NBA

Associated PressSpurs facing tough task containing high-scoring RocketsBy RAUL DOMINGUEZSAN ANTONIO (AP) After surviving an intense, physical battle with the Memphis Grizzlies, the San Antonio Spurs now face James Harden and the freewheeling Houston Rockets.With a leading MVP candidate leading its offense in Harden, Houston averaged 112.8 points...

Pacers sign swingman Damien Wilkins, forward Ben MooreINDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indiana Pacers have signed 37-year-old swingman Damien Wilkins and rookie forward Ben Moore.Terms were not released.Wilkins last played in the NBA in 2012-13 with Philadelphia, where he averaged 6.3 points and 2.4 rebounds. The 6-foot-6 veteran played previously...

AP Sports WriterCeltics' Thomas out for rest of playoffs with hip injuryBy JIMMY GOLENBOSTON (AP) Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas will miss the rest of the playoffs because of a hip injury, further damaging - if not outright dooming - the team's chances in the Eastern Conference finals...

Kings sign veteran guard Marcus Williams on Day 1 of campSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) The Sacramento Kings have signed guard Marcus Williams on the first day of training camp.The 31-year-old Williams is attempting a comeback after last playing in the NBA during 2009-10 season for Memphis, averaging 4.3 points...

Trail Blazers sign first-rounders Collins, SwaniganPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) The Portland Trail Blazers have signed first-round draft picks Zach Collins and Caleb Swanigan.Portland dealt the No. 15 and No. 20 picks to Sacramento for Collins, the No. 10 pick. The 7-footer, who played off the bench in his lone...

Pacers sign former Kentucky player to 2-way contractINDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indiana Pacers have signed forward Alex Poythress to a two-way contract.Poythress spent most of last season playing for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBA's G-League, where he averaged 18.5 points and 7.1 rebounds in 46 games.The...

AP Sports WriterAP Source: Jazz add 3 in free agency, release Boris DiawBy KAREEM COPELANDSALT LAKE CITY (AP) A person with direct knowledge of the deals says the Utah Jazz have reached agreements to sign free agents Thabo Sefolosha, Jonas Jerebko and Ekpe Udoh. The Jazz also released...

AP Sports WriterFinals pick up where they left off with Cavs-Warriors IIIBy JOSH DUBOWOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) After a summer highlighted by Kevin Durant's decision to leave Oklahoma City for the star-laden Golden State Warriors, a six-month regular season and three rounds of playoffs, the NBA Finals are right...

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...

Associated PressGriffin says decision to remain with Clippers a "no-brainer"By JILL PAINTER LOPEZLOS ANGELES (AP) Blake Griffin was back in his usual place, front and center on a Clippers stage.After opting out of his contract, Griffin didn't spend the offseason toiling over whether to sign with another team...

Nuggets hire assistant coach, assistant general managerDENVER (AP) The Denver Nuggets have hired veteran NBA coach Bob Weiss as an assistant on Michael Malone's staff and announced the hiring of Calvin Booth as an assistant general manager.Weiss has coached 31 seasons in the NBA, including the last four...

Pelicans get Majok draft rights as part of Pondexter tradeMETAIRIE, La. (AP) The New Orleans Pelicans say they will receive the draft rights to overseas professional Ater Majok as part of a trade that is sending veteran small forward Quincy Pondexter, a second-round draft choice and cash to...