NBA

AP Basketball WriterIn tense political times, NBA heading to Israel this summerBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIAs the NBA prepares to bring its Basketball Without Borders program to Israel this summer, league officials hope that the first trip to the country can help bring children together during a time of increasing tension.Basketball...

AP Sports WriterHayward scores 27, Jazz beat Clippers 96-92 to take 3-2 leadBy BETH HARRISLOS ANGELES (AP) Still weak and lacking his usual energy after a bout of food poisoning, Gordon Hayward leaned on his teammates. They came up big.Hayward scored 27 points, Utah controlled the paint and...

AP Sports WriterRockets determined to play better in conference semisBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) James Harden and the Houston Rockets are feeling great heading into the Western Conference semifinals for one big reason.They don't believe they played well so far despite downing the Russell Westbrook-led Thunder 4-1 in the...

AP Basketball WriterIn tense political times, NBA heading to Israel this summerBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIAs the NBA prepares to bring its Basketball Without Borders program to Israel this summer, league officials hope that the first trip to the country can help bring children together during a time of increasing tension.Basketball...

AP Sports WriterRockets determined to play better in conference semisBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) James Harden and the Houston Rockets are feeling great heading into the Western Conference semifinals for one big reason.They don't believe they played well so far despite downing the Russell Westbrook-led Thunder 4-1 in the...

AP Sports WriterStevens: Thomas 'intention to play' after sister's deathBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) Celtics coach Brad Stevens says it is point guard Isaiah Thomas' ''intention to play'' Sunday in Game 1 of Boston's first-round playoff matchup with the Chicago Bulls, a day after his sister was killed...

Portland center Jusuf Nurkic out for Game 1 of playoffsOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Portland center Jusuf Nurkic is out for Game 1 of the Trail Blazers' playoff series at Golden State after missing the last seven games of the regular season with a nondisplaced fracture in his right leg.Nurkic...

NBA players union complains about Jackson's Anthony commentsNEW YORK (AP) The National Basketball Players Association says it has spoken to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver about Phil Jackson's comments regarding Carmelo Anthony.Jackson said Friday that perhaps it was best if Anthony sought to be traded from the New York...

Utah's Gobert sprains left knee on 1st play of gameLOS ANGELES (AP) Utah center Rudy Gobert sprained his left knee in the series opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on the first play of the game Saturday night.Gobert banged knees with Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute. Gobert...

NBA players union complains about Jackson's Carmelo commentsNEW YORK (AP) The National Basketball Players Association says it has spoken to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver about Phil Jackson's comments regarding Carmelo Anthony.Jackson said Friday that perhaps it was best if Anthony sought to be traded from the New York...

AP Sports WriterTop seed Celtics carry expectations into matchup with BullsBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) The Celtics' 17 NBA championship banners hang as daily reminders of the watermark for a successful season.So as much as fourth-year coach Brad Stevens would like to pat his team on the back for...

Utah's Gobert leaves game after getting hurt on 1st playLOS ANGELES (AP) Utah center Rudy Gobert sprained his left knee in the series opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on the first play of the game.Gobert banged knees with Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute on Saturday night....