Goodbye Coach; Byron Scott Fired

Byron Scott was fired by the Cavaliers because of three losing seasons in which the team did not play well defensively or make satisfactory progress for owner Dan Gilbert. Scott was dismissed one day after the Cavs finished an 82-game rollercoaster of a season that included injuries, blown leads, far too many uninspired performances and a dismal final month. Scott has a 64-166 win-lose record in his three years as a coach with the Cavs.

All-Star guard Kyrie Irving said he was surprised and saddened by Scott's firing.

"I just lost my head coach," Irving said, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is all new to me right now. I'm just trying to get over the loss of my basketball father."

Cavs fall to Bobcats 105-98

The Bobcats defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 105-98 Wednesday night to match a season-high three-game win streak and finish 21-61, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic.

The Bobcats entered Wednesday night tied with Orlando for the worst record in the league, but Kemba Walker had 24 points and seven assists and Josh McRoberts added 20 points and eight rebounds.

Kyrie Irving had 24 points and 10 assists for the Cavaliers, who finished with the third-worst record in the league (24-58) after losing 16 of their last 18 games, including their six straight to close the season.

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott's future with the team remains uncertain.

The Cavs are just 64-166 in three seasons under Scott following the departure of LeBron James.

Cavaliers fall to the Hornets ; Kyrie Return

Vasquez scored 16 of his 25 points in the third quarter and the Hornets beat the slumping Cavaliers 112-92 on Sunday.

Ryan Anderson added 23 points for the Hornets to help the Hornets bounce back from a blowout loss to Miami on Friday night and snap a two-game skid. Anthony Davis had 17 points and 13 rebounds for his rookies-leading 17th double-double, Brian Roberts scored 15 and Eric Gordon had 14.

Kryie Irving returned from a shoulder injury and led the Cavaliers with 31 points and six assists. Cleveland, which lost its eighth straight, was 1-7 in Irving's absence. Tristan Thompson, Wayne Ellington and Mareese Speights each scored 12 points for the Cavaliers and Shaun Livingston had 11.