NBA

AP Basketball WriterNBA players union complains about Jackson's Carmelo commentsBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) If players can't publicly ask for a trade, management shouldn't be able to encourage one.That was the message from the National Basketball Players Association to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver following New York Knicks President...

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...

AP Sports WriterRivals and friends, LeBron and George meet in playoffs againBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Their fierce on-the-floor rivalry blossomed into a strong friendship that will be put on hold.LeBron James and Paul George are about to face off again in the NBA playoffs.''We have a job to...

AP Sports WriterWill he or won't he? Nurkic's return still uncertainBy ANNE M. PETERSONPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) ?? Portland center Jusuf Nurkic's availability for the opening game of the Trail Blazers' playoff series against the Golden State Warriors remains uncertain.Nurkic has missed seven games with a non-displaced right leg fracture.There...

AP Sports WriterSpurs, Grizzlies square off in 4th playoff series since '11By TERESA M. WALKERNobody in the NBA has played against each other in the playoffs since 2011 more than the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies.And with the exception of 2011, the Spurs have simply dominated the Grizzlies.So...

AP Basketball WriterJackson says that a trade might be best for Carmelo, KnicksBy BRIAN MAHONEYGREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) Phil Jackson thinks Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks might be better off going their separate ways.''We have not been able to win with him on the court at this time and...

AP Basketball WriterJackson says that a trade might be best for Carmelo, KnicksBy BRIAN MAHONEYGREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) Phil Jackson says Carmelo Anthony might ''be better off somewhere else,'' noting the New York Knicks haven't been able to win with him.Jackson stopped short of saying he wanted to trade...

AP Basketball WriterThere will be big international interest in the NBA playoffsBy TIM REYNOLDSMilwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo returns to the playoffs in Toronto on Saturday afternoon. Except in Greece, where it'll already be very early Sunday morning.They won't mind staying up late in Athens to watch.Same goes for plenty...

AP Basketball WriterThe NBA playoffs have arrived, and here's 10 things to watchBy TIM REYNOLDSWith the NBA playoffs starting Saturday, here's 10 things to know before the second season begins:---LEBRON IN FIRST ROUNDSGood luck, Indiana.LeBron James not only never loses in a first-round series, but the man rarely loses...

AP Basketball WriterTimberwolves owner Taylor expecting big jump next seasonBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIMINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesota Timberwolves coach and president Tom Thibodeau is meeting with his staff to put together an aggressive game plan for the summer in hopes of adding some defensive tenacity to a young team that never...

AP Sports WriterGuarding Bucks' Giannis presents Raptors a playoff puzzleBy GENARO C. ARMASMILWAUKEE (AP) Giannis Antetokounmpo presents a defensive conundrum for the Toronto Raptors.Assign a shorter player on the 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks star can take advantage on the block. Put a taller player on him...