NBA

AP Basketball WriterToronto tops in East, but road likely goes through LeBronBy TIM REYNOLDSMIAMI (AP) It only looks like parity.Consider it an April tradition: A new postseason, a new No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. This time, it's Toronto doing the honors - the Raptors' win over...

AP Sports WriterWarriors, Rockets set for Game 7 in West finalsBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) When the Golden State Warriors lost Game 5 of the Western Conference finals to the Rockets on Thursday night to send them to the brink of elimination they vowed to be back in Houston...

All-Star guard DeRozan to miss 2 games with ankle injuryTORONTO (AP) All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors will miss the next two games because an injured right ankle.Coach Dwane Casey made the announcement before the Raptors hosted New Orleans on Tuesday night. DeRozan also will sit...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Cavs to work out free-agent guard Kirk HinrichBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Kirk Hinrich can run an offense, play gritty defense and has plenty of postseason experience.Everything the Cavaliers are looking for.Hinrich, a 15-year NBA veteran who played with Chicago and Atlanta last season, will...

AP Sports WriterRare Air: LeBron on cusp of passing Jordan's scoring markBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) A generation of kids wanted to be like Michael Jordan. They bought his red-and-black Nikes and sported his No. 23 Bulls jersey. They mimicked Jordan's spin move and fadeaway jumper and even wagged...

The Latest: Suns' Devin Booker walks off with 3-point titleLOS ANGELES (AP) The Latest on NBA All-Star Saturday (all times local):6:45 p.m.Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns won the 3-point contest with a record 28 points in the final round. He beat 2016 champion Klay Thompson of the...

Common named MVP, Team Wilbon wins All-Star Celebrity GameCHICAGO (AP) Rapper and actor Common had 10 points and four steals to earn Most Valuable Player honors in the All-Star Celebrity Game as Team Wilbon beat Team Stephen A, 62-47 on Friday night.Rapper Famous Los scored 25 points and...

Associated PressDeRozan likely to receive warm welcome in Toronto returnBy IAN HARRISONTORONTO (AP) From fellow athletes to star entertainers, DeMar DeRozan has seen plenty of celebrities soaking up an extended round of appreciative applause from fans.''When they get that long standing ovation, I always thought that was the...

AP Basketball WriterSilver expects NBA players to stand during national anthemBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday he expects players to stand for the national anthem, which is a league rule.He wants them to remain active in their communities and take part in what...

The Latest: Houston Rockets stars miss practice in FloridaBy The Associated PressThe Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:---Houston Rockets stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook did not travel with the team to Orlando and did not participate in the team's first practice.Coach...

AP Basketball WriterThe Fun Guy: Kawhi Leonard is the AP's male athlete of 2019By TIM REYNOLDSHe was the Fun Guy. The board man who got paid. He overcame injury to reclaim his rightful place as one of the very best basketball players on the planet. He conquered the NBA...

LA County sheriff says 8 deputies took Bryant crash photosLOS ANGELES (AP) Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said eight deputies allegedly took or shared graphic photos of the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash scene, but he ordered them deleted.''That was my No. 1 priority, was to make sure...