Basketball

Embiid, Maxey and George enter the season richer, and expectations are higher for the 76ers

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — Joel Embiid won a gold medal this summer and lost about 30 pounds.

Sep 30, 2024 1:48 PM Read more >

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tries to remain focused as outside expectations rise

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spent several years in Oklahoma City as an unheralded scorer on a losing team in a small market. Then, he improved his defense and became an All-Star.

Sep 30, 2024 1:42 PM Read more >

Butler arrival delayed, Herro has a new look as Heat gather for media day

MIAMI (AP) — Tyler Herro had a new haircut for media day. Jimmy Butler’s hairstyle was, to the disappointment of some, normal. And with that, the Miami Heat season started in predictably unpredictable fashion.

Sep 30, 2024 1:40 PM Read more >

Bucks believe better stability, cohesiveness and health should help them regain status as contenders

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo’s blunt response to a question about whether the Milwaukee Bucks’ offseason moves could get them back to the conference finals or NBA Finals underscored how far they’ve fallen the last couple of years.

Sep 30, 2024 1:31 PM Read more >

Under Brian Keefe, Jordan Poole begins Year 2 in D.C. in a much better place

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jordan Poole first became a Washington Wizards player in July 2023 as part of a deal that sent Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors. To hear teammates and coach tell it, his real arrival came much later.

Sep 30, 2024 1:20 PM Read more >

Trae Young embracing leadership role as the figurehead of the new-look Hawks with rookie Risacher

ATLANTA (AP) — Now more than ever, the Atlanta Hawks are Trae Young's team as the high-scoring point guard enters his seventh season. One of Young's new teammates, veteran Larry Nance Jr., knows that lead role comes with responsibility.

Sep 30, 2024 1:16 PM Read more >

Dikembe Mutombo, a Hall of Fame player and tireless advocate, dies at 58 from brain cancer

Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday after a battle with brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58.

Sep 30, 2024 9:13 AM Read more >

Stewart and Ionescu shine as Liberty take Game 1 over Aces

NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart scored 34 points and Sabrina Ionescu had 21 to help the New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 on Sunday in Game 1 of their semifinals series. Jonquel Jones added 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Liberty.

Sep 29, 2024 9:05 PM Read more >

Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado agrees to 2-year extension worth $9 million, AP source says

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $9 million, a person familiar with the situation said Saturday.

Sep 28, 2024 6:19 PM Read more >

Clemson University to open arena, outdoor wellness center for area residents after Hurricane Helene

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson University is opening its basketball arena and its outdoor recreational facility Sunday for area residents who need a respite from the destruction left behind by Hurricane Helene.

Sep 28, 2024 4:46 PM Read more >