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☆ NBA playoffs: Minnesota Timberwolves rally from 20-point deficit in Game 7 to eliminate Denver Nuggets
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The Minnesota Timberwolves produced a historic 20-point comeback to eliminate the defending champion Denver Nuggets 98-90 in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. Minnesota now advances to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 20 years, while the Nuggets become the fifth straight defending champion to fall before the conference finals. Karl-Anthony Towns had 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves, while Jaden McDaniels also added 23 points to go with six rebounds. Jamal Murray had a game-high 35 points for the Nuggets, while Nikola Jokić had 34 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists. Pacers stun Knicks in Game 7 at MSGThe Indiana Pacers enjoyed a historic shooting night to eliminate the New York Knicks 130-109 in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.

Persons: Anthony Edwards, ”, Anthony Towns, Jaden McDaniels, Edwards, Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokić, Murray, Jokić, AAron Ontiveroz, Michael Malone, Rick Carlisle, you’ve, Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, Hart Organizations: CNN, The Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Western Conference, Western, Nuggets, ESPN, ” Timberwolves, Timberwolves, Ball Arena, Karl, Denver Post, Dallas Mavericks, Wednesday, Pacers, The Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Madison, Knicks, Boston Celtics, Eastern Locations: Minnesota, Minneapolis, Madison Square

☆ NBA playoffs: Nikola Jokić erupts for 40 points as Denver Nuggets take 3-2 series lead over Minnesota Timberwolves
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Newly crowned three-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Nikola Jokić put on a show and proved why he is the rightful recipient of the award in the Denver Nuggets’ 112-97 playoff victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. So good was Jokić’s performance that teammates and opponents alike were lavishing him with praise after the game. He’s the best player in the NBA, he showed it the last three games, three games in a row. Only five teams in NBA history have come back to win a best-of-seven series when losing the first two at home. Brunson, who bounced back impressively after a poor showing in Game 4, also added seven assists and four rebounds.

Persons: Nikola Jokić, Rudy Gobert, Aaron Gordon, “, ”, Anthony Edwards, Jokić “, ” “, ” Edwards, He’s, ” Gordon, Jamal Murray, Karl, Anthony Towns, Edwards, Garrett Ellwood, “ Nikola, Michael Malone, Brunson, Pacers Jalen Brunson, LeBron James, Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton Organizations: CNN, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver, Nuggets, ESPN, “, NBA, Timberwolves, Western, Knicks, Pacers, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Eastern Locations: Serbian, Minnesota, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana

☆ NBA Playoffs: Cleveland Cavaliers stun Boston Celtics on the road 118-94 to steal Game 2
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The Cleveland Cavaliers leveled their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Boston Celtics, taking down the No. The Cavaliers bounced back from a demoralizing Game 1 blowout to flip the script and steal home-court advantage away from Boston. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out eight assists to help Cleveland to its first win of the series. I was just continuing to find ways to apply pressure on them,” said Mitchell after the game. Joshua Gateley/Getty ImagesPJ Washington added another 29 points and 11 rebounds for Dallas, while Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 33 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks.

Persons: Donovan Mitchell, Cavs, Mitchell, ”, Evan Mobley –, Jarrett Allen, –, Caris, Jayson Tatum, Tatum, Max Strus, Brian Babineau, Jaylen Brown, Joe Mazzulla, “, Luka Dončić, Dončić –, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Nikola Jokić –, ” Dončić, “ I’m, Joshua Gateley, PJ Washington, OKC Organizations: CNN, The Cleveland Cavaliers, Eastern Conference, Boston Celtics, Cavaliers, Celtics, “, Six Cavaliers, Cleveland, Miami Heat, Boston, Mavericks, Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas, American Airlines Center Locations: Boston, Cleveland, Ohio, Slovenian, Oklahoma, Dallas

☆ Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić named NBA MVP for 3rd in 4 seasons
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Jacob Lev | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokić was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player on Wednesday, marking the third time he has been awarded the honor in four seasons. Jokić becomes the ninth player in NBA history to win the award at least three times. He thanked his teammates and coaches when asked about his thoughts on his string of MVP awards. “Without them, I am nothing,” Jokić told NBA on TNT. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone lauded Jokić in February after the player racked up a league-leading 15th triple-double of the season.

Persons: Nikola Jokić, Jokić, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, ” Jokić, …, Michael Malone, “, he’s, ” Malone, ” Jokic Organizations: CNN, Denver Nuggets, Serbian, Nuggets, Western Conference, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, “, NBA, TNT, Minnesota Timberwolves

☆ 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: NBA and Denver Police ‘looking into’ reported incident involving brother of two-time MVP
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( David Close | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —A spokesperson says the NBA is “looking into” an apparent incident involving Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić’s brother, Strahinja Jokić, which happened after the Nuggets won their home game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. A video posted on social media overnight Tuesday appears to show Strahinja Jokić wearing his brother’s No. The Denver Police Department (DPD) says it’s aware of the video and is looking into what happened, noting that the incident at Ball Arena wasn’t reported to police. Strahinja Jokić (middle) watches a Denver Nuggets game against the Indiana Pacers on January 14, 2024. The Nuggets took a 2-0 series lead after Denver’s Jamal Murray hit a game-winning, buzzer-beater to cap a dramatic 101-99 comeback win.

Persons: Nikola Jokić’s, Strahinja, Ron Chenoy, Reuters DPD, Nikola Jokić, Denver’s Jamal Murray Organizations: CNN, Denver Nuggets, Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Police Department, Indiana Pacers, Reuters, Lakers, Ball

☆ 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

☆ DJ Burns Jr.: March Madness star is leading a surprising Final Four run and earns praise from Nikola Jokić
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

11 NC State to the Final Four of the 2024 NCAA men’s tournament, beating a host of highly-seeded teams on the way to a semifinal spot. The NC State star grew up around people from different backgrounds, with his grandmother running a foster home and his parents taking in other children from unstable homes. But, with Burns at center and the team’s underdog mentality, they have shocked the college basketball scene. “I was raised in a happy environment,” the NC State told reporters. While becoming an internet sensation throughout March Madness, Burns' competitve nature has helped NC State to some impressive victories.

Persons: DJ Burns Jr, it’s, – Burns, Duke, Burns, Nikola Jokić –, Burns –, ” Jokić, “, That’d, ” It’s, Jim Nagy, Peter Schrager, Robert Jennings, Tim Nwachukwu, Burns wasn’t, Takela, ”, Dwight Sr, ” Burns, ” Takela, Andy Hancock, Marquette, Duke –, Carmen Mandato, “ He’s, Joe Sargent Organizations: CNN, State, NCAA, NFL, Senior Bowl, Fox Sports, Texas Tech Red Raiders, North, York Preparatory Academy, WRAL, NC State, Rock, Rock Hill Herald, University of Tennessee, Winthrop University, Big South, NC, Wolfpack, Texas Tech, Oakland, Duke, CBS Sports, Getty, Devils, Purdue Locations: North America, Hill , South Carolina, South Carolina, York County, Rock Hill, Oakland

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) — 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

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — In Adam Silver’s eyes, the NBA’s new 65-game policy is working. “I can tell you that the number of games that players have participated in is up this season,” Silver said. “I just don’t like it, how it forces players to play if they’re injured to achieve something,” Denver center Nikola Jokic said. And as such, the gap in the system that the NBA felt Team Ignite would fill isn’t really a gap anymore. “We are in the process of reassessing Team Ignite,” Silver said.

Persons: —, Adam Silver’s, ” Silver, Joel Embiid won’t, Tyrese Haliburton’s, he’d, Jimmy Butler, “, Nikola Jokic, NBA Players Association —, Silver, Jaylen Brown, “ We’ve, I’m, France’s Victor Wembanyama —, Silver wouldn’t, Victor Wembanyama … it’s, aren’t, it’s Organizations: INDIANAPOLIS, NBA Players Association, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Spurs Locations: Philadelphia, Indiana, Denver, Boston, …, Paris, France

☆ Joel Embiid: Reigning NBA MVP set to have surgery on his left knee, expected to miss significant time
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid is set to undergo surgery to deal with a left knee issue, the team announced on Sunday. “Joel Embiid will have a corrective procedure this week to address an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. Embiid has spent time out of the Philadelphia lineup this season as result of persistent injury issues and has missed 14 out of the 76ers’ 48 games. The Cameroonian was recently named to his seventh career All-Star team, but it appears that he will miss this month’s festivities in Indianapolis. Embiid can only miss three more games before he becomes ineligible for an award, meaning that his injury essentially takes him out of MVP contention.

Persons: Joel Embiid, “ Joel Embiid, Embiid, Nikola Jokić, Dubs, Jonathan Kuminga, Henderson, Tyrese Maxey, Paul Reed, Mo Bamba, Nick Nurse’s Organizations: CNN — Philadelphia 76ers, 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Warriors, Getty, NBA, Eastern Conference, Sixers Locations: Philadelphia, Indianapolis

☆ Nikola Jokić triple-double powers Denver Nuggets to 120-108 win over Portland Trail Blazers
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-03 | by ( Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić led the way for the Denver Nuggets in their 120-108 victory over the lowly Portland Trail Blazers to bring the defending champions within half a game of the No. Denver ran out to a big early lead, outscoring Portland 33 to 20 in the first quarter, but the Trail Blazers fought back in the second. The two teams then traded the lead until the Nuggets pulled ahead by four at the half. Jokić said afterwards he was pleased that the Nuggets are still hungry for more success this season. It’s not like won a championship and now we’re gonna go easy,” Jokić said postgame.

Persons: Nikola Jokić, Jokić, –, Michael Malone, laud, ” Malone, “, he’s, – he’s, Scoot Henderson, Denver’s, David Zalubowski, It’s Organizations: CNN, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Nuggets, Ball, NBA, Blazers, Denver, Portland, Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks Locations: Serbian, –, Portland, Denver

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

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is undergoing an MRI after the reigning MVP hurt his left leg Tuesday in a 119-107 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Embiid scored 14 points in that game before limping to the locker room with 4:04 remaining after Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga fell on the 7-footer’s left leg. He is the NBA’s leading scorer with 35.3 points per game and also is averaging 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists. He had a franchise-record 70 points to go along with 18 rebounds on Jan. 22 in a 133-124 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The 76ers next play Thursday at Utah to cap a five-game trip in which they have gone 0-4.

Persons: Joel Embiid, Embiid, Golden, Jonathan Kuminga, footer’s, Nikola Jokic —, Nick Nurse, “ They’re, what’s, ” Embiid, ___ Organizations: FRANCISCO, — Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Saturday, Denver, ” 76ers, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, 76ers Locations: Portland, Utah

Jokic spoiled Rivers' debut as Milwaukee coach by recording his 14th triple-double of the season to help the Denver Nuggets surge by the Bucks, 113-107. Political Cartoons View All 253 ImagesThe game was a chance for Rivers to size up his built-to-win-now club. Embarking on his 25th season as an NBA head coach, Rivers alternated between arms folded, hands on his knees and hands on hips in moving up and down the sideline. “I mean, that’s why I play — to play these kinds of games, to play under the pressure, to play tight games,” Jokic said. The Bucks feature several holdovers, led by Antetokounmpo, from the team that won the NBA championship in 2020-21.

Persons: Doc Rivers, Nikola Jokic, Rivers, “, ” Rivers, ” Jokic, Jamal Murray, —, Khris Middleton, “ It's, we’ve, Adrian Griffin, clapped, Joe Prunty, Brook Lopez, Aaron Gordon, Damian Lillard's, Michael Malone —, ” Malone, Giannis Antetokounmpo, ”, would’ve, didn’t, Joel Embiid, Antetokounmpo, Lopez, Lillard, ___ Organizations: DENVER, Milwaukee, Denver Nuggets, Bucks, Nuggets, NBA, Ball, Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Locations: ”, Philadelphia, Portland

LeBron James joined yet another exclusive club, and he’ll have plenty of familiar faces alongside him at the NBA All-Star Game. James is an All-Star — and an All-Star starter — for the 20th time, with the league unveiling the results of this season’s starter balloting on Thursday night. Durant is a 14-time selection now, one of only 11 players in NBA history to be picked that many times. Tatum set an All-Star Game record last season, scoring 55 points in Salt Lake City on the way to MVP honors. This year’s All-Star Game goes back to the traditional East-vs.-West format, which was utilized in the first 66 NBA midseason classics.

Persons: LeBron James, James, —, Kareem Abdul, Jabbar, Phoenix’s Kevin Durant, Denver’s Nikola Jokic, Dallas ’ Luka, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous, Alexander, Stephen Curry, Durant, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid —, Tatum, Milwaukee's Damian Lillard, “, ” Tatum, it’s, Curry, Boston's Jaylen Brown, York's Jalen Brunson, Atlanta's Trae, Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, Miami's Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, Orlando's Paolo Banchero, Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox, Phoenix's Devin Booker, Kawhi Leonard, Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey, Minnesota's Anthony Edwards, ” Haliburton, I’ve, ”, Antetokounmpo, ” Durant, Adam Silver, Gordie Howe, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Howe, Aaron, Mays, Musial, Mickey Mantle, it’ll, SportsMediaWatch, ” Joe Dumars, ___ Organizations: NBA, Star, Western Conference, Golden State, Eastern Conference, Haliburton, TNT, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, NHL, Major League Baseball, Star Games, Kobe Bryant’s, League, TBS Locations: Indianapolis, Dallas, Dallas ’ Luka Doncic, Oklahoma, Salt Lake City, Miami, Indiana, Indy, U.S

BOSTON (AP) — Jamal Murray scored 35 points, Nikola Jokic finished with 34 and the Denver Nuggets held on to hand the Boston Celtics their first home loss of the season, 102-100 on Friday night. Jokic added 12 rebounds and nine assists to help the defending NBA champions end the Celtics' streak at 20 straight home victories. Jayson Tatum had a chance to tie it in the closing seconds, but he missed a one-legged fadeaway off the rim. Jokic, the two-time NBA MVP, feasted on a Celtics defense that opted not to double-team him for most of the game. Murray hit five of his first six shots in the final period to put the Nuggets in front 95-91.

Persons: — Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, Jokic, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, feasted, Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Tatum, White, Porzingis, Aaron Gordon, Gordon, ___ Organizations: BOSTON, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, NBA, Celtics, Denver, Boston, Nuggets, Washington Wizards, Sunday, Houston Locations: Denver, Boston

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević has been hospitalized in Salt Lake City after suffering a medical emergency on Tuesday night, the team said Wednesday. The seriousness of the situation led the NBA to postpone Wednesday's game between the Warriors and the Utah Jazz. The Warriors did not reveal the nature of the emergency, other than that Milojević was stricken during a private team dinner. The 46-year-old Milojević is in his third season with the Warriors and was part of the group that helped Golden State win the 2022 NBA championship. Milojević spent 14 years as a player and was a three-time MVP of the Adriatic League.

Persons: Dejan Milojević, Milojević, Nikola Jokic Organizations: LAKE CITY, Golden State Warriors, NBA, Warriors, Utah Jazz, Golden State, Serbia —, Denver, Serbian national, Summer League, Atlanta, Houston, Adriatic League Locations: Salt Lake City, Europe, Milojević's, Serbia, United States, Montenegro, San Antonio

Embiid got the better of Jokic late, buoyed by a three-point play that stretched the Sixers’ lead. Embiid gave the Sixers a scare when he fouled Michael Porter Jr. on a 3-point attempt with 26.6 seconds left. Jokic won two straight NBA MVP awards and was beat out last season by Embiid for the honor. Embiid had his 18th straight 30-point game, tying Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor for the sixth-longest streak in NBA history. Embiid scored 23 points and the 76ers shot 67% from the floor.

Persons: — Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Jokic, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, Embiid, Michael Porter Jr, Porter, Hall, Hall of Famer Elgin, ”, Nick Nurse, “, Julius Erving, Maxey, Murray, Nurse barked, Kelly Oubre Jr, Harris, ” Nurse, Philly, Hope, ___ Organizations: PHILADELPHIA, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, NBA, Sixers, Denver, Hall of Famer, Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor, ” 76ers, 76ers, Nuggets, Philadelphia . 76ers, Orlando Locations: tipoff, Serbian, Boston

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Damian Lillard swished a 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime to give the Milwaukee Bucks a stunning 143-142 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. The Kings led by four late in overtime, but Brook Lopez made a 3-pointer from the corner to pull the Bucks to 141-140 with 11.5 seconds remaining. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, Malik Beasley scored 23 points and Bobby Portis added 22. The Bucks were without Khris Middleton, who rested his surgically repaired right-knee as the Bucks played their third game in four days. The Bucks made 63% of their first-half shots, including 8 of 14 from 3-point range, but held a slim 68-66 margin as the Kings took 53 shots compared with 35 for Milwaukee.

Persons: — Damian Lillard swished, Brook Lopez, De'Aaron Fox, Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Malik Beasley, Bobby Portis, Domantas Sabonis, Nikola Jokic, Mike Brown, Intae Hwang, Malik Monk, Brown, Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Kevin Heurter Organizations: MILWAUKEE, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Bucks, Fox, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee, Sacramento, Toronto, Philadelphia 76ers, Kings, Phoenix, Cleveland Locations: UP

Jokic had 21 points and 16 assists, including a difficult layup in traffic with 24.1 seconds left, and the Nuggets held off the Phoenix Suns 119-111 for a hard-fought victory. Durant moved in 10th place on scoring list late in the second quarter, driving the baseline for a layup to pass Moses Malone. Denver jumped out to a 41-30 lead going into the second quarter after shooting 79.2% (19 of 24) from the field. But you've got to credit the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic — that's why he's one of the best in the world. The Suns were playing without Booker (ankle) and Bradley Beal (back) while the Nuggets were without Jamal Murray (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (heel).

Persons: Nikola Jokic, Jokic, “, Michael Malone, ”, Kevin Durant, Michael Porter Jr, Porter, Justin Holiday, Kentavious Caldwell, Pope —, Jackson, ” Jokic, Jusuf Nurkic, Devin Booker —, ” Nurkic, ” Durant, Nurkic, Durant, Moses Malone, Malone, ” Vogel, you've, Nikola Jokic —, He's, Booker, Bradley Beal, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, ___ Organizations: PHOENIX, Denver Nuggets, Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, Suns, Phoenix, Denver, NBA, ABA, Sacramento, Memphis Locations: Jokic, Jackson

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