PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jimmy Butler knocked Joel Embiid out of the playoffs, then walked over to his former 76ers teammate for a hug and a message. “`I’m proud of him. I love him,’” Butler said he told Embiid. “Yes, yes, yes, I still wish I was on his team from him. I do love the … Read more
DENVER (AP) — To think, Nikola Jokic’s entry into the NBA was once overshadowed by the introduction of the “quesarito.” “Hopefully, I’m going to have some percentage from Taco Bell,” joked the Denver Nuggets’ newly minted two-time MVP, whose name scrolled across the TV screen during the 2014 draft while the fast-food chain aired a … Read more
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks want to build off the momentum from a thrilling comeback and the Golden State Warriors seek to put an embarrassing loss behind them as both teams attempt to clinch their second-round series. Both own 3-2 lead in their respective series and are at home Friday for Game 6. The … Read more
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Brian Goorjian’s next adventure will be to build a team from the ground up after signing a two-year deal to be foundation coach of the Bay Area Dragons in the new East Asia Super League. Goorjian is the most successful coach in Australia’s National Basketball League with six championship titles, and … Read more
Coach Bruce Pearl and Auburn lost two stars to the NBA from what I considered college basketball’s best frontcourt. So, the Tigers did what most college programs are doing: They turned to the transfer portal. Auburn filled the gaping voids left by likely first-round picks Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler with a former LSU commitment … Read more
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies battled off elimination with the highest-scoring performance in their franchise’s postseason history. And with All-Star guard Ja Morant cheering from the bench. Then Morant upped the ante by chanting “Grizz in seven!” Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones each scored 21 points and the Grizzlies routed … Read more
BOSTON (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo was having his best shooting night of the playoffs. Milwaukee dominated on the boards. And still the Bucks trailed Boston by 14 points in a game that could send the defending NBA champions to the brink of elimination. That’s when Jrue Holiday showed the Defensive Player of the Year a … Read more
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid took a shot to the face that not even his mask could help him absorb. He went down in a heap and stayed on the court in pain until he could compose himself. Game 5 would get worse in so many ways for Embiid and the 76ers. There was the … Read more
NEW YORK (AP) — Kyrie Irving may have to show the Brooklyn Nets he’s more than a great basketball player if he wants a future with the team. General manager Sean Marks made it clear Wednesday that Irving will have to provide a commitment to being available to his team that wasn’t there this season. … Read more
PHOENIX (AP) — The top-seeded Phoenix Suns looked much more like their old selves on Tuesday night. All-Star guard Devin Booker said a little time in front of the TV with NBA Coach of the Year Monty Williams did wonders. “We study film,” Booker said. “Coach is coming in with adjustments, we make them and … Read more