NBA

AP Sports WriterCavs remain humble with chance to closeout Celtics in Game 5By KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) It took 10 games and halfway through the third round of the NBA playoffs before the Cleveland Cavaliers finally encountered their first true dose of resistance this postseason.After cruising to a 2-0...

The Latest: Westbrook caps historic season with MVP awardNEW YORK (AP) The Latest on the NBA awards show (all times local):11:10 p.m.Russell Westbrook has won the NBA's MVP award after setting a record with 42 triple-doubles last season.The Oklahoma City All-Star joined Oscar Robertson as the only players...

AP Sports WriterPaul Millsap's Nuggets signing brings him back to his rootsBy PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) Paul Millsap was welcomed back to his old neighborhood with a reception that included a drum line and cheering children.It was a contrast to how the newest Denver Nuggets player left town years...

Hawks sign former Duke guard Quinn Cook, 2 more playersATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Hawks have signed guards Quinn Cook and Josh Maggette and forward Tyler Cavanaugh.Cook, from Duke, played five games with Dallas and nine games with New Orleans as a rookie last season. He averaged 5.6 points...

Mavericks sign MWC player of year Clavell from Puerto RicoDALLAS (AP) The Dallas Mavericks have signed free agent guard Gian Clavell, an undrafted rookie who has played for Puerto Rico's national team.Clavell was the Mountain West Conference player of the year at Colorado State last season. He averaged...

AP Sports WriterBoston bound: Cavs trade Irving to Celtics for Thomas, moreBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Kyrie Irving was tired of being teammates with LeBron James.Now he has to figure out how to beat him.Cleveland's All-Star guard, who asked owner Dan Gilbert to trade him earlier this summer, was...

Wizards match Nets' offer sheet to keep PorterWASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Wizards matched the Brooklyn Nets' $106 million, four-year offer sheet to keep forward Otto Porter, making him the team's highest paid player.Team president Ernie Grunfeld announced the move Thursday. Under NBA rules, the Wizards had two days...

AP Sports WriterBoston bound: Cavs trade Irving to Celtics for Thomas, moreBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Kyrie Irving was tired of being teammates with LeBron James.Now he has to figure out how to beat him.Cleveland's All-Star guard, who asked owner Dan Gilbert to trade him earlier this summer, was...

Magic sign 2nd-round pick Wesley IwunduORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The Orlando Magic have signed second-round pick Wesley Iwundu to a contract.Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltmanannounced the deal on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.Iwundu was selected No. 33 overall in last month's draft. He played in 132 games,...

AP Sports WriterWith Butler in fold, Wolves ready to shop for free agentsBy DAVE CAMPBELLBLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) Jimmy Butler's formal introduction to Minnesota was held at the Mall of America, an appropriate location for the Timberwolves and their prized new player.They'll be shopping for sidekicks starting this weekend,...

AP Sports WriterMagic sees Lonzo as 1 piece in Lakers' grand rebuilding planBy GREG BEACHAMEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) Magic Johnson pointed a long index finger at the wall of the Los Angeles Lakers' training complex, where the 16-time NBA champions' nine retired numbers hang over the practice court.''I'm...

AP Sports WriterUnderdog Isaiah Thomas facing biggest challenge of careerBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) Isaiah Thomas' basketball journey is littered with decision-makers who have underestimated the diminutive guard.He was selected last in the 2011 NBA draft coming out of Washington, and when he arrived in Boston he looked only...