NBA

Associated PressAP Source: Bryant memorial set for Feb. 24 at Staples CenterBy STEFANIE DAZIOLOS ANGELES (AP) A public memorial service for Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others killed in a helicopter crash is planned for Feb. 24 at Staples Center, a person with knowledge of the details...

NEW YORK (AP) The NBA has denied the Toronto Raptors' protest of their 102-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 20. The league announced the decision Friday. Toronto argued that the game officials incorrectly called for an instant replay review of whether the Raptors' Terrence Ross released a 3-point shot...

CHICAGO (AP) Dwyane Wade is back in the Chicago Bulls' lineup for the first time in two weeks. The 12-time All-Star and three-time NBA champion was ready to suit up against the Phoenix Suns on Friday after missing three games before the All-Star break. Wade sat out two games because of...

Steve Nash received cheers and a smattering of boos Wednesday when he was introduced as a visiting player in Phoenix for the first time since being traded from the Suns to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Phoenix faithful showered Nash with plenty of appreciation during a first-quarter timeout, as...

US starts men's U18 basketball game vs Panama with 45-0 runST. CATHARINES, Ontario (AP) The U.S. scored the first 45 points and went on to beat Panama 118-26 on Monday night in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship.The Americans led 43-0 after the first quarter and got the opening...

NBA mourns death of Gregg Popovich's wife, a 'real star'SAN ANTONIO (AP) The death of the wife of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has brought an outpouring of support across the NBA.Erin Popovich died Wednesday at 67, the team said without disclosing details. Her death came after...

Protesters show support for Hong Kong at Wizards gameBy The Associated PressProtesters handed out T-shirts and held up signs in support of Hong Kong on Wednesday night when the Washington Wizards hosted a team from the Chinese Basketball Association.The Wizards beat the Guangzhou Long-Lions 137-98 in a game that...

AP Sports WriterCavaliers owner Dan Gilbert recovering after stroke symptomsBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Cavaliers owner and billionaire businessman Dan Gilbert is recovering after suffering symptoms of a stroke and seeking hospital care.Officials with Detroit-based Quicken Loans said in a statement that Gilbert ''received immediate medical attention and is...

April 15 - Last day of regular season.April 18 - Playoffs begin.April 26 - NBA draft early entry eligibility deadline (11:59 p.m. EDT).May 12-17 - NBA draft combine.May 19 - Draft lottery.June 4 - NBA Finals begin.June 15 - Draft early entry withdrawal deadline (5 p.m. EDT).June 25 -...

AP Sports WriterLillard has 30 and Portland beats Charlotte 115-112By ANNE M. PETERSONPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) ??? Damian Lillard scored 30 points, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from nearly halfcourt to end the third quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers handed the Charlotte Hornets their fifth straight loss with a 115-112...

Spurs star Kawhi Leonard to miss preseason with thigh injurySAN ANTONIO (AP) San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard will miss the entire preseason because of a thigh injury.The Spurs announced Saturday that Leonard is rehabbing from right thigh tendinopathy. They say there is no timetable for his return.Leonard...

AP Sports WriterAP Sources: Nuggets acquire Jerami Grant from ThunderBy PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) Two people familiar with the situation say the Oklahoma City Thunder have traded forward Jerami Grant to the Denver Nuggets for a 2020 first-round draft pick.The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of...