NBA

AP Sports WriterTimber-Bulls: Minnesota signs Deng for another Thibs reunionBy DAVE CAMPBELLMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed free agent forward Luol Deng, the latest former Chicago Bulls player to reunite with coach Tom Thibodeau.Deng's one-year deal is for $2.4 million, according to a person with knowledge of...

AP Basketball WriterErik Spoelstra, reveling in fatherhood, returns to HeatBy TIM REYNOLDSMIAMI (AP) Santiago Ray Spoelstra's father is back at work.Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, still wearing the bracelet from the hospital where his son was born, will be back on the bench Tuesday for his team's game...

Westbrook debuts for Wizards in win over DetroitBy The Associated PressRussell Westbrook made his Washington Wizards debut. Nikola Vucevic pushed Orlando out to a fast start against the Charlotte Hornets.And, the Atlanta Hawks won a free-throw shooting contest against the Memphis Grizzlies in which 59 fouls were called.In the...

AP Sports WriterCavs coach Beilein says he apologized for 'thugs' commentBy NOAH TRISTERDETROIT (AP) John Beilein's first season as an NBA coach took another turbulent turn because of a comment he made during a film session.Beilein said Thursday he had apologized after using the word ''thugs'' while reviewing...

AP Sports WriterCeltics F Hayward cleared to return against CavaliersBy JIMMY GOLENBOSTON (AP) Celtics forward Gordon Hayward will play in Monday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, returning to the Boston lineup ahead of schedule in his return from a broken hand.Celtics coach Brad Stevens said during his...

MIAMI (AP) - For the first time since Jan. 25, 2010, LeBron James returns to Miami as an opponent on Christmas Day when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Heat. Here's a look at perhaps the 10 most memorable moments of his times at AmericanAirlines Arena while donning the Heat...

AP Basketball WriterJames, Herro see popularity rise in the NBA playoffsBy TIM REYNOLDSLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) LeBron James' popularity, even in his 17th season, cannot be argued.The NBA released jersey-sales and social media data Wednesday, with the Los Angeles Lakers' star forward atop both lists. James had...

AP Basketball WriterKobe, Duncan, Garnett headline Basketball Hall of Fame classBy TIM REYNOLDSKobe Bryant’s resume has yet another entry to prove his greatness: He’s now, officially, a Hall of Famer.And he’s got plenty of elite company in the 2020 class, one that may be as glitzy as any.Bryant, who...

AP Sports WriterCeltics: Gordon Hayward out 4 weeks with right ankle sprainBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) The Celtics say forward Gordon Hayward will be sidelined for around four weeks after suffering a severe right ankle sprain in Boston's Game 1 win over Philadelphia in their first-round playoff series.The injury...

AP Sports WriterHouse Call: 76ers expect Doc Rivers to lead on, off courtBy DAN GELSTONPHILADELPHIA (AP) Doc Rivers used his voice as one of five Black coaches in the NBA to make some of his strongest statements condemning racial injustice.With playoff games postponed in the NBA bubble as...

Associated PressReport: Kobe Bryant pilot may have been disoriented in fogBy BRIAN MELLEYLOS ANGELES (AP) The pilot of the helicopter that crashed in thick fog, killing Kobe Bryant and seven other passengers, reported he was climbing when he actually was descending, federal investigators said in documents released Wednesday.Ara...

AP Basketball WriterFor Celtics, USA World Cup camp is a preseason bonusBy TIM REYNOLDSRed, white and blue. The colors of USA Basketball.Except this summer, green - Celtics green, to be precise - would work on that palette as well.The Boston Celtics will have at least three and possibly four...