URGENT | David Blatt fired as Cavs coach

CLEVELAND (AP) — David Blatt's second NBA season seemed to be going better than his first. Now, it's over.

Blatt was fired today 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 this evening at the team's training facility in Independence.

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.

A person close to James said that the four-time NBA MVP was told of Blatt's firing about one hour before reports of the move surfaced. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said James was not consulted on the decision.

Blatt was 83-40 with the Cavs.