NBA

AP Sports WriterAP source: Mavericks boost Nowitzki's deal to $50 millionBy SCHUYLER DIXONDALLAS (AP) Dirk Nowitzki has signed his contract with Dallas, and a person with knowledge of the deal says it's worth more than the original agreement.The 38-year-old star who has spent all 18 of his seasons...

Ellis, Bullock suspended 5 games under NBA drug policyBy The Associated PressMonta Ellis of the Indiana Pacers and Reggie Bullock of the Detroit Pistons have been suspended five games under the NBA's anti-drug program.The league announced the suspensions Friday without disclosing details of the violations.The 31-year-old Ellis averaged 8.5...

AP Basketball WriterWhere's the drama? Blowouts the rule in these NBA playoffsBy TIM REYNOLDSThink back to the very first game of this NBA postseason: A one-point nail-biter of a win for Cleveland over Indiana, that outcome not getting decided until the final second.Hardly any have gone like that since.Dramatic...

L.A. CLIPPERS (117)Barnes 10-15 2-2 26, Griffin 11-16 8-11 30, Jordan 3-6 2-8 8, Paul 4-13 4-4 12, Redick 7-14 0-0 18, Crawford 5-15 2-2 13, Rivers 0-3 1-2 1, Hawes 2-5 0-0 4, Jones 0-2 0-0 0, Davis 2-3 1-2 5. Totals 44-92 20-31 117.SACRAMENTO (108)Williams...

AP Sports WriterCeltics stagger on without Thomas; guard may need surgeryBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) With his Boston teammates clawing to stay in the NBA playoffs, Isaiah Thomas can't do anything to help.Thomas, who turned to basketball for comfort after his sister's recent death, has been ruled out for...

AP Sports WriterCeltics ready for next challenge after tough Bulls seriesBy ANDREW SELIGMANCHICAGO (AP) The Boston Celtics got hit with a devastating emotional blow just as the playoffs were about to start. They dropped the first two games at home, too.Just as things really were starting to look...

Pelicans' Davis, Spurs' Leonard, Parker all returningNEW ORLEANS (AP) New Orleans center Anthony Davis, San Antonio forward Kawhi Leonard and Spurs guard Tony Parker are all returning from injuries Friday night.Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry says Davis remains sore from a re-aggravate right thigh bruise that sidelined him for...

AP Sports WriterWarriors center Zaza Pachulia sidelined at least a weekBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Golden State Warriors center Zaza Pachulia has a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder and will be sidelined for at least a week.He underwent an MRI exam Tuesday and expressed his relief...

Power surge delays Trail Blazers-Nuggets gameDENVER (AP) The game between the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night is being delayed because of a power surge at the Pepsi Center.Denver led 90-85 with 9:18 remaining in the fourth quarter when a bank of lights near the...

AP Sports WriterCeltics take scorer Jayson Tatum with No. 3 pick in draftBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) The Boston Celtics made the first move of this year's NBA draft days before it began when they traded the No. 1 overall pick to Philadelphia to build on an already rich...

EASTERN CONFERENCENo. 1 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (67-15, 4-0) vs. No. 5 MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (55-27, 4-1)Season Series: Warriors, 2-1. The teams split two games in Memphis, then Golden State won its lone home game of the season series by a deceptive four-point margin - since the Warriors led by 27...

Capsule preview of the Rockets-Spurs seriesBy The Associated PressCapsule and prediction for the Western Conference semifinal series between San Antonio and Houston that begins Monday:---No. 2 SAN ANTONIO SPURS (61-21, 4-2) vs. No. 3 HOUSTON ROCKETS (55-27, 4-1)Season series: Spurs, 3-1.Story line: Houston goes from the spectacular Russell Westbrook...