NBA

AP Sports WriterMavs take tempered expectations into Nowitzki's 20th seasonBy SCHUYLER DIXONDALLAS (AP) Dirk Nowitzki just wants to have fun while joining Kobe Bryant as the only players to spend 20 seasons with a single NBA franchise.For the big German, that means helping the Dallas Mavericks make the...

AP Basketball WriterNow or never for the Minnesota TimberwolvesBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves have gone through a makeover this summer, changing their logo , their uniforms and renovating Target Center to usher in a new look for a team that has been a doormat for well...

AP Basketball WriterNow or never for the Minnesota TimberwolvesBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves have gone through a makeover this summer, changing their logo , their uniforms and renovating Target Center to usher in a new look for a team that has been a doormat for well...

AP Sports WriterNew-look, youthful Kings try to gain ground in tough WestBy JANIE McCAULEYSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) The Sacramento Kings have moved on from emotional big man DeMarcus Cousins, who they traded away to New Orleans in February.They are embracing a new era and it's a full-on youth movement...

AP Basketball WriterAndrew Wiggins signs contract extension with TimberwolvesBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed Andrew Wiggins to a new contract extension.The Timberwolves announced on Wednesday that the two sides had reached agreement on a multiyear contract. Terms were not disclosed, but owner Glen Taylor said...

AP Sports WriterNew-look Grizzlies leaning heavily on Parsons in new eraBy TERESA M. WALKERMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) The Memphis Grizzlies made significant roster moves during the offseason and still believe they can extend the franchise's streak of seven straight playoff appearances.It all hinges on the health of Chandler Parsons'...

AP Sports WriterPelicans' Davis, Cousins embracing throw-back lineupBy BRETT MARTELNEW ORLEANS (AP) Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins are focused on how they can best complement one another in the spirit of past big men.The New Orleans Pelicans' front-court pairing is somewhat of a throwback in a league dominated...

AP Sports WriterJames returns, Cavaliers debut new starting lineupBy KAREEM COPELANDThe King has returned.LeBron James made his preseason debut Tuesday night after missing Cleveland's first three games with a sprained left ankle. He scored 17 points, but also had eight turnovers in the 108-94 loss to the Chicago Bulls.It...

AP Sports WriterJames returns, Cavaliers debut new starting lineupBy KAREEM COPELANDThe King has returned.LeBron James made his preseason debut Tuesday night after missing Cleveland's first three games with a sprained left ankle. He scored 17 points, but also had eight turnovers in the 108-94 loss to the Chicago Bulls.It...

AP Sports WriterKidd looks to get young Bucks back up to speed quicklyBy GENARO C. ARMASMILWAUKEE (AP) Jason Kidd's face dripped with sweat as he hurried off the court. It was as if the Bucks coach was running through the preseason drills himself instead of overseeing them.That familiar...

AP Sports WriterJames returns, Cavaliers debut new starting lineupBy KAREEM COPELANDThe King has returned.LeBron James made his preseason debut Tuesday night after missing Cleveland's first three games with a sprained left ankle. He scored 17 points, but also had eight turnovers in the 108-94 loss to the Chicago Bulls.It...

Associated PressRaptors hope offensive evolution pays off in playoffsBy IAN HARRISONTORONTO (AP) The Toronto Raptors don't want to be thought of as dinosaurs, so they're trying to evolve their offensive style and bring it in line with the NBA's best teams.The Raptors are preaching an emphasis on ball...