NBA

AP Sports WriterJames returns, Cavaliers debut new 3-MVP 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...

Nuggets will retire Fat Lever's number in December ceremonyDENVER (AP) The Denver Nuggets will retire the number of point guard Lafayette ''Fat'' Lever in a December ceremony as the team commemorates 50 years of basketball in the city.Lever suited up for the Nuggets from 1984-90 and shined in...

AP Sports WriterBulls go all in on rebuild, gear up for run at high pickBy ANDREW SELIGMANCHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Bulls went all in to challenge for the big prize. A championship? Not in the near future.Their eyes are on the lottery and a shot at the No....

AP Basketball WriterNets see potential for improvement behind bolstered rosterBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) When the Los Angeles Lakers wanted to unload D'Angelo Russell to make way for Lonzo Ball, the Brooklyn Nets pounced.When Portland and Toronto faced summer salary-cap decisions, the Nets were happy to help.And by...

AP Basketball WriterAnthony, Jackson gone, but Knicks' losing likely to continueBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) Carmelo Anthony is gone. Phil Jackson is gone.The losing appears here to stay.The New York Knicks have entered a rebuilding mode, with new president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry touting the...

AP Sports Writer76ers put trust in oft-injured Embiid as franchise playerBy DAN GELSTONPHILADELPHIA (AP) Joel Embiid's career statistics are measured more in tweets (2,400 and counting), Instagram followers (1.2 million-plus) and folk tales than point totals and triple-doubles.What's your favorite Embiid story? C'mon, everyone in Philly has one.Like...

AP Sports WriterPacers change directions, making Turner, Oladipo new leadersBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) Myles Turner embraces his new role with the Indiana Pacers. This is now his team.The veterans around him believe the 21-year-old Turner is ready, willing and more than capable of becoming the long-term face of...

AP Sports WriterFertitta introduced as new owner of Houston RocketsBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) Tilman Fertitta has been a fan of the Rockets since before they moved to Houston, and after a failed attempt to buy the team long ago he was prepared to do whatever it took not...

AP Sports WriterNot since '79: Wall, Beal eye 50 wins, East finals for WizBy HOWARD FENDRICHWASHINGTON (AP) John Wall is a perennial All-Star. Backcourt mate Bradley Beal might finally get that sort of recognition this season.What both of the Washington Wizards' starting guards in their 20s would really...

Curry scores 40, Warriors rout Wolves 142-110 in ShanghaiBy The Associated PressStephen Curry brought fans to their feet in China with a performance ripped right out of his MVP highlight reel.Then Magic Johnson had them standing during a somber scene in Las Vegas.Curry scored 40 points to lead the...

Curry scores 40, Warriors rout Wolves 142-110 in ShanghaiBy The Associated PressStephen Curry brought fans to their feet in China with a performance ripped right out of his MVP highlight reel.Then Magic Johnson had them standing during a somber scene in Las Vegas.Curry scored 40 points to lead the...

Curry scores 40, Warriors rout Wolves 142-110 in ShanghaiBy The Associated PressStephen Curry finished off his China trip with a performance ripped right out of his MVP highlight reel.Curry scored 40 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 142-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday in...