Lakers rip Rockets in NBA Game SevenLOS ANGELES - With their run for the NBA Championship ring in serious jeopardy, Pau Gasol and the Los Angeles Lakers left no doubt they were moving on. Next? LeBron, Cavaliers waiting again as second straight sweep lands them in conference finalINDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Team Sweep did some housekeeping on Wednesday. Next? LeBron, Cavaliers again play waiting game after second straight sweepINDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Team Sweep did some housekeeping on Wednesday. Chuck Daly, who led US Olympic team to gold and won 2 NBA titles with Pistons, dies at 78DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons made plenty of enemies while winning titles and throwing blows two decades ago. Chuck Daly, though, was universally admired for his class and coaching acumen. Chuck Daly, who led US Olympic team to gold and won 2 NBA titles with Pistons, dead at 78DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons made plenty of enemies while winning titles and throwing blows two decades ago. Chuck Daly, though, was universally admired for his class and coaching acumen. Maybe they should stop this one: Cavaliers on a record roll, while Hawks are all banged upATLANTA — If this was a heavyweight fight, the referee might have already stepped in to stop it. Two Easy: LeBron scores 27 as Cavaliers cruise past Hawks 105-85 to open 2-0 series leadCLEVELAND — While the rest of the NBA exchanges elbows, flagrant fouls and menacing stares in the playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for a fight. Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford a game-time decision for Game 2 in Cleveland with ankle injuryCLEVELAND — Atlanta starting center Al Horford was held out of practice because of a tender ankle and is a game-time decision for Thursday’s Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nuggets run away from Mavericks with fourth-quarter spurt to take 2-0 series leadDENVER — The fourth quarter belongs to the Denver Nuggets, who keep turning close games into blowouts with an energizing mix of breakaway baskets, dashing defense and old-fashioned hustle. Person with familiar with choice tells AP that Cavaliers’ LeBron James is NBA’s MVPCLEVELAND — Unstoppable at both ends of the floor this season, LeBron James is the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. James, who led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a team-record 66 regular-season wins and the top overall seed in the playoffs, will receive the award Monday, a person with knowledge of the choice told The Associated Press. James chose Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, his alma mater, for the presentation, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement has not been made. LeBron, Cavs await Hawks, who win first playoff series since 1999 with 91-78 rout of HeatATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks lingered on the court, savoring the cheers as red and silver streamers drifted down from the rafters. On to Game 7: Dwyane Wade scores 41 points, Heat beat Hawks 98-72 to even seriesMIAMI — A season-saving win in the books, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat walked off the court Friday night with a stoic look. No celebrating, nary even a smile. “Strictly about business,” Wade said. “Now we move on.” To Sunday. To Game 7. Pistons coach Michael Curry will return for a second year on the bench after an awful seasonAUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Michael Curry is coming back as the Detroit Pistons’ coach. Road woes no more: Hawks stifle Wade, knot series against Heat with 81-71 winMIAMI — That notion suggesting the Atlanta Hawks cannot win on the road at playoff time? |