NBA

AP Sports WriterIowa Energy change name to Iowa WolvesBy LUKE MEREDITHDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) The Iowa Energy has changed their name to the Iowa Wolves, reflecting Minnesota's recent purchase of the D-League franchise.The Timberwolves made the announcement Tuesday at Wells Fargo Arena, the 14,000-seat arena where the franchise...

Associated PressBig3 officials hopeful Iverson can return to court this weekBy JOE REEDYEven though their marquee name has played sparingly, the founders of the Big3 are happy that the quality of play is getting better as the league reaches the midpoint of its season.The 3-on-3 league featuring former NBA...

AP Basketball WriterNBA changes some rules, with hopes of making games speedierBy JON KRAWCZYNSKILAS VEGAS (AP) The NBA wants to see the finish of its games go a bit more quickly.The league's Board of Governors unanimously approved some changes that will potentially eliminate four time-outs per game, help...

AP Sports WriterSpurs look to close out Rockets with Leonard ailingBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) The San Antonio Spurs are a victory away from eliminating the Houston Rockets and advancing to the Western Conference finals for the first time since winning the NBA title in 2014.But entering Thursday night's...

AP Sports WriterMarkelle Fultz set for the stage of being No. 1 pickBy TIM BOOTHIn the often unpredictable world of the NBA, there is some symmetry in Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons likely becoming teammates as pros.Barring an unforeseen change, Fultz will be the No. 1 pick in the...

AP Sports WriterLeBron, Cavs have reeling Celtics in must-win for Game 2By KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) LeBron James did pretty much whatever he wanted to against the Celtics in the Cavaliers' dominating win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.He was efficient, scoring from the outside, rolling downhill...

AP Sports WriterWarriors coach Steve Kerr not yet ready to return to benchBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Steve Kerr is involved in just about everything but the actual game-day coaching for the Golden State Warriors - film session, coaches meetings, game-planning and practice.He's just not yet ready from...

Washington's Verizon Center will become Capital One ArenaWASHINGTON (AP) The downtown home of the NBA's Wizards and NHL's Capitals is now called Capital One Arena.Owner Ted Leonsis announced the change from Verizon Center on Wednesday, along with an investment of $40 million in the arena. Leonsis' Monumental Sports...

AP Basketball WriterAP Source: PG Ricky Rubio going from Wolves to JazzBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement to send point guard Ricky Rubio to the Utah Jazz to clear salary cap space for a big run in free agency.A person with direct knowledge...

Associated PressKings' Randolph arrested on pot charge at LA housing projectBy CHRISTOPHER WEBERLOS ANGELES (AP) Sacramento Kings forward Zach Randolph was arrested on a marijuana charge after several police cars were vandalized when a large gathering became unruly at a Los Angeles housing project, authorities said Thursday.Randolph, 36,...

AP Sports WriterWe meet again: Cavs, Raptors back together in postseasonBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) We The North vs. We Are The Champions.One round earlier than a year ago, Toronto and Cleveland are meeting again in the NBA playoffs.On the way to winning their first title last season, LeBron...

Associated PressJeff Weltman says Magic front-office position a 'dream job'By TERRANCE HARRISORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Jeff Weltman was perfectly content as the general manager of the Toronto Raptors two weeks ago.He was working alongside someone he considers a close friend, the ownership was first rate and his family was...