NBA

AP Sports WriterOfficiating becomes focus of Warriors-Rockets Game 1By JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Stephen Curry made a point Monday of studying all 16 3-pointers James Harden attempted in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.He wants to be better prepared to defend the Houston star who has such...

AP Sports WriterOfficiating becomes focus of Warriors-Rockets Game 1By JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Before Golden State's group film session, Stephen Curry made a point Monday morning of studying on his own all 16 3-pointers James Harden attempted in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.He wants to be...

AP Sports WriterNuggets, Blazers series features Jokic against LillardBy PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) The Joker versus Dame. Versatile big man against prodigious scorer.They are two big reasons why Denver and Portland are meeting in the Western Conference semifinals as the series begins Monday in the Mile High City.Nikola Jokic:...

AP Sports WriterBucks expecting another hard-fought matchup with CelticsBy KYLE HIGHTOWERMuch has changed since the Celtics outlasted the Bucks during their seven-game slugfest in the first round of last year's NBA playoffs.For starters, Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward are both healthy after injuries sidelined them for the entire postseason...

AP Sports WriterRockets eager for another chance at the champion WarriorsBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) From coach Mike D'Antoni to his stars James Harden and Chris Paul and all the rest of the Rockets, another chance at the champion Golden State Warriors has been on their mind for...

AP Sports WriterStarless Clippers ready to shop in summer free-agent marketBy BETH HARRISLOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Clippers overcame low expectations and a roster without any current or former All-Stars to win 48 games, make the playoffs and push the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors to...

Memphis promotes Tayshaun Prince to VP of basketball affairsMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) The Memphis Grizzlies have promoted Tayshaun Prince to vice president of basketball affairs in the franchise's basketball operations department.Zachary Kleiman, executive vice president of basketball operations, announced the move Saturday. Kleiman says the Grizzlies are excited to...

AP Sports WriterD'Antoni: Harden not only MVP, but most improved, tooBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) Houston coach Mike D'Antoni thinks James Harden should win a second straight MVP award.The veteran coach also believes the Beard should take home another award, too.''I don't know if he'll get MVP, he should...

AP Sports WriterPortland's Kanter uncertain for 2nd round with hurt shoulderBy ANNE M. PETERSONPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Trail Blazers center Enes Kanter's status for the second round of the playoffs remains uncertain because of a shoulder injury as Portland waits to learn its opponent.Kanter says he separated his left...

AP Basketball WriterRaptors and 76ers made changes this season, and now face offBy TIM REYNOLDSThe last time Toronto and Philadelphia played was on February 5, a night where the Raptors went into the 76ers' home building and had absolutely no trouble on the way to an easy win.Later that...

Durant scores 38 points in half, 1 shy of NBA playoff recordLOS ANGELES (AP) Kevin Durant has scored 38 points in the first half of Game 6, tied for the second-most points in a half in a playoff game.Durant was 12 of 17 from the floor, made all...

AP Sports WriterPortland's Kanter uncertain for 2nd round with hurt shoulderBy ANNE M. PETERSONPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Trail Blazers center Enes Kanter's status for the second round of the playoffs remains uncertain because of a shoulder injury as Portland waits to learn its opponent.Kanter says he separated his left...