NBA

AP Sports WriterHarden and Westbrook back together to chase title in HoustonBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) James Harden and Russell Westbrook are thrilled to be reunited in Houston and can't wait to prove they will work just fine together.And Harden knows the rest of the team is excited about...

AP Sports WritersAs NBA-China tweet rift continues, James enters spotlightBy TIM REYNOLDS and GREG BEACHAMEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) LeBron James has stepped into the spotlight of the now-strained relationship between the NBA and China with his comments about the league executive who started the ongoing fallout with what...

AP Sports WriterBlazers want to take next step after playoff successBy ANNE M. PETERSONPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) The Trail Blazers got a taste of playoff success last season and that's shifted their mindset. Simply making the playoffs is no longer the goal, a championship is.Damian Lillard is once again...

AP Sports WriterMVP Giannis looks to improve as Bucks' leader this seasonBy KEITH JENKINSMILWAUKEE (AP) Last season's loss to Toronto in the Eastern Conference finals stung Giannis Antetokounmpo.So much so that the NBA MVP admitted it took several days for him to be able to sleep at...

AP Basketball WriterNets now cool team; chance for more success with new playersBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) What was apparent in July became clearer to Nets coach Kenny Atkinson in September.With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on board, things are looking up in Brooklyn.''People showed up to our...

AP Sports WriterWithout George to start, Clippers still among NBA's bestBy BETH HARRISLOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Clippers shocked the NBA by landing two superstars to go with a proven supporting cast. Only one of them will be on the floor to start the season.Joining his third...

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...

Edwards' 3s in the 3rd send Celtics to perfect preseasonBy The Associated PressFrom Larry Bird to Ray Allen, the Boston Celtics have suited up some of the best perimeter shooters in NBA history.None of them ever had a hotter hand from behind the arc in a quarter than rookie...

Lakers' Anthony Davis grateful thumb injury isn't seriousEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) Anthony Davis hopes to return to the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup for their next preseason game after confirming his thumb injury isn't serious.Davis went through a full practice with the Lakers on Tuesday.The Lakers' superstar newcomer jammed...

AP Sports WriterZion Williamson makes new-look Pelicans a compelling drawBy BRETT MARTELNEW ORLEANS (AP) Zion Williamson celebrated a recent alley-oop dunk with an ebullient smile and a flexed left bicep as an energized crowd roared approvingly.The NBA preseason has provided a tantalizing taste of the excitement the league's...

AP Sports WritersAs NBA-China tweet rift continues, James enters spotlightBy TIM REYNOLDS and GREG BEACHAMEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) LeBron James has stepped into the spotlight of the now-strained relationship between the NBA and China with his comments about the league executive who started the ongoing fallout with what...

Associated PressDefending champion Raptors experimenting after departuresBy IAN HARRISONTORONTO (AP) Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse expects he'll be experimenting with lineups a lot in the early part of the season.That's the challenge when you lose two starters from any team, let alone an NBA champion.Nurse's tinkering became...