Tag: defending

NBA: LeBron confident as NBA playoffs begin

by Rob Woollard Agence France Presse LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — LeBron James believes the Cleveland Cavaliers are ready to defend their NBA crown as the postseason gets under way this weekend with the Golden State Warriors desperate to reclaim their throne. The Cavaliers stumbled into the playoffs after an erratic finale to the regular season which saw them pipped for the number one ranking in the Eastern Conference by the Boston Celtics. But […]

NBA: Green’s suspension hurts Warriors defense in key loss

by Jim SLATER OAKLAND, United States (AFP) — Defending NBA champion Golden State dearly felt the absence of suspended forward Draymond Green in Monday’s 112-97 loss to Cleveland, the Warriors’ usually stiff defense shattered by LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. James and Irving each scored 41 points in powering the Cavaliers to a must-win victory that pulled Cleveland within 3-2 in the best-of-seven series and forced a sixth game Thursday in Cleveland. Green was banned […]

NBA: Curry, LeBron showdown set in Cavs-Warriors repeat final

by Jim SLATER OAKLAND, United States (AFP) — Anticipation was building Thursday for the start of an NBA Finals rematch between the defending champion Golden State Warriors, sparked by sharpshooter Stephen Curry, and the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers. From signs around the Bay Area to people wearing caps and shirts with the Warriors’ yellow and blue colors and a mounting buzz of activity at Oakland’s Oracle Arena, there was a sense that the 70th edition […]