Basketball

Butler scores 35, Heat rally to beat Celtics 123-116 in East finals opener

BOSTON (AP) — The Miami Heat were in need of a calming presence following a sluggish start to their latest conference finals showdown with the Boston Celtics. Jimmy Butler provided that and a lot more.

May 18, 2023 7:03 AM Read more >

Miami takes 1-0 lead into game 2 against Boston

Miami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (57-25, second in the Eastern Conference) Boston; Friday, 8:30 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE : Celtics -9; over/under is 215.

May 18, 2023 12:23 AM Read more >

Celtics can't hold onto home-court edge on once-fearsome parquet floor

BOSTON (AP) — Once so prodigious on their parquet floor, the Boston Celtics can’t seem to squeeze out a home-court advantage during these playoffs. The franchise that once went 40-1 at home over an entire season fell to .

May 17, 2023 10:31 PM Read more >

Henderson makes case for No. 1 pick, Miller says he's learned lesson

CHICAGO (AP) — Scoot Henderson tried to make the case that he should be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, and Brandon Miller hoped to convince teams that he learned a lesson after a decision he made played a role in a shooting death in January.

May 17, 2023 5:04 PM Read more >

Lakers and Nuggets both take lessons from LA's comeback that fell short in West opener

DENVER (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers are taking solace in their big second-half comeback that fell just short in the Western Conference finals opener at Denver. They aren't alone — the Denver Nuggets also feel L.A.

May 17, 2023 4:18 PM Read more >

76ers prez Morey taking 'careful process' in search for Rivers' replacement as coach

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — Joel Embiid was shocked the 76ers fired Doc Rivers . The NBA MVP had no say in his former coach’s fate -- and team president Daryl Morey says neither Embiid nor any other player will have a say in the new one.

May 17, 2023 1:49 PM Read more >

Nuggets' Jokic, Murray know they need title to get recognition of other duos

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray continue to turn in jaw-dropping performances during these playoffs, raising expectations along the way.

May 17, 2023 1:34 PM Read more >

Morant takes accountability for latest video, as Silver expresses disappointment

Ja Morant spoke out Tuesday night about his latest troubles , three days after the Memphis guard apparently held a firearm again while being broadcast on social media and was suspended by the Grizzlies from all team activities.

May 17, 2023 9:26 AM Read more >

The Wembanyama sweepstakes and draft lottery has a winner: It's the Spurs

CHICAGO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama is set to follow in the footsteps of David Robinson and Tim Duncan, and the San Antonio Spurs are ready to welcome the French phenom. It sure seems like an ideal pairing.

May 17, 2023 9:18 AM Read more >

Analysis: Wembanyama and Popovich will soon be the NBA's newest dynamic duo

The NBA’s oldest coach. The NBA’s newest superstar. In an instant, the fortunes of the San Antonio Spurs changed in a big way. Victor Wembanyama is on his way to the NBA, and the coaching wins leader in Gregg Popovich will be waiting for him.

May 17, 2023 4:01 AM Read more >