Basketball

NEW YORK (AP) — Sabrina Ionescu scored 22 points and Jonquel Jones added 20 to help the New York Liberty beat the Phoenix Mercury 81-78 on Wednesday night.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers have received permission to interview Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson and New Orleans assistant James Borrego for their head coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press on Wednes

Two of last year's Final Four teams are returning key pieces for next season.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — For all the problems the Minnesota Timberwolves were presented by the Dallas Mavericks over three straight losses to start the Western Conference finals, the one dogging them the most was the part of their game that led them this f

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers have signed coach Tyronn Lue to a long-term contract after winning a division title in his fourth season.

The Washington Wizards hired Brian Keefe as their coach on Wednesday, sticking with the man who led the team on an interim basis from late January until the end of the season.

Bronny James is keeping his name in the NBA draft, with the hopes of joining his father in the league next season.

Dallas Mavericks (50-32, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26, third in the Western Conference) Minneapolis; Thursday, 8:30 p.m.

DALLAS (AP) — Mavericks center Dereck Lively II was out of Game 4 of the Western Conference finals with a sprained neck, and Dallas missed a chance to sweep Minnesota, losing 105-100 on Tuesday night.

DALLAS (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns finally found his rhythm, and the Timberwolves finally closed a game in the Western Conference finals. Now they head back to Minnesota to see if they can make things even more interesting against Dallas.