LeBron James looks anything but soft during Cavaliers’ Game 5 win

Here are the latest reports to The Washington Posts ‘Sports Blog’.

LeBron James looks anything but soft during Cavaliers’ Game 5 win
After facing criticism for his actions during and after Game 4, James was The Man again Monday night.

On Baseball: The Cubs are pitching to Bryce Harper, making the game fun again
After Joe Maddon’s conservative approach in their last meeting seemed to send Harper into a slump, the reigning MVP should get a chance to hit this week.

At U.S. Open, Dustin Johnson isn’t sweating anything too much
Arguably golf’s most physically gifted player is still seeking his first major championship.

Maddon-led Cubs are comfortable and confident — and winning
From zany suits to position players in different positions, Joe Maddon appears to be pushing all the right buttons.

Hail to the Redskinzzzzz
COLUMN | As the Redskins gather in Ashburn for an offseason minicamp, the biggest story line is … what again?

Biggest threat to Penguins: A team that doesn’t yet exist
An expansion draft may put one of Pittsburgh’s key players at risk, unless the team makes a drastic move.

Nationals have reasons to be happy, but the Cubs could change that outlook
Washington is winning games in every way possible ahead of a visit by the Cubs this week.

U.S. soccer, after whirlwind first round, heads to Copa America quarters thinking big
A surprising first-place group finish begat a celebratory mood, but Juergen Klinsmann wants more.

Did Jayson Werth just refer to Jonathan Papelbon as The D.C. Strangler?
Werth provided the game-winning knock Sunday evening, and also the season-winning one-liner.

Bryce Harper and Ben Revere get days off Sunday against Phillies
Michael A. Taylor will get another start Sunday.

What to watch today at Copa America: Brazil, Peru and tiebreakers
Ecuador is expected to feast on lowly Haiti, while an awakened Brazil faces Peru with both sides in search of a quarterfinal berth.

Draymond Green’s willingness to do whatever made him. Now it’s cost the Warriors.
Pushing boundaries and not being a pushover fueled the forward’s rise. Now it’s got him suspended.

Colin Cowherd wants you to like him — but really just wants you to listen to him
Sports media personality will add Fox Sports 1 debate show to his portfolio this week.

Draymond Green suspended for Game 5
For accumulation of flagrant fouls, Warriors forward will miss Golden State’s chance to clinch the NBA title against Cleveland.

Creator pulls an upset in the Belmont Stakes
Creator closed with a rush and caught Destin at the wire to win the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday, with Preakness winner Exaggerator finishing well back in the field.

Braden Holtby rocks the rainbow and red in Capital Pride Parade
The Vezina Trophy finalist and the Washington Capitals were official participants in Saturday’s event.

U.S. goes up early, down a man later, but holds on to advance in Copa America
Clint Dempsey’s goal in 27th minute is enough as defense clamps down in second half to secure quarterfinal berth.

At U.S. Open, Spieth will face down Oakmont, and memories of Augusta
Defending champion will be under scrutiny after wasting final-round lead at the Masters.

Creator wins the 148th Belmont Stakes
Creator edges Destin to claim the final leg of the Triple Crown. This is a developing story. It will be updated.

With three everyday players resting, Nationals don’t miss a beat in 8-0 win over Phillies
Michael A. Taylor, Clint Robinson and Stephen Drew combine for three RBIs in shutout.

Third act will bring the drama for U.S. soccer at Copa America Centenario
Americans cannot afford to lose to Paraguay in their Group A finale Saturday night in Philadelphia.

Nats’ offense keeps clicking, Stephen Strasburg moves to 10-0
Infield trio of Murphy, Espinosa and Drew power rally from early four-run deficit against Phillies.

Warriors take control of NBA Finals as Steph Curry scores 38
Cavaliers, up eight in the second half, stall in the fourth quarter and now trail series 3-1.

Bryce Harper honors Muhammad Ali with latest bat decal
Bryce is ready to rumble.

Ali was world-famous, but Louisville knew him in a special way
COLUMN | Boxer never lost touch with his hometown, which paid its last respects to him Friday.

Dudley on KD2DC: ‘I don’t see it’
Wizards free agent is skeptical that Kevin Durant will come to Washington.

Fans line streets as Muhammad Ali funeral procession winds through Louisville
The boxing legend will be remembered at public memorial

Gordie Howe, Hall of Famer known as “Mr. Hockey,” dies at 88
His toughness, agility and longevity helped define the sport for generations of fans.

DeSean Jackson finally gives an interview about his OTA absences — to the Redskins
Gifted receiver tells Larry Michael he would have loved to spend more time at Redskins workouts, but he was spending time with family on the West Coast.

NHL legend Gordie Howe dead at 88
Howe dominated the sport for so long that he became known simply as “Mr. Hockey.”

Minister of sport: ‘Brazil has prepared very well for these Games’
Appointed less than a month ago, Leonardo Picciani espouses confidence country will handle challenges.

Luis Suarez was furious with Uruguay’s coach for holding him out
The Barcelona striker was left off the team sheet because of an injury. He tried to enter the game anyway.

When a slump isn’t really a slump — and why the Cubs might come back to Earth
Batting average on balls in play can shed light on whether players are struggling or unlucky.

Nationals’ bats go silent as Washington ends road trip with a loss
After recent hot hitting, the Nats are shut down as the White Sox spoil Gio Gonzalez’s strong outing.

Ventura gets nine-game suspension for fight; Machado gets four
Both players are appealing their suspensions that were issued as a result of a bench-clearing brawl Tuesday.

As Louisville honors Muhammad Ali, a family recalls his first fight
In 1960 Tunney Hunsaker faced 18-year-old Cassius Clay at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center

Kevin Love hurts Cavs’ chances of beating Warriors
Cavs outscored the Warriors in the paint and on second-chance points without Love in Game 3.

Coaches throw more challenges at a confident Kirk Cousins
The coaches are putting more on their quarterback’s shoulders, and he is responding.

RGIII seeks to move on from Redskins drama
“I can’t worry about what’s going on back there,” the ex-offensive rookie of the year says of the accounts of what went wrong in Washington. “I don’t worry about it.”

Warriors need their MVP to show up
COLUMN | Golden State desperately needs Steph Curry to rediscover his mojo after struggling to find his footing in Cleveland.

Manny Machado just might prove to be worth more than Bryce Harper
Harper is the bigger name and has a more established track record as one of the best players in baseball, but Machado is quickly closing the gap.

He’s won a Super Bowl, now he aims to start in one for the Redskins
Career backup reached the top last year. Now he’d like to hold a bigger role and do it again.

Nats keep rolling out the hits, hammer James Shields and White Sox
Offense produces double-digit runs for third straight game as Werth, Harper and Espinosa collect three hits apiece.

LeBron James dominates in ‘do-or-die game’ as Cavaliers rout Warriors
Cleveland never trails as Golden State’s lead is cut to 2-1 in NBA Finals.

What should the Nats do with Belisle and Treinen?
Did the Nationals consider a fresh arm after Blake Treinen’s long outing Tuesday night?

Mike Nolan throws shade at ‘backup’ RGIII and ‘insignificant’ Browns
Former NFL head coach let it rip, calling the Browns “the most talked-about insignificant team in football.”

Observations from Wednesday’s offseason practice at Redskins Park
Who stood out, who sat out, and everything else from Wednesday in Ashburn.

Everyone wanted RGIII to throw the ball away. Maybe not this far away.
“That’s why you see me breaking windows,” says the Browns’ quarterback.

Darrel Young cried after being cut, and then started over
COLUMN | He was one of the longest-tenured Redskins. Now he’s logging video tape and asking about his lunch break.

Cavs’ pressure isn’t slowing Warriors at all
Cavs are turning up the heat on Golden State more than the Warriors’ first three playoff opponents.

‘Believe me, teammates have trust in Jonathan Papelbon,’ says Nats GM
Mike Rizzo defends Jonathan Papelbon from anxious fans, saying the club is ‘happy and satisfied’ with its closer.

‘Breakfast club’ speeds up Redskins’ learning curve
With DeSean Jackson reporting, Redskins receivers should be full strength for voluntary workouts

Anthony Rendon is hitting again: ‘He’s a stud. Everybody knows that.’
The Nationals third baseman is finally looking like his old self at the plate.

Anthony Rendon, Bryce Harper power Nats to 10-5 win over White Sox
Starter Joe Ross struggles, but the bats come alive to overcome 5-2 deficit.

U.S. routs Costa Rica, 4-0, to bolster chances in Copa America Centenario
Clint Dempsey, Bobby Wood and Jermaine Jones score first-half goals as Americans keep quarterfinal hopes alive.

After a brief stint with the Nationals, what’s next for Trea Turner?
Dusty Baker had a few things to say about the prized, young shortstop.

To get Cavaliers over next step, LeBron James must do what’s hardest for him
The most strategic sports star of his era doesn’t like to cede control; he’s going to need to.

Braden Holtby will Rock the Rainbow in Capital Pride Parade
No jokes about D.C. sports and parades. Seriously, no jokes.

Why Nationals pitchers kick soccer balls, throw frisbees and footballs before games
“Sometimes you need a little something to get a good burst in. It can get monotonous,” Shawn Kelley said.

Was wide receiver a Redskins draft need?
MAILBAG | Mike Jones gives you breakout players, discusses whether Scot McCloughan drafts for need and forecasts Josh Doctson and Vernon Davis’s production.

Florida youth team went 23-0 after starring in Bryce Harper commercial
Harper’s haircuts inspired the ‘Little Nats’ of Port St. John Little League.

Nats’ rotation leads MLB in pitches per start
What looks like overwork may just be talent: Washington also has the third-best ERA in baseball.

Blame starts with LeBron James
LeBron James is committing 5.5 turnovers per night in the 2016 NBA Finals, so it’s no wonder the Cavs are getting routed by the Warriors.

Redskins like their options at left guard
Redskins Coach Jay Gruden says the team has two good options at left guard in Spencer Long and Shawn Lauvao.

DJ Durkin joins former boss Jim Harbaugh for Baltimore camp
While the satellite camps remain a hot-button issue, Harbaugh and his former understudy continue tour in Maryland.

NFL still stunned by Josh Norman’s sudden split from the Panthers
Carolina got rid of its top cornerback but really didn’t have to do so. Will the Panthers regret it? That and more in NFL 1st and 10.

Steve Lombardozzi returns to the Nationals on minor league deal
The former National was playing independent ball this season, which he will now continue at Class AAA Syracuse.

Wall isn’t forcing issue with Durant
Wall says Wizards will continue to be his team, no matter what happens in free agency.

Irving, Love were supposed to make Cavs better. They haven’t.
The poor defense displayed by the Cavaliers with their two supporting stars on the floor has made Cleveland more vulnerable to Golden State’s offensive weapons.

Trea Turner sent back to Syracuse; Ryan Zimmerman reinstated
Trea Turner went 3 for 3 with a walk in his lone start of the weekend with Washington.

Redskins trying to exercise patience while defining Su’a Cravens’ role
As talented as the team’s rookie linebacker is, he’s still only 20 years old.

The Jonathan Papelbon adventure
That Nationals’ closer has managed 15 saves in 17 tries despite a decline in his fastball and slider.

Warriors rout Cavaliers in Game 2, maintain control in NBA Finals
Draymond Green paces Golden State, while Kevin Love leaves 110-77 loss after taking a blow to the head.

Defending champion Virginia stunned by William & Mary, ousted from NCAA tournament
The Tribe beats the Cavaliers, 5-4, to end U-Va.’s season at the Charlottesville regional.

Nationals outslug, outlast Reds, 10-9, avoiding a sweep in Cincinnati
After Washington rallies for the lead, its bullpen falters once again.

Novak Djokovic stops Andy Murray for his first French Open championship
Serb star completes his career grand slam with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory.

UFC 199: Bitter behind-the-scenes antics mar a sweet night of fighting
Trash talk overshadows victories by Michael Bisping and Dominic Cruz.

UFC 199 live blog: 45-year-old Henderson upsets Lombard; Poirier shuts up Green
Live analysis and everything else you need to know about UFC 199.

Stephen Strasburg limps off and Nationals bullpen staggers in 6-3 loss
Right-hander is removed in sixth with apparent leg injury before Reds rally in eighth.

Jerry West, LeBron share a tough bond through losing in NBA Finals
The Hall of Famer knows there’s plenty to be said for just reaching the mountaintop — but it doesn’t take the sting away from defeat.

When Ali was still Clay, the old white sportswriters didn’t know what to think
The brash young fighter ran from a punch, they said, and he was hanging out with Malcolm X and the Muslims.

The legend of Muhammad Ali as told by Post columnist Shirley Povich
Few described Ali’s career quite like Povich.

Garbine Muguruza powers past Serena Williams in French Open final
Hard-hitting Spaniard, 22, takes her first Grand Slam title with a 7-5, 6-4 victory.

People of the world, famous and common, pay tribute to Ali
Death of boxing legend is greeted like the passing of a head of state, which in a sense he was.

Ali, boxing champion and global good-will ambassador, dies at 74
Mr. Ali, who shocked the world with his boxing skills, gave up his title to protest the Vietnam War and became an international symbol of brotherhood.

Muhammad Ali’s athletic greatness was merely a platform for the larger man
COLUMN| No athlete since has remotely approached his fame or force on the world stage

U.S. men’s soccer opens Copa America with 2-0 loss to Colombia
James Rodriguez, Cristian Zapata score in lid-lifter as the Americans are unable to answer.

Gio Gonzalez struggles again as Reds pound Nationals, 7-2
Left-hander endures third straight rough start, yielding five runs in six innings. Trea Turner impresses in 2016 debut.

LeBron James has a long history of bouncing back in Game 2s
The Warriors’ bench stole the show in the opening game of the NBA Finals, but the Cavaliers are intent on speeding up the pace.

U.S. kayaker navigates father-son bond on way to Rio Olympics
Coached by his dad, naturalized American carries their shared dreams — and high standards.

For Redskins’ Kirk Cousins: ‘You like that!’ becomes ‘Okay, how much?’
COLUMN | The quarterback will get paid to stay in Washington, so the team needs to continue the job of building the offense around him

Kirk Cousins doesn’t have contract updates but has news on his dog’s weight issue
He also has no idea why Dan Snyder was publicly congratulating him.

Turner called up; Zim to paternity list
Ryan Zimmerman’s wife gave birth to their second child on Thursday.

Baylor fans, in wake of scandal, struggle with support and shame
A new wave of sadness leaves football supporters questioning everything.

Lombardozzi’s journey from the Nats to Crustacean Nation
COLUMN | Steve Lombardozzi was a key contributor during the Nats’ first playoff season. What’s he doing playing independent league ball in Waldorf?

Warriors bench may not dominate another NBA Finals game, and that’s okay
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson struggled in Game 1, but Golden State’s stars should return to form.

Have you ever seen a skinny buffalo?
…and other explanations for Wilson Ramos’s monster season.

At a D.C. charity event, John Wall says he’s in no rush to get back on court
John Wall places no timetable on return from surgery on both knees.

Maryland’s Taylor Cummings named top women’s lacrosse player for third time
Cummings becomes the first three-time winner of college lacrosse’s top individual award.

Golden State bench delivers decisive verdict in Game 1 of NBA Finals
Warriors reserves take over in 104-89 win. Shaun Livingston has team-high 20 points, Andre Igoudala adds 12 and Leandro Barbosa 11.