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Derrick Rose, Marcus Smart want to win, not babysit Grizzlies' All-Star Ja Morant
Teresa M. Walker, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 6:11 p.m. | Save Story
Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose and 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart made clear Monday they're no babysitters for new teammate Ja Morant. Their goals involve helping the Memphis Grizzlies win now and push Morant when the two-time All-Star returns to the court on Dec. 19 from his 25-game suspension by the NBA. Smart said at Memphis' media day he wants to see Morant succeed because everyone in the NBA knows the Grizzlies won't without the dazzling point guard. Morant will be able to travel with the the team, practice with his teammates and even take part in shootarounds during his suspension.
Zion Williamson taking a serious, 'no smiles,' approach as Pelicans camp ramps up
Brett Martel, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 5:47 p.m. | Save Story
Zion Williamson says he's focused on staying healthy and winning as he enters his fifth NBA season since being drafted first overall out of Duke in 2019. Williamson is ready to practice after missing most of last season with a right hamstring injury. That was the third time in his first four seasons that he had missed the majority of a season. Williamson also was publicly criticized by an adult video actress claiming to be a spurned romantic partner. Williamson says he expects to be defined not by his recent difficulties, but how he responds to them. Pelicans coach Willie Green says Williamson lately has demonstrated a desire to be accountable and move forward productively.
WNBA officially approves Tom Brady's ownership stake in the Aces
Mark Anderson, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 5:11 p.m. | Save Story
The WNBA's owners officially approved retired quarterback Tom Brady's bid Monday to purchase a stake in the Las Vegas Aces. Brady and the Aces announced March 23 he purchased a minority share in the club, No specific information was provided. League approval appeared to be a formality because WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement praising the acquisition. Las Vegas hopes to repeat its league championship when the Aces open a best-of-five series Sunday against the New York Liberty.
Warriors forward Draymond Green sidelined for start of training camp with sprained ankle
Janie Mccauley, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 4:12 p.m. | Save Story
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has a sprained left ankle that will sideline him for at least the first two weeks of training camp. The Warriors say the 33-year-old Green is scheduled to be reevaluated in two weeks as he enters his 12th NBA season. Green says he was scrimmaging in an informal setting when he drove for a layup and landed awkwardly on the foot of teammate Jonathan Kuminga.
Nuggets gear up for title defense, guard against complacency as NBA scenery changes with big trades
Pat Graham, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 3:59 p.m. | Save Story
Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets can see a path toward repeating as NBA champions. The Nuggets believe one of their biggest hurdles is guarding against complacency after winning the franchise's first title by beating Miami. The NBA landscape has changed, too, after some recent deals involving big names. The Nuggets are hoping that point guard Jamal Murray can take another step and become an All-Star. They're also counting on Jokic to be his usual triple-double self. He was the Finals MVP. The team will try to make up for the departure of Bruce Brown after the veteran leader left through free agency.
Warriors star Klay Thompson is open to playing for the Bahamas in the Paris Olympics
Janie Mccauley, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 3:58 p.m. | Save Story
Warriors star Klay Thompson would seriously consider playing for his father's native country of the Bahamas in the Paris Olympics next year. The 33-year-old Golden State guard won a gold medal with the U.S. team at the 2016 Rio Games. He would have to go through several steps to become eligible to play for another country. Thompson said at Monday's media day that he finally feels like he will be his dominant self again after missing more than 2 1/2 years after the 2019 Finals. He was recovering from surgeries for a torn ACL in his left knee then a torn right Achilles tendon repair.
Suns finish dizzying wheel-and-deal summer, focus on building around Booker, Durant and Beal
David Brandt, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 3:26 p.m. | Save Story
Mat Ishbia has lots of good traits for an NBA owner, including deep pockets and a huge desire to win. Patience doesn't appear to be his strong suit. The Phoenix Suns are nearly unrecognizable just eight months after Ishbia bought the team for roughly $4 billion from embattled owner Robert Sarver. Three-time All-Star Devin Booker is the final player remaining from the franchise's run to the 2021 Finals. But this isn't a rebuild. The Suns now have a trio of stars in Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. They enter the season as one of the favorites to contend for a title.
Antetokounmpo praises Lillard acquisition and says he wants to be a Buck 'as long as we're winning'
Steve Megargee, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 3:21 p.m. | Save Story
Giannis Antetokounmpo praised the Milwaukee Bucks for showing a commitment to winning another championship by acquiring Damian Lillard but added that it still doesn't make financial sense for him to sign a contract extension right now. The two-time MVP is eligible to sign a three-year extension totaling about $170 million. He can make significantly more by waiting until next summer to sign an extension. Antetokounmpo says that "I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career, as long as we are winning."
LeBron James returns for 21st NBA season with relief for Bronny, excitement for Lakers
Greg Beacham, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 2:56 p.m. | Save Story
LeBron James is dedicating his 21st NBA season to his son, and Bronny James' encouraging recovery from sudden cardiac arrest is foremost in his mind while the top scorer in NBA history gets back to work this week. But LeBron is also thinking about adding another championship to his collection, and he believes the Los Angeles Lakers have the talent to grab it. Bronny James is progressing in his rehabilitation from cardiac arrest in hopes of playing for the University of Southern California this season, James says. The drama also played a part in James' decision that he was both willing and eager to continue his NBA career.
Damian Lillard may be gone, but his legacy lives on for the Blazers as they move on
Anne M. Peterson, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 2:49 p.m. | Save Story
The Portland Trail Blazers are moving on from the Damian Lillard era, turning the focus to a group of promising young players. But the specter of the seven-time All-Star still hangs over the team as it begins preparing for the new season. Lillard, Portland's franchise player who had been with the team for 11 years, was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks last week in a flurry of moves that the Blazers made ahead of opening camp. What's left is a very young team that Portland will lean on to rebuild.
Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum ready to confront championship expectations for new-look roster
Kyle Hightower, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 2:34 p.m. | Save Story
Yes, the supermax extension Jaylen Brown signed this summer is the richest in NBA history. But make no mistake about it, the Boston Celtics are Jayson Tatum's team. Following the trade of Marcus Smart, long considered to be the emotional centerpiece of the franchise, Tatum will enter his seventh season as the Celtics' second-longest tenured player behind only Brown. It will lift the leadership responsibilities and expectations for Tatum higher than ever. That's especially true as Boston tries to capitalize on its championship window in an Eastern Conference that just got even more competitive following the arrival of Damian Lillard.
Kevin Durant is in. Steph Curry wants to play. NBA stars have the Paris Olympics already in mind
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 2:31 p.m. | Save Story
Kevin Durant just got done with his summer vacation. He's planning to go to France for work next summer, and plenty of other big NBA names hope to join him. Among them is Stephen Curry. Durant is one of many top players who said Monday at media days being held around the league that he plans to play for his country at next summer's Paris Olympics, when the Americans will try for a fifth consecutive gold medal. If he plays and the U.S. wins, Durant would be the first men's player with four basketball golds.
Jimmy Butler has a new look, and even the Miami Heat were surprised by it
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 2:07 p.m. | Save Story
along with a new hairstyle and his fingernails painted black. It's become a trend of sorts for Butler, who went through the Media Day gamut last year with dreadlocks in a deviation from his usual look. There's no word yet on whether Butler will keep the look for Miami's first practice on Tuesday.
LeBron James says Bronny is doing well, working to play for USC this season after cardiac episode
Greg Beacham, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 1:49 p.m. | Save Story
LeBron James says his 18-year-old son is progressing in his rehabilitation from cardiac arrest in hopes of playing for the University of Southern California this season. Bronny James went into cardiac arrest during a workout at the Galen Center in late July. LeBron James praised USC's training staff and coaches for saving Bronny's life with their quick responses after Bronny was stricken. Bronny is attending classes at USC and spending time with his teammates while he gets back to full strength. LeBron said the health scare was frightening for the family, but ultimately made them stronger.
Heat enter camp believing they can contend, and Herro remains in the Miami mix
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 1:19 p.m. | Save Story
After a summer where the Miami Heat were hoping to land Damian Lillard, the reigning Eastern Conference champions reported for training camp on Monday with a familiar refrain in mind. They believe they can contend for a title, and now the real work starts. Lillard wound up getting traded to Milwaukee, and that means Tyler Herro remains in Miami. He says he just wants to feel wanted, and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says Herro is absolutely valued by the Heat.
Cavs executive Altman feels awful about distraction from OVI arrest, has spoken to team owner
Tom Withers, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 12:36 p.m. | Save Story
Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman regrets becoming a distraction due to his recent arrest for driving under the influence and said he has spoken to Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert about the situation. Altman was arrested on Sept. 15 after he was pulled over by the Ohio Highway Patrol for a traffic violation near downtown. The 41-year-old failed a field sobriety test and was taken into custody. On Monday, Altman made his first public comments since the arrest as the Cavs held their media day at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Altman would not give any specifics about his talk with Gilbert and would not comment on whether he expects to be disciplined by the team.
Jazz media day blog: Jazz players believe they are a playoff team
Ryan Miller, KSL.com | Updated Oct. 2 - 11:53 a.m. | Save Story
Follow along as the Utah Jazz players spend their morning speaking about their summers, their goals and plenty of other things.
Kevin Porter barred from Houston Rockets after domestic violence arrest in New York
Kristie Rieken, Associated Press | Posted Oct. 2 - 10:57 a.m. | Save Story
The Houston Rockets have told Kevin Porter Jr. that he can not be with the team in any capacity in the wake of his domestic violence arrest last month. Porter was arrested after an alleged attack on his former WNBA player girlfriend Kysre Gondrezick in a New York City hotel room Sept. 11. Prosecutors said that the attack left her with a fractured neck vertebra and a deep cut above her right eye. The 23-year-old Porter has pleaded not guilty to felony assault and strangulation and is due back in court in Manhattan on Oct. 16.
Fever's Aliyah Boston unanimous choice as WNBA Rookie of the Year
The Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 10:40 a.m. | Save Story
Aliyah Boston had an incredible first season and was honored by the league as the WNBA Rookie of the Year. The No. 1 pick in the draft started every game for Indiana, averaging 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. She shot 57.8% from the field and became the first rookie to lead the league in that stat. The South Carolina graduate was a unanimous choice by the 60-person national media panel, becoming the fifth rookie to be chosen on every ballot and first since A'ja Wilson did it in 2018.
Milwaukee Bucks add former Suns guard Cameron Payne to their backcourt
The Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 9:48 a.m. | Save Story
The Milwaukee Bucks have signed former Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne. The 29-year-old played 48 games for the Suns last season and averaged 10.3 points, 4.5 assists and 20.2 minutes. The 6-foot-1 guard was waived by the San Antonio Spurs last month. The Suns had sent Payne, a second-round pick and cash to the Spurs in exchange for a second-round pick in a move to clear cap space. Payne spent the last four seasons with Phoenix and was part of the Suns team that lost to the Bucks in the 2021 NBA Finals.
Disgruntled Harden no-show at 76ers' media day, training camp status unclear after trade demand
Dan Gelston, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 2 - 9:15 a.m. | Save Story
James Harden skipped the Philadelphia 76ers' media day and his status for training camp this week in Colorado is unclear because the franchise has yet to meet the disgruntled guard's demand for a trade. The 34-year-old Harden's relationship with the Sixers has been obliterated following an offseason in which he was fined $10,000 for publicly calling team president Daryl Morey a liar. Harden picked up his $35.6 million contract option this season in June with the expectation the team would try to trade him. When no deal materialized for the seven-time All-NBA player, he blasted Morey at a promotional event in China. Morey says they're working to resolve the situation in the best way for "all parties."
Jones, Stewart lead New York to first WNBA Finals in 21 years with 87-84 win over Connecticut
Pat Eaton-robb, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 4:52 p.m. | Save Story
Jonquel Jones scored 25 points, including five in the final minute, and New York earned its first trip to the WNBA Finals in 21 years with an 87-84 win over the Connecticut Sun. The former Sun star added 15 rebounds and four blocked shots for the Liberty, who will face defending champion Las Vegas in a matchup of the league's two so-called "super teams" that starts on Oct. 8. League MVP Breanna Stewart led New York with 27 points and Betnijah Laney added 21 in the Game 4 clincher. MVP runner-up Alyssa Thomas had 17 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists for Connecticut. It was her first triple-double of the post-season after recording  a record six during the regular season.
Las Vegas and New York set for WNBA Finals matchup
Doug Feinberg, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 4:09 p.m. | Save Story
New York and Las Vegas have been on a WNBA Finals collision course all season long as the top two teams in the league. Now they'll meet for the title as best-of-five championship series begins next Sunday. The Aces have been there before, winning the franchise's first championship last season. They are looking to become the league's first repeat champion since the Los Angeles Sparks did it in 2001-02. The Sparks were the last defending champion before Las Vegas to reach the Finals doing it in 2017.
Jrue Holiday traded to Boston, as Portland continues making moves
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Updated Oct. 1 - 2:49 p.m. | Save Story
Jrue Holiday has been traded to the Boston Celtics. The move comes just four days after Holiday was shipped to the Portland Trail Blazers in the deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Holiday goes to the Celtics in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams and two future first-round draft picks. The Blazers will receive what would have been Golden State's first-round pick in 2024 and Boston's first-round selection in 2029. Holiday moves into the starting point guard spot in Boston that had been held in recent seasons by Marcus Smart.
Hornets say F/C Kai Jones will not participate in training camp due to 'personal reasons'
Steve Reed, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 30 - 3:57 p.m. | Save Story
The Charlotte Hornets announced that 2021 first-round draft pick Kai Jones will not participate in training camp due to personal reasons. The forward/center had a bizarre post on Instagram Live where he danced and rambled incoherently. Hornets coach Steve Clifford said last week that Jones has not been participating in the team's voluntary workouts, but wouldn't comment further. The Hornets said in a statement there was no timetable for his return to the team and that "out of respect for the personal nature of the situation, the Hornets will not have any additional public comments regarding the matter at this time."
Defending champion Aces return to WNBA Finals, beat Wings 64-61 to complete sweep
Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 6:34 a.m. | Save Story
A'ja Wilson had 13 points and 13 rebounds, and the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces advanced to the finals for the third time in four years, beating the Dallas Wings 64-61 for a three-game sweep. Las Vegas scored the final 11 points of the game. Wilson converted a tying layup and Alysha Clark made a tiebreaking free throw with 1:45 left. The Wings had a 61-53 lead when Arike Ogunbowale made a running layup with 4:59 left. They didn't score again. Ogunbowale finished with a game-high 18 points, but missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Breanna Stewart scores 25, Liberty beat Sun 92-81 to take 2-1 lead in WNBA semifinal series
Pat Eaton-robb, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 30 - 6:23 a.m. | Save Story
Breanna Stewart had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and the New York Liberty beat the Connecticut Sun 92-81 to take a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five WNBA semifinal series. Betnijah Laney scored 20 points, Sabrina Ionescu had 16 and Courtney Vandersloot added 12 for New York, which never trailed. The Liberty can close out the series Sunday at Connecticut. Alyssa Thomas finished one rebound shy of her seventh triple-double of the season for Connecticut, finishing with 23 points and 14 assists. The Liberty lost Game 1, their first defeat against the Sun this season, but bounced back with two straight wins.
Astros, Rockets acquire AT&T SportsNet Southwest, form new network
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 29 - 6:16 p.m. | Save Story
Major League Baseball's Houston Astros and the NBA's Houston Rockets announced on Friday that they've acquired AT&T SportsNet Southwest from Warner Bros. Discovery and will form their own network. Space City Home Network launches Tuesday. It will be a joint venture between the two franchises. The teams say the move will be seamless for fans, who will be able to watch games on the same channels they used previously. The Astros and the Rockets are the latest franchises to seek alternatives for the struggling regional sports network model.
NBA suspends former Spurs guard Joshua Primo for 4 games for exposing himself to women
The Associated Press | Updated Sept. 29 - 10:36 a.m. | Save Story
The NBA has suspended former San Antonio Spurs guard Joshua Primo four games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league. League investigators found that Primo engaged in inappropriate behavior by exposing himself to women. Primo insists his conduct was not intentional, the league said Friday, and investigators found no evidence that he engaged in any misconduct apart from the brief exposures. Nonetheless, the NBA said his behavior does not conform to league standards and warrants discipline. Primo has not played in the NBA since the Spurs terminated his contract last October. He was the 12th overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Versatile forwards including Stewart, Wilson in WNBA playoffs reflect growth of women's game
Doug Feinberg, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 29 - 5:48 a.m. | Save Story
The WNBA has evolved to an era where more and more post players are diversifying their game to be able to step out and shoot 3s, handle the basketball and not just play with their back-to-the-basket. It's no coincidence that teams still playing for the championship are led by some of those players. The top six finishers in the MVP race were forwards with versatile skills. The top three vote getters, Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson and Alyssa Thomas as well as fifth place finisher Satou Sabally are playing in the WNBA semifinals that continue Friday night.
Doncic, Irving believe full season with Mavs will make encore better than debut that flopped
Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 29 - 4:00 a.m. | Save Story
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are running it back with the Dallas Mavericks after the All-Star pairing flopped in a two-month debut last season. Doncic and Irving believe a full preseason and dozens more regular-season games together will make Dallas better after missing the playoffs last season. The roster is another part of the formula. Coach Jason Kidd believes the roster has improved as the club seeks a playoff run similar to the trip to the Western Conference finals in 2022.
LeBron will get more help this season from Lakers' revamped roster, GM Pelinka says
Greg Beacham, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 28 - 6:04 p.m. | Save Story
LeBron James is once again getting to the gym at dawn and putting in long hours as he prepares to begin his 21st NBA season. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka believes he has assembled a roster that will allow the top scorer in NBA history to rest a little bit easier this year. The Lakers kept most of last season's roster and supplemented it with several promising additions in a bid to build a complete contender around James and Anthony Davis. After watching his team go 18-8 after the trade deadline before winning a play-in game and two postseason rounds, Pelinka wanted to see what this group could do with a full year together.
Timberwolves ready to run back the Gobert-Towns pairing after false start last season
Dave Campbell, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 28 - 5:27 p.m. | Save Story
The audacious experiment of pairing two big men together turned into a false start for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. Karl-Anthony Towns missed 52 games because of a strained calf muscle during Rudy Gobert's debut with the team. The assessment was finally revived when Towns returned for the playoffs. Now the Timberwolves are banking on Gobert being more comfortable in his second year and Towns staying healthy. They brought back the same starting lineup and almost the entire rotation for another try. The lost in the first round last season to the eventual NBA champion Denver.
NBA hires former Obama counsel, Google exec Albert Sanders Jr. to head ref operations
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 28 - 12:04 p.m. | Save Story
The NBA has hired Albert Sanders Jr. as its new head of referee operations. He's a Google executive and former associate counsel to President Barack Obama. Sanders starts the job Monday. He will be an executive vice president working in concert with senior vice president for referee development and training Monty McCutchen. Sanders will report to Byron Spruell, who is the NBA's president for league operations.
Damian Lillard traded from the Trail Blazers to the Bucks in 3-team deal
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 27 - 8:52 p.m. | Save Story
Damian Lillard was traded by Portland to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee on Wednedday. The deal ends his 11-year run with the Trail Blazers and a a three-month saga surrounding Lillard's wish to be moved elsewhere in hopes of winning an NBA title. The seven-time All-Star goes from the Trail Blazers to the Bucks in a three-team deal that sends Jrue Holiday from the Bucks to Portland, Deandre Ayton from Phoenix to Portland and Jusuf Nurkic from the Blazers to the Suns.
Former first daughter Barbara Bush tells AP about helping lead NBA's social responsibility efforts
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 27 - 5:38 p.m. | Save Story
Barbara Bush never got to any of the NBA championship celebrations held at the White House when her grandfather was president of the United States. Never got to one when her father occupied the Oval Office, either. She got to the one held for Golden State earlier this year as an NBA employee. The former first daughter has very quietly worked for the NBA for the past year after connecting with the league during the pandemic on some health-related and social justice initiatives. The league has now announced that Bush was recently promoted to lead its social responsibility department, helping oversee initiatives surrounding racial justice, public service and more.
Damian Lillard traded from Trail Blazers to Bucks, AP source says, ending long saga
Tim Reynolds, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 27 - 12:53 p.m. | Save Story
Damian Lillard is being traded by Portland to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, according to a person with knowledge of the agreement.
Wilson's 30 points, 11 rebounds leads Aces to 91-84 win over Wings in Game 2 of WNBA semis
Mark Anderson, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 26 - 11:32 p.m. | Save Story
After saying it "hurt like hell" to just miss out on winning her third MVP, A'ja Wilson responded with 30 points and 11 rebounds to help lift the Las Vegas Aces to a 91-84 victory over the Dallas Wings and 2-0 series lead in the WNBA semifinals. The top-seeded Aces can close out the best-of-five series shifts to Dallas on Friday. Las Vegas also received contributions from Chelsea Gray with 23 points and eight assists, Kelsey Plum with 18 points. Arike Ogunbowale led No. 4 Dallas with 24 points. Wilson is the first player in WNBA playoffs history with three consecutive 30-point games.
Ionescu and Laney help Liberty beat Sun 84-77 to even semifinals series at 1-1
Doug Feinberg, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 26 - 8:58 p.m. | Save Story
Sabrina Ionescu scored 21 points and Betnijah Laney added 20 to help the New York Liberty beat the Connecticut Sun 84-77, evening the best-of-five series at 1-1. Game 3 is Friday night in Connecticut. New York led 59-57 to start the fourth quarter before the team went on a 13-5 run to start the period. Breanna Stewart, who was having a rough offensive night hours after she was honored as the WNBA's MVP, hit a 3-pointer to cap the spurt and give the Liberty a 72-62 advantage. Connecticut got within striking distance a few times after that, but Laney answered with key 3-pointers. Tiffany Hayes scored 30 points to lead the Sun.
Breanna Stewart edges Alyssa Thomas and A'ja Wilson for WNBA MVP award in tight race
Doug Feinberg, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 26 - 8:09 p.m. | Save Story
Breanna Stewart was honored to win one of the closest MVP races in WNBA history.
Magic Johnson has declined multiple NBA ownership chances. The New York Knicks would interest him
Brian Mahoney, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 26 - 7:51 p.m. | Save Story
Magic Johnson's love for his Los Angeles Lakers has kept him from considering ownership of any other NBA team. The New York Knicks would be the one franchise that could make him rethink that. Johnson says the Knicks would be "intriguing" because of their passionate fans and home in Madison Square Garden. The basketball Hall of Famer is already part of ownership groups of the NFL's Washington Commanders and baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers. But he says he has turned down multiple NBA teams because he doesn't want to be in competition with his former franchise.
Ben Simmons heads into training camp healthy. He might be the Nets' point guard if he stays that way
Brian Mahoney, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 26 - 6:38 p.m. | Save Story
Ben Simmons is set to begin training camp next week with no restrictions after two injury-shortened seasons in Brooklyn. If he stays healthy, Simmons may even be able to return to his roots as a point guard. Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said Tuesday that the former All-Star has been playing 5-on-5 this summer and will have an expanded role offensively if he can avoid further injuries. Simmons views himself as a lead guard, the position he played in Philadelphia. The Nets used him as a forward last season. Vaughn says Simmons will be able to play the way he wants if he shows he can handle it.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr is unconcerned about entering the final year of his contract
Josh Dubow, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 25 - 5:43 p.m. | Save Story
even if it doesn't happen before the start of the season. Kerr has a 473-238 record in nine years as Warriors coach and has led the team to four championships and two other trips to the NBA Finals.
Sports on TV for Tuesday, September 26
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 25 - 8:00 a.m. | Save Story
(All times Eastern)
A'ja Wilson scores 34, leads Aces past Wings 97-83 in opener of the semifinal series
Kirk Kern, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 24 - 6:26 p.m. | Save Story
A'ja Wilson scored 34 points, including 14 in the third quarter as the Las Vegas Aces beat the Dallas Wings 97-83 in the opening game of the WNBA semifinal playoff series. Wilson, who earlier in the week earned the league's defensive player of the year award, also had eight rebounds and four blocked shots. Kelsey Plum added 25 points for the top-seeded Aces, Jackie Young scored 19 and Chelsea Gray 13. Young also pulled down 10 rebounds. Satou Sabally led the No. 4 seed Wings with 16 points while Arike Ogunbowale added 12.
Bonner and Allen lead Connecticut to a 78-63 win over New York in Game 1 of WNBA semifinal series
Doug Feinberg, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 24 - 2:36 p.m. | Save Story
DeWanna Bonner scored 20 points, Rebecca Allen added 18 and the Connecticut Sun played stellar defense to beat the New York Liberty 78-63 in the first game of their WNBA semifinals series. Game 2 of the best-of-five series is Tuesday night in New York. Third-seeded Connecticut lost all four games between the teams in the regular season, including getting blown out twice in New York. On Sunday, the Sun turned up their defensive effort, slowing down the second-seeded Liberty and holding them to their lowest point total of the season. Breanna Stewart scored 19 points but was 7 for 25 from the field to lead the Liberty.
Aces, Liberty, Sun and Wings set for WNBA semifinal playoff clashes
Doug Feinberg, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 22 - 10:48 a.m. | Save Story
A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces cruised through the opening round of the playoffs and now stand six wins away from becoming the WNBA's first repeat champion in two decades. Next up for the defending champions are the Dallas Wings, a team that handed the Aces one of their few losses during the regular season. New York faces Connecticut in the other semifinal matchup. Both best-of-five series begin Sunday.
Aces' A'ja Wilson repeats as WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
Mark Anderson, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 22 - 9:58 a.m. | Save Story
Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson was honored as the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in a row. She is the eighth player to win the award multiple times. Wilson received 32 of 60 votes from a national media panel. Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas was second with 24. No other player received more than three votes. Wilson also led the WNBA in defensive efficiency rating and blocked shots. She was third in defensive rebounds per game and 10th in steals. This is the third time in four years Wilson led the league in blocked shots.
Satou Sabally of the Dallas Wings wins WNBA's Most Improved Player award
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 21 - 12:51 p.m. | Save Story
Satou Sabally of the Dallas Wings has been named the WNBA's Most Improved Player after averaging career bests with 18.6 points, 81. rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. The fourth-year pro set a franchise record with seven consecutive double-doubles early in the season. Sabally was fifth in the league with 14 double-doubles and recorded her first career triple-double. The 25-year-old averaged 11.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 11 games last season. She was the second overall pick in the draft by Dallas in 2020 out of Oregon. She shot a career-high 43.5% from the field this season after shooting 39.8% a year ago.
Thomas and Bonner help the Sun advance to their fifth straight WNBA semifinals
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 8:14 p.m. | Save Story
Alyssa Thomas tied a career-high with 28 points, DeWanna Bonner had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Connecticut Sun beat the Minnesota Lynx 90-75 on Wednesday night to advance to their fifth straight WNBA playoff semifinals. Connecticut will play the New York Liberty on Sunday in a best-of-five series. The Sun lost all four regular-season games with the Liberty this season. Tyasha Harris added 18 points off the bench for Connecticut. She made four of the Sun's nine 3-pointers. Thomas also had 12 assists and six rebounds. Napheesa Collier led Minnesota with 31 points. Kayla McBride, who scored 28 points in Game 2 on Sunday, was held to 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting.
Sky say Vatansever will not return as coach and GM after taking over on interim basis for Wade
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 7:17 p.m. | Save Story
The Chicago Sky say Emre Vatansever will not return as coach and general manager after taking over on an interim basis following James Wade's midseason departure. Whether he will go back to serving as an assistant coach was not clear. The announcement comes three days after the Sky were swept out of the playoffs by the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces. Led by All-Star Kahleah Copper, Chicago finished eighth in the WNBA at 18-22 and made the postseason for the fifth year in a row. Vatansever started as an assistant with the Sky in 2018. He took over when Wade left for an assistant coaching job with the Toronto Raptors and led Chicago to an 11-13 record. The Sky were 81-59 in 4 1/2 seasons with Wade and won the franchise's first championship in 2021.
Body camera footage shows Cavs exec Altman being told he nearly caused accident before OVI arrest
Tom Withers, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 20 - 1:31 p.m. | Save Story
Body camera footage of Cavaliers executive Koby Altman undergoing field sobriety tests shows him being told he nearly caused an accident before being arrested and charged with driving while impaired. Altman was arrested Friday near downtown Cleveland. He was first stopped by Ohio State Highway Patrol officers for a traffic violation before refusing a breath test and being taken into custody. The Cavaliers released an brief initial statement a day after Altman's arrest. They followed up with more comment Wednesday, a day after the bodycam video emerged and Altman pleaded not guilty through his attorney in court. The 41-year-old Altman has been with the team since 2012.
Wings win a WNBA playoff series for the first time since relocating to Dallas in 2016
The Associated Press | Posted Sept. 19 - 9:30 p.m. | Save Story
Arike Ogunbowale scored 20 points, Teaira McCowan had 12 points and 16 rebounds, and the Dallas Wings advanced to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs after a 101-74 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night. The Wings won a playoff series for the first time since relocating to Dallas for the 2016 season. Dallas will play top-seeded Las Vegas on Sunday. Dallas became the first team in WNBA history to have seven double-digit scorers in a playoff game. Satou Sabally and Awak Kuier each scored 13 points, Kalani Brown added 12, Crystal Dangerfield had 11 and Natasha Howard 10. Rhyne Howard scored 21 points and Allisha Gray added 19 for Atlanta. Rhyne Howard combined for 57 points to set a WNBA record.
Liberty advance to WNBA playoff semis for first time since 2015 with 90-85 win over Mystics in OT
Doug Feinberg, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 19 - 8:21 p.m. | Save Story
Breanna Stewart scored 27 points and the New York Liberty beat the Washington Mystics 90-85 in overtime to advance to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs for the first time in eight years. New York hadn't won a playoff series since 2015. The Liberty will play either No. 3 Connecticut or sixth-seeded Minnesota. Those two teams will play the deciding game of their best-of-3 series on Wednesday night. The semifinals begin Sunday. The Liberty had to work to advance after blowing an 11-point halftime lead. Natasha Cloud scored 33 points to lead Washington.
Las Vegas Aces forward Alysha Clark chosen WNBA Sixth Player of the Year
Mark Anderson, Associated Press | Posted Sept. 18 - 1:00 p.m. | Save Story
Las Vegas forward Alysha Clark was selected WNBA Sixth Player of the Year on Monday after averaging 6.7 points and 3.4 rebounds this season for the top-seeded Aces. Clark made 44.4% of her field goals, which included 38.6% from 3-point range. She is the fourth Las Vegas player in the past five years to win this award. Dearica Hamby won it in 2019 and 2020 and Kelsey Plum in 2021. No other team has had more than three winners. The Connecticut Sun's DiJonai Carrington was second and the Chicago Sky's Dana Evans was third in voting by a national media panel.
Mark Cuban, Mavs CEO bridge gap with WNBA's Dallas Wings; catalyst for GEMS jersey partnership
Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 10:44 a.m. | Save Story
Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall is the catalyst for a landmark jersey patch partnership with the NBA's Dallas Wings. Mavs owner Mark Cuban says his team's relationship with the Wings was "minimal" before he hired Marshall five years ago. The hiring came in the wake of the Mavericks scandal over a hostile workplace for women. Marshall is a big reason the Wings wear the Mavs GEM logo on their jersey. It's part of a deal involving the NBA team's initiative called "Girls Empowered by Mavericks." The GEM program reaches more than 3,000 girls in the Dallas area, with camps, wellness clinics and workshops focusing on finances and leadership skills.
A'ja Wilson scores career playoff high 38, Aces beat Sky 92-70 to sweep first-round series
The Associated Press | Updated Sept. 18 - 6:49 a.m. | Save Story
A'ja Wilson scored a playoff career-high 38 points to help the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces finish off a first-round sweep of the Chicago Sky with a 92-70. The Aces, who beat Chicago 87-59 in the first game of the best-of-3 series, will play either the No. 4 seed Dallas Wings or the fifth-seeded Atlanta Dream in the semifinals. Game 1 will be played in Las Vegas next Sunday. The Wings lead their series 1-0 with Game 2 on Tuesday in Dallas. Wilson sank 15 of 23 shots from the floor and made 8 of 10 from the free-throw line. Kahleah Copper had 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead Chicago.
Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White named WNBA Coach of the Year
Pat Eaton-robb, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 17 - 1:51 p.m. | Save Story
Stephanie White was honored as the WNBA's Coach of the Year on Sunday after guiding the Connecticut Sun to a 27-win season and a No. 3 seed in the playoffs. White, the former Indiana Fever and Vanderbilt coach, took over a team that made it to last years Finals before coach Curt Miller left for Los Angeles and star player Jonquel Jones, a former MVP was traded to New York and point guard Jasmine Thomas left to join her former coach out west. White received 36 votes from a national panel of 60 sportswriters and broadcasters. Latricia Trammell of the Dallas Wings finished in second place with 11 votes, and Sandy Brondello of the New York Liberty was third with six votes.
McBride and Collier lead Lynx over Sun 82-75 to force a deciding Game 3
Pat Eaton-robb, Associated Press | Updated Sept. 17 - 1:43 p.m. | Save Story
Kayla McBride scored 28 points and Napheesa Collier added 26 points and 13 rebounds as the Minnesota Lynx beat the Connecticut Sun 82-75 to force a deciding Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Alyssa Thomas scored 26 points and DeWanna Bonner added 24 for the No. 3 seeded Sun, who won the first game of the series by 30 points on Wednesday, but now must win a road game to advance. The Lynx led by six points at halftime and stretched that to 16 with the help of a 12-0 run in the third quarter. A 3-pointer from Bonner cut the lead to 76-73 with 2 1/2 minutes to play, but the Lynx made several big defensive stops and scored the next six points to put the game away.
