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CLEVELAND -- Tristan Thompson has never been viewed as an elite shot blocker, but that could be changing.As the Cavs prepare to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, Thompson is averaging 1.8 blocks per game -- more than double his career mark of 0.8.He ranks in the top 10 in blocked shots after finishing tied for 72nd last season. He enters Wednesday with at least three blocks in four of the last eight games; he blocked at least three shots in four of the Cavs 103 games last season.The last couple of years we just talked to him about being a better rim protector and being in the right spots, coach Tyronn Lue said. This year, he has come out and done it. Tristan has really found his way defensively. We know hes a great inbound defender, great pick-and-roll defender, great post defender. But now helping on the weakside, getting blocked shots and protecting the basket has been great for us.Thompson earned his five-year, $82 million contract prior to last season primarily for his defensive work. He may be improved this season as a shot blocker, but he still takes the most pride in his ability to switch onto smaller guards in pick-and-rolls. After chasing around Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith and LeBron James every day, Thompson is able to handle most other guards and wings.I hope they start giving some credit to guys that can guard guards, Thompson said. I know thats not a stat, but that should definitely count. Hopefully I get some credit and make sure you guys dont forget about me when its time to put that name on the (All-Defensive) ballot.The Blazers, meanwhile, are still waiting for their center to get healthy. Ezeli rejoined the team Tuesday in New York after seeking a second opinion on his ailing left knee, but the team provided no real update. Ezeli has yet to appear in a game for the Blazers after receiving an injection in his knee in August that was supposed to keep him sidelined for six weeks.Portland lost at New York, 107-103, Tuesday to fall to a middling 8-8. It has been a disappointing start to the season for a Blazers team that spent $250 million last summer to retain guards C.J. McCollum and Allen Crabbe and add free agent Evan Turner. As a result, Wednesdays game features the two top payrolls in the NBA.The Cavs are embarking on a title defense with their $131 million, but the Blazers are off to a sluggish start despite the summer spending spree and $120 million payroll.I think we are a very average team right now and it shows in our record, McCollum said. The talent is there, but we are not executing well.James missed practice for the Cavs on Tuesday to give his deposition in former players union executive director Billy Hunters wrongful termination lawsuit. James is the vice president of the players union. The deposition is not expected to impact his availability for Wednesdays game. Nike Dunk Outlet . Barcelonas entertaining victory ensured the defending Spanish champions retained their share of the league lead with Atletico Madrid two rounds ahead of their meeting in the capital. Real Madrid needed a late goal by substitute Jese Rodriguez to earn a 3-2 victory at Valencia to stay in third place and three points behind its title rivals. Cheap Nike Dunk Outlet . PETERSBURG, Fla. http://www.wholesalenikedunk.com/ . But when it comes to determining if Raymond will find a place on the Leafs roster when training camp concludes in a week, well, that decision will ultimately fall to the head coach. Wholesale Nike Dunk China . The Croatian served 21 aces and hit 42 winners against Sijsling, who double-faulted to give Cilic a 4-3 lead in the deciding set. "All the players, they know me and they were really happy to see me and they were really happy that this is over for me," Cilic said. Wholesale Nike Shoes Online . There was no hesitation from the 40th-ranked Pospisil, from Vernon, B.C., who admitted that he cut back on his training sessions over the last few days to conserve energy as the long ATP season finishes next week at the Paris Masters. Washington State coach Mike Leach has been fined $10,000 and reprimanded by the Pac-12 for comments he made about Arizona State on Monday.I think they still steal signs, and well have to keep an eye on that, Leach said. That is a very unsavory practice they have, so well have to do what we can to defend against it.Leach made similar comments last year about the Sun Devils attempts to steal signs -- a practice that is not prohibited -- and said the conference should launch an investigation.Conference rules prohibit Pac-12 member institutions from disparaging each other and discrediting other institutions, Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement. Information or accusations relative to rule violations must be handled by institutions filing those concerns with the conference office through a formal process, and institutions must refrain from discussing those concerns publicly.Leach declined comment Friday.?A Pac-12 spokesman told ESPN.com the money from the fines would be applied to a postgraduate scholarship fund.Washington State (4-2, 3-0 Pac-12) travels to Arizona State (5-2, 2-2) on Saturday (7 p.m. PT, Pac-12 Network).ddddddddddddArizona State athletic director Ray Anderson applauded the conferences decision.Our professional integrity was questioned for two straight years by Mike Leachs irresponsible comments and we will not allow that to happen, Anderson said in a statement. We are pleased with the outcome and for us the matter is closed.Leach said he had heard rumors about microphones and cameras.They have a whole command center, he said.Scott noted in his statement there are no playing rules that restrict a team from observing an opponents offensive or defensive signals.The NCAA playing rules (1-4-11-a, b and f) cover what audio and video equipment is prohibited in the team area, coaching box and coaches booth, and specifically state that any attempt to record, either through audio or video means, any signals given by an opposing player, coach or other team personal is prohibited, Scott said.Information from ESPNs Chantel Jennings, Kevin Gemmell and The Associated Press was used in this report. ' ' '