The Cleveland Cavaliers suddenly have far fewer fans in Israel after the firing of David Blatt.
The announcement on Friday, despite the second-year coach leading the Cavs to the NBA Finals a year ago and to the top of the Eastern Conference this season, was taken personally by many fans in Israel, where the Boston-born Blatt made his name professionally, met his wife, Kinneret, and raised four children.
News of the firing topped all Israeli newscasts Saturday, knocking Middle East violence off the headlines.
The provincial pride in Blatt was suddenly replaced with anger toward the Cavaliers and their perceived coldhearted send-off. Most of the venom was directed at LeBron James, who had a rocky relationship with Blatt.
"Finally I can go back to hating LeBron without feeling guilty. Hope he never sees a title in his life," said Gil Eyal, an Israeli high-tech executive who typically supports the Boston Celtics.
Blatt, 56, is possibly Israel's favorite son, thanks to his winning record, outgoing personality and unabashed Israeli patriotism.
Blatt grew up in the United States but has called Israel home since 1981 when he first arrived to play for the U.S. at the Maccabiah Games. A solid playing career in the Israeli league followed, before an even more successful coaching career began in 1993.
His signature coaching moment in Israel came in 2014 when he led Maccabi Tel Aviv to a series of upset victories en route to a dramatic Euroleague championship title -- a run that paved his path to Cleveland. Their NBA games were broadcast live on Israeli sports channels and Israelis rose at dawn to catch a glimpse. Overnight, the Cavs became "Israel's team" in the NBA.
Not now.
"Last night, at 22:30, seven million Israelis, at least, sat in their living rooms and rooted for Cleveland. At 23:30 there were probably only about seven left. Tops," wrote Sharon Davidovitch, a sports columnist for the YNet website. "A magical, exciting journey that often lacked any sense of proportion came to an end for many Israelis who followed Blatt on his way to the top of the world. Or at least close to it."
Serena's style
Serena Williams' latest on-court fashion statement is an attempt to "push the envelope" with a nod to classic tennis style.
So says Williams, the No. 1-ranked player who is baring her midriff and naval ring at this year's Australian Open.
"I just wanted to think outside the box," said Williams, 34, who is appearing in ther 62nd Grand Slam event. "I live in a crop top, sleep in crop tops. I'm often never seen without one. So I thought, you know, it would be really fun to play in one."
Sports quiz
David Blatt played four years at what Ivy League school?
Sports answer
Princeton
Sports on 01/24/2016