NBA

James records 7,000 career assist in Cavs win over HornetsCLEVELAND (AP) LeBron James recorded his 7,000th career assist in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 116-105 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, becoming the first frontcourt player in NBA history to reach the plateau.The 31-year-old James, who moved into ninth...

AP Sports WriterCeltics coach: Empathy means more than basketball right nowBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) Celtics coach Brad Stevens believes the best way he can be helpful to his players right now is by listening to them.Boston players including Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Enes Kanter and Vincent Poirier have...

NBA to hold lottery in Chicago next springCHICAGO (AP) The NBA says it will hold its draft lottery in Chicago next spring.The league announced Thursday the event will be held outside of New York or New Jersey for the first time on May 15. It will be followed...

AP Sports WriterWarriors acquire guard Oubre from Thunder for draft picksBy JANIE McCAULEYSAN FRANCISCO (AP) Guard Kelly Oubre is joining the Golden State Warriors to give the team backcourt depth in the wake of Klay Thompson's latest injury, with Oubre acquired Sunday in a trade from the Oklahoma...

Kevin Love to return for Cavaliers against MilwaukeeCLEVELAND (AP) Cavaliers forward Kevin Love will return Monday after missing six weeks because of a broken left hand.Cleveland was 11-9 without Love, who was injured on Jan. 30. He's averaging 17.9 points and 9.4 rebounds in 48 games.Associate head coach...

AP Basketball WriterNBA changes some rules, with hopes of making games speedierBy JON KRAWCZYNSKILAS VEGAS (AP) The NBA is trying to make games go a little more quickly.The league's Board of Governors has unanimously approved some changes that will potentially eliminate four time-outs per game, help speed up...

Stephen Curry leaves game after landing hard on left handSAN FRANCISCO (AP) Warriors star Stephen Curry fell hard on his left wrist in the third quarter of Golden State's game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.The two-time MVP drove to his left defended by Kelly Oubre Jr....

Chris Paul is questionable for the opener of the Western Conference semifinals when the Los Angeles Clippers visit the Houston Rockets on Monday. L.A. Clippers At Houston When: 9:30 PM ET, Monday, May 4, 2015 Where: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT PREDICTION: Rockets 123, Clippers 119 Join BetOnline and...

AP Sports WriterMilwaukee Bucks break ground on $500 million downtown arenaBy GENARO C. ARMASMILWAUKEE (AP) The Milwaukee Bucks have broken ground on a $500 million downtown arena project that is supposed to be finished in two years.Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, current and former team owners and other dignitaries...

AP Basketball WriterAP sources: Alibaba exec to buy Nets, arena for $3.4 billionBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) In a record sale for a U.S. sports franchise, the co-founder of Alibaba agreed to buy the remaining 51 percent of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center for about $3.4 billion,...

Associated PressSome NBA teams have played 'negro national anthem' at gamesBy JESSE J. HOLLANDWASHINGTON (AP) Several NBA teams have played what is known as the ''negro national anthem'' at games during Black History Month thanks in part to the urging of a retired Howard University professor.Eugene Williams, a...

AP Basketball WriterIn Orlando, everyone's back and expectations are highBy TIM REYNOLDSORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Aaron Gordon doesn't put much credence in outside expectations.The Orlando Magic weren't widely picked to be a playoff team last season, and then not only did the Magic make the postseason but wound up...