NBA

Delta: Bird likely caused damage to plane carrying ThunderCHICAGO (AP) Delta Airlines says a charter flight carrying the Oklahoma City Thunder from Minneapolis to Chicago apparently encountered a bird early Saturday when it was landing, causing damage that prompted some players to post photos on social media showing...

AP Basketball WriterNets to return with more talent for Vaughn or another coachBy BRIAN MAHONEYLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) The Brooklyn Nets went down meekly in the playoffs, their decimated roster no competition for the reigning NBA champions.The Nets won't be overmatched by anyone next season, assuming Kevin...

AP Sports WriterTrade rumors swirl, as usual; Suns prepare for No. 4 pickBy BOB BAUMPHOENIX (AP) ''Tanking'' the season didn't quite get the desired results for the Phoenix Suns.They entered the draft lottery with the second-best odds to land the No. 1 pick. Instead, they are back at...

Griffin, Rose return for Pistons against MinnesotaDETROIT (AP) Blake Griffin is back in the lineup for the Detroit Pistons for the first time this season.Griffin missed Detroit's first 10 games with hamstring and knee issues, but he started Monday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pistons went 4-6...

Associated PressClarke's slam in OT sends Grizzlies to Summer title gameBy W.G. RAMIREZLAS VEGAS (AP) Brandon Clarke made a dunk with 10.7 left in overtime and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the New Orleans Pelicans 88-86 on Sunday in the NBA Summer League semifinals.Clarke had 23 points - including...

AP Sports WriterNBA announces 2019 All-Star game will held in CharlotteBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The NBA All-Star game is headed back to Charlotte in 2019, a couple of years longer than anticipated.The NBA announced that the All-Star weekend will be held Feb. 15-17 in Charlotte and the...

AP Basketball WriterNBA Finals ratings dip for Game 1, as Canada sets recordsBy TIM REYNOLDSTORONTO (AP) The NBA correctly anticipated that television ratings would dip for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, for two very important reasons.There's no LeBron James.And Canadian numbers don't count.ESPN said Friday that the...

AP Basketball Writer'Uncharted waters': More NBA games off as virus issues growBy TIM REYNOLDSThe NBA called off two more games because of COVID-related and contact-tracing issues on Monday, and the Miami Heat were preparing to be without eight players - including All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo - for...

AP Sports WriterWith cracks in a dynasty showing, Warriors are on the brinkBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Draymond Green has said it often: This run by the Golden State Warriors won't last forever.And forever could be coming up fast.From Day One the entire team was determined to enjoy...

Pelicans resting Zion Williamson against WizardsLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) The New Orleans Pelicans have scratched rookie Zion Williamson from the lineup for Friday night's game against the Washington Wizards.The team designated Friday a rest day for the NBA's top overall draft choice after he scored 24 points...

AP Sports WriterCavs assign Isaiah Thomas to Canton team to practiceBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) The Cavaliers have assigned injured point guard Isaiah Thomas to their Canton G-League team so he can practice.Thomas is nearing his debut with Cleveland after being sidelined all season with a hip injury, and...

CLEVELAND (AP) - LeBron James listened to a question he's been asked in the past and began processing.On the eve of his fifth consecutive NBA Finals, the four-time league MVP who has carried the Cavaliers within four wins of a championship in his homecoming season, James appears to be...