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Utah takes on Minnesota, looks to end 8-game slide
The Associated Press | Posted March 15 - 12:02 a.m. | Save Story
Utah aims to end its eight-game losing streak when the Jazz play Minnesota. Sunday's meeting is the first this season between the two teams. Minnesota is 8-5 against the Northwest Division, and Utah is 2-9 against division opponents.
Jamal Murray's clutch 3-pointer helps Nuggets hold off short-handed Lakers 131-126
Arnie Stapleton, Associated Press | Updated March 14 - 10:39 p.m. | Save Story
Jamal Murray sank a 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds left and Russell Westbrook stole the inbounds pass for a exclamation-point dunk as the Denver Nuggets rebuffed the scrappy, short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 131-126 Friday night. Austin Reaves scored 37 points and Dalton Knecht added 32 for the Lakers, whose lengthy list of injured players included LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who was ruled out on the second night of back-to-back games because of left calf injury management and a right ankle sprain.
Booker and Durant each score 22 points as Suns beat Kings 122-106
Jack Thompson, Associated Press | Posted March 14 - 10:38 p.m. | Save Story
Devin Booker had 22 points and 13 assists, Kevin Durant also scored 22 points and the Phoenix Suns beat the Sacramento Kings 122-106 on Friday night. Tyus Jones made six 3-pointers to finish with 20 points as the Suns made 24 3-pointers in the game, one short of the franchise record. They shot 55.8% (24 of 43) from behind the arc. Ryan Dunn scored 16 points, Bradley Beal had 15 and Oso Ighodaro finished with 11 as the Suns, who are 11th in the Western Conference, gained a game on ninth-place Sacramento. Domantas Sabonis had 12 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds in his return after missing six games with a hamstring injury.
Barnes and Quickley each score 20 points to help Raptors beat Jazz, 126-118
The Associated Press | Posted March 14 - 10:24 p.m. | Save Story
with about 8 1/2 minutes to play. Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz, who have lost eight games in a row, with 19 points. Kyle Filipowski had 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Eason's career-high 30 helps Houston Rockets extend win streak to 5 games with rout of Dallas
Kristie Rieken, Associated Press | Updated March 14 - 8:59 p.m. | Save Story
Tari Eason scored a career-high 30 points to lead the Houston Rockets to an easy 133-96 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Jalen Green added 23 points with nine rebounds, despite sitting the entire fourth quarter, to help the Rockets to their fifth straight win, tying their longest such streak of the season. Houston led by double digits most of the night and was up by 16 in the third quarter before scoring the next seven points, with a 3 from Eason, to make it 80-57 midway through the quarter.
Timberwolves rally to beat Magic 118-111 for their 7th straight victory
The Associated Press | Updated March 14 - 8:48 p.m. | Save Story
scored nine straight points. Paolo Banchero had 43 points and 11 rebounds for Orlando. Eighth in the Eastern Conference, the Magic were coming off a 113-93 victory in New Orleans on Thursday night.
Mobley helps Cavs win franchise-record 16th straight, beat Grizzlies 133-124
Clay Bailey, Associated Press | Posted March 14 - 8:46 p.m. | Save Story
Evan Mobley had 22 points and 11 rebounds, Darius Garland added 20 points and nine assists and the Cleveland Cavaliers recorded a franchise-record 16th straight victory with a 133-124 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. De'Andre Hunter scored 18 points, while Jarrett Allen had 16. The win eclipsed Cleveland's previous standard for consecutive wins with 15 to open this season. Ja Morant led Memphis with a season-high 44 points to go with eight rebounds and seven assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke finished with 13 points each.
Hornets make franchise-record 26 3s and Ball has 27 points and 14 assists in 145-134 win over Spurs
Raul Dominguez, Associated Press | Posted March 14 - 8:41 p.m. | Save Story
LaMelo Ball had 27 points and 14 assists, and the Charlotte Hornets made a franchise-record 26 3-pointers to roll past the San Antonio Spurs 145-134 on Friday night. Nick Smith Jr. scored a career-high 26 points for the Hornets. Miles Green added 21 and Josh Green had 20. Ball was 7 for 11 on 3-pointers and Charlotte led by as many as 31 points and won for the third time in four games. San Antonio allowed the second-most points to an opponent this season a day after announcing De'Aaron Fox will undergo season-ending surgery to repair tendon damage in his left pinkie.
Celtics add to Miami's misery, pull away in 4th for a 103-91 win over Heat
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Updated March 14 - 8:26 p.m. | Save Story
Jayson Tatum scored 28 points, Jrue Holiday added 25 and the Boston Celtics pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the freefalling Miami Heat 103-91. Derrick White added 18 for Boston, which made 19 3-pointers. The Celtics outscored Miami 25-14 in the fourth quarter and their victory, combined with Atlanta's loss to the Clippers, clinched a playoff spot for the defending NBA champions. The Heat, who dropped their sixth straight and fell a season-low eight games below .500, got 23 points from Andrew Wiggins, 19 from Tyler Herro and 13 from Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Harden, Leonard each score 25 points as Clippers ride lopsided 3rd quarter to 121-97 win over Hawks
Charles Odum, Associated Press | Posted March 14 - 8:04 p.m. | Save Story
James Harden and Kawhi Leonard each scored 25 points, with Harden scoring 13 in a dominant third quarter for Los Angeles, and the Clippers beat the Atlanta Hawks 121-98. Leonard set a season high with five steals. Harden had eight rebounds and seven assists. After trailing 61-53 at halftime, the Clippers outscored the Hawks 35-8 in a lopsided third quarter. Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, making his return to Atlanta, scored 12 points and received an ovation and video tribute during a first-quarter timeout. Onyeka Okongwu led Atlanta with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Siakam scores 27 points and helps Pacers rally with big second half to beat the 76ers 112-100
The Associated Press | Posted March 14 - 7:49 p.m. | Save Story
Pascal Siakam scored 17 of his 27 points in the second half, and the Indiana Pacers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 112-100 on Friday night. Myles Turner added 18 points and seven rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton had 14 points and 10 assists as the Pacers ended a four-game road losing streak. Jeff Dowtin scored a career-high 24 points for the 76ers, who lost their third straight. Jared Butler added 17 points and Adem Bona had 16 points and nine rebounds.
United Center removes the Bulls' championship banners after they were damaged during a concert
The Associated Press | Updated March 14 - 5:37 p.m. | Save Story
The Chicago Bulls' six NBA championship banners have been removed from the United Center rafters after they were damaged during a concert. According to a United Center statement, the banners sustained "minor damage" during a performance by the rock band Disturbed on Saturday night. The banners are expected to be back in place for next season. The Bulls beat the Brooklyn Nets 116-110 at home on Thursday night. Their next home game is on March 27 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Stephen Curry becomes first player in NBA history to make 4,000 3-pointers
Janie Mccauley, Associated Press | Updated March 14 - 6:59 a.m. | Save Story
Stephen Curry is the first player in NBA history with 4,000 3-pointers. He did it a day before his 37th birthday. His 4,000th came from the right wing on a pass from Moses Moody with 8:19 left in the third, on his fourth attempt of the night. The two-time NBA MVP needed two more from deep coming into Thursday night's game against the rival Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. He hit his first from the left wing with 5:35 remaining in the opening quarter.
Stephen Curry reaches 4,000 career 3-pointers, Warriors hold off Kings for 6th straight win
Janie Mccauley, Associated Press | Posted March 13 - 10:34 p.m. | Save Story
Stephen Curry became the first player in NBA history with 4,000 career 3-pointers, Draymond Green scored 23 points and the Golden State Warriors beat the Sacramento Kings 130-104 on Thursday night for their sixth straight victory and 11th of 12. Fans jumped to their feet and cheered when Curry connected in the third quarter, and a tribute played on the big screen during a timeout. Playing a day before his 37th birthday, Curry had 11 points. Jonathan Kuminga returned from a right ankle injury that sidelined him for 31 games. He had 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting. DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points for the Kings in their third straight loss and fourth in five.
Coby White scores 31 points as Bulls rally to beat Nets 116-110
Andrew Seligman, Associated Press | Updated March 13 - 9:28 p.m. | Save Story
Coby White scored 31 points, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Brooklyn Nets 116-110. White extended his streak of 20-point games to a career-best seven, helping the Bulls rally to win their season-high fourth in a row. Kevin Huerter added 18 points and nine rebounds. Tre Jones scored 18, and Julian Phillips finished with 16 points. Chicago is 10th in the Eastern Conference at 28-38 and holds the final play-in spot. Cam Thomas led Brooklyn with 24 points and a career-high 10 assists. Tyrese Martin scored 19. Nic Claxton added 18 points and 14 rebounds, but the Nets lost for the 10th time in 12 games.
Lakers' James, Hachimura, Hayes fly back to California for treatment and will miss rest of road trip
Steve Megargee, Associated Press | Updated March 13 - 9:24 p.m. | Save Story
LeBron James flew back to California for treatment on his left groin strain and will miss the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers' four-game trip. The trip concludes Friday at Denver. James missed his second straight game due to the groin issue Thursday as the Lakers played at Milwaukee. Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the Bucks game that Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes also had gone back to California for treatment. Redick said all three players would be day to day once the rest of the team returns to California to begin a five-game home stand Sunday against Phoenix.
Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper has season-ending wrist surgery
The Associated Press | Posted March 13 - 9:07 p.m. | Save Story
Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper has undergone season-ending surgery on his right wrist. His injury is one of many that have plagued the defending Western Conference championship since they traded Luka Doncic. Prosper's playing time surged in his second season as the injuries piled up for Dallas. He made his second start of the season in the first game after Doncic was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Davis injured his groin in his Dallas debut, and the setbacks just kept coming for Dallas. Prosper was among the eight players listed as out in the Mavericks' most recent game.
Banchero scores 34 points and Magic build a 30-point halftime lead in a 113-93 rout of the Pelicans
The Associated Press | Posted March 13 - 9:05 p.m. | Save Story
Paolo Banchero had 34 points, 11 rebounds and four steals, and the Orlando Magic beat the New Orleans Pelicans 113-93 on Thursday night. Franz Wagner added 27 points, six rebounds and five assists, Â going 11 for 17 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free throw line. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists. New Orleans also got 17 points from Trey Murphy III. The Magic took the lead with 9:24 left in the first quarter and did not relinquish it. It was 68-38 by halftime, with Banchero racking up 24 points and Wagner 20.
Bucks withstand Doncic's 45-point effort and end 3-game skid with 126-106 victory over Lakers
Steve Megargee, Associated Press | Posted March 13 - 8:06 p.m. | Save Story
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 24 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists as the Milwaukee Bucks snapped a three-game skid with a 126-106 victory over the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. The Bucks withstood a 45-point, 11-rebound performance from Luka Doncic. Doncic had 29 points by halftime. Austin Reaves added 28 points and eight rebounds for Los Angeles. The Lakers lost their third straight. Los Angeles' LeBron James missed a second straight game due to a left groin strain. The Lakers also were missing Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura.
Sarr scores 19 points, makes big plays on both ends late as Wizards beat Pistons 129-125
Dave Hogg, Associated Press | Posted March 13 - 8:04 p.m. | Save Story
Alex Sarr made the go-ahead basket with 53 seconds left, followed with a blocked shot and finished with 19 points to lead the Washington Wizards to a 129-125 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. Justin Champagnie had 17 points and nine rebounds for the Wizards, while Kyshawn George scored all of his nine points in the fourth quarter, making three 3-pointers after going 0 for 4 through three quarters. Cade Cunningham had 38 points and 10 rebounds for the Pistons, who had won two straight. Jalen Duren added 18 points and 14 rebounds.
Bucks wearing jersey patches honoring Junior Bridgeman for remainder of season
The Associated Press | Updated March 13 - 6:51 p.m. | Save Story
The Milwaukee Bucks are wearing patches on their jerseys for the rest of the season to honor minority owner Junior Bridgeman. Bridgeman is a former Bucks player who died Tuesday at the age of 71. The Bucks also held a moment of silence before Thursday's game with the Los Angeles Lakers to honor Bridgeman. A video celebrating Bridgeman's life aired during a first-quarter timeout. Bridgeman played for the Bucks from 1975-84 and again in 1986-87. He bought a 10% stake in the franchise last summer.
Breanna Stewart has arthroscopic surgery on right meniscus, AP source says
Doug Feinberg, Associated Press | Posted March 13 - 6:02 p.m. | Save Story
Breanna Stewart has undergone arthroscopic surgery on her right meniscus. That's according to a person familiar with the procedure who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because they weren't authorized to speak publicly. The person says Stewart will be back for New York Liberty training camp, which opens on April 27. The two-time WNBA MVP helped New York wins its first league championship last season. She posted photos on Instagram of herself in a hospital bed.
Spurs G De'Aaron Fox to miss rest of season with finger injury
The Associated Press | Updated March 13 - 5:50 p.m. | Save Story
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox will miss the rest of the season with a finger injury. The Spurs say he will have surgery on Tuesday to repair a tendon on his left hand. He was injured during training camp in October while he was still with the Sacramento Kings. San Antonio acquired him on February 3, and he averaged 19.7 points 4.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 17 games. The Spurs expect him to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of next season.
Josh Giddey to travel with Bulls on 6-game trip, though it's not clear when he'll return from injury
The Associated Press | Posted March 13 - 5:41 p.m. | Save Story
The Chicago Bulls hope Josh Giddey returns from a sprained right ankle during their season-long six-game trip. Coach Billy Donovan says the point guard will travel with the team and there is "some optimism" he will play during the trip. He says the pain has gone down, though the swelling "is definitely still there." Giddey left in the fourth quarter of Chicago's win over Indiana on Monday after he landed awkwardly on his ankle. He injured the same one playing for Australia at the Olympics last summer. Giddey did not play against Brooklyn on Thursday. The Bulls visit Houston on Saturday and go to Utah, Phoenix, Sacramento, the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver before hosting the Lakers on March 27.
Diana Taurasi says goodbye to one of the greatest careers in women's basketball history
John Marshall, Associated Press | Updated March 13 - 3:27 p.m. | Save Story
Diana Taurasi wanted to take her time before deciding whether to retire. Once the Phoenix Mercury star made up her mind, the decision came with the same kind of decisiveness she displayed through one of the greatest careers in women's basketball history. The 42-year-old walks away after leaving an indelible mark on the game. Taurasi won three WNBA championships, six Euroleague titles and won her record sixth Olympic gold medal last year at the Paris Games. She's the WNBA's all-time leading scorer by more than 3,000 points and holds numerous other league records.
Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly is out 4-6 weeks with a hamstring injury
The Associated Press | Posted March 13 - 10:29 a.m. | Save Story
Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly could miss the remainder of the NBA season after injuring his right hamstring earlier this week against the Toronto Raptors. The team announced Thursday that Coulibaly is expected to be out 4-6 weeks and the injury would be treated conservatively. Washington's season finale is 4 1/2 weeks away. The 20-year-old from France is averaging 12.3 points and 3.4 assists in his second season with the Wizards, who are last in the league with a 13-51 record.
The Thunder swept Boston in the season series. Their next meeting would be in the NBA Finals
Jimmy Golen, Associated Press | Updated March 13 - 7:00 a.m. | Save Story
The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a spot in the playoffs, and they did it against the team they could be facing when the NBA postseason reaches its peak. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 and Chet Holmgren added 23 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Thunder to a 118-112 victory over Boston on Wednesday night in a much-anticipated potential NBA Finals matchup. The Thunder also beat the Celtics in Oklahoma City on Jan. 5 in a game that Holmgren missed with an injury. If they meet again this season, it would have to be in the NBA Finals.
Utah faces Toronto, seeks to stop 7-game skid
The Associated Press | Posted March 13 - 12:02 a.m. | Save Story
Utah aims to end its seven-game skid when the Utah Jazz take on Toronto. Friday's meeting is the first of the season for the two teams. Utah is 8-24 at home, and Toronto is 7-23 on the road.
Thybulle sits even though he's available to make season debut for Blazers after missing 66 games
The Associated Press | Updated March 12 - 11:33 p.m. | Save Story
Matisse Thybulle was available to make his season debut for the Portland Trail Blazers against the New York Knicks on Wednesday after missing the first 66 games because of knee and ankle injuries but sat out the entire game. A two-time, second-team All-Defense pick, Thybulle had a procedure in October to address inflammation in his right knee and was expected to miss three to four weeks. The timeline changed when he sprained his right ankle in November. Thybulle averaged 4.8 points in his first five seasons with Philadelphia and Portland. He was second-team All-Defense with the 76ers in 2021 and 2022.
Bridges nails 3-pointer at buzzer to give Knicks a 114-113 OT win over the Trail Blazers
The Associated Press | Posted March 12 - 11:29 p.m. | Save Story
but Portland lost its fifth in a row. Avdija also had 15 rebounds.
Anthony Edwards scores 29 points and Julius Randle adds 25 as Timberwolves rout Nuggets 115-95
Pat Graham, Associated Press | Posted March 12 - 10:42 p.m. | Save Story
Anthony Edwards scored 29 points, Julius Randle added 25 and the Minnesota Timberwolves extended their winning streak to six games by routing the Denver Nuggets 115-95. Rudy Gobert finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves as they improved to 3-0 against the Nuggets this season. The last game between these Northwest Division foes is April 1. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 34 points and eight rebounds. He and the rest of Denver's starters were taken out with 5:05 remaining. Jamal Murray was 0 for 7 with one point in the first half. He finished 4 of 15 for 12 points.
Houston's Adams and Phoenix's Plumlee ejected after fight where Adams wrestles Plumlee to court
Kristie Rieken, Associated Press | Updated March 12 - 9:30 p.m. | Save Story
Houston's Steven Adams and Phoenix's Mason Plumlee were ejected Wednesday night after getting into a fight where Adams wrestled Plumlee to the court in the second quarter. The two big men got tangled up fighting for a rebound with about three minutes left in the first half. The players remained intertwined as they walked away from the basket and Adams, who was facing Plumlee, then lifted him off the floor and wrestled him to the court.
Trae Young makes all 21 free throws and scores 35 points in Hawks' 123-110 win over Hornets
The Associated Press | Updated March 12 - 9:07 p.m. | Save Story
Trae Young made all of his 21 free throws and scored 35 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to their fourth straight victory, 123-110 over the Charlotte Hornets. Young became the sixth player in NBA history to make 21 or more free throws without a miss, and he added 12 assists on a poor shooting night from the field. He was 7 of 20 and missed all five of his 3-point attempts. Miles Bridges had 31 points and 11 rebounds, and LaMelo Ball added 25 points and nine assists for the Hornets, who are second-to-last in the East.
Fox has 32 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds in Spurs' win over injury-depleted Mavs
Raul Dominguez, Associated Press | Updated March 12 - 9:00 p.m. | Save Story
De'Aaron Fox had 32 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds and the San Antonio Spurs snapped a three-game skid, beating the injury-depleted Dallas Mavericks 126-116 on Wednesday night. Dallas (33-34) remained 10th in the Western Conference, holding the final spot for the play-in tournament by 2 1/2 games over Phoenix. Fox was 12 for 25 from the field in his highest-scoring game  since joining San Antonio in a trade with Sacramento on Feb. 5. Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan each had 18 points off the bench for San Antonio. Devin Vassell added 16. Brandon Williams returned from a one-game absence to lead Dallas with 19 points.
Kennard and Morant convert late 3-pointers to lead Grizzlies past Jazz 122-115
Clay Bailey, Associated Press | Posted March 12 - 8:56 p.m. | Save Story
Luke Kennard scored 30 points and Ja Morant had 28, helping the Memphis Grizzlies top the Utah Jazz 122-115. Kennard went 7 for 9 from 3-point range, and Morant was 4 for 7 from deep. Desmond Bane added 17 points as Memphis posted its fourth straight win. Utah lost its seventh consecutive game. Collin Sexton had 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and John Collins also scored 22 points. Sexton scored to give the Jazz a 115-114 lead with 1:16 left, but Kennard responded with a 3 for the Grizzlies. Morant then hit another 3 to make it 120-115 with 12 seconds remaining.
West-best Thunder come to home of NBA champs and beat Celtics to clinch playoff berth
Jimmy Golen, Associated Press | Updated March 12 - 8:40 p.m. | Save Story
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 and Chet Holmgren had 23 points and 15 rebounds to help the Oklahoma City Thunder clinch a playoff berth witha 118-112 victory over the Boston Celtics. The Western Conference-leading Thunder withstood a barrage of Boston 3-pointers to sweep the defending NBA champions in the two-game season series and win for the 17th time in their last 18 games. The victory clinched a playoff berth for the Thunder. Jayson Tatum scored 33 for Boston, which had won five straight and 15 of its last 18 games.
Green leads Rockets past Suns in game marred by fight between Adams, Plumlee
Kristie Rieken, Associated Press | Posted March 12 - 8:32 p.m. | Save Story
alen Green had 29 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 111-104 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night in a game where Houston's Steven Adams and Phoenix's Mason Plumlee were ejected for fighting. Alperen Sengun scored 20 points and Dillon Brooks added 19 to help the Rockets extend their winning streak to four. Adams and Plumlee were ejected before halftime after getting into a fight where Adams wrestled Plumlee to the court. Bradley Beal had 25 points and Booker and Kevin Durant added 19 each for Phoenix. The Suns lost for the third time in four games.
Bogdanovic scores 30, Zubac adds 26 and Clippers roll past Heat 119-104
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Posted March 12 - 8:32 p.m. | Save Story
playoff spot in the Western Conference. Tyler Herro scored 31 points for the Heat, who fell 2 1/2 games behind Atlanta in the race for the No. 7 spot and most advantageous play-in position in the Eastern Conference.
Oliver Miller, center who helped Arkansas reach Final Four and played 9 NBA seasons, dies at 54
The Associated Press | Posted March 12 - 8:22 p.m. | Save Story
Oliver Miller, a beefy center who helped Arkansas advance to the Final Four before playing nine seasons in the NBA, has died. He was 54. Several of Miller's former teams announced his death on Wednesday, as did the National Basketball Retired Players Association. A cause of death was not disclosed. Miller was known as the "The Big O" for his 6-foot-9, 280-pound frame that ballooned to well over 300 pounds during his NBA career. He was a standout at Arkansas from 1988 to 1992 and helped the Razorbacks reach the Final Four in 1990 under Hall of Fame coach Nolan Richardson.
Lawson, Rhoden and Robinson help Raptors beat 76ers 118-105 for 5th win in 6 games
Ian Harrison, Associated Press | Posted March 12 - 8:06 p.m. | Save Story
AJ Lawson scored 28 points, Jared Rhoden set career highs with 25 points and 12 rebounds and the Toronto Raptors beat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-105 on Wednesday night in a matchup of short-handed teams. Orlando Robinson scored a career-high 25 points and matched his career high with 12 rebounds to help the Raptors win for the fifth time in six games. Quentin Grimes scored 29 points and Jeff Dowtin Jr. had a career-high 20 against his former team, but the 76ers lost for the fifth time in seven games following a nine-game losing streak.
Washington Wizards assistant Caporn hired as Australia's men's basketball coach
Dennis Passa, Associated Press | Posted March 12 - 6:38 p.m. | Save Story
Washington Wizards assistant Adam Caporn has been hired as head coach of the Australian men's basketball team after serving as an assistant with the Boomers in recent years to Brian Goorjian. Basketball Australia says Caporn will continue his coaching duties with the NBA's Wizards. It said Dean Vickerman of the National Basketball League's Melbourne United has been appointed to a new role as Boomers associate head coach, taking over if there's a clash with Caporn's NBA schedule. The 42-year-old Western Australia-born Caporn was head coach of Basketball Australia's center of excellence at the Australian Institute of Sport from 2014-21.
NBA fines Jazz $100,000 for holding Lauri Markkanen out of recent games
The Associated Press | Updated March 12 - 4:44 p.m. | Save Story
The NBA has fined the Utah Jazz $100,000 for violating the league's player participation policy after failing to make leading scorer Lauri Markkanen available for recent games. The league said Wednesday it was penalizing the team for failing to make Markkanen available at Washington on March 5 as well as other games the past few weeks. The 7-footer from Finland had not played since a win over Houston on Feb. 22. Markkanen, averaging 19.3 points, was available for Wednesday's game at Memphis after previously being listed as questionable due to a lower back injury. Utah was last in the Western Conference at 15-50.
Andrew Bogut joins Brian Goorjian's coaching staff at Sydney Kings
The Associated Press | Posted March 12 - 12:59 a.m. | Save Story
Andrew Bogut is joining Brian Goorjian's coaching staff at the Sydney Kings in a bid to help the club he part-owns win a National Basketball League championship in Australia. The three-time Olympian spent 14 years in the NBA after being the No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft and won a championship with Golden State Warriors in 2015. Goorjian has won six NBL titles as a coach and worked with Bogut in the Australian Boomers set up. He says the former center "has a blue-chip pedigree." Bogut retired as a player in 2020 and bought a stake in the Kings the following year. He says "the itch to get back on the court was growing stronger with time."
Zion Williamson gets 2nd triple-double in 2 weeks in Pelicans' win over Clippers
Brett Martel, Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 11:53 p.m. | Save Story
Pelicans star power forward Zion Williamson says his second triple-double in two weeks exemplifies his focus on building now for a better future. Williamson had 22 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds performance during a 127-120 victory over the playoff-contending Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. He took the game over in the fourth quarter, when he had 10 points, five assists and five rebounds. Williamson says even though the Pelicans' season hasn't gone the way they wanted, it doesn't mean they can't start working toward being a better team next season. Williamson has scored 20 or more points in 10 of 12 games in which he's played since the NBA trade deadline. Those included 40- and 37-point performances.
Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton converts last-second 'football play' into 4 points to stun Bucks
Mark Ambrogi, Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 9:44 p.m. | Save Story
and he converted the extra point, too. With the Indiana Pacers needing a 3-pointer to tie the Milwaukee Bucks in the closing seconds Tuesday night, a streaking Haliburton took a handoff-style inbound pass along the left sideline, elevated over Giannis Antetokounmpo while fading out of bounds, and buried the 3 while being fouled. Haliburton made the free throw for a stunning four-point play with 3.4 seconds left, and the Bucks held on for a 115-114 victory over the Bucks when Antetokounmpo missed a 3 at the buzzer.
No Donovan Mitchell? No problem for Cavaliers as they tie their team record with 15th straight win
Brian Dulik, Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 9:41 p.m. | Save Story
and is tied for the fifth-best start in NBA history at 55-10. Even with All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, sixth man De'Andre Hunter and sharpshooter Ty Jerome in street clothes on the bench, the Cavaliers rallied from an 18-point deficit in the second half against the Nets.
Zion Williamson has triple-double to lead Pelicans past Clippers 127-120
Brett Martel, Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 8:47 p.m. | Save Story
Zion Williamson had 22 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Pelicans snapped a four-game slide with a 127-120 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Williamson had 10 of his points, five rebounds and five assists in the fourth quarter to help New Orleans hold off the playoff-contending Clippers, invigorating the crowd with one clutch play after another. CJ McCollum had 23 points, Trey Muphy III added 21 points for New Orleans. Kawhi Leonard scored a game-high 29 points and James Harden added 25 points and 17 assist for the Clippers, who had won six of their previous seven but didn't lead until Ivica Zubac dunked Harden's lob with 5:08 left in third quarter.
Tyrese Haliburton's stunning 4-point play gives the Pacers a 115-114 win over the Bucks
Mark Ambrogi, Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 8:40 p.m. | Save Story
Tyrese Haliburton made a fadeaway 3-pointer while being fouled and completed the four-point play with 3.4 seconds left, and the Indiana Pacers stunned Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks 115-114. Haliburton ran along the left sideline, took an inbounds pass from Andrew Nembhard and launched a 3 while falling out of bounds, absorbing contact by Antetokounmpo, and the ball found the net with Haliburton sprawled on the floor in the corner. Antetokounmpo's 3-pointer at the buzzer fell short. Haliburton, who had missed the last three games with a hip injury, finished with 14 points and 10 assists.
Junior Bridgeman, businessman and basketball standout for Louisville and Milwaukee Bucks, dies at 71
Bruce Schreiner, Associated Press | Updated March 11 - 8:03 p.m. | Save Story
Junior Bridgeman, a basketball standout who went on to an even more successful career in business, has died at the age of 71. Bridgeman led Louisville to a Final Four and played 12 seasons in the NBA, mostly with the Milwaukee Bucks. He then launched a business career with stakes in publishing, restaurants and the Bucks. He died Tuesday in Louisville, Kentucky. Bridgeman was a fixture in Louisville after his playing days. Mayor Craig Greenberg said the city had "lost a kind, generous and groundbreaking legend."
Cade Cunningham leads Pistons past NBA-worst Wizards 123-103 in physical game
The Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 7:53 p.m. | Save Story
Cade Cunningham had 27 points and 10 assists, and the Detroit Pistons beat NBA-worst Washington 123-103 in a physical game that included two late flagrant fouls by the Wizards. Washington's Richaun Holmes was ejected in the fourth quarter for throwing an elbow to the face of Detroit's Ausar Thompson while securing a rebound. A few minutes later, the Wizards' Marcus Smart was assessed a flagrant-1 foul for elbowing Tim Hardaway Jr. Jalen Duren added 15 points and 13 assists for the Pistons, who ended a two-game skid. Detroit entered the night in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Smart led the Wizards with 16 points.
NBA-leading Cavaliers beat Nets 109-104 for their second 15-game win streak of season
Brian Dulik, Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 7:52 p.m. | Save Story
Darius Garland scored 18 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter as the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers rallied for a 109-104 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, matching the longest winning streak in franchise history at 15. Jarrett Allen collected 23 points and 13 rebounds, and Evan Mobley had 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists for Cleveland, which also won 15 straight earlier this season from Oct. 23-Nov. 17. The Cavaliers are 55-10 -- tying the fifth-best start in NBA history -- and have the best home record in the league at 30-4. Cam Thomas scored 27 points for Brooklyn.
Stephen Curry announced as investor in Unrivaled 3-on-3 women's basketball league
Alanis Thames, Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 11:21 a.m. | Save Story
Stephen Curry has been announced as an investor in Unrivaled, adding to a long list of high-profile stars to align with the startup 3-on-3 women's basketball league. The four-time NBA champion's investment was included in Unrivaled's oversubscribed Series A investment round in December, in which the league said it secured more than $28 million in Series A funding to go along with the $7 million raised during the league's seed round, which was announced in May 2024, totaling $35 million for the league to date.
Karl-Anthony Towns leads Knicks in 133-104 romp at Kings
The Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 7:36 a.m. | Save Story
Karl-Anthony Towns had 26 points and nine rebounds, and the New York Knicks beat the Sacramento Kings 133-104 on Monday night. OG Anunoby scored 24 points while adding seven rebounds, eight assists and five steals for New York. Miles McBride shot 7 for 11 (4 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with 21 points. Malik Monk led the Kings with 21 points. Zach LaVine added 17 points for Sacramento. The Knicks took the lead with 7:33 left in the first quarter and never looked back. The score was 66-51 by halftime, with McBride racking up 16 points.
The NBA's Southeast Division is struggling. There's still hope for the Hawks, Magic and Heat
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 4:00 a.m. | Save Story
had a combined record of 113-200, that winning percentage of .369 set to be the worst of any division ever.
Utah faces Memphis on 13-game road slide
The Associated Press | Posted March 11 - 12:03 a.m. | Save Story
Utah is looking to stop its 13-game road skid with a victory against Memphis. The teams square off Wednesday for the first time this season. Memphis is 24-16 against the Western Conference, and Utah is 7-36 against conference opponents.
Josh Giddey departs Bulls' win after hurting same ankle he injured in Olympics with Australia
The Associated Press | Posted March 10 - 10:53 p.m. | Save Story
Josh Giddey left the Chicago Bulls' game in the fourth quarter Monday night after landing awkwardly on his right ankle. It is the same one he injured while playing for the Australian team at the Olympics last summer. Bulls coach Billy Donovan said after their 121-103 win over Indiana that Giddey had a sprained ankle, but that the team wouldn't know the severity for probably a day or two. Giddey was ready for the start of this season after recovering from the Olympic injury. He had a season-high 29 points and 10 rebounds before getting hurt against the Pacers.
Stephen Curry scores 24, Jimmy Butler gets triple-double, Warriors beat Blazers for 5th straight win
Janie Mccauley, Associated Press | Posted March 10 - 10:39 p.m. | Save Story
Stephen Curry scored 24 points and moved within two 3-pointers of becoming the first player in NBA history with 4,000, Jimmy Butler had a triple-double, and the surging Golden State Warriors won their fifth straight game by beating the Portland Trail Blazers 130-120. Butler contributed 13 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds and Golden State improved to 12-2 since Butler made his debut Feb. 8 and 12-1 in games he played. Gary Payton II scored a career-high 26 points for Golden State.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic play to a draw in back-to-back games between top MVP candidates
Cliff Brunt, Associated Press | Posted March 10 - 10:24 p.m. | Save Story
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, two of the favorites for the NBA's MVP award, showed why in a pair of exciting games on back-to-back days in Oklahoma City. Neither emerged as a clear favorite to claim the hardware. Jokic had 24 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists in a 127-103 loss to the Thunder on Sunday, then had 35 points, 18 rebounds and eight assists in a 140-127 win on Monday that moved Denver into second place in the conference. Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA scoring leader, posted 40 points on Sunday and 25 points on 8-for-14 shooting on Monday.
Rebounding Raptors set single-game record with 73 boards, and four players with at least 10
The Associated Press | Posted March 10 - 10:20 p.m. | Save Story
A.J. Lawson and his hometown team in Toronto became the rebounding Raptors on a record-setting night. Lawson scored a career-high 32 points and had 12 rebounds while being one of four Toronto players with double-doubles Monday night in a 119-104 win over Washington. The Raptors had never before had a quartet of players with at least 10 rebounds in the same game. They set a single-game franchise record with 73 rebounds, the most by any team in the NBA this season, and the most by any team in a regulation game since they joined the league 30 years ago.
