NBA

AP Basketball WriterRussell Westbrook wins NBA MVP; Rockets, Bucks take 2 awardsBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) Russell Westbrook moved past Oscar Robertson and kept right on going to the top of the NBA.Westbrook was voted MVP on Monday night after setting a record with 42 triple-doubles during his...

AP Basketball WriterNew Knicks regime open to moving on with or without CarmeloBy BRIAN MAHONEYGREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) The New York Knicks' new regime is ready to move on with or without Carmelo Anthony.New president Steve Mills said Monday the Knicks will still look to find a trade that...

Clippers' Willie Reed arrested on domestic violence chargeMIAMI (AP) New Los Angeles Clippers center Willie Reed was jailed Sunday in Miami on a battery charge.His wife told police that he dragged her across the apartment while wrestling for a purse and later pulled her hair and grabbed her...

AP Sports Writer8-time All-Star Dwight Howard: I have a lot left in the tankBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) At 31 and entering his 14th NBA season, eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard says his best basketball is ahead of him.Wearing a teal suit with black trim, a smiling Howard insisted...

AP Basketball WriterRockets sign Harden to $228 million deal, NBA's richestBy JON KRAWCZYNSKILAS VEGAS (AP) The Beard has the richest contract in NBA history.The Houston Rockets signed guard James Harden to a four-year, $228 million contract extension Saturday. The extension will run through the 2022-23 season. But with...

AP Basketball WriterIn tense political times, NBA heading to Israel this summerBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIAs the NBA prepares to bring its Basketball Without Borders program to Israel this summer, league officials hope that the first trip to the country can help bring children together during a time of increasing tension.Basketball...

AP Sports WriterCeltics' Isaiah Thomas getting help from Kobe BryantBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) Isaiah Thomas is getting some praise, assistance and even a new nickname from some of basketball's biggest stars.The Boston Celtics guard said he's been talking and texting with Kobe Bryant to get tips about his...

Lue: Cavs' Irving feeling 'good' after Game 4 ankle injuryBOSTON (AP) Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue says that Kyrie Irving's left ankle is feeling ''good'' in advance of Cleveland's Game 5 matchup Thursday night with the Celtics.Irving was moving around and putting up shots during the Cavs' morning shootaround.The...

AP Basketball WriterTimberwolves lose Zach LaVine for rest of season to torn ACLBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIMINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Zach LaVine was enjoying a breakout third season, proving to all those who watched that he is so much more than just a dunker.Faster than one of LaVine's...

2-year, $192 million renovation begins for Hawks' home arenaATLANTA (AP) A $192.5 million renovation of Philips Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, has begun a day after funding was approved by the Atlanta City Council.About $110 million for the renovation will be generated from the car rental tax...

AP Sports WriterRapper Travis Scott designs special shirts for Rockets fansBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) Travis Scott and the Houston Rockets will have a special treat for fans attending Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against San Antonio on Thursday night.Everyone will receive exclusive t-shirts designed in collaboration...

AP Sports WriterCeltics guard Isaiah Thomas getting tips from Kobe BryantBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas is getting some assists from Kobe Bryant.Thomas, who has had some huge performances in the playoffs, says he's been talking and texting with Bryant to get tips about his...