NBA

Associated PressProtests delay start of Kings-Hawks gameBy MICHAEL WAGAMANSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) The game between the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks started after a 19-minute delay Thursday because of protesters who were locked arm-in-arm surrounding entrances to Golden1 Center.A massive crowd shut down nearby freeways and gathered in the...

AP Sports WriterPacers believe LeBron goaltended on block in final secondsBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) The Indiana Pacers felt cheated - by LeBron James and the officials.Moments before James beat them with a game-winning, step-back 3-pointer at the buzzer, the Pacers were poised to take the lead in Game...

Milwaukee Bucks eager to keep Snell, await Monroe decisionST. FRANCIS, Wis. (AP) After a late-season run to make the playoffs and an encouraging first-round series, the Milwaukee Bucks have every right to be hopeful. They also have a lot of questions as the offseason looms.Center Greg Monroe has...

Basketball great Bill Russell released from hospitalSEATTLE (AP) NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell has been released from a Seattle hospital after an overnight stay for an unknown condition.Russell confirmed on Twitter on Saturday that he went to the hospital late Friday. He doesn't say why.Russell says in...

AP Sports WriterHarden still dealing with eye injury; will play in Game 3By KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) James Harden squinted under the bright lights of the Toyota Center court on Thursday and parts of both eyes remained a garish, bloody red.It was clear Houston's superstar was still dealing with...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Justin Zanik, David Morway join Jazz front officeBy KAREEM COPELANDSALT LAKE CITY (AP) A person with knowledge of the situation says the Utah Jazz have reached agreements with Justin Zanik and David Morway to join the front office.Zanik returns to the Jazz after serving...

Williamson to miss final preseason game with sore right kneeNEW YORK (AP) Zion Williamson won't play in New York in the New Orleans Pelicans' final preseason game because of a sore right knee.The Pelicans said Thursday that the No. 1 pick didn't travel with the team to New...

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...

AP Basketball WriterA break: Warriors get another long break before NBA FinalsBy TIM REYNOLDSAnd now, they wait.Again.The Golden State Warriors have gotten used to going to the NBA Finals, and their win in Portland on Monday night clinched their fifth consecutive trip. They've also gotten used to waiting for...

Timberwolves assistant coach Rick Brunson resignsMINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Rick Brunson has resigned amid reports that women had accused him of improper conduct.The Timberwolves announced Brunson's resignation Tuesday in a one-sentence statement, but did not provide a reason for his departure. The Star Tribune, citing a...

The Los Angeles Lakers have swung their first deal of the Magic Johnson Era, agreeing to send Lou Williams to the Houston Rockets for Corey Brewer and a future draft pick. Brewer's agent Wallace Prather confirmed the terms of the trade, which were first reported Tuesday by Yahoo Sports. Neither...

AP Sports WriterCeltics' Brown: Taking social justice fight to FloridaBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) Jaylen Brown is encouraged by the steps the NBA is taking to connect with its players’ desire to support social justice causes.He also wants to see the league go further with some of those plans...