NBA

NBA fines Suns' Jackson $35,000 for 'menacing gesture'PHOENIX (AP) The NBA has fined Phoenix Suns rookie Josh Jackson $35,000 for ''making a menacing gesture'' on the playing court and ''directing inappropriate language at a fan.''The incident occurred in the Suns' 130-88 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles...

AP Sports WriterFrom tank to title talk, 76ers primed for championship runBy DAN GELSTONPHILADELPHIA (AP) Charles Barkley had a statue dedicated in his honor outside the 76ers' complex, the franchise for which he played the bulk of his Hall of Fame career - and later poked fun at...

AP Basketball WriterFor LeBron, another Cavs' sweep is within reachBy TIM REYNOLDSLeBron James doesn't prolong the inevitable.The last seven times that James' teams have had a 3-0 lead in a playoff series, the matchup has ended in the most humane fashion - a sweep. He gets a chance at...

AP Basketball WriterNBA, union stiffen virus protocols; more games postponedBy TIM REYNOLDSWith five games called off this week already and more teams dealing with virus-related issues, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association enacted additional rules Tuesday in the hope of keeping the season going safely.For ''at least...

AP Basketball WriterHeat are ailing, but insist NBA Finals vs Lakers aren't overBy TIM REYNOLDSLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) Jimmy Butler had a bandage on his right knee and a wrap on his left ankle. His team's starting point guard and center are both doubtful to play in...

Associated PressGrizzlies unveil new uniforms with FedEx as jersey sponsorBy CLAY BAILEYMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Simply redesigning uniforms wasn't enough for the Memphis Grizzlies. They seized the opportunity to change so much more.Everything from logos to color schemes to the way their court at FedExForum will have a new...

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Glenn Robinson III is the NBA's new dunk king, with an assist to Indiana teammate Paul George, the Pacers' mascot and a Pacers cheerleader. Robinson leaped over all three, snagging the ball from George along the way before finishing with an emphatic, two-hand, reverse jam, giving him...

AP Sports WriterLeBron questionable to face Irving, Celtics in Cavs' openerBy TOM WITHERSINDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) LeBron James may miss Cleveland's opener Tuesday night against Boston because of a sprained left ankle.James injured his ankle in practice on Sept. 27 and played in just one exhibition game. He participated...

Associated PressCeltics' Kyrie Irving honored by mother's Sioux tribeBy BLAKE NICHOLSONFORT YATES, N.D. (AP) Standing on a bison pelt, Boston Celtics star Kyrie Irving was smudged with sacred grasses, presented with traditional quilts and eagle feathers and given a Lakota name that means ''Little Mountain'' as he was...

AP Basketball WriterJenna Schroeder becomes 4th woman on NBA referee staffBy TIM REYNOLDSJenna Schroeder was an aggressive player in college, fouling out in two of her first three games as a guard at Saginaw Valley State and even picking up a technical foul for a colorful comment.She remembers that...

AP Sports WriterBig3 games head to CBS while making a bid for Fox networksBy JOE REEDYLOS ANGELES (AP) The Big3 basketball league will have a new television home for the upcoming season while also remaining in the mix to acquire a network of its own.The 3-on-3 league of...

Miami's winning streak was in danger of disappearing -- in Cleveland, of all places. But LeBron James wouldn't give up. "That guy right there doesn't want to lose in this building," teammate Dwyane Wade said, nodding toward James, who left many angry Cavaliers fans behind when he bolted for Miami as...