PHOENIX (AP) — Coach Jason Kidd made it clear during an interview before Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals that no matter what happened on Sunday night, the Dallas Mavericks should consider this a successful season. A few hours later, it became even more special. Luka Doncic scored 35 points, Spencer Dinwiddie added 30 … Read more
Giannis Antetokounmpo powered his way to the rim, trying to keep the Milwaukee Bucks’ title defense alive. Again and again, the ball just wouldn’t drop. Layups, putbacks — shots that are usually automatic for the two-time MVP and reigning NBA champion — bounced fruitlessly away. And the Bucks kept dropping further behind. “I’d rather miss … Read more
PHOENIX (AP) — It was no surprise when Luka Doncic looked ready for Game 7, calmly draining his first three shots to give the Dallas Mavericks an early lead. The stunner came over the next two hours: The top-seeded Phoenix Suns had no response. Doncic scored 35 points, Spencer Dinwiddie added 30 and the Mavericks … Read more
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Steve Kerr is out of the NBA’s health and safety protocols and preparing to coach the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals after missing the last three games of the semifinal round against Memphis with COVID-19. Kerr said his symptoms were mild with a cough and congestion but his … Read more
BOSTON (AP) — Grant Williams scored a career-high 27 points and hit seven 3-pointers, Jayson Tatum added 23 and the Boston Celtics set a Game 7 record with 22 3-pointers to eliminate the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks 109-81 on Sunday in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Boston will face top-seeded Miami beginning Tuesday in a rematch … Read more
PHOENIX (AP) — The NBA’s long regular season can be tedious, but make no mistake, it matters. Just ask the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns — two teams who have home-court advantage in Game 7 of their respective second-round NBA playoff series on Sunday thanks to superior regular-season records. The Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks … Read more
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The NBA’s youngest team to reach a conference semifinal in the past 25 years has wasted little time turning disappointment into motivation. Yes, the Memphis Grizzlies soaked in every lesson to help chase their first NBA championship. “This is going to motivate us moving forward,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. “The … Read more
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are cherishing this playoff run a little more given they spent the past two years watching the postseason instead of their familiar position chasing championships. Now, with those experienced faces and a cast of new stars, the Warriors are headed to another Western Conference … Read more
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — This kind of playoff triumph is three years in the making for Klay Thompson, who endured countless hours of rehab and heartache to reach this point again. And after another spectacular shooting performance on the big stage, coach Mike Brown just wanted to offer up a congratulatory hug. Instead, Thompson told … Read more
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 46 points, outdueling Giannis Antetokounmpo and making sure there wouldn’t be another Milwaukee Bucks fourth-quarter comeback, and the Boston Celtics beat the defending champions 108-95 on Friday night to force a seventh game in their Eastern Conference semifinal. The third straight victory for a road team sets up a … Read more