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☆ Los Angeles Lakers fire head coach Darvin Ham after 2 seasons
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Jacob Lev | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —The Los Angeles Lakers have fired head coach Darvin Ham, the team announced Friday. The 50-year-old Ham compiled a 90-74 record in two seasons at the helm, including leading the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals last season. On Monday, Los Angeles was eliminated from the NBA playoffs in five games, losing to the reigning champion Denver Nuggets for the second straight postseason. “This organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world,” Pelinka said. Before becoming the Lakers head coach, Ham spent his career as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks and the Lakers for two seasons from 2011 to 2013.

Persons: Darvin Ham, Ham, ” Rob Pelinka, Darvin, ” Pelinka Organizations: CNN, Los Angeles Lakers, Lakers, Western, NBA, Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks Locations: Los Angeles

☆ LeBron James scores 30 points as Los Angeles Lakers earn a ‘lifeline’ against Denver Nuggets
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —LeBron James scored 30 points as the Los Angeles Lakers avoided a first-round elimination in the Western Conference playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. Four-time NBA champion James rose to the occasion, as did Anthony Davies, who had 25 points and 23 rebounds in the 119-108 win in LA. It was the Lakers’ first victory over the Nuggets since December 2022, ending Denver’s 11-game winning streak in the fixture. “We’ve given ourselves another lifeline, and it’s a one-game series for us,” James told reporters. Game 5 will be held in Denver Monday and the defending champion, leading the best-of-seven series 3-1, could secure the series on home soil.

Persons: LeBron James, James, Anthony Davies, “, ” James, you’re, Nikola Jokić Organizations: CNN, Los Angeles Lakers, Western Conference, Denver Nuggets, Lakers, Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers Locations: LA, Denver

Learn moreThe fourth game of the Lakers vs. Nuggets NBA Playoffs Round 1 match-up is here, and this game will determine whether the Lakers go home for the season. If you're hoping to learn where to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets without cable, then you're in luck. Where to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets in the USLakers vs. Nuggets Game 4 will air on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. For cord-cutters, this means checking out a live TV streaming alternative like Sling TV or Hulu + Live TV. Hulu + Live TV Hulu + Live TV includes over 90 channels, along with Hulu's on-demand library and access to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus.

Persons: We've, Nikola Jokić, they'll, Hulu's, ExpressVPN Organizations: Business, Lakers, Nuggets, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Western Conference, The Lakers, US Lakers, ABC, Hulu, ESPN, Disney Plus Locations: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago

☆ Nikola Jokić arrives dressed as ‘Despicable Me’ character and inspires Denver Nuggets to playoff win over Los Angeles Lakers
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-21 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Nikola Jokić came dressed to steal the moon on Saturday, and helped the Denver Nuggets steal a march on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series. On the court, meanwhile, Jokić posted a near triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists to inspire the Nuggets to a 114-103 win over the Lakers and take a 1-0 lead in the playoff series. Jamal Murray added 22 points, six rebounds and 10 assists for the Nuggets. Elsewhere in the Western Conference on Saturday, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Phoenix Suns 120-95 in Game 1 of their playoff series. Meanwhile in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers downed the Orlando Magic 97-83 and the New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 111-104.

Persons: Nikola Jokić, Jokić, LeBron James, “ We’re, Michael Malone, “, you’re, ” Anthony Davis, James, Jamal Murray Organizations: CNN, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Ball, Nuggets, Lakers, ”, Western Conference, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers Locations: Serbian, ” Denver

Learn moreThe 2024 NBA Playoffs tip-off on April 20 and, as usual, the games will air across several networks. We've put together everything you need to know about tuning in to the tournament, including how to watch the NBA playoffs live streams. If you're not sure how to tune in to the NBA Playoffs without cable, don't worry. ET on ABCHow to watch NBA Playoffs in the USNBA Playoffs games will be spread across ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV. Sign up for one of the live TV streaming packages with a US form of payment.

Persons: We've, You'll, Max, you'll, Hulu's, HBO Max, it's, VPNs, ExpressVPN Organizations: Business, NBA, Boston Celtics, Eastern Conference, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Western Conference, Celtics, Hulu, Orlando, Cleveland Cavaliers, ESPN Phoenix Suns, . Minnesota Timberwolves, ESPN Philadelphia 76ers, . New York Knicks, ESPN Los Angeles Lakers, ABC, US NBA, ESPN, TNT, Sling, Blue, Disney Plus, HBO, Warner Bros Locations: ExpressVPN, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Hulu

☆ Draymond Green: Emotional Steph Curry laments ‘self-inflicted wounds’ following fourth ejection of forward
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry was left lamenting “self-inflicted wounds” after Draymond Green received his fourth ejection of the season during the team’s 101-93 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Green’s ejection came less than four minutes into the game after he received two technical fouls for disputing two separate foul calls. Green also a received a suspension during last season’s playoffs after stamping on the chest of Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis. Green was also left off Team USA’s Olympic roster due to his suspensions. Curry was visibly frustrated following Green’s latest ejection, shaking his head and covering his face with his jersey.

Persons: Steph Curry, ”, Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert, Green, Curry, Mike Ehrmann, ” Curry, what’s, “, –, Steve Kerr’s, you’ve, Andrew Wiggins Organizations: CNN, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, NBA, Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Warriors, Players Association, USA’s, Western Conference, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets Locations: Sacramento

☆ Minnesota Timberwolves sale to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore falls apart
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Co-owners Alex Rodriguez, right, and Marc Lore of the Minnesota Timberwolves during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Dec. 30, 2023. The National Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves and the Women's National Basketball Association's Lynx are no longer for sale after a deal with former baseball great Alex Rodriguez and businessman Marc Lore fell apart, the teams' owner Glen Taylor said Thursday. In a statement to CNBC, Lore and Rodriguez said they are disappointed with Taylor's comments. However, those circumstances did not occur," Taylor's statement said. Some reports suggest that the relationship among Taylor, Lore and Rodriguez became strained since the original deal was made.

Persons: Alex Rodriguez, Marc Lore, Glen Taylor, Rodriguez, Marc, Alex, Taylor, Lore, Taylor's, Glen, Axios Organizations: Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, Target Center, Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves, Women's, Basketball, Timberwolves, Lynx, CNBC, NBA, Carlyle Group, Western Conference Locations: Target Center Minneapolis , Minnesota

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Nikola Jokic scored 31 points and the Denver Nuggets beat San Antonio 117-106 on Friday night in a game played in the Texas capital as the Spurs drew a record crowd in their bid to broaden their regional fan base. After having his initial shot blocked by San Antonio rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, Jokic went 13 for 19 from the field. Jeremy Sochan scored 19 points and Devin Vassell and Wembanyama each had 17 points for San Antonio, which lost its third straight. The Spurs have played in Austin the last two seasons to broaden their reach financially and build their fan base. “You can’t match the talent level that they have right now with (Spurs’) young team, but you see what it takes.

Persons: Nikola Jokic, phenom Victor Wembanyama, Jokic, Nikola, Gregg Popovich, “, ” Jamal Murray, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, Michael Malone, ” Malone, Bill Schoening, Malone, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr, Julian Champagnie, Porter, Gordon, ” Jokic, Johnson’s, ” Popovich, Murray, ___ Organizations: Denver Nuggets, Antonio, Spurs, NBA, ” Spurs, Denver, Conference, San, Moody Center, Nuggets, Wembanyama, Jokic, ”, Dallas, Brooklyn Locations: AUSTIN, Texas, San Antonio, Austin, “, Jokic, Denver

☆ NBA All-Star Game: Record point total in controversial as the East defeats the West, 211-186
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“We found out and went after it.”This year’s All-Star Game also saw the return of the traditional East vs. West format. The East was led by 39 points from Lillard, who capped off a highly successful weekend by being named All-Star Game MVP, after retaining his title in the Three-Point Contest earlier on Sunday. Some of his makes during the showcase game were from well beyond the arc. The All-Star Game is a showcase above all, but the wild point totals and lackadaisical defensive efforts have started to frustrate viewers. “Hopefully, as years go on, [the All-Star Game] gets back to being what the fans wanna see … I guess guys are trying to figure out how to play hard and be safe at the same time,” Brown said postgame.

Persons: CNN —, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, “, Leonard, ”, Star Durant, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Haliburton, Stacy Revere, Karl, Anthony Towns, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander –, –, — shannon sharpe, Elam, Mychal Thompson, Klay Thompson, Adam Silver, ” Brown, Durant, Silver Organizations: CNN, Eastern Conference, Western, NBA, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Kobe Bryant All, Getty Images Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Defense, Golden State Warriors, Eastern Locations: Lillard, @ShannonSharpe

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — NBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis had plenty of winners. There was Karl-Anthony Towns, the fourth player to score at least 50 in an All-Star Game. They’ll be busy for a while after the Eastern Conference’s 211-186 victory over the Western Conference on Sunday night in the highest-scoring All-Star Game. Some takeaways from Indianapolis:Photos You Should See View All 33 ImagesALL THOSE POINTSScoring 186 points is something that only two teams in the history of the All-Star Game had done before Sunday night. That’s the kind of game it’s going to be.”STEPH VS. SABRINAFor many, what happened Saturday night — Curry beating Ionescu — will be the highlight of All-Star weekend.

Persons: Damian Lillard, Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry, Sabrina Ionescu, Karl, Anthony Towns, They’ll, it’s, Here’s, ” Lillard, you’ve, STEPH VS, SABRINA, — Curry, Ionescu —, Sabrina, Curry, ” Ionescu, San Francisco —, Ionescu, They’re, Adrian Griffin, Joe Prunty, Doc Rivers –, Lillard, “ We’ve, Giannis Antetokounmpo, “, we’re, ”, Tyrese, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Davis, ___ Organizations: INDIANAPOLIS, Western Conference, West, New York Liberty, NBA, Lillard, Bucks, Milwaukee, ” Bucks, Pacers, Indy, Eastern Conference, Boston Locations: Indianapolis, San Francisco, —, Milwaukee, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana, Phoenix

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The first half of the All-Star Game was record-setting, and not exactly the more-competitive level of play that the NBA was seeking. The Eastern Conference led the Western Conference 104-89 at halftime Sunday night — with the 193 points the most ever scored in an All-Star half. The previous record was set last year, when 191 points were scored before halftime. The East tied the record for points in any half; the West also had 104 in the second half of the 2016 game in Toronto, which it won 196-173. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and other league executives were seeking a more competitive All-Star Game after last season's 184-175 matchup was widely panned — and television ratings plummeted.

Persons: Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton, Adam Silver, Famer Larry Bird, Brunch, “, ” Bird, “ I’m, you’ve, Luka Doncic, Donovan Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, Nikola Jokic’s, Devin Booker Organizations: INDIANAPOLIS, NBA, Eastern Conference, Western, East, Famer Locations: Toronto

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Last season's All-Star Game played out in a way that the NBA hopes to never experience again. So, the league sent a message: Make the All-Star Game better. Boston's Jayson Tatum set an All-Star Game record by scoring 55 points and the game had a total — total — of four free throws, all of them shot by Antetokounmpo's team. “I’m proud of what the guys did at the in-season tournament and I’m looking forward to the All-Star Game. Durant is a 14-time selection and set to actually play in his 11th All-Star Game.

Persons: Nobody, Golden, Stephen Curry, Phoenix's Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, —, We’ve, ”, Curry, “ It’s, James, Antetokounmpo, Giannis, Boston's Jayson Tatum, ” Tatum, Doc Rivers, Chris Finch, Rivers, ” It’s, Adam Silver, Joe Dumars, Dumars, ” Dumars, “ I’m, Kareem Abdul, Jabbar, Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Jordan, Durant, Scottie Barnes, Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey, New York's Jalen Brunson, Orlando's Paolo Banchero, ” Banchero, Julius Randle, Philadelphia's Joel Embiid, Atlanta's Trae Young, Bam Adebayo, Tatum, Damian Lillard, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, “, ” Durant Organizations: INDIANAPOLIS, NBA, Eastern Conference, Western Conference, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron, “, Lakers, Milwaukee, Tyrese, Indiana Pacers, West, of Famers Locations: Indianapolis, New, Barnes, Tyrese Haliburton, Dallas, Oklahoma

☆ NBA All-Star Weekend: Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu to go head-to-head to crown basketball’s best three-point shooter
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The two sharpshooters will face off over All-Star Weekend in the first NBA vs. WNBA three-point contest to settle a long-running debate. Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports/ReutersA dream crossover match-upCurry is a two-time NBA three-point contest champion and holds the league’s record for most career three-pointers made (3,642). However, in 2023, Ionescu set the WNBA record for most three-pointers in a single-season (128). ET, before the three-point contest showcases some of the best talent from deep. Curry vs. Ionescu and the Slam Dunk competition then round out the evening.

Persons: Steph Curry, Sabrina Ionescu, ” Ionescu, “ We’re, ” Curry, Stephen, Sabrina ’ Curry, Ionescu, Curry, Gary A, Vasquez, ”, “, Elsa, Malik Beasley, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Lauri Markkanen, Donovan Mitchell, Karl, Anthony Towns, Trae Young, Gainbridge, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, ’, CNN’s Ben Church Organizations: CNN, NBA, WNBA, Lucas Oil, TNT, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Foundation, York, Connecticut Sun, Indiana Pacers, Eastern, Western, East, Black Colleges, Universities, Virginia Union, Winston, Salem State, G League, –, G, Indian Convention, TNT Sports, Turner Sports, Warner Bros, Discovery, Warner Bros . Locations: Indianapolis , Indiana, Indianapolis, Salem

Rick Tocchet and Rick Bowness were together at NHL All-Star Weekend when news broke that the Winnipeg Jets traded for Sean Monahan. “It’s a great move by Winnipeg, great move by Vancouver getting our guy.”Toss in the Colorado Avalanche signing veteran winger Zach Parise around the same time, and the race for players is already well underway in the Western Conference. And there's still three weeks left until the March 8 deadline, as trade talk picks up and plenty more movement is expected. “Obviously, (we have) a lot of good players and a lot skill — strength throughout the whole lineup. Getting Parise without having to give up draft picks, prospects or players from their roster was a nice first step for general manager Chris MacFarland.

Persons: Rick Tocchet, Rick Bowness, Sean Monahan, Bowness, Elias Lindholm, It’s, ” Tocchet, “ It’s, Zach Parise, there's, ”, Nathan MacKinnon, “, Connor McDavid's, ” Lindholm, Monahan, Connor Hellebuyck, Kyle Connor, Connor, Nazem Kadri, Alexandar Georgiev, Chris MacFarland, Andrew Cogliano, that’s, Parise, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, Jacob Markstrom, Jake Allen, Anaheim's Adam Henrique, Washington's Max Pacioretty, Nic Dowd, Anthony Mantha, Nick Seeler, Sean Walker, Tocchet, ” they're, Bowen Byram, we’ve Organizations: NHL, Winnipeg Jets, Tocchet's Vancouver Canucks, Colorado Avalanche, Western Conference, Stanley, Avalanche, Canucks, Dallas Stars, Central Division, Connor McDavid's Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Winnipeg, Jets, Bowness, Calgary Locations: Winnipeg, Vancouver, West, Colorado, Bowness , Winnipeg, Montreal

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Victor Wembanyama’s first NBA All-Star experience will be hectic, just like everything else has seemed so far in his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs. He’s going to the Tech Summit, the league’s thinktank that kicks off the All-Star festivities on Friday morning. “Honestly, my mind has been so focused on our season that I haven’t thought about it too much,” Wembanyama said. He may play more down the stretch of the season, if the Spurs determine that’s best. “Of course, being selected as an All-Star would have been a great achievement especially in my rookie year,” Wembanyama said.

Persons: — Victor Wembanyama’s, He’s, He’ll, ” Wembanyama, “ It’s, Shaquille O’Neal, Wembanyama, he’d, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Kareem Abdul, Jabbar, Alonzo Mourning, Patrick Ewing, Bob McAdoo, Elvin Hayes, Bob Lanier, Wemby, Erik Spoelstra, Bam, “, Gregg Popovich —, what’ll, ” Popovich, ”, Tim Duncan, Duncan, minding, Chet Holmgren, deservedly, ” O’Neal, won’t, — Organizations: INDIANAPOLIS, San Antonio Spurs, Tech, NBA, Star, of Fame, San, Spurs, Western Conference Locations: Miami, San Antonio, rebuilder, France, Oklahoma

☆ Victor Wembanyama records rare triple-double in San Antonio Spurs win after arriving with ‘Spider-Man Noir’ pregame look
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —A new look and new history for transcendent rookie Victor Wembanyama. “It counts even more because it’s family, it’s from the Spurs.”This was Wembanyama’s second NBA triple-double after posting 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in January. Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan added 27 and 16 points respectively in a much-needed road win for San Antonio. After much success in the previous two decades, the franchise is in rebuilding era that is focused on the development of Wembanyama. Despite the victory, the Spurs remain rooted to the bottom of the Western Conference with an 11-43 record.

Persons: Victor Wembanyama, –, ’, Clint Capela, Wembanyama, Toronto's Scottie Barnes, Mark Blinch, phenom, David Robinson, Robinson, “, ” Wembanyama, Hakeem Olajuwon, Cole Burston, ”, Gradey Dick, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan Organizations: CNN, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, NBA, Scotiabank Arena, Atlanta Hawks, Spurs, Reuters, Hall, Raptors, San, Western Conference Locations: Toronto, San Antonio

It is the 10th time the Timberwolves have won this season when trailing at halftime, which is second in the NBA. They recognize that and set the tone at the start of the second half.”The Timberwolves trailed 53-49 at halftime, but seized control in the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 40-19. Minnesota started the second half with eight straight points, but it wasn't until midway through the third quarter that it was able to pull away. The Timberwolves had a 12-2 spurt to close the quarter as Towns scored eight straight points and Edwards had a reverse layup to give them an 89-72 advantage going into the fourth quarter. Edwards and Towns were both 6 of 6 at the line as the Timberwolves made all 13 of their foul shots in the period.

Persons: — Karl, Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, “, Chris Finch, ”, Edwards, ” Gobert, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, George, Eric Piatkowski, Tyronn Lue, ___ Organizations: ANGELES, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Western Conference, Timberwolves, NBA, ” Timberwolves, Clippers, Minnesota, Towns, ” Clippers, UP NEXT Timberwolves, Golden State Locations: Towns, Minnesota, Edwards, Los Angeles, Portland, Golden

LOS ANGELES (AP) — D'Angelo Russell scored 30 points, Austin Reaves added 27 and the Los Angeles Lakers rode a spectacular 87-point first half to a 139-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Anthony Davis added 20 points as Los Angeles dominated on the second night of a back-to-back set, surging ahead with a 51-point second quarter and staying in front throughout the second half. With Russell's 21 points leading the way, all five starters scored at least 12 while Los Angeles hit 11 3-pointers and 67.4% of its shots overall. “I thought we started the game well, but that second quarter got away from us. The Lakers responded with 51 points in the second, led by 16 from Russell and 12 by Reaves.

Persons: — D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis, ” Reaves, “ It’s, ” Russell, ” Davis, “ Rui, ” Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Willie Green, “, Russell’s, they’re, Spencer Dinwiddie, Rob Pelinka, Dinwiddie, “ We've, He's, ” Jonas Valanciunas, Davis, Russell, Reaves, Max Christie, spraining, Darvin Ham, Cam, ___ Organizations: ANGELES, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Lakers, Los Angeles, New, Los, Pelicans, ” Pelicans, Denver, Western Conference, Brooklyn, Dallas ’, Madison, Nets, Dallas, Clippers, Ingram, Saturday, Detroit Locations: Los, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Toronto, Brooklyn, Williamson, Portland

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets are sending often-injured small forward Gordon Hayward to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for guard Tre Mann, power forward Davis Bertans, point guard Vasilije Micic and two second round draft picks, according to a person familiar with the situation. The second round picks will be in 2024 and 2025, according to the person. Washington to the Dallas Mavericks for Grant Williams, Seth Curry and a 2027 first-round draft pick, AP sources said. The Hornets signed Hayward to a four-year, $120 million contract in 2020 hoping he would give them a boost and make them a consistent playoff team. The Thunder acquired Bertans from the Dallas Mavericks in a draft night deal last year, and he has played sparingly.

Persons: CHARLOTTE, Gordon Hayward, Tre Mann, Davis, Vasilije Micic, Grant Williams, Seth Curry, Hayward, Terry Rozier, Kyle Lowry, Lowry, Mitch Kupchak, Charlotte, Miles Bridges, Bridges, Mann, Cliff Brunt, ___ Organizations: Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Associated Press, Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee, Thunder, Minnesota, Western Conference . Hayward, Miami Heat, ESPN, New York Knicks, Madison, Garden, Boston, The Thunder, Oklahoma City, AP Locations: N.C, Washington, Charlotte, Denver, Hayward, Micic, Philadelphia, Europe, Oklahoma

Doug McDermott was once traded by Indiana to San Antonio, and now, the Spurs have traded him back to the Pacers. Trade deadline day in the NBA gave them and plenty of other players an entirely new outlook, plus may have even reshaped the start of the playoff push as well. He and Alec Burks are headed to the Knicks, a team that entered Thursday a game out of the No. Defending NBA champion Denver didn't make a move on deadline day, nor did reigning East champion Miami, though the Heat did their trade-season work a couple weeks ago by bringing in Terry Rozier from Charlotte for Kyle Lowry. Adding to the challenge of deadline day is this: Only five teams entered Thursday more than four games out of the final play-in tournament spots in the East and West.

Persons: Bojan Bogdanovic, Gordon Hayward, Doug McDermott, Buddy Hield, Joel Embiid, Royce O'Neale, Embiid, Alec Burks, Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, Ryan Arcidiacono, Grimes, Fournier, Arcidiacono, Hayward, Hield, McDermott, Antonio, Kelly Olynyk, Patrick Beverley, Damian Lillard, Robin Lopez, Lopez, “, ” Lopez, Dejounte Murray —, —, Denver didn't, Terry Rozier, Kyle Lowry, LeBron James, Koby Altman, ” Altman, Lowry, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dennis Schröder, Thaddeus Young, Dan Gelston, Tom Withers, ___ Organizations: Spurs, Pacers, NBA, Knicks, Eastern Conference, Suns, Mavericks, Pistons, Thunder, Western Conference, Minnesota, Denver —, Los Angeles Clippers, 76ers, Toronto, Bucks, Kings, Denver, East, Miami, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State, Lakers, Warriors, Raptors, AP Sports Locations: Detroit, New York, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Indiana, San Antonio, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Dallas, Brooklyn, P.J . Washington, Canada, Utah, Milwaukee, Sacramento, Atlanta, Cleveland, East, Toronto

TORONTO (AP) — Even during the All-Star break, Nathan MacKinnon kept thinking ahead to the second half of the NHL season. “Everyone’s going to be playing a lot of hockey here the next couple months, so consistency’s big,” Crosby said. “There’s other teams playing good hockey, so, yeah, we got to win games.”MVP REPEAT? He trails MacKinnon by 17 points and Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov by 18 in the scoring race, but McDavid is arguably playing better all-around hockey than he did last season. “It might not be the most offensively sexy year, but I think we’re doing a lot of good things,” McDavid said.

Persons: Nathan MacKinnon, “, ” MacKinnon, MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Elias Lindholm, Sean Monahan, Bo Horvat, That's, Marc, Andre Fleury, Anaheim's Adam Henrique, Philadelphia's Sean Walker, Washington's Nic Dowd, Ottawa's Jakob Chychrun, Travis Konecny, Jersey's Jesper Bratt, he's, “ We’re, ” Bratt, Sidney Crosby, “ Everyone’s, ” Crosby, they’ll, Louis Blues, Seattle's Oliver Bjorkstrand, ” Bjorkstrand, Hart, Nikita Kucherov, ” McDavid, McDavid, “ It’s, ___ Organizations: TORONTO, NHL, Western Conference, Avalanche, New York Rangers, Stanley, Canucks, Jets, Vancouver, New York Islanders, The Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, Rangers, Islanders, MetLife, ” Flyers, Seattle, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los, Nashville Predators, Edmonton Oilers, Tampa, Colorado Locations: Colorado, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary, Montreal, Minnesota, East Rutherford , New Jersey, Los Angeles, Edmonton

TORONTO (AP) — Connor McDavid won the NHL All-Star Skills competition Friday night, taking home the $1 million prize while showing once again why he is considered the best hockey player in the world. "I thought it was a fun event," McDavid said. Photos You Should See View All 45 ImagesThree players from the Western Conference rival Colorado Avalanche also put on a show. The prize money was one of the new wrinkles at the redesigned skills competition that featured just 12 players. Nurse and Turnbull were among the players who took part in the PWHL 3-on-3 showcase Thursday night.

Persons: — Connor McDavid, McDavid, I’m, Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Alexandar Georgiev, —, “, ” Draisaitl, ”, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Nikita Kucherov, David Pastrnak, Kucherov, Doug Gilmour, Steve Thomas, Sarah Nurse, Blayre Turnbull, Turnbull, ___ Organizations: TORONTO, NHL, The Edmonton Oilers, ” Oilers, Western Conference, Colorado Avalanche, Leafs, Toronto Professional Women’s Hockey League, Canadian

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Damian Lillard's former team took a bit of the shine off his gala homecoming. Anfernee Simons scored 24 points, including a key floater with 17.1 seconds left, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks 119-116 on Wednesday night. Lillard finished with 25 points for the Bucks in their second straight loss under new coach Doc Rivers. It was Lillard's first game in Portland since he was traded to the Bucks in the offseason. Then in the final seconds, the Blazers fouled Antetokounmpo, who missed both free throws to give Portland the win.

Persons: — Damian Lillard's, Anfernee Simons, Lillard, Doc Rivers, Giannis Antetokounmpo, ” Simons, “, we've, Chauncey Billups, ” Billups, Matisse, Simons, Malcolm Brogdon, Jerami Grant, Antetokounmpo, floater, Brook Lopez, Grant, ” Deandre Ayton, ” Rivers, Rivers, Adrian Griffin, Scoot Henderson, ” Lillard, ___ Organizations: Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Bucks, Blazers, NBA, Portland, Bucks ., Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee, Boston, Eastern Conference, Western Conference, Dallas Mavericks, . Trail Blazers Locations: PORTLAND, Portland, Bucks . Milwaukee, Bucks, Rivers ., Milwaukee, UP

BOSTON (AP) — Austin Reaves scored a season-high 32 points and hit a career-high seven 3-pointers to help a Los Angeles Lakers team missing LeBron James and Anthony Davis stun the Boston Celtics 114-105 on Thursday night. James sat out because of a left ankle injury and Davis was sidelined by an Achilles tendon issue and left hip spasms. The Lakers hit 19 of 36 3-pointers, holding off the NBA-leading Celtics to end a two-game losing streak. Photos You Should See View All 45 ImagesBoston never got closer than seven points in the fourth quarter. Lakers big man Jarred Vanderbilt had 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals in 16 minutes.

Persons: — Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, James, Davis, Achilles, Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, Jaxon Hayes, Jayson Tatum, Jarred Vanderbilt, Tatum, Russell, Taurean Prince, Hayes, Rui Hachimura, Darvin Ham, ___ Organizations: BOSTON, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Lakers, NBA, Celtics, Boston, Vanderbilt, Western, NEXT, New York, Memphis, ___ AP NBA Locations: Angeles, New

NEW YORK (AP) — Kawhi Leonard and Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers were chosen as All-Star reserves Thursday, while the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks also had two players selected. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns of the Western Conference-leading Timberwolves will be going to the Feb. 18 game in Indianapolis. Stephen Curry is an All-Star for the 10th time, while the Lakers' Anthony Davis and Devin Booker of Phoenix rounded out the West reserves. Jalen Brunson was selected for the first time and was joined by teammate Julius Randle from the Knicks, who went 14-2 in January. They had to choose three frontcourt players, two guards and two other players, regardless of position.

Persons: — Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Anthony Edwards, Karl, Anthony Towns, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey, Orlando's Paolo Banchero, Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, Boston's Jaylen Brown, Curry, of Famer Paul Arizin’s, Davis, George —, Leonard, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, Tyrese, LeBron James, Denver’s Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander of, Luka Doncic, That's, Trae, Domantas Sabonis, De'Aaron Fox, Boston's Derrick White, Rudy Gobert, Jimmy Butler, Adam Silver, Randle, ___ Organizations: Los Angeles Clippers, Star, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Western Conference, Timberwolves, Lakers, Knicks, of Famer, of Famer Paul Arizin’s Warriors, NBA, Indiana, Alexander of Oklahoma City, Luka, Celtics, Wolves Locations: Indianapolis, Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton, Phoenix, Dallas, Sacramento, Minnesota, Towns

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