ins and athleticism around the basket.

"I don't think I called a play for J.J. and I don't know if I
will," Brown said. "He's filling his role. He's playing off
others."

Hickson spent the summer tagging along with James, who invited
the second-year forward to travel the world with him so they
could work on his game together.

"I understand my role. I think that's a big part of it," said
Hickson, who was making his fourth start. "I'm going to take
full advantage until (opponents) start respecting me."

NOTES: Cleveland also was without Delonte West, who missed his
third straight game. West has been in and out of the lineup this
year as he deals with personal issues. ... Utah's last victory
in Cleveland was March 19, 2004. ... James isn't interested in
creating a legacy with an original number. James, who wants to
relinquish his No. 23 as a tribute to Michael Jordan, would
likely wear No. 6 next season. He would be following another
star in Julius Erving, who wore No. 6 with the Philadelphia
76ers. "It's nothing about who made it famous," James said. "Six
is just another number that I like."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134059-James-leads-Cavaliers-to-107-103-win-against-Utah</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/134059-James-leads-Cavaliers-to-107-103-win-against-Utah</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:38:04 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[O'Neal out of Cavaliers' lineup Saturday]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CLEVELAND(AP) -- Shaquille O'Neal was scratched from the Cleveland
Cavaliers' lineup Saturday night against Utah because of a
strained shoulder.

O'Neal started Cleveland's first nine games, averaging 11.3
points and 6.8 rebounds. Zydrunas Ilgauskas was expected to
start at center in place of O'Neal.

The announcement was made after coach Mike Brown's pregame
availability.

Cleveland also will be without guard Delonte West, who was
inactive for the third straight game. West has been in and out
of the lineup this season while dealing with personal issues.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/133965-ONeal-out-of-Cavaliers-lineup-Saturday</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/133965-ONeal-out-of-Cavaliers-lineup-Saturday</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:59:51 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Jazz-Cavaliers Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By KATE HEDLIN
STATS Writer

Utah (3-5) at Cleveland (6-3), 7:30 p.m. EDT

Playing without Deron Williams, the Utah Jazz received a lift
from two rookies in their last game. Duplicating that success
against the Cleveland Cavaliers might be more difficult.

The Jazz look to win back-to-back games for the first time this
season when they visit the Cavaliers on Saturday, hoping to get
Williams back in the lineup.

Before Friday's 112-90 win over Philadelphia, Utah (4-5)
announced that Williams had left the team to be with his family
for personal reasons. The point guard, who is averaging 20.4
points and 9.9 assists, issued a statement which read in part,
"We (he and his wife) both appreciate the support of the fans,
the Jazz organization and my teammates. I will return to the
court as soon as possible."

Williams' departure left the Jazz even more short-handed. The
team has struggled to be consistent this season in part due to
so many injuries. Besides Williams, Utah on Friday was missing
guards Ronnie Price (sprained left big toe) and Kyle Korver
(left knee surgery) as well as forwards Matt Harpring
(ankle/knee) and C.J. Miles  (left thumb surgery).

Williams said the Jazz were "soft" in a 105-86 loss to Boston on
Wednesday, but the team put together one of its better
performances Friday, reaching 100 points for the first time in
four games. Seven players finished in double figures, including
rookies Eric Maynor and Wesley Matthews, who were making their
first starts.

"They should be happy," coach Jerry Sloan said. "I don't think a
lot of people expected them to win."

Matthews scored 16 points while Maynor added 13 and a team-high
11 assists. Maynor had played only 31 total minutes this season
while Matthews has been used in a limited role as Andrei
Kirilenko's backup. Kirilenko came off the bench Friday with 13
points and six rebounds.

"With Deron out, we knew we had to step it up," said Carlos
Boozer, who scored 24 points. "You've really got to tip your hat
to the rookies."

The Jazz, who said Williams could be back in the lineup
Saturday, haven't won in Cleveland since 2004, losing five
straight there. Utah also has only one win against a team that
currently has a record above .500.

While having Williams back would help, he's struggled in his
career at Quicken Loans Arena, averaging 11.0 points in three
games. He missed his team's visit there last season because of a
left ankle sprain.

Cleveland (6-3) returns home after sweeping a three-game road
trip, which closed with a 111-104 victory at Miami on Thursday.
LeBron James scored 34 points, including Cleveland's final eight
points over the last 2:42.

James is averaging 34.3 points over his last three games.

"He closed the game with a killer instinct in the right way on
both ends of the floor," coach Mike Brown said. "Man, for me
that was so fun to watch. It's indescribable almost. He willed
the end of the game to go the way it did. It was flat-out
beautiful, like Picasso."

It was the highest-scoring game of the season for the Cavaliers,
who have picked things up offensively after averaging 93.5
points in their first four games. They are averaging 104.3
points in the last three contests while shooting 52.0 percent
from 3-point range.

Cleveland has won 10 of 13 against Utah, including the last
three in which James has averaged 37.0 points.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/133767-Jazz-Cavaliers-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/133767-Jazz-Cavaliers-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:24:36 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[James leads Cavs past Heat, 111-104]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By STEVEN WINE
AP Sports Writer

MIAMI(AP) -- Ninety minutes before tipoff, LeBron James stood at
his locker with a pair of scissors, trimming loose threads from
the front of his jersey.

He wanted to look good in his showdown with Dwyane Wade, and he
did, scoring 34 points to help the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the
Miami Heat 111-104 on Thursday night.

Wade scored 36 points but couldn't rally the Heat from an
11-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Instead, James had
Cleveland's final eight points over the last 2:42.

"He closed the game with a killer instinct in the right way on
both ends of the floor," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. "Man,
for me that was so fun to watch. It's indescribable almost. He
willed the end of the game to go the way it did. It was flat-out
beautiful, like Picasso."

James finished with seven assists and went 16 for 18 from the
free-throw line, while Wade was just as good for the Heat. His
baskets included a dunk that James said might make the NBA's
all-time top-10 list.

"I like playing against LeBron more than anybody else in the
league," Wade said. "He brings out the best in me, and I bring
out the best in him."

The All-Star duel took place amid speculation James and Wade
might become teammates next season.

"We knew because of D-Wade it was going to be a high-energy
game," said the Cavs' Shaquille O'Neal, who scored 14 points in
a return to his former home court. "It's very, very exciting
watching him and LeBron going back and forth."

Mo Williams made five 3-pointers and scored 25 points for the
Cavs. J.J. Hickson, making his third consecutive start, had a
career-high 18 points.

The Cavs' point total was a season high, and it came against a
team ranked third in the NBA in scoring defense.

"Giving up 111 points, that's not our style and that's not our
identity," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. "We won't win many
games like that."

Michael Beasley scored a season-high 24 points for the Heat, who
lost for only the second time. Cleveland won in Florida for the
second time in as many nights after beating Orlando on
Wednesday.

James and Wade shared a long embrace just before tipoff, and
they joked during a timeout near the end of the first half. They
can opt out of their contracts next year, and on Wednesday, Wade
said the pair have talked about going to the same team.

James then said he won't discuss free agency with reporters any
more until the end of the season. For now, at least, the two
good friends entertain as opponents.

"It's like being out back with your big brother or little
brother," James said. "You don't want him to get the upper edge.
You don't want them bragging and talking about it all week. Me
and D-Wade are always competing. We're friends and everything,
but when we're out on the court we're fierce rivals."

Wade made a 3-pointer, blocked a shot and sank another shot to
cut the margin to 103-99 with three minutes left, but the Heat
got no closer. James answered with a 3-pointer, then hit five
free throws to make it 111-102 with 57 seconds to go as the
arena quickly emptied.

"It starts with me - closing the games out," James said. "If I'm
being lax, if I'm not being aggressive and putting pressure on
the defense, the rest of the team is not going to do the same. I
just tried to put as much pressure as we could offensively,
tried to get as many stops as possible, and come out with a win.
We had played so well for most of the game, you don't want to
let a game like this get away."

Wade made the first highlight-footage contribution with a
driving dunk over 6-foot-11 Anderson Varejao.

"It was great, probably top 10 all-time," James said. "That was
an unbelievable play by a great player."

Wade and Varejao drew a double technical moments later for a
heated exchange.

Wade sank a 3-pointer over James with 4 seconds left in the
first quarter. James then hit a running 22-footer at the buzzer
to put the Cavs up 35-33.

James missed his first five shots but still scored 15 points in
the quarter.

Williams made seven consecutive shots during one stretch, and
his 3-pointers helped the Cavs take a 92-84 lead into the final
period.

NOTES: Michael Jordan watched sitting next to Heat president Pat
Riley. They were two rows behind Scottie Pippen, who sat
courtside. The crowd also included Dara Torres. ... Wade scored
at least 20 points for the 21st consecutive time, tying his
franchise record.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/133361-James-leads-Cavs-past-Heat-111-104</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/133361-James-leads-Cavs-past-Heat-111-104</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:26:13 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Cavs G West inactive again]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[MIAMI(AP) -- Troubled Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was
inactive for the second night in a row Thursday, and coach Mike
Brown says his status was day to day.

West made the trip to Miami but sat out against the Heat because
of an "internal matter," Brown said. That was the same reason
given for West missing Wednesday's win at Orlando.

West was indicted Nov. 3 on additional weapons and traffic
charges stemming from his Sept. 17 arrest for speeding on a
motorcycle and carrying multiple weapons. He has been treated in
the past for bipolar disorder, and his wife recently filed a
domestic violence report against him.

Brown said West's inactive status didn't create a major problem
regarding the rotation.

"In my mind I have a way I'm going to go if he's active, and if
he doesn't go, I have a slightly different way," Brown said.
"I'm good either way. You're talking about a guy that started
for us last year and is going to play minutes if he is
available. If he's not, somebody else has to step up."

West has scored 22 points in four games this season, all as a
reserve. He hasn't played since Friday.

He started last season for the Cavs and averaged 11.7 points per
game, then averaged 13.8 in the playoffs.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/133326-Cavs-G-West-inactive-again</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/133326-Cavs-G-West-inactive-again</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:16:48 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Cavaliers-Heat Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By MATT BECKER
STATS Senior Writer

Cleveland (4-3) at Miami (6-1), 8:00 p.m. EDT

In the ongoing drama surrounding next summer's free-agent class,
rumors have swirled of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who have
been teammates in All-Star games and the Olympics and are
friends off the court, teaming up to form a mega-tandem.

For the time being, James is focused on winning with the
Cleveland Cavaliers while Wade is trying to do the same with the
Miami Heat.

With his team starting to find its rhythm after a sluggish
start, James and the Cavaliers seek their sixth victory in seven
games Thursday night when they visit Wade and a Heat team trying
to open 7-1 for the first time in franchise history.

In nearly every arena James visits, the reigning league MVP has
been bombarded with questions of potentially opting out of his
contract at the end of this season and becoming a free agent.

Frustrated by the repeated questions about his future, James
said prior to Wednesday's 102-93 win in Orlando he would no
longer talk about the subject again this season.

"I think I owe it to myself, and I owe it to my teammates," he
said. "It's just getting old. I'm focusing on this season, and
this is going to be a really good season for us. I don't want
any more distractions for my teammates, for my organization, for
my family. This will be the last time I answer a free agent
question for the rest of the year."

On the court, James' Cavaliers (5-3) have won five of six after
opening the season with consecutive losses. The latest victory
over the Magic was arguably their biggest.

Cleveland was unable to slow down Orlando center Dwight Howard
in last season's Eastern Conference finals, and got eliminated
in six games. To prevent that from happening again, the Cavs
traded for Shaquille O'Neal in the offseason.

Although the 37-year-old center is no longer the unstoppable
force he once was, he helped to justify the trade by limiting
Howard to 11 points Wednesday and forcing him into foul trouble.

O'Neal finished with 10 points and four rebounds while James led
the way with 36 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

O'Neal is now set to return to Miami for only the second time as
an opponent since helping Wade and the Heat win the 2006 NBA
championship.

Miami has won just three playoff games since then - all coming
last season in a first-round exit to Atlanta - but is looking
strong early in 2009-10.

The Heat (6-1) defeated Washington 90-76 on Tuesday, matching
the 1999-2000 club for the best start in franchise history.

"It feels good to be winning," Miami guard Quentin Richardson
said despite going scoreless against the Wizards.

Although the Heat are off to a fast start, they've only played
two teams with winning records, splitting those contests. They
feel this matchup against one of the early championship
favorites is a significant test.

"You can say that Cleveland's one of the top teams in the
Eastern Conference with Boston and Orlando," Miami point guard
Mario Chalmers said. "We're just trying to prove ourselves,
prove that we belong right up there with the best."

Wade scored 41 points Tuesday, the second time in three games
the five-time All-Star has topped 40, both against Washington.

Wade was limited to 29 points or fewer in all four meetings with
the Cavs last season, only one of which Miami won.

James averaged 31.8 points with one triple-double in the 2008-09
season series, and scored 80 total points in the two games in
Miami.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nba]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/133143-Cavaliers-Heat-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nba/news/133143-Cavaliers-Heat-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:44:11 GMT</pubDate>
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