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James, Cavs try and stave off elimination in Boston

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05/13/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - You can blame it on the balky elbow, a shaky supporting cast or the numerous off-court distractions that follow the NBA's best player around on a daily basis.

Whatever the excuse, LeBron James will head to TD Garden tonight knowing his legacy in Cleveland is on the line, as the Cavs try and stave off elimination in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the underdog Boston Celtics.

Persistent rumors have James opting-out of his contract after the season for the lure of the bright lights in the big city, either New York or Chicago. So, the two-time reigning NBA MVP, who is coming off one of the worst playoff performances of his career during the pivotal Game 5 of the set in Cleveland on Tuesday, could be playing his last game in a Cavs uniform tonight.

Ray Allen went 6-of-9 from three-point range en route to 25 points in Game 5, as the Celtics used a balanced scoring attack and a strong defensive effort to rout the Cavaliers, 120-88, and take the 3-2 series advantage.

Paul Pierce, who had averaged just under 12 points in this series prior to Tuesday, added 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for Boston, which is on the verge of eliminating Cleveland from the postseason for the second time in three years.

Kevin Garnett posted 18 points and six boards, while Rajon Rondo had 16 with seven assists.

"We're a defensive team that can score the ball, and we have to hang our hat on that," Garnett said.

The Celtics now stand one game away from facing the Orlando Magic in the conference finals. Boston used its trademark defense to hold Cleveland to 41.2 percent from the field while winning the rebounding battle, 41-31.

"It was team defense," said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. "I thought our guys -- Rondo, all of them -- they got into their space, they showed help the entire game. Every single guy was in the right spot the entire game, and I thought that was more than one individual. In terms of a group, this was one of our best defensive jobs."

Most notably affected was James, who ended with just 15 points and didn't record his first field goal until midway through the third quarter. He shot a miserable 3-of-14 from the field and was held under 20 points in a postseason game for the first time since scoring 12 on May 6, 2008 against these same Celtics.

"I think (the Celtics') defense had a bit to do with (my performance) because they're on the court and they're aggressive," James said. "I just missed a lot of shots I'm capable of making. You don't see it out of me a lot, so when you see it, it's a big surprise."

Shaquille O'Neal chipped in with 21 points, but the rest of the Cavs were largely held in check. Anthony Parker had 14 points, but Antawn Jamison and Mo Williams combined to shoot 7-of-18 and had nine points apiece.

"Tough game. It's a disappointing game," said Cavs head coach Mike Brown. "There was little that we did right throughout the course of the game. We can't dismiss this game. We have to look at it and see what we can do better next game. In Game 6, we'll learn a lot about ourselves, and that's what we have to get ready for."

The Cavs and Celtics split four games in the regular season while both clubs finished off their opening round opponents this year in just five games, as Cleveland dispensed of Central Division rival Chicago, and the Celtics sent the Miami Heat back to South Beach.

The teams have met four times previously in the postseason dating back to the 1975-76 season when Boston won the Eastern Conference finals over the Cavs in six games. The C's also won a first round series over Cleveland in 1984-85, and in the East semis in 2007-08. The Cavs only win in the postseason over Boston came in the East semifinals during the 1991-92 season, also a seven- game set.

A deciding Game 7, if necessary, will be back in Cleveland on Sunday.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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