Grand opening, grand closing. David Platt was fired as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers today despite the team having the best record in the Eastern Conference at 30-11. Of course, everyone is point the finger at LeBron James as the one who actually pushed the button. Reports the NBA: Blatt was fired Friday by the title-chasing Cavaliers, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. Blatt, who led the team to the NBA Finals last season, will be replaced by top assistant Tyronn Lue, according to the person, who spoke to on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet announced the move. Lue is to make his debut Saturday night when the Cavs host the Chicago Bulls. Cavs general manager David Griffin was expected to speak with reporters at a news conference Friday evening at the team’s training facility in Independence, Ohio. Blatt’s firing came one day after the coach was defensive before and after the Cavs beat the Los Angeles Clippers. Blatt had been bothered by criticism that his team – led by superstar LeBron James – received after a 34-point loss to the defending champion Golden State Warriors earlier this week. Blatt was 83-40 with the Cavs. It goes without saying that the Internet slander is real and the memes are flourishing. Peep the best of it below and on the following pages. — Photo:
