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    Kyrie Irving regrets fallout with LeBron James, Cavaliers: ‘Definitely would’ve won more championships’

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    Kyrie Irving expressed regret for wanting a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers instead of staying with LeBron James to compete for more NBA titles. 

    Irving and James were an electric duo in Cleveland, making it to the NBA finals in four straight years and winning a championship together in 2016. 

    During an appearance on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast that aired Monday, Irving suggested they could have won more titles if he had been more mature and hadn’t requested a trade in the summer of 2017 – one year after winning a championship. 

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    Kyrie Irving #2 and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after a play in the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

    “If I was in the same maturity line and understanding of who I am, and I look back at that time then, we definitely, definitely would’ve won more championships, because there would’ve been a better man-to-man understanding about what I’m going through,” Irving said. “I didn’t know how to share my emotions. I didn’t know how to do that. So instead of sharing, I isolated myself.”

    “I just started pouring myself more into the game of basketball and I had one of my better seasons, but I wasn’t connecting with everybody as much during our championship year. So in 2017, it was a different year for us. We went against Golden State, we went against a great team. When you’re not a great team, and you’re not clicking on all cylinders and together, you’re easily defeated. You’re defeated before you can get to the arena.” 

    Both James and Irving were part of the Cavaliers squad that came back from a 3-1 deficit against the Warriors during the 2016 NBA Finals. Irving made a clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter of Game 7 to complete the comeback. 

    But a year later, Irving requested a trade from the Cavaliers, leading some to assume he left due to a rift between him and James. Irving said he is reminded of the fact he requested a trade to this day.

    NIKE MAY NOT RENEW KYRIE IRVING’S SIGNATURE SHOE DEAL: REPORT

    “I’m continuously reminded over and over again, ‘Yo, you left Bron. How can you do that?’” he said. “You got his fanbase, you got my fanbase, and you got team fanbases going at it, ‘Yo why couldn’t this work?’” And I say this, I asked for a trade because I was looking for something different. I was a man of my word when I went to the organization, I sat the higher ups down and said, ‘Look, I know y’all have future plans, tell me right now.’ They told me their future plans, I said, ‘Look, this isn’t for me.’”

    Irving added that he regretted not speaking to James before requesting out of Cleveland. 

    Tristan Thompson #13 sets a pick as Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

    “We didn’t talk during that time,” Irving admitted. “Again, when I look back on what I was going through at that time, I wish I did, because it would’ve been a mutual understanding of what the future will hold for both of us, and we know how much power we both had together. Me and him in the league together running Cleveland, and then being able to put a better team together every single year would’ve definitely been worth it.” 

    Irving played 29 games for the Brooklyn Nets last season, averaging 27.4 points and 5.8 assists per game. He made his Nets 2021-22 season debut on Jan. 5 and was a big reason why Brooklyn was able to limp into the playoffs. 

    Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving reacts after hitting a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of the opening basketball game of the NBA play-in tournament Tuesday, April 12, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

    Irving had refused to get a coronavirus vaccine and was ruled out by the organization at the start of the season. He later returned to play away games before New York City dropped its mandate.

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    It’s unclear whether Irving will be back with the Nets at this point, though he said at his end-of-season press conference that he wanted to be back.

    Cavaliers guard Rajon Rondo accused of pulling gun during outburst with family: reports

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    The mother of Rajon Rondo’s children has been granted an emergency protective order against the Cleveland Cavaliers guard after he “became enraged” last week and threatened her life, according to multiple reports. 

    Ashley Bachelor filled the EPO in Jefferson County Family Court May 13 after Rondo was accused of pulling a gun on his family at their Louisville home May 11. 

    “I am extremely fearful for my safety and for the safety of my children,” Bachelor wrote in the EPO, according to Louisville’s WDRB-TV. “Rajon has a history of volatile, erratic, explosive behavior … I am beyond fearful that Rajon will return and attempt to harm myself or the children and make good on his threats to end my life.”

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    Rajon Rondo #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles during the second half of the Eastern Conference 2022 Play-In Tournament against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

    According to the EPO, Bachelor said Rondo was playing video games with their son when she asked the child to finish separating his laundry. When the child got up, she said Rondo ripped the video game console out of the wall, smashed a tea cup plate, and began yelling. 

    Rondo later knocked over the trash cans outside the home, stomped on the landscaping lights, and pulled his car onto the lawn, she said. When Bachelor confronted Rondo over the incident, he responded “You’re dead,” according to the EPO.

    “The children were extremely upset and distressed with having seen Rajon become so enraged and violent,” Bachelor said.

    Rondo briefly left the house before he came back and beat on the window with a gun, Bachelor said. She added that Rondo, who was still holding the gun, started yelling at the kids, and asked why they were scared of him, according to the EPO. 

    CAVALIERS OVERCOME INJURIES, SHOW PROMISE IN BOUNCE-BACK SEASON

    Bachelor said she contacted former interim Louisville Metro Police chief Yvette Gentry who arrived at the house, but Rondo wouldn’t let Gentry inside.

    Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (4) stands during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021.  (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu, File)

    The woman later locked herself in the house with the children, the outlet reported. At some point, Gentry told Bachelor that Rondo had left, and she had possession of the gun. 

    A judge granted Bachelor temporary custody of their two children and Rondo must stay at least 500 feet away. Rondo was reportedly ordered to surrender any firearms in his possession.

    In a statement to ESPN, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said the league was “aware of the report and are in the process of gathering more information.”

    Rondo has played with nine teams during his 16 seasons in the NBA, including nine seasons with the Boston Celtics. He won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008 and another with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

    April 11, 2012: Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) looks to pass against the double-team by Atlanta Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich and forward Josh Smith (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Boston. (AP)

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    Rondo is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. 

    Ex-NBA first-round pick suffers head injury after scary fall in Israeli basketball game, sends fans message

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    Former NBA first-round pick Ante Zizic was taken to the hospital on Monday after suffering a head injury in a scary fall during an Israeli Basketball Premier League game.

    The Maccabi Tel Aviv center was run into by a player from Hapoel Haifa and fell backward, slamming his head onto the court during the first half. The game was stopped for 20 minutes. Zizic lost consciousness and was taken to a hospital for further tests, according to Euro Hoops. He would later regain consciousness and stay overnight.

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    Tyler Dorsey of Olympiacos Piraeus defends against Ante Zizic of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at Peace and Friendship Stadium on Nov. 19, 2021 in Athens, Greece. (Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)

    The 6-foot-10 former Cleveland Cavaliers player sent a message to fans early Tuesday.

    “Hi everybody, thank you for all the messages and support. I love you all,” he said in the video posted to the Maccabi Tel Aviv account. “I feel way better right now and I will see you soon.”

    FANS ‘ATTEMPTED TO GIVE UNWANTED HUGS’ TO CHRIS PAUL’S FAMILY SPARKING EJECTION, TEAM SAYS

    Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki looks to pass as Cleveland Cavaliers center Ante Zizic defends at American Airlines Center on March 16, 2019, in Dallas. (Kevin Jairaj-USA Today Sports)

    The Boston Celtics selected Zizic with the No. 23 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He would never see the floor for the Celtics and by the summer of 2017 he was included in a trade that sent Jae Crowder, Isaiah Thomas and two draft picks to the Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving.

    Zizic appeared in 32 games for the Cavaliers during the 2017-18 season, averaging 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. He played for Cleveland until the 2019-20 season.

    Ante Zizic of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in action against Anadolu Efes Istanbul at Sinan Erdem Dome on Feb. 24, 2022, in Turkey. (Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)

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    He signed with Maccabi in 2020 and helped them win an Israeli Cup.

    Cavaliers’ Kevin Love has message for critics after bounce back year: ‘F— what THEY think’

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    Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers reflected on the 2021-22 season and how he battled back from a down 2020-21 campaign and criticism during the offseason to finishing runner-up in the Sixth Man of the Year Award voting.

    Love embraced and thrived in a bench role with the Cavaliers and had Cleveland in the thick of the playoff hunt all season. If not for a few untimely injuries down the stretch, the Cavaliers may have been playing in the first round of the playoffs instead of fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament.

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    Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love smiles after a play during the second half of a game against the Miami Heat Dec. 1, 2021, in Miami.  (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

    Love averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 74 games, the most he’s appeared in since the 2015-16 season.

    “After the most frustrating injury of my career in the 20-21 season and an exit from USA Basketball in the summer due to not feeling fully healed and in shape — many people said I was done,” the 5-time All-Star wrote in an Instagram post. “Some even went as far to say ‘Love should soon consider retirement…’. This even came from some I thought I respected and to my face and behind my back were Fugazi. I never let that commentary shake my belief system. 

    “I reevaluated a lot of relationships but took the time to a–es the guy in the mirror first. I worked my a– off to come in to the season healthy with the goal of being available and the mindset of helping lead a young team in taking the next step. Be the vet I never had early in my career. Help build a winning culture that permeates no matter the lineup. To the (dogs) – you know old man loves you!!”

    Love was selected to U.S. basketball team for the Olympics last summer but was immediately hammered with criticism from ESPN’s Jalen Rose, who said Love’s appearance on the team was akin to “tokenism.”

    Kevin Love (0) high-fives Lauri Markkanen (24) and Cedi Osman (16) of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2022 play-in tournament April 12, 2022, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

    Love eventually left the team, citing “performance level.”

    CAVS’ KEVIN LOVE SUMS UP TEAM’S SURPRISING SUCCESS: ‘COMBINATION OF A LOT OF THINGS’

    “Sacrifice gives back more than it costs,” Love added in his post. “For this team to make a leap — I had to sacrifice and come off the bench for the first time since my Sophomore season in the NBA 13 years ago. I didn’t fight it, I was hungry to have positive impact and produce like I always have. I’m thankful for JB (Bickerstaff)’s transparency and trust. You allowed me to be the best version of myself. It’ll always be bigger than basketball with us.

    “Numbers don’t lie…so I’m gonna just list a few here. For bench players I led the league in double doubles. Broke a franchise record for 3pt FG’s off the bench. Lead the team with 187 3pt FG’s. Tied as the league leader in charges taken. As for my goal of being available — I lead the team in games played and outside of games missed due to covid — played in every game.”

    He said being the runner-up as a sixth man was important to him because he was focused on earning his respect back.

    “Reaffirmations — Never be defined by what other people say you are. Almost all of the time people don’t see the view or perspective from the floor of the arena. A lot of seats in the arena are filled with those who have never ventured out onto the floor — they throw shade at a safe distance.”

    Kevin Love (0) of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to pass as Kevin Durant (7) of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the second half of the Eastern Conference 2022 play-in tournament at Barclays Center April 12, 2022, in Brooklyn. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

    Lastly, to his teammates, followers and critics, Love had a message.

    “So keep showing up.

    “Remain hungry.

    “And f— what THEY think.”

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    Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro picked up the Sixth Man of the Year Award. Herro received 96 first-place votes to Love’s three. Phoenix Suns forward Cam Johnson also received a first-place vote.

    Cavaliers’ Kevin Love has message for critics after bounce back year: ‘F— what THEY think’

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    Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers reflected on the 2021-22 season and how he battled back from a down 2020-21 campaign and criticism during the offseason to finishing runner-up in the Sixth Man of the Year Award voting.

    Love embraced and thrived in a bench role with the Cavaliers and had Cleveland in the thick of the playoff hunt all season. If not for a few untimely injuries down the stretch, the Cavaliers may have been playing in the first round of the playoffs instead of fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament.

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    Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love smiles after a play during the second half of a game against the Miami Heat Dec. 1, 2021, in Miami.  (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

    Love averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 74 games, the most he’s appeared in since the 2015-16 season.

    “After the most frustrating injury of my career in the 20-21 season and an exit from USA Basketball in the summer due to not feeling fully healed and in shape — many people said I was done,” the 5-time All-Star wrote in an Instagram post. “Some even went as far to say ‘Love should soon consider retirement…’. This even came from some I thought I respected and to my face and behind my back were Fugazi. I never let that commentary shake my belief system. 

    “I reevaluated a lot of relationships but took the time to a–es the guy in the mirror first. I worked my a– off to come in to the season healthy with the goal of being available and the mindset of helping lead a young team in taking the next step. Be the vet I never had early in my career. Help build a winning culture that permeates no matter the lineup. To the (dogs) – you know old man loves you!!”

    Love was selected to U.S. basketball team for the Olympics last summer but was immediately hammered with criticism from ESPN’s Jalen Rose, who said Love’s appearance on the team was akin to “tokenism.”

    Kevin Love (0) high-fives Lauri Markkanen (24) and Cedi Osman (16) of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2022 play-in tournament April 12, 2022, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

    Love eventually left the team, citing “performance level.”

    CAVS’ KEVIN LOVE SUMS UP TEAM’S SURPRISING SUCCESS: ‘COMBINATION OF A LOT OF THINGS’

    “Sacrifice gives back more than it costs,” Love added in his post. “For this team to make a leap — I had to sacrifice and come off the bench for the first time since my Sophomore season in the NBA 13 years ago. I didn’t fight it, I was hungry to have positive impact and produce like I always have. I’m thankful for JB (Bickerstaff)’s transparency and trust. You allowed me to be the best version of myself. It’ll always be bigger than basketball with us.

    “Numbers don’t lie…so I’m gonna just list a few here. For bench players I led the league in double doubles. Broke a franchise record for 3pt FG’s off the bench. Lead the team with 187 3pt FG’s. Tied as the league leader in charges taken. As for my goal of being available — I lead the team in games played and outside of games missed due to covid — played in every game.”

    He said being the runner-up as a sixth man was important to him because he was focused on earning his respect back.

    “Reaffirmations — Never be defined by what other people say you are. Almost all of the time people don’t see the view or perspective from the floor of the arena. A lot of seats in the arena are filled with those who have never ventured out onto the floor — they throw shade at a safe distance.”

    Kevin Love (0) of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to pass as Kevin Durant (7) of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the second half of the Eastern Conference 2022 play-in tournament at Barclays Center April 12, 2022, in Brooklyn. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

    Lastly, to his teammates, followers and critics, Love had a message.

    “So keep showing up.

    “Remain hungry.

    “And f— what THEY think.”

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    Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro picked up the Sixth Man of the Year Award. Herro received 96 first-place votes to Love’s three. Phoenix Suns forward Cam Johnson also received a first-place vote.

    Cavaliers overcome injuries, show promise in bounce-back season

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    The mood in the Cavaliers‘ locker room alternated between disbelief and delight in the raw moments following their play-in loss to Atlanta.

    Pain mixed with pride.

    And as Cleveland’s players — many of them with zero postseason experience — reflected on falling short of the playoffs after all they endured over the past months, one sentiment trumped all others.

    “We had a hell of a year,” said All-Star center Jarrett Allen, who returned Friday for the last game after missing 19 straight with a broken finger. “A lot has happened this year — positive, negative, but we look at all the times that we did play well, and we came together.

    “And that was all positive.”

    The Cavaliers seemingly came out of nowhere to double their win total from 2021 (22 to 44) and make the play-in tournament, doing it despite losing leading scorer Collin Sexton and veteran guard Ricky Rubio to season-ending knee injuries and adversity that might have fractured other teams.

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    Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen (31) defends Atlanta Hawks Trae Young (11) during the first half of an NBA play-in basketball game Friday, April 15, 2022, in Cleveland.  (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)

    But these young Cavs were connected, woven together by a combination of youth, dedication and sacrifice. They acted and played more like a college team, willing to share the ball and spotlight.

    “This was the most fun I’ve had since I’ve been in the NBA,” said coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who received a contract extension in December and then played 29 different starting lineups due to the injuries. “I didn’t have one bad day with these guys going to work. Wins, losses, ups and downs, but every single day we went to work together we enjoyed each other and that’s special.

    “We’re headed in the right direction for sure.”

    With a talented core led by All-Star guard Darius Garland and rookie forward Evan Mobley, who not only lived up to expectations as the No. 3 overall pick but exceeded them, the Cavs have the look and feel of a team on the brink of something big.

    While there was major growth during this turnaround season, the Cavs, who won just 60 games in the previous three seasons, had some recurring problems that never got fixed.

    They got up for big games, raising their intensity and physicality when taking on some of the league’s elite teams. But there were too many letdowns and struggles against lesser opponents, ones the Cavs should have beaten.

    Cleveland never corrected a bad habit of blowing leads, with Friday’s the latest example. Led by the irrepressible Trae Young, who made 10 of 14 shots and scored 32 of his 38 points after halftime, the Hawks overcame a double-digit deficit to finish the Cavs’ season.

    But as the team walked off the floor of Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, which rocked again the way it did when LeBron James was in Cleveland, fans saluted the Cavs with applause that was as much about anticipation as appreciation.

    The future appears bright.

    “We’re set up to be good for a very long time,” said forward Kevin Love, “and set up to make potentially some very special runs.”

    SEXTON’S FUTURE

    His season ended after just 11 games, but Sexton stayed close to the Cavs while rehabbing following surgery. He was a constant positive presence on Cleveland’s bench, acting as part-time cheerleader and coach.

    “It was good just to be around the guys and even though we came up short, we still had a phenomenal season,” he said Saturday in his first interview since getting hurt. “It was tough watching. But I know I’ll be out there my my team real soon next season, ready to go.”

    The Cavs couldn’t finalize a contract extension with Sexton before the season, and he’ll be a restricted free agent this summer but he’s hoping to stay in Cleveland for years to come.

    “I want to be a part of this organization,” he said. “I want to be part of this team and I feel like we’re at a point where we’re almost there. I feel like I can be part of that and get us to the playoffs.”

    GARLAND GROWS

    Motivated after a summer working with the U.S. Olympic team, Garland had a gold-medal season.

    The 22-year-old established himself as one of the league’s top point guards, improving in virtually every statistical category (21.7 points, 8.6 assists) in his third year while developing as a leader.

    “He grew so much,” Bickerstaff said after Friday’s loss. “He separated himself from the pack and he needs to keep going. This one moment, it doesn’t define him. What I know this moment will do is motivate him.”

    MOBLEY’S YEAR

    Not even 21, Mobley had moments where he played like a 10-year veteran.

    He averaged 15 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, but most impressive was that he got better and better as the season progressed and there’s a league-wide belief Mobley will just keep ascending.

    “We fully expect him to be the Rookie of the Year,” Love said. “He has earned it and obviously crossing our fingers for that. But to me I think about the journey from his first practice to even last night how much he’s grown, and at the same time I laugh because he hasn’t even scratched the surface yet.”

    Trae Young’s 38 lift Hawks past Cavs for No. 8 playoff seed

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    Trae Young scored 32 of his 38 points in the second half and the Atlanta Hawks overcame losing center Clint Capela to a knee injury to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-101 in the play-in on Friday night and earn the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 playoff seed.

    Young started slowly for the second straight game, but “Ice Trae,” as he fancies himself, heated up when it mattered most.

    The All-Star guard scored 16 points in third quarter to rally the Hawks from a 10-point halftime deficit, and added another 16 in the fourth to finish off the Cavs, whose inexperience showed throughout the second half.

    Bogdan Bogdanovic added 19 points for Atlanta, which will play No. 1 seed Miami in the first round. Game 1 is Sunday in South Florida.

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    Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young reacts to a foul call during the first half of the team’s NBA play-in basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, April 15, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Nick Cammett)

    The Hawks, who made it to the conference finals a year ago, may have to go forward without Capela. The 6-foot-10 center hyperextended his right knee late in the first half, had to be helped from the floor and couldn’t return.

    Lauri Markkanen scored 26 and Darius Garland 21 for the young Cavaliers, whose unexpected season fell just shy of a playoff berth.

    Cleveland hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2018, and the Cavs haven’t been to the postseason without LeBron James on their roster since 1998.

    As if to add insult to injury, James tweeted an emoji of an ice cube in the closing seconds — a nod to Young — as the Hawks were ending Cleveland’s season.

    Lifted by a rowdy, towel-waving crowd in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Cavs were in position to advance and played well in long stretches. However, Cleveland’s offense bogged down in the third quarter, and the Cavs had no answer defensively for Young.

    As the final seconds ticked off, Young waved goodbye as the Cleveland crowd thinned out and headed to the exits.

    Those who stayed saluted the Cavs, who weren’t expected to get this far after winning just 22 games last season. While they’ve been relegated to lottery picks and losing since James left after a four-year run to the NBA Finals four years ago, the future in Cleveland is bright.

    With the season on the line, Cleveland got a huge emotional and defensive lift by the return of All-Star center Jarrett Allen, who had missed the previous 19 games with a broken finger on his left hand. Allen finished with 11 points.

    The Hawks were in big trouble late in the third quarter, when Young finally heated up.

    Ignoring some vulgar chants by Cleveland fans, the dazzling guard made a pair of 3-pointers and scored Atlanta’s final 12 points in the quarter as the Hawks closed with a 17-8 run over the final 3:48 to tie it 84-all going into to the final 12 minutes.

    Markkanen made four 3-pointers and Cleveland hit six shots from long range in the first 12 minutes to open an 11-point lead after one.

    Atlanta helped with some sloppy play and committed seven turnovers, four by Young.

    But once he started taking care of the ball, and making shots, there was no stopping him.

    TIP-INS

    Hawks: Danilo Gallinari added 14 points. … Young averaged 32.5 points in four games against Cleveland in the regular season. … F/C John Collins (finger, foot) and Lou Williams (back) both sat out. … Committed a league-low 11.9 turnovers per game during the regular season.

    Cavaliers: Kevin Love only played 10 minutes — one in the second half. … Cleveland’s 22-win improvement was the second biggest in club history. The 1991-92 Cavs made a 24-game jump.

    CLEVELAND ROCKS

    It was an extraordinary sports night in Cleveland.

    While the Hawks and Cavaliers tangled with a postseason spot up for grabs, the Guardians played their first home game since changing their name next door at Progressive Field.

    The doubleheader was reminiscent of 2016, when the Cavs received the NBA title rings on opening night as Cleveland’s baseball team, then called the Indians, hosted a World Series game.

    UP NEXT

    Hawks: Atlanta went 1-3 vs. Miami during the season.

    Cavaliers: More time to rest up after an injury-ravaged season.

    Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant lead Nets past Cavs in play-in for No. 7 seed

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    Kyrie Irving had 34 points and 12 assists, Kevin Durant added 25 points and 11 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets took the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-108 on Tuesday night in the play-in opener.

    The Nets raced to a 20-point lead after one quarter and turned the Cavaliers away time and time again to earn a matchup with No. 2 seed Boston in a series that begins Sunday.

    Irving made his first 12 shots before a 3-pointer rimmed out in the fourth quarter. He finished 12 for 15.

    A preseason NBA Finals favorite who sputtered through a turbulent season and were in 10th place entering the last week of the regular season, the Nets have run off five straight wins. With Durant and Irving, they are far more dangerous than the usual No. 7 seed.

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    Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving reacts after hitting a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of the opening basketball game of the NBA play-in tournament Tuesday, April 12, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

    And both are willing to give the ball to teammates who are capitalizing when they get it. Bruce Brown had 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while Andre Drummond scored 16 points.

    Darius Garland scored 34 points for the Cavaliers, who have another chance to earn the No. 8 seed. They will host the winner of the Atlanta-Charlotte game on Friday, with the winner moving on to face No. 1 seed Miami.

    Brooklyn and Cleveland both went 44-38 but the Nets clinched the tiebreaker by beating the Cavs at Barclays Center last Friday to finish 3-1 against them. Cleveland was confident it could come back to Brooklyn and win, though it was clear quickly just how difficult that would be.

    The Nets made nearly 71% of their shots in the first quarter — Irving and Durant combined to make all eight of theirs — and closed the period with a 15-3 spurt that made it 40-20. It was a bigger lead than Brooklyn had in any first quarter during the regular season.

    The offense sputtered, as it usually does, when Durant went to the bench to start the second and Cleveland went on a 9-2 run to cut it to 13. The margin stayed right around there the remainder of the half, with the Cavs missing a number of open looks before Irving’s jumper at the buzzer made it 57-43. That made him 9 for 9 at the break.

    The Cavaliers, trying to extend a surprising season that saw them double their win total from a season ago, kept chipping away in the second half. But they would too often miss an open 3-pointer or give up an extra possession on an offensive rebound that the Nets would take advantage of.

    Nic Claxton had 13 points and nine rebounds for Brooklyn.

    TIP-INS

    Cavaliers: Evan Mobley scored 19 points and Kevin Love had 14 points and 13 rebounds. … The Cavaliers remained without All-Star center Jarrett Allen because of a broken finger.

    Nets: Irving’s 9-for-9 first half wasn’t even his best for Brooklyn. He was 10 for 10 against Chicago on Jan. 31, 2020. … Brooklyn went 1-3 against Boston during the regular season. The Nets beat the Celtics 4-1 in the first round last season. … Goran Dragic returned after missing the end of the regular season in health and safety protocols. He had three points in 10 minutes.

    SUBWAY SHOOTING

    The Nets and the New York Liberty Foundation announced before a moment of silence that they were donating $50,000 to help those who were injured after at least 10 people were shot on a subway Tuesday. The shooting occurred at the subway stop closest to the Nets’ training facility.

    SIMMONS STATUS

    Nash said Ben Simmons is moving better and doing more shooting, but there still was no timetable for when he could finally play for the Nets. Simmons, who sat on the bench wearing a matching green jacket and shorts, has battled back problems since not long after being acquired from Philadelphia in February.

    “So definitely positive signs, improving and moving and all those things, but like I said he hasn’t been running full speed or playing against anybody,” Nash said. “So still a lot of markers to meet.”

    CENTER OF ATTENTION

    Allen seemed poised to return for the play-in game, but the Cavaliers’ big man isn’t quite ready.

    Bickerstaff said the All-Star, who came to Cleveland from the Nets in a trade last season, did individual drills the past two days, when the team’s focus at practice had to be on the available players to get ready for Brooklyn.

    “He’s doing well,” said coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who has been without Allen for more than a month. “He’s working out; he’s starting to do more with both hands. We’re just kind of in a wait-and-see.”

    Nets react to ‘devastating’ Brooklyn subway shooting that left dozens injured

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    A gunman set off a smoke canister and opened fire inside a New York City subway train and station, injuring at least 28 people during the morning commute on Tuesday.

    A manhunt is underway for the suspect, who shot at least 10 people at the 36th Street station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, about a half-mile from the Nets’ practice facility in the borough. 

    “It’s obviously a very tragic morning,” Nets coach Steve Nash said, via ESPN. “We’re devastated for the community and for those directly involved. I don’t know a lot of the details, so I don’t want to get too far into it, but we’re just all concerned for everyone involved. And at the same time try to prepare and be focused on our task at hand.”

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Head coach Steve Nash talks with referee Ken Mauer #41 during game 5 of the Eastern Conference second round at Barclays Center on June 15, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    The attack started around 8:24 a.m., as a Manhattan-bound N train approached the 36th St. station in Sunset Park.

    “They sent us a text saying there might be some traffic, but I don’t know why,” Kevin Durant said. “And then you look through your phone and see stuff.”

    Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in New York. The Nets won 114-105.  (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

    After arriving at the practice facility ahead of the Nets’ play-in home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday evening, Durant said he could hear the sounds of helicopters and sirens outside.

    NBA PLAY-IN TOURNAMENT 2022: WHAT TO KNOW

    “It’s devastating,” Durant said after the team finished its walkthrough practice. “I don’t know the details. To hear the sirens out front of the practice facility and see so much commotion going on outside, you hope and pray for the best for everybody involved.”

    “Guys pretty much heard stories on social media, through their phones, and hopefully we can get this figured out,” he added. “And people [can be] safe. I know it’s a couple people shot. It’s an unfortunate situation. Hopefully they get it figured out.”

    NYPD Counterterrorism units responded to the scene, while additional units, including police K9s and heavy weaponry, have been deployed to subway stations around New York City, a high-ranking law enforcement source told Fox News Digital. 

    This photo provided by Will B Wylde, a person is aided outside a subway car in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Tuesday, April 12, 2022. A gunman filled a rush-hour subway train with smoke and shot multiple people Tuesday, leaving wounded commuters bleeding on a Brooklyn platform as others ran screaming, authorities said. Police were still searching for the suspect. (Will B Wylde via AP)

    Nash said he didn’t find out about the tragedy until around the time the team started its walkthrough practice. Some team staffers who take the subway were reportedly all accounted for, and the Nets were preparing as if the game on Tuesday night would go on as scheduled.

    “I hate violence, I hate senseless violence,” Durant said. “Hopefully we can figure out the details and get everybody to safety and get everybody the help that they need, but it’s a tough situation right now.”

    Goran Dragic, who arrived at the practice facility before the incident, said he later talked with assistant coach Jordan Ott about how close the shooting was to the team facility.

    “[Ott] was saying, ‘You see that yellow building? That’s where that happened,'” Dragic said. “So it’s really close. It’s kind of scary how close it was. I’ve already been in the subway a couple of times, but now, I don’t know. I’ve got my doubts.”

    Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) drives to the basket as Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, in Miami. Dragic is now with the Nets. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

    The suspect, described as an approximately 5-foot-5 Black male with a heavy build, is still at large and is “dangerous,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told reporters nearly four hours after the shooting. 

    Durant, Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry, Bruce Brown, and Andre Drummond make up the starting lineup tonight for the Nets’ play-in game against the Cavaliers. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    The NBA is monitoring the shooting.

    Nets react to ‘devastating’ Brooklyn subway shooting that left dozens injured

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    A gunman set off a smoke canister and opened fire inside a New York City subway train and station, injuring at least 28 people during the morning commute on Tuesday.

    A manhunt is underway for the suspect, who shot at least 10 people at the 36th Street station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, about a half-mile from the Nets’ practice facility in the borough. 

    “It’s obviously a very tragic morning,” Nets coach Steve Nash said, via ESPN. “We’re devastated for the community and for those directly involved. I don’t know a lot of the details, so I don’t want to get too far into it, but we’re just all concerned for everyone involved. And at the same time try to prepare and be focused on our task at hand.”

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Head coach Steve Nash talks with referee Ken Mauer #41 during game 5 of the Eastern Conference second round at Barclays Center on June 15, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    The attack started around 8:24 a.m., as a Manhattan-bound N train approached the 36th St. station in Sunset Park.

    “They sent us a text saying there might be some traffic, but I don’t know why,” Kevin Durant said. “And then you look through your phone and see stuff.”

    Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in New York. The Nets won 114-105.  (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

    After arriving at the practice facility ahead of the Nets’ play-in home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday evening, Durant said he could hear the sounds of helicopters and sirens outside.

    NBA PLAY-IN TOURNAMENT 2022: WHAT TO KNOW

    “It’s devastating,” Durant said after the team finished its walkthrough practice. “I don’t know the details. To hear the sirens out front of the practice facility and see so much commotion going on outside, you hope and pray for the best for everybody involved.”

    “Guys pretty much heard stories on social media, through their phones, and hopefully we can get this figured out,” he added. “And people [can be] safe. I know it’s a couple people shot. It’s an unfortunate situation. Hopefully they get it figured out.”

    NYPD Counterterrorism units responded to the scene, while additional units, including police K9s and heavy weaponry, have been deployed to subway stations around New York City, a high-ranking law enforcement source told Fox News Digital. 

    This photo provided by Will B Wylde, a person is aided outside a subway car in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Tuesday, April 12, 2022. A gunman filled a rush-hour subway train with smoke and shot multiple people Tuesday, leaving wounded commuters bleeding on a Brooklyn platform as others ran screaming, authorities said. Police were still searching for the suspect. (Will B Wylde via AP)

    Nash said he didn’t find out about the tragedy until around the time the team started its walkthrough practice. Some team staffers who take the subway were reportedly all accounted for, and the Nets were preparing as if the game on Tuesday night would go on as scheduled.

    “I hate violence, I hate senseless violence,” Durant said. “Hopefully we can figure out the details and get everybody to safety and get everybody the help that they need, but it’s a tough situation right now.”

    Goran Dragic, who arrived at the practice facility before the incident, said he later talked with assistant coach Jordan Ott about how close the shooting was to the team facility.

    “[Ott] was saying, ‘You see that yellow building? That’s where that happened,'” Dragic said. “So it’s really close. It’s kind of scary how close it was. I’ve already been in the subway a couple of times, but now, I don’t know. I’ve got my doubts.”

    Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) drives to the basket as Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, in Miami. Dragic is now with the Nets. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

    The suspect, described as an approximately 5-foot-5 Black male with a heavy build, is still at large and is “dangerous,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told reporters nearly four hours after the shooting. 

    Durant, Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry, Bruce Brown, and Andre Drummond make up the starting lineup tonight for the Nets’ play-in game against the Cavaliers. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    The NBA is monitoring the shooting.