NBA

AP Basketball WriterHow Lakers-Celtics paved the way for the Cavs-WarriorsBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIBy the time the Los Angeles Lakers met the Boston Celtics for the third time in the NBA Finals in the 1980s, defensive stopper Michael Cooper had enough with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and the rest of the...

Fultz works out for 76ers, amid draft trade talksCAMDEN, N.J. (AP) Markelle Fultz worked out for Philadelphia on Saturday night, as the 76ers continued moving toward potentially acquiring the No. 1 pick from the Boston Celtics and having the chance to make the first overall selection for the...

Associated PressUtah's boring? Jazz fans offer nightlife choices to WarriorsBy BRADY McCOMBSSALT LAKE CITY (AP) Salt Lake City leaders and tourism officials playfully jabbed back at Golden State Warriors players who bemoaned the lack of nightlife in Utah, hoping to combat the predominantly Mormon state's reputation as a...

AP Basketball WriterSpurs' Tony Parker out for rest of playoffs with quad injuryBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIOne of Gregg Popovich's top priorities in the final weeks of the regular season was making sure the San Antonio Spurs got veteran point guard Tony Parker healthy and in rhythm for the playoff push.More...

Warriors say no decision has been made on White House visitOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) The Golden State Warriors say no decision has been made regarding a potential White House visit to celebrate their NBA title.The Warriors issued a statement Tuesday saying that ''today is all about celebrating our championship''...

AP Sports WriterHawks focus on re-signing Millsap following first-round exitBy CHARLES ODUMATLANTA (AP) Paul Millsap confirmed on Saturday he ''probably will opt out'' of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent, leaving the Atlanta Hawks to plot their future following a painful first-round exit from the playoffs.Millsap...

Rockets' Nene fined for escalating fight with Spurs' DedmonNEW YORK (AP) The NBA has fined Houston Rockets center Nene $15,000 for escalating a fight with San Antonio Spurs center Dewayne Dedmon in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.The league announced the fine Wednesday, hours before Game 2...

Associated PressLowry, Ibaka to test free agency as Raptors face busy summerBy IAN HARRISONTORONTO (AP) After another unsuccessful attempt at taking down LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Toronto Raptors face a summer of change.Kyle Lowry will opt out of the final year of his contract to...

AP Sports WriterWall's late 3 leads Wiz past Celtics 92-91, forces Game 7By HOWARD FENDRICHWASHINGTON (AP) John Wall hit a 3-pointer with 3.5 seconds left for the go-ahead basket, then hopped atop the scorer's table and yelled to celebrate at the conclusion of the Washington Wizards' 92-91 victory...

Indiana Pacers sign second-round draft pick Ike AnigboguINDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indiana Pacers have signed second-round draft pick Ike Anigbogu, a center from UCLA.The Pacers announced the signing Wednesday. Terms weren't disclosed.Anigbogu, who is 6-foot-10, was the 47th overall pick in the draft. He played one season at UCLA...

AP Sports WriterGuarding Bucks' Giannis presents Raptors a playoff puzzleBy GENARO C. ARMASMILWAUKEE (AP) Giannis Antetokounmpo presents a defensive conundrum for the Toronto Raptors.Assign a shorter player on the 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks star can take advantage on the block. Put a taller player on him...

Pacers release Poythress, Zeisloft as preseason winds downINDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indiana Pacers waived forward Alex Poythress and guard Nick Zeisloft on Monday.Both were undrafted rookies who had not seen much action during the preseason.The 6-foot-7 Poythress appeared in two games and scored one point. Zeisloft, a 6-5 Indiana...