NBA

The Latest: NBA's Timberwolves to reopen practice facilityBy The Associated PressThe Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:---The Minnesota Timberwolves are poised to reopen their practice facility. They will schedule voluntary sessions for players starting Thursday.About half of NBA teams have begun arranging...

AP Sports Writer'Immaturity': So much for the Wizards' great expectationsBy HOWARD FENDRICHWASHINGTON (AP) For a team that entered the season thinking it was ready to win 50 games and reach the Eastern Conference finals, coach Scott Brooks' Washington Wizards sure did lose a lot of games against teams...

AP Sports WriterAP sources: LeBron declines option, becomes free agentBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Two people familiar with the decision say LeBron James has told the Cleveland Cavaliers he is declining his $35.6 million contract option for next season and is a free agent.James' representatives told the Cavs on...

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...

AP Sports WriterLongtime Clippers fan Crystal will be analyst for 1 gameBy JOE REEDYLOS ANGELES (AP) Los Angeles Clippers announcer Ralph Lawler was approached two months ago with a special request. A longtime season-ticket holder asked team president Gillian Zucker if he could call a game on television...

Callahan, Mauer lead referee selections for NBA FinalsOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Veterans Mike Callahan and Ken Mauer, along with first-timer David Guthrie, are among the 12 referees who have been selected to work the NBA Finals.The league announced the group Wednesday.Callahan has worked 19 games in the Finals and...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Mavs adding Kidd-Gilchrist after Charlotte buyoutBy SCHUYLER DIXONDALLAS (AP) The Dallas Mavericks are set to add veteran Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to their young core as they close in on the franchise's first trip to the playoffs in four years.Kidd-Gilchrist, the No. 2 pick in the...

AP Sports WriterDavis, Cousins lead Pelicans' rout of SunsBy BOB BAUMPHOENIX (AP) Anthony Davis had 23 points and nine rebounds, DeMarcus Cousins added 19 points and 10 boards and the New Orleans Pelicans routed the Phoenix Suns `115-91 on Friday night.Davis and Cousins sat out the fourth quarter,...

Trump: Jerry West to get Presidential Medal of FreedomWASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump says that Jerry West, the pro basketball great, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.''The Great Jerry West will be receiving our Nation's highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, for his outstanding career,...

AP Sports WriterPacers, Celtics enter playoff matchup looking for redemptionBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) The Celtics and Pacers aren't interested in talking about the past as they prepare to tip off their first-round playoff matchup.Indiana doesn't want to dwell on injuries, like the season-ending right knee injury Pacers guard...

Magic sign 2nd-round pick Wesley IwunduORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The Orlando Magic have signed second-round pick Wesley Iwundu to a contract.Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltmanannounced the deal on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.Iwundu was selected No. 33 overall in last month's draft. He played in 132 games,...

AP Basketball WriterRussell Westbrook wins NBA MVP; Rockets, Bucks take 2 awardsBy BRIAN MAHONEYNEW YORK (AP) Russell Westbrook moved past Oscar Robertson and kept right on going to the top of the NBA.Westbrook was voted MVP on Monday night after setting a record with 42 triple-doubles during his...