Daily News - December 24, 2017

**NOTE: The news clips and articles listed don't necessarily reflect the views or beliefs of the Cleveland Cavaliers or their Basketball Operations staff, partners, or sponsors.**

#CavsWarriors Game Preview - December 25, 2017
Author: Staff Report
Publication: Cavs.com

The Cavaliers (24-9) will hope to make spirits bright for Cleveland fans when they take on the Golden State Warriors (26-6) for a Christmas Day showdown on Monday afternoon. Tipoff from Oracle Arena is at 3:00 p.m. (ET).

For the fourth-straight season, and the 14th time in franchise history, the Wine & Gold will play on Christmas Day. The Cavaliers hold an overall record of 7-6 on XMas, including a 109-108 victory last year over the Warriors. The Cavs and Warriors will also be the first pair of clubs to face one another on Christmas for three consecutive years since the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers did battle from 2004-2006.

Heading into Monday's nationally-televised contest with the Warriors, the Cavaliers have been cruising past almost every opponent who stood in their way. As a matter of fact, Cleveland holds the NBA's best record since November 11, tallying 19 wins in 21 contests. Over that 21-game stretch, the Cavs are outscoring opponents by an average of 8.2 points (112.0-103.8), while also outshooting them from the field (.488-.459) and from the three-point line (.398-.351). The Cavaliers are averaging 25.4 assists and 41.3 bench points during that span as well. - CLICK HERE to read full story.

As LeBron James and Kyle Korver lead way, Cavaliers thrive in fourth quarter
Author: Marla Ridenour
Publication: Akron Beacon Journal

CLEVELAND: Their former Mr. Fourth Quarter, Kyrie Irving, now plays in Boston, but the Cavaliers’ modus operandi has not changed.

In surging to a 24-9 record by going 19-2 since Nov. 11, the Cavs are thriving in the fourth quarter. As coach Tyronn Lue has sorted out the rotations he can count on in the clutch, the Cavs have gained confidence and it’s showing on the court.

Going into Saturday, they were tied for third in the league in fourth-quarter scoring at 26.7 points per game. - CLICK HERE to read full story.

Finding rhythm next step for Cavaliers’ Isaiah Thomas
Author: Jeff Schudel
Publication: News-Herald

Cavaliers guard Isaiah Thomas has done everything the doctors and trainers told him to do in his lengthy rehab from a hip injury that sidelined him in May, when he was playing for the Boston Celtics.

Now the rest of it, the pure basketball part, is up to Thomas.

Thomas took a giant step on his path back to playing in an NBA game when he scrimmaged 5-on-5 with the Canton Charge of the G League on Dec. 21. He learned that he has to find his basketball stroke before suiting up with the Cavs. - CLICK HERE to read full story.

More Daily Press Links:

• (12/24) J.R. Smith, Tyronn Lue 'in' to face the Warriors; Dwyane Wade has most wins on Christmas Cleveland.com
• (12/24) Follow along Jose Calderon's curious path to Christmas Day and finally a place in the Warriors-Cavs rivalry The Athletic
• (12/24) Cavs Plus/Minus: Beating help defenders, Tristan Thompson's role, Dwyane Wade's veteran savvy The Athletic
• (12/24) On Christmas, NBA Shows Off Its Best And Who’s Got Next 92.3 The Fan
• (12/24) World's greatest debate: Why Kevin Durant is still chasing LeBron for the NBA mantle CBS Sports
• (12/24) Best of 25: The many ways Cavs-Warriors is a rivalry for the ages ESPN.com
• (12/24) Hoops for the Holidays: Ranking Christmas Day Games SI.com
• (12/24) 10 NBA storylines to get the whole family involved on Christmas Yahoo Sports
• (12/24) NBA’s 15 best surprises: Cavs, Rockets and Warriors surging into the holidays USA Today