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Phoenix takes on Utah on 3-game losing streak
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 12 - 12:03 a.m. | Save Story
Phoenix aims to end its three-game skid with a victory over Utah. The teams square off Friday for the first time this season. Utah is 3-17 against the Western Conference, and Phoenix is 10-6 against conference opponents.
Steve Kerr deems foul call that led to Warriors' loss to Rockets in NBA Cup 'unconscionable'
Kristie Rieken, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 11 - 11:50 p.m. | Save Story
Golden State coach Steve Kerr said a foul call against his team that led to a loss to Houston on Wednesday night in the NBA Cup was "unconscionable" and that an elementary school referee wouldn't have made it. After Stephen Curry missed a 3-pointer with Golden State up a point with 11 seconds to go, Gary Payton II grabbed the offensive rebound, but turned it over with a pass that Jalen Green intercepted. Jonathan Kuminga was then called for a foul against Green while they were on the floor, giving Green a pair of free throws that lifted Houston to the 91-90 victory and a spot in the NBA Cup semifinals. Said Kerr: "That is unconscionable. I mean, I don't even understand what just happened."
Rolling the dice on his way to Las Vegas, Trae Young shows he's always a safe bet at MSG
Brian Mahoney, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 11 - 10:50 p.m. | Save Story
Trae Young was dribbling out the clock when he leaned down toward New York's center-court logo and pretended he was shooting dice. Young said that's because the Atlanta Hawks are on their way to Las Vegas. When he's at Madison Square Garden, always bet on Young. The court was orange this time, but otherwise it looked and felt like the 2021 playoffs. The Knicks had just been eliminated, and Young was celebrating in the middle of their arena. The star guard led the Hawks to a 108-100 victory in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. They will head to Las Vegas to play the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
LeBron James is excused from Lakers' practice and status for next game is unclear amid foot injury
Greg Beacham, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 11 - 10:39 p.m. | Save Story
LeBron James was excused from the Los Angeles Lakers' practice on Wednesday for personal reasons. James sat out of the Lakers' victory over Portland last weekend because of left foot soreness, missing his first game of the season. Coach JJ Redick says James had an "excused absence" from practice. James will turn 40 in less than three weeks, and Redick previously indicated that the Lakers would use their current four-day stretch without a game to give rest to the superstar currently in his record-tying 22nd NBA season.
Green makes late free throws, Rockets beat Warriors 91-90 to reach NBA Cup semifinals
Kristie Rieken, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 11 - 10:29 p.m. | Save Story
Jalen Green made two free throws with 3.5 seconds left and the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 91-90 on Wednesday night to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. Houston snapped a 15-game skid against the Warriors, winning for the first time in the series since Feb. 20, 2020. The Rockets will face Oklahoma City, which beat Dallas in the other West quarterfinal game on Tuesday night, in the semifinals on Saturday. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Stephen Curry missed a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left and Gary Payton II grabbed the rebound, but Green intercepted his pass and was fouled by Jonathan Kuminga to set up the winning free throws.
Hawks rally for a 108-100 victory over the Knicks and a trip to the NBA Cup semifinals
Brian Mahoney, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 11 - 7:39 p.m. | Save Story
Trae Young had 22 points and 11 assists, De'Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson outplayed the Knicks frontcourt and the Atlanta Hawks took their surprising NBA Cup run all the way to the semifinals in Las Vegas, beating New York 108-100 on Wednesday night. Hunter scored 24 points and Johnson had 21 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists for the Hawks, who were perhaps the surprise team of the tournament after knocking off the defending champion Celtics in Boston and NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers in group play to reach the knockout stage as the No. 3 seed in the East. Now they will face another East power, the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks, on Saturday in a semifinal matchup.
WNBA and players' union meet to discuss new CBA
Doug Feinberg, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 11 - 7:16 p.m. | Save Story
The WNBA and the league's players union met in person to discuss a new collective bargaining agreement. The WNBA players union opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement, two years before its expiration in October. The current CBA will still cover the 2025 season so the two sides have a year to negotiate a new agreement. The early opt-out marks a crucial juncture for the league. The WNBA signed a historic 11-year media rights deal worth $200 million a year.
Jimmy Butler says he's not worrying about his future with Heat amid trade speculation
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 11 - 1:44 p.m. | Save Story
Jimmy Butler knows there are tons of questions about his future with the Miami Heat. He might get traded, he might leave as a free agent next summer, he might exercise a $52.4 million option to return to the Heat or he might get a new contract. He isn't sure what will happen. The Heat forward spoke out about trade speculation Wednesday, telling reporters after practice that he doesn't mind his name being in the rumor mill.
NBA Cup: How to watch, betting odds and more about the league's in-season tournament
The Associated Press | Updated Dec. 11 - 8:42 a.m. | Save Story
The Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder are headed to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup semifinals. There are two more semifinal slots that will be decided Wednesday, when the New York Knicks play the Atlanta Hawks and the Houston Rockets play the Golden State Warriors. The championship game is on Dec. 17. The NBA Cup was called the In-Season Tournament last year when it debuted, after years and years of Commissioner Adam Silver wanting to add something extra to the regular season.
Bucks beat Magic 114-109 to return to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas
Charles Gardner, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 10 - 10:45 p.m. | Save Story
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 points, Damian Lillard had nine of his 28 in the final minute and the Milwaukee Bucks returned to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas by beating the Orlando Magic 114-109 on Tuesday night. Milwaukee reached the semifinals of the in-season tournament in Las Vegas last December and will be the only returning team in Year 2. They will play Saturday against the winner of Wednesday's quarterfinal between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. Jalen Suggs led a short-handed Orlando team with 32 points but missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer with 12 seconds left. Lillard was fouled and sank two free throws with 9.1 seconds remaining and Suggs missed a potential tying 3.
Gilgeous-Alexander scores 39 as Thunder beat Mavericks 118-104, advance to NBA Cup semifinals
Cliff Brunt, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 10 - 10:02 p.m. | Save Story
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 118-104 on Tuesday night in an NBA Cup quarterfinal. Jalen Williams scored 18 points and Isaiah Hartenstein added 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Thunder, who will play Wednesday's Golden State-Houston winner in a semifinal. Oklahoma City's largest lead was 20 points in a rematch of last season's Western Conference semifinals series that Dallas won 4-2. The Thunder held Luka Doncic to 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson each scored 19 points and Kyrie Irving added 17 for the Mavericks.
AJ Dybantsa commits to BYU, becomes school's first 5-star recruit in US
John Coon, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 10 - 12:03 p.m. | Save Story
AJ Dybantsa has announced his commitment to BYU. The projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft made the announcement Tuesday on ESPN's "First Take." He chose the Cougars over Alabama, North Carolina and Kansas. He is BYU's first five-star high school recruit from the United States. The chance to play for first-year BYU coach Kevin Young sold Dybantsa on joining the Cougars. He pointed to the extensive NBA experience of Young and his staff and Young's role in coaching NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker as key factors influencing his decision.
Towns has 24 points and 15 rebounds as Knicks beat Raptors 113-108 for fifth win in six games
Ian Harrison, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 9 - 9:54 p.m. | Save Story
Karl-Anthony Towns returned from a one-game absence with 24 points and 15 rebounds, Jalen Brunson had 20 points and 11 assists and the New York Knicks held on to beat the Toronto Raptors 113-108 for their fifth win in six games. Towns broke a tie by scoring a layup with 36 seconds left in the game, then sealed the win by making a 3-pointer on New York's next possession. Raptors forward Scottie Barnes left midway through the third quarter because of a sprained right ankle.
Raptors F Scottie Barnes leaves game against Knicks because of sprained right ankle
The Associated Press | Updated Dec. 9 - 8:34 p.m. | Save Story
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes left the game against the New York Knicks midway through the third quarter because of a sprained right ankle. Barnes was helped off the court by teammates before hopping to the locker room, unable to put weight on his right foot. After Toronto lost 113-108, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said X-rays on Barnes' foot did not reveal a fracture. Barnes was injured when he landed on New York's Karl-Anthony Towns while battling for a defensive rebound. Barnes missed 11 games earlier this season because of a right orbital fracture.
Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu has procedure to stabilize UCL in right thumb, AP source says
Doug Feinberg, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 9 - 3:09 p.m. | Save Story
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu had a procedure last week on her right thumb to stabilize the ulnar collateral ligament, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about it. The procedure was done Friday by Dr. Steven S. Shin. The Liberty star has begun rehab and is expected to return to on-court activities in about four weeks. Ionescu, who turned 27 on Friday, posted a picture on social media on Sunday with her right shooting hand in a cast and surrounded by flowers.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards fined $25,000
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 9 - 10:09 a.m. | Save Story
The NBA has fined Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards $25,000 for using profane language during a media interview. Edwards' comments came after the Timberwolves' 107-90 win at Golden State on Dec. 6. Edwards is averaging 26.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game this season. Minnesota is off to a 12-11 start after reaching the Western Conference Finals last season.
LeBron James misses 1st game this season, sidelined versus Portland due to left foot soreness
Doug Padilla, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 8 - 11:12 p.m. | Save Story
LeBron James sat out the Los Angeles Lakers' 107-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday due to left foot soreness, the NBA career scoring leader's first missed game of the season. The 39-year-old James had been upgraded to probable early Sunday before being downgraded to doubtful less than two hours before tipoff. He officially was ruled out about 30 minutes before gametime. James has played in the Lakers' first 23 games of the season, averaging 23.0 points with 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds.
Without LeBron James, Lakers roll past Trail Blazers 107-98 to end 3-game skid
Doug Padilla, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 10:19 p.m. | Save Story
Anthony Davis scored 30 points and had 11 rebounds, D'Angelo Russell added 28 points with 14 assists and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 107-98 without LeBron James. With James missing his first game of the season because of a left foot contusion, Max Christie started his second game for the Lakers and scored four points with four rebounds. Rui Hachimura scored 23 points for Los Angeles, which ended a three-game losing streak. Deandre Ayton scored 14 points with 19 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who lost their fourth consecutive game.
Jalen Green scores 31 to lead Rockets past Clippers 117-106
Beth Harris, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 9:38 p.m. | Save Story
Jalen Green scored 31 points, Amen Thompson added 22 and the Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 117-106. The Rockets ended a two-game skid without starter Fred VanVleet. Reserve Bones Hyland led the Clippers with 22 points. The Rockets had six players in double figures, including Jabari Smith Jr. with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Houston took control with a 12-0 run near the end of the second quarter and went up by 16 points in the third. The Clippers got within eight points with nearly 3 minutes remaining, but the Rockets hit a pair of 3-pointers.
Kevin Huerter's 26 points leads Kings in 141-97 blowout over Jazz
Eric He, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 9:37 p.m. | Save Story
Kevin Huerter had 26 points, including six 3-pointers, and the Sacramento Kings beat the Utah Jazz 141-97. The Kings, who have won three of their last four games, are an on offensive tear after scoring 140 points in Friday's win over the Spurs. The Jazz, who have lost six of their last seven, were led by Keyonte George with 25 points, and John Collins with 19. Utah never led. Sacramento opened a 20-point lead in the second quarter and led 62-45 at halftime. The Kings continued dominating with a 43-point third quarter.
Stephen Curry scores 30 and dishes out eight assists as Warriors beat Timberwolves 114-106
Janie Mccauley, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 9:10 p.m. | Save Story
Stephen Curry sunk a 39-foot jumper from nearly halfcourt to beat the third-quarter buzzer and finished with 30 points and eight assists, leading the Golden State Warriors past the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-106 in the teams' second meeting over three days. Hield scored 27 points, including consecutive 3-pointers midway through the third that tied the game at 69 and another that put Golden State ahead. Jonathan Kuminga had 20 points and seven rebounds.
Wembanyama helps Spurs beat Pelicans, 121-116, as Paul moves into second in career assists
Raul Dominguez, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 7:59 p.m. | Save Story
Chris Paul moved into second place on the NBA's career assists list, Victor Wembanyama came back from an injury scare to score 25 points and the San Antonio Spurs held on to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 121-116. Paul had 10 assists, giving him 12,099 for his career and moving him past former Phoenix and Dallas star Jason Kidd, who had 12,091. Stephon Castle added 22 points for San Antonio, which snapped a three-game skid. Wembanyama left the game with 8:59 remaining in the first quarter when he clutched his lower back, but he returned in the second quarter. Trey Murphy III scored 25 points for the Pelicans.
Short-handed Grizzlies cruise to 140-112 win over Wizards
Ian Nicholas Quillen, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 7:49 p.m. | Save Story
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 points, Scotty Pippen Jr. had 14 points and 12 assists and the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies romped to a 140-112 victory over the Washington Wizards. Santi Aldama added 19 for Memphis, which played without two-time All-Star Ja Morant. The Grizzlies shot 52.1% from the floor and 39.5% from 3-point range to win their third straight and ninth out of 10. Jonas Valanciunas scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in 23 minutes, and Marvin Bagley III also had 20 points for Washington.
Dru Smith's full-circle moment: A year after getting hurt, he helps Heat knock off the Cavaliers
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 7:37 p.m. | Save Story
played a big role off the bench for the Heat in their 122-113 win over the team that has the best record in the NBA so far this season. He had 11 points in 26 minutes, including a big 3-pointer late in the fourth to cap a possession where he kept the ball alive twice with offensive rebounds.
Suggs scores 26 and Magic turn back Suns for 10th straight win at home
Dick Scanlon, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 8 - 7:34 p.m. | Save Story
Jalen Suggs scored 14 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and the Orlando Magic beat the Phoenix Suns 115-110 to remain the NBA's only team unbeaten at home. Magic center Goga Bitadze had 21 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, including a game-clinching tip-in with 13.1 seconds left. Devin Booker led the Suns with 25 points and seven assists. Tyus Jones added 21 points and Bradley Beals scored 18 before fouling out with 1:05 remaining. The Magic won for the 10th straight time at home. They are 17-0 on their home court, including the playoffs, going back to March 30.
Cavaliers lose Evan Mobley to ankle sprain in Miami, rule him out for 2nd half
The Associated Press | Updated Dec. 8 - 7:17 p.m. | Save Story
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost forward Evan Mobley in the first half of Sunday's game at Miami with a left ankle sprain. The Cavaliers announced at halftime that he would be out for the second half. Mobley had four points in 12 first-half minutes. Mobley came in Sunday averaging a career-best 18.9 points this season and was coming off a career-high 41-point game at Charlotte on Saturday.
Nikola Jokic scores 48 points as Nuggets rout Hawks 141-111
Charles Odum, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 6:42 p.m. | Save Story
Nikola Jokic scored 48 points and the Denver Nuggets never trailed in their 141-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks. The Nuggets snapped a two-game losing streak that included Saturday night's 122-113 loss at Washington, ending the Wizards' 16-game losing streak, despite's Jokic's career-high 56 points. Jokic kept up his hot shooting against Atlanta and added 14 rebounds and eight assists. Michael Porter Jr. matched his season high with 26 points. De'Andre Hunter led Atlanta with 20 points. Trae Young added 15 points and 10 assists. Denver set season highs in assists and field goal percentage.
Herro scores 34, Robinson adds 23 and Heat beat Cleveland 122-113, only 4th loss for Cavs
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 6:33 p.m. | Save Story
still matching the best 25-game start in team history. Georges Niang scored 15 for the Cavs, who lost Evan Mobley in the first half to a sprained ankle.
Chris Paul moves into 2nd on NBA's career assists list against Pelicans
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 6:27 p.m. | Save Story
San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul moved to second on the NBA's all-time assists list against the New Orleans Pelicans, the franchise where his 20-year career began. The 39-year-old Paul collected his 12,092nd assist on a 3-pointer from Victor Wembanyama with 7:06 remaining in the first half. Paul surpassed former Phoenix and Dallas star Jason Kidd on the all-time list. John Stockton is the league's career leader with 15,806 career assists over 19 seasons, all with the Utah Jazz.
Brandon Miller's late free throws help Hornets beat the Pacers 113-109 and snap 8-game skid
Chris Goff, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 6:08 p.m. | Save Story
Brandon Miller hit two free throws in the final seconds and finished with 26 points as the Charlotte Hornets snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 113-109 win over the Indiana Pacers. Vasa Micic added 18 points and nine assists as Charlotte shot 51% from the field to overcome 24 turnovers. Cody Martin finished with 14 points and six rebounds and Nick Richards had nine points and 14 rebounds. T.J. McConnell scored a career-high 30 points and had six assists for the Pacers. Jarace Walker added 15 points.
Wembanyama exits Spurs' game against Pelicans, but quickly returns
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 5:56 p.m. | Save Story
Victor Wembanyama left the floor three minutes in to the San Antonio Spurs' game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday after apparently aggravating a lower back injury, but checked back into the game a few minutes later. The 7-foot-3 center signaled for a timeout and clutched at his lower back after weakly tossing a bounce pass that was stolen by New Orleans' Herbert Jones. The 2023 top overall draft pick landed awkwardly following an offensive rebound. San Antonio called a timeout on the ensuing possession change with 8:59 remaining in the first quarter. Wembanyama departed for the locker room but walked back to the bench and checked back in with 9:34 remaining in the second quarter.
Bucks snap a 2-game skid with a 118-113 victory over the Nets
Pat Pickens, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 4:22 p.m. | Save Story
Giannis Antetkounmpo had 34 points, 11 rebounds and four assists and the Milwaukee Bucks snapped a two-game skid with a 118-113 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Damien Lillard had 15 points and 11 assists and Bobby Portis added 23 points and five rebounds off the bench. The Bucks won for the 10th time in 13 games. Dennis Schroder had 34 points and 10 assists, Cam Johnson scored 26 points and Nic Claxton added 21 points and nine rebounds as the Nets lost for the fourth time in five games.
Joel Embiid scores 31 in return to the 76ers' starting lineup against the Bulls
Matt Carlson, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 4:09 p.m. | Save Story
Two-time NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers' starting lineup against the Chicago Bulls. After missing his first seven shots and ambling deliberately in his left knee brace in the first quarter, the 2023 MVP went on a tear to propel the Sixers to a 108-100 win over the Chicago Bulls. Embiid connected on eight of his next 10 shots in the second quarter for his first 19 points of the game, which lifted Philadelphia to a 62-50 halftime lead. Embiid, a seven-time All-Star, added 12 rebounds in his fifth game this season.
Embiid scores 31 in his return, Maxey has his first triple-double, Sixers beat Bulls 108-100
Matt Carlson, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 8 - 1:49 p.m. | Save Story
Joel Embiid had 31 points and 12 rebounds in his return, Tyrese Maxey got his first career triple-double and the Philadelphia 76ers held on to beat the Chicago Bulls 108-100. Maxey finished with 25 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds. Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. each scored 12 as the Sixers won for the fourth time in five games. Zach LaVine led Chicago with 30 points. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White each scored 13 in the Bulls' second straight loss.
Jokic's career high of 56 points comes during a low point for the Nuggets
Noah Trister, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 9:16 p.m. | Save Story
Nikola Jokic scored a career-high 56 points and had little to celebrate afterward. The Denver star's stat line also included 16 rebounds and eight assists. But his efforts were wasted in a 122-113 loss Saturday night to a Washington team that had lost 16 games in a row. Denver is now 11-10 and hasn't won back-to-back games in nearly a month. Now the Nuggets have lost two in a row. If the season ended now they'd be a play-in team.
Ja Morant scores 32 to help Grizzlies beat Celtics 127-121 and snap 10-game losing streak in Boston
Kyle Hightower, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 8:51 p.m. | Save Story
Ja Morant had 32 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a 10-game losing streak in Boston with a 127-121 win over the Celtics on Saturday night. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 27 points and nine rebounds for Memphis, which won in TD Garden for the first time since Nov. 27, 2013. The Grizzlies have won eight of their last nine. Jrue Holiday had 23 points for the Celtics, who went 18 for 60 from the 3-point line. Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard each finished with 22 points.
Luka Doncic moves into 7th place on NBA's triple-double list with the 79th of his career
Ian Harrison, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 8:50 p.m. | Save Story
Luka Doncic's 79th career triple-double moved the Dallas Mavericks star past some impressive NBA talent. Doncic had 30 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for his second straight triple-double as the Mavericks extended their winning streak to seven games with a 125-118 win over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. This triple-double moved Doncic past Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden on the NBA's all-time list and into sole possession of seventh place.
Bam Adebayo scores 25, Jimmy Butler adds 24 and Heat hold off Suns 121-111
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 8:32 p.m. | Save Story
Bam Adebayo scored 25 points, Jimmy Butler added 24 and the Miami Heat moved back over the .500 mark by beating the Phoenix Suns 121-111 on Saturday night. Adebayo finished with 12 rebounds and eight assists for the Heat (11-10). Duncan Robinson scored 19 and Tyler Herro added 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Miami, which outscored Phoenix 68-53 after halftime. Royce O'Neale scored 23 for Phoenix (12-10), Devin Booker scored 21 and Grayson Allen finished with 16.
Pelicans' injury troubles compounded as leading scorer Brandon Ingram goes down with sprained ankle
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 8:23 p.m. | Save Story
Just when it appeared the New Orleans Pelicans were beginning to regroup after a wave of injuries, leading scorer Brandon Ingram went down Saturday. Ingram landed awkwardly on the foot of Oklahoma City's Lu Dort early in the third quarter of Saturday night's 119-109 loss to the Thunder and severely twisted his left ankle. Ingram had missed six of the Pelicans' 24 games this season with an assortment of injuries, and had just returned from tendonitis in his right foot. He left Saturday's game with just five points on 1-of-5 shooting. Pelicans coach Willie Green said he could not shed any light on the severity of Ingram's most recent injury.
Cunningham has a triple-double to lead the Pistons to a 120-111 victory over the Knicks
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 8:20 p.m. | Save Story
Cade Cunningham had 29 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds, and the Detroit Pistons beat the New York Knicks 120-111 on Saturday night. Malik Beasley had 23 points off the bench and Jaden Ivey chipped in 16 for the Pistons, who snapped a three-game losing streak. It was Cunningham's fifth triple-double of the season, three behind league leader Nikola Jokic. Jalen Brunson had 31 points and 10 assists, and Mikal Bridges finished with 20 points for the Knicks, who had their four-game winning streak stopped.
Doncic's 2nd straight triple-double and the 79th of his career helps Mavs beat Raptors 125-118
Ian Harrison, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 8:12 p.m. | Save Story
Luka Doncic had 30 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for his second straight triple-double, Kyrie Irving scored 29 points and the Dallas Mavericks extended their winning streak to seven games with a 125-118 win over the Toronto Raptors. It was the second triple-double of the season for Doncic and the 79th of his career, breaking a tie with Wilt Chamberlain and James Harden and putting Doncic in sole possession of seventh on the all-time list. Klay Thompson scored 20 points as the Mavericks prolonged the NBA's longest active winning streak.
Thunder beat Pelicans 119-109 for their 7th victory in last 8 games
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 7:44 p.m. | Save Story
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 16 of his 31 points in the first quarter and Jalen Williams added 27 to power the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 119-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Thunder built a 77-51 halftime lead by dominating New Orleans in the paint and in transition, and won for the seventh time in eight games. Dejounte Murray scored 26 points and Herb Jones added 24 for the Pelicans, who committed 18 turnovers and lost for the 16th time in 18 games.
Wizards overcome career-high 56 by Jokic, snap 16-game skid with 122-113 win over the Nuggets
Noah Trister, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 7:43 p.m. | Save Story
and had 16 rebounds and eight assists. The Wizards won for the first time since Oct. 30. Their 16-game skid tied a franchise record.
Spurs' Zach Collins fined $35,000 by NBA for obscene gesture after ejection
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 6:04 p.m. | Save Story
San Antonio Spurs center Zach Collins has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for making an obscene gesture on the court after being ejected. Collins was thrown out in the second quarter of the Spurs' 140-113 home loss to Sacramento on Friday. When he got back to the bench area, he turned back and extended his middle finger to the referee. Collins had been called for his third foul, then given a pair of technical fouls. He finished with two points.
Tiafoe returns to Charlotte's arena to watch Cavs and Hornets after playing Alcaraz in exhibition
Richard Walker, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 5:00 p.m. | Save Story
Frances Tiafoe wore a Charlotte Hornets jersey when he beat Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition tennis match. A day later, Tiafoe returned to the Spectrum Center to watch the Hornets play the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. Tiafoe hit souvenir tennis balls into the stands during the game and visited the Cavaliers' locker room after they beat the Hornets 116-102. Tiafoe wore a replica jersey of Hornets guard Brandon Miller when he edged Alcaraz, the four-time Grand Slam champion from Spain, 5-7, 6-1, 11-9 on Friday. Earlier, 2017 U.S. Open women's singles champion Sloane Stephens played an exhibition match against Madison Keys.
Magic lose Franz Wagner to torn right oblique, same injury that sidelined Paolo Banchero
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 2:38 p.m. | Save Story
but now will be without their second-leading scorer for at least four weeks and likely longer.
Mobley scores career-high 41 points as Cavaliers beat Hornets 116-102
Richard Walker, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 1:37 p.m. | Save Story
Evan Mobley scored a career-high 41 points, Donovan Mitchell added 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers extended their strong start with a 116-102 victory over the injury-riddled Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Mobley scored 23 points as the Cavaliers built a 40-18 lead after the first quarter en route to their 21st victory in 24 games. The forward then had seven points in a late 12-2 surge as Cleveland held on. Brandon Miller scored 24 points for Charlotte, which got as close as 104-100 with 5:05 left to play in its eighth straight loss.
Fox and the Kings host conference foe Utah
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 7 - 12:03 a.m. | Save Story
Sacramento and Utah will take the floor in a matchup of Western Conference opponents. Sunday's matchup is the first this season for the teams. Sacramento is 8-10 against the Western Conference, and Utah is 3-16 against conference opponents.
Anthony Edwards has 30 points and 9 assists in the Timberwolves' 107-90 victory over the Warriors
Janie Mccauley, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 6 - 10:53 p.m. | Save Story
Anthony Edwards had 30 points and nine assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Golden State Warriors 107-90 on Friday night in the first of two games between the teams this weekend. Stephen Curry returned for Golden State after sitting out a victory over Houston a night earlier resting his sore knees. He scored 23 points. Curry's 3-pointer with 10:38 remaining cut it to 80-77, but the Warriors again struggled to take care of the ball and make key stops. Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the T-Wolves, who stay in town to play again Sunday at Chase Center.
Golden State Valkyries build roster by taking 11 players in expansion draft, including Kate Martin
Janie Mccauley, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 6 - 10:52 p.m. | Save Story
The Golden State Valkyries have selected center Iliana Rupert of Atlanta, guard Veronica Burton of Connecticut, guard Carla Leite of Dallas and forward Maria Conde of Chicago with their initial picks of the WNBA expansion draft. Those four became the first players for the new Bay Area franchise that's set to begin play next season. Golden State rounded out its 11-woman roster with Indiana center Temi Fagbenle; Las Vegas guard Kate Martin; forwards Steph Talbot of Los Angeles, Cecilia Zandalasini of Minnesota, Kayla Thornton of New York and Monique Billings of Phoenix; and Washington guard Julie Vanloo.
The Atlanta Hawks are on a roll with 6 straight wins, but can they keep it going?
Paul Newberry, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 6 - 10:43 p.m. | Save Story
Atlanta's longest winning streak in nearly three years.
John Collins scores 20 points, Jazz snap 5-game skid with 141-99 victory over the Trail Blazers
Anne M. Peterson, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 6 - 10:30 p.m. | Save Story
John Collins scored 20 points, Keyonte George had 17 and the Utah Jazz snapped a five-game losing streak with a 141-99 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Walker Kessler had 13 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks for the Jazz in just their fifth win of the season. Jerami Grant had 19 points for Portland in its third straight loss. The Blazers trailed by 46 points and drew boos from the home fans. The Jazz led 67-44 at the half and pushed the margin to 30 points at 76-46 in the third quarter.
Jayson Tatum scores 34, Celtics beat Bucks 111-105 to spoil Khris Middleton's season debut
Kyle Hightower, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 6 - 9:38 p.m. | Save Story
Jayson Tatum had 34 points and 10 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics held on to beat the Bucks 111-105 in Khris Middelton's season debut for Milwaukee. Jaylen Brown added 25 points as the Celtics made 17 3-pointers to earn their 10th victory in 11 games. Damian Lillard finished with 31 points for Milwaukee, which has lost two straight since winning a season-best seven in a row. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 30 points and 11 rebounds on his 30th birthday. Middleton had 11 points and five assists in 23 minutes after missing the Bucks' first 21 games while recovering from offseason ankle surgeries.
Bucks' Khris Middleton makes his season debut against defending champion Celtics
Kyle Hightower, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 6 - 9:37 p.m. | Save Story
Milwaukee forward Khris Middleton has made his season debut against defending champion Boston after missing the Bucks' first 21 games while recovering from offseason surgeries on both of his ankles. Middleton entered Friday night's game midway through the first quarter and finished with 11 points, five assists and three rebounds in 23 minutes. The Bucks lost 111-105 to the Celtics. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is dealing with right patella tendinopathy, also played on his 30th birthday. Middleton appeared in just 33 games in 2022-23 and 55 games last season due to various injuries.
Young hits 3-point in overtime to give Hawks 6 straight wins, 134-132 over Lakers
Paul Newberry, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 6 - 8:47 p.m. | Save Story
Trae Young hit a 3-pointer with 7.4 seconds left in overtime and the Atlanta Hawks held on for their sixth straight win, beating the slumping Los Angeles Lakers 134-132. Young scored 31 points to offset a huge night by the Lakers' Big Two. LeBron James scored 39 points and Anthony Davis had 38, but it wasn't enough to prevent Los Angeles from taking its third straight loss and seventh defeat in the last nine games. James had a chance to win it for the Lakers, but his long 3-pointer clanked off the rim just before the horn sounded.
Haliburton scores 23 points as the Pacers beat the Bulls 132-123
Gavin Dorsey, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 6 - 8:40 p.m. | Save Story
Tyrese Haliburton had 23 points and eight assists, and the Indiana Pacers stopped a four-game slide with a 132-123 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Pascal Siakam scored 21 points for Indiana, and Bennedict Mathurin finished with 19. The Pacers shot 56.5% from the field and had six players score in double figures. Indiana led by 13 at halftime, but Chicago closed to 112-109 on Josh Giddey's layup with 6:53 remaining. Haliburton responded with a 3-pointer, sparking an 8-0 run for the Pacers. Haliburton made five 3s as Indiana went 18 for 29 from long range. Zach LaVine scored 32 points for Chicago, which had won two in a row.
DeRozan, Sabonis help Kings rout Spurs 140-113, with Wembanyama sidelined by injury
Raul Dominguez, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 6 - 8:37 p.m. | Save Story
DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points, Domantas Sabonis had 22 points and 16 rebounds and the Sacramento Kings rolled to a 140-113 victory over San Antonio, handing the Spurs their second straight loss without Victor Wembanyama. De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk added 22 points each for Sacramento, which had a season-high point total. San Antonio's Julian Champagnie had six 3-pointers in scoring 30 points, both career-highs. Spurs rookie Stephon Castle had 15 points, and Chris Paul had 11 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds. Wembanyama participated in a pregame workout but missed his second straight game with a sore lower back.
Paul George has 21 points and 9 assists in the 76ers' 102-94 victory over the Magic
Kevin Cooney, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 6 - 7:50 p.m. | Save Story
Paul George had 21 points and nine assists second in his game since bruising a bone in his left knee, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 102-94 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. KJ Martin added 20 points to help Philadelphia improve to 6-15. The 76ers have won three of four for the first time this season. Franz Wagner scored 30 points for the Magic, and Jalen Suggs has 22. Orlando dropped to 16-9.
NBA fines Celtics' Jaylen Brown $25,000 after his throat-slash gesture against Detroit
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 6 - 11:32 a.m. | Save Story
The NBA has fined Boston forward Jaylen Brown $25,000 for his throat-slash gesture during a victory over Detroit on Wednesday night. NBA head of basketball operations Joe Dumars announced the penalty Friday. The incident took place in the game's first quarter after Brown's two-handed dunk against Detroit center Isaiah Stewart. Brown then stared down Stewart before moving his hand along his throat. Brown told media after the game he expected to hear from the NBA about his actions. Boston defeated the Pistons 130-120.
