NBA

AP Sports WriterNuggets roar into playoffs for first time in 6 yearsBy ARNIE STAPLETONDENVER (AP) The Denver Nuggets ended their six-year playoff drought in style.After spending most of the season jockeying with the juggernaut Golden State Warriors for top billing in the West, the Nuggets fended off Portland...

AP Sports WriterWolves seek new basketball boss; Layden, Saunders still TBDBy DAVE CAMPBELLMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves will make hiring a new president of basketball operations their first offseason priority.The Timberwolves announced Wednesday before their final game of the season in Denver they will start an immediate search...

AP Sports WriterCavaliers find hope, positives at end of post-LeBron seasonBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) After handing out sneakers, signed balls and other gifts to fans, the Cleveland Cavaliers gathered one last time after the fourth-worst season in franchise history ended and took photos with adored teammate Channing Frye,...

AP Sports WriterPelicans, Davis enter offseason with major changes loomingBy BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) A grinning Anthony Davis emerged from the Pelicans' weight room holding one of his white No. 23 game jerseys and tossed it over the shoulder of guard Jrue Holiday, mumbling, ''so you won't forget...

AP Sports WriterPivotal offseason for Wizards, who wanted 50 Ws, took 50 LsBy HOWARD FENDRICHWASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Wizards came into the season aiming for 50 wins. They finished with 50 losses.There was poor play. There was little defense. There was the embarrassing 10-31 road record, part of...

AP Sports WriterWolves seek new basketball boss; Layden, Saunders still TBDBy DAVE CAMPBELLMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves will make hiring a new president of basketball operations their first offseason priority.The Timberwolves announced Wednesday before their final game of the season in Denver they will start an immediate search...

AP Sports WriterMagic Johnson abruptly resigns as Lakers' presidentBy GREG BEACHAMLOS ANGELES (AP) Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations Tuesday night, citing his desire to return to the simpler life he enjoyed as a wealthy businessman and beloved former player before...

AP Sports WriterNowitzki announces retirement after final home game for MavsBy SCHUYLER DIXONDALLAS (AP) Dirk Nowitzki cried near midcourt when the second quarter was about to resume.The Dallas Mavericks star nearly jumped for joy with a huge smile on his face after a rare dunk prompted thunderous applause...

AP Sports WriterMagic Johnson abruptly resigns as Lakers' presidentBy GREG BEACHAMLOS ANGELES (AP) Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations Tuesday night, citing his desire to return to the simpler life he enjoyed as a wealthy businessman and beloved former player before...

AP Sports WriterNowitzki announces retirement after final home game for MavsBy SCHUYLER DIXONDALLAS (AP) Dirk Nowitzki cried near midcourt when the second quarter was about to resume.The Dallas Mavericks star nearly jumped for joy with a huge smile on his face after a rare dunk prompted thunderous applause...

AP Sports WriterMagic Johnson abruptly resigns as Lakers' presidentBy GREG BEACHAMLOS ANGELES (AP) Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations Tuesday night, citing his desire to return to the simpler life he enjoyed as a wealthy businessman and beloved former player before...

AP Sports WriterCavs, Drew put off discussion on future until after seasonBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Cavaliers coach Larry Drew said he has not spoken with the club's front office about his future with the team.Drew, who became Cleveland's coach when Tyronn Lue was fired in October after six...