Leadoff with Lee 10.31.14

By @cleeverizon

The atmosphere in Cleveland was electrifying yesterday. If I didn't know any better, you could have told me it was game 7 of the NBA finals and I would have believed you. It was a Cleveland Cavailier and Lebron James media day. International media, social media, local media... it was all about King James and his homecoming. But the New York Knicks stood in his way. The Cavs lost to the Knicks 95-90. Lebron James was obviously nervous and out of sync with the team. He was 5-15 scoring 17 points but also 8 uncharactoristic turnovers. Kevin Love had a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. The Cavs turned the ball over 19 times, which the Knicks turned into 26 points. Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks shooting 9-17 for 25 points. The Cavs face the Bulls tonight who defeated the Knicks by 24 Wednesday night.

But let's relive this moment

The Cavs and Tristan Thompson are likely to sign a contract extension today. The 4th pick of the 2011 NBA draft will make $5.4 million this year under his rookie contract. His new deal is expected to be 4 years between $40-$48 million over that period. If no extension is signed by Friday, he will play for the qualifying offer of $7.15 million dollars for the 2015-2016 season and then become a restricted free agent.

Anderson Varejao is also expected to agree to a 3 year $30 million dollar contract extension with the Cavs today.

The NCAA sent out a simple tweet regarding Todd Gurley and the University of Georgia's appeal of Gurley's suspension. Which simply states: The membership committee upholds Todd Gurley suspension upon appeal. He will be eligible to play again November 15.

Last night, the Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10 to kick off Week 9 of the NFL season. Drew Brees went 24/34 for 297 yards throwing 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Saints running back Mark Ingram rushed 30 times for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns to go along with Jimmy Graham's 7 catches for 83 yards and a TD. Panthers QB Cam Newton finished with 10/28 passing for 161 yards with 1 rushing touchdown. Next week's Thursday night game will see the Cleveland Browns travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals.