NBA

AP Sports WriterCzechs near quarterfinals despite loss; US advancesBy STEPHEN WADEDespite losing, the Czech Republic could still reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup if the United States beats Brazil later Monday.The Czechs lost to Greece 84-77. Greece (3-2) needed to win the game in Shenzhen, China, by 12...

AP Basketball WriterUSA Basketball relying on defense so far at World CupBy TIM REYNOLDSSHENZHEN, China (AP) U.S. guard Donovan Mitchell turned toward his bench with fists clenched, then punched the air in celebration and let out a joyous scream.It wasn't for a dunk, or a 3-pointer, or some...

AP Basketball WriterUSA Basketball relying on defense so far at World CupBy TIM REYNOLDSSHENZHEN, China (AP) U.S. guard Donovan Mitchell turned toward his bench with fists clenched, then punched the air in celebration and let out a joyous scream.It wasn't for a dunk, or a 3-pointer, or some...

AP Basketball WriterNigeria, Iran clinch Olympic berths; Spain tops SerbiaBy TIM REYNOLDSNigeria and Iran are going to the Olympics. China's World Cup run came to a disappointing end. And Serbia is unbeaten no more, making a third consecutive meeting with the U.S. in a gold-medal game now unlikely.Nigeria clinched...

NBA star Kawhi Leonard's sister charged in deadly robberyRIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) A relative of NBA star Kawhi Leonard has confirmed his sister is one of two women accused of robbing and killing an elderly woman at a Southern California casino.The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports the aunt of 35-year-old Kimesha...

NBA star Kawhi Leonard's sister charged in deadly robberyRIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) A relative of NBA star Kawhi Leonard has confirmed his sister is one of two women accused of robbing and killing an elderly woman at a Southern California casino.The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports the aunt of 35-year-old Kimesha...

AP Basketball WriterAmericans top Antetokounmpo, Greece at World Cup 69-53By TIM REYNOLDSSHENZHEN, China (AP) The MVP was good. The USA was better.And the Antetokounmpo getting talked about most by the Americans when this much-anticipated World Cup matchup was over wasn't Giannis - but rather Thanasis, the younger brother,...

AP Basketball WriterAmericans top Antetokounmpo, Greece at World Cup 69-53By TIM REYNOLDSSHENZHEN, China (AP) Kemba Walker scored 15 points, Donovan Mitchell scored 10 on his 23rd birthday and the U.S. contained NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, defeating Greece 69-53 in a second-round game at the World Cup on Saturday.Harrison...

AP Sports WriterDivac leads Class of 2019 into Basketball Hall of FameBy JIMMY GOLENSPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) Vlade Divac is leading off the festivities at the Basketball Hall of Fame's 2019 enshrinement ceremonies.The Yugoslav and Los Angeles Lakers star was the first to be inducted on Friday night at...

AP Basketball WriterMVP vs. USA: Americans to face Antetokounmpo at World CupBy TIM REYNOLDSSHENZHEN, China (AP) The U.S. men's basketball team figured that it would eventually cross paths with Giannis Antetokounmpo at this World Cup.And the Americans were right.For the first time, a reigning NBA MVP will play...

AP Sports WriterDivac leads Class of 2019 into Basketball Hall of FameBy JIMMY GOLENSPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) Jack Sikma used his Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech to make a plea for the NBA to return to Seattle, where he led the SuperSonics to the 1979 NBA title.It was...

AP Basketball WriterFinally, an easy one: US rolls by Japan 98-45 at World CupBy TIM REYNOLDSSHANGHAI (AP) The U.S. finally got to enjoy an easy night at the World Cup.There might not be many more of those.Jaylen Brown scored 20 points, Kemba Walker added 15 and the U.S....