Thursday, May 24, 2018

NBA Click & Roll: Will Celtics end LeBron's tenure in Cleveland a second time?

 
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NBA Click & Roll
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LeBron James waits by the scorers table during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game 5.

Welcome to USA TODAY Sports' NBA Click & Roll newsletter.

This is where we bring you exclusive content from USA TODAY's NBA reporters Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt, including updates on all their exploits on the NBA beat. Plus, we catch you up on the *biggest* moments, quotes and news from the week.

QUICK DISH: THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

Time is a circle, and the Boston Celtics have been there at the beginning, middle and possibly the end of LeBron James' incredible run in Cleveland. 

Seven consecutive Finals, 23 Eastern Conference series wins in a row and the potential for James' final home game in Cleveland on Friday. That's all that's on the line with the Celtics and their band of upstarts who are up 3-2 in the Eastern Conference finals

Whatever LeBron says, don't listen to him. Already the NBA's greatest postseason scorer, James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most playoff buckets in NBA history. And then he tried to claim he doesn't care about scoring. He might not care, but it's a part of his legacy. Just like his jaw-dropping passing.

Or his photographic memory. 

James shuts down his social media accounts during the postseason. But instead of letting his 37-million Instagram platform go to waste, James has turned it over to kids. Specifically, kids making a massive impact in their respective communities.  

LeBron James joins 200 youth in a spontaneous "chalk clap."

The Cavs aren't the only powerhouse in trouble. The Houston Rockets went on the road and defended like their pants were on fire to beat Golden State in Game 4. The Warriors, who lost once during last year's championship run, are in serious trouble for the first time since landing Kevin Durant. 

How much trouble is a matter of how much you trust two-time MVP Stephen Curry. Curry broke out from his so-called slump with a couple of scoring eruptions, his notorious shimmy and one famously profane outburst. Each time Steph "blacks out," as he deemed it, it begs the question: Is Curry cocky or confident, and how does that contrast with his wholesome image?

The only image Draymond Green will be seeing for days is one of James Harden destroying him on this viscous dunk. Can't everyone leave Draymond alone? Why does Charles Barkley continually taunt him? 

Draymond Green looks up at the scoreboard during the third quarter of Game 4 against Houston.

Earth is an illusion ... according to NBA draft prospect Lonnie Walker. We'll just let that sit there. 

On the same day NFL owners voted to have players stand for the national anthem, the Milwaukee Police department released a chilling video of Bucks rookie Sterling Brown, who was arrested and tased as a result of a parking violation. Brown and his team released statements citing racism and an abuse of power. We'll be monitoring for updates as Brown said he plans to pursue legal action. 

Check back next week as Sam and Jeff keep up their coverage ahead of the NBA Finals




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