Basketball

The NBA playoffs are about to begin. And it might be a wide-open race to the title again

There was Toronto in 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Milwaukee in 2021, Golden State in 2022, Denver in 2023 and Boston in 2024. Six different seasons, six different champions. A run of parity like none other in NBA history.

Apr 18, 2025 9:05 PM Read more >

Herro scores 30 points to lead Heat past Hawks 123-114 in OT in play-in and into NBA playoffs

ATLANTA (AP) — After making NBA Play-In Tournament history by winning two road games, the Miami Heat won't be afraid of facing No. 1 seed Cleveland in the playoffs.

Apr 18, 2025 8:35 PM Read more >

After slow start, Miami backup guard Davion Mitchell emerges as surprise OT star in win over Hawks

ATLANTA (AP) — Through the first half of Miami's NBA Play-In Tournament elimination game at Atlanta, Heat backup guard Davion Mitchell did not look a contender to finish as one of the stars of the game.

Apr 18, 2025 8:07 PM Read more >

Inside the numbers: Led by Cleveland and Oklahoma City, it was the season of the streak in the NBA

It was the year of the long winning streak in the NBA. There were five instances of teams winning 11 or more games in a row — three by Cleveland, two by Oklahoma City, and it's probably no coincidence that those two teams are the ones that earned No.

Apr 18, 2025 7:01 PM Read more >

NBA East playoff preview capsules: Cavaliers-Heat, Celtics-Magic, Knicks-Pistons, Pacers-Bucks

Capsules on the Eastern Conference first-round series: No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18) vs. No. 8 Miami (37-45) Season series: Cavaliers, 2-1. Story line: It’s the classic — offense vs. defense.

Apr 18, 2025 6:55 PM Read more >

Duke's Tyrese Proctor to skip senior season and jump to NBA draft

Duke guard Tyrese Proctor is entering the NBA draft and skipping his senior season. The team announced Proctor's move in a social-media post Friday night .

Apr 18, 2025 5:27 PM Read more >

Gregg Popovich has medical incident in restaurant, is resting at home, AP source says

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich is doing well at home after needing medical attention earlier this week following an incident at a restaurant, a person with knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press on Friday.

Apr 18, 2025 4:42 PM Read more >

Luka and LeBron must quickly find winning formula when Lakers face tested Timberwolves in 1st round

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Less than three months after the trade that shook the basketball world , the Los Angeles Lakers are headed into their first postseason with LeBron James and Luka Doncic atop their roster.

Apr 18, 2025 2:55 PM Read more >

Wolves aim to go big with Gobert vs. Lakers after veteran center's strong regular season finish

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Even with confidence and patience in the potential of their team adjusting after a surprise trade right before the beginning of training camp, the Minnesota Timberwolves were in rough shape at the All-Star break.

Apr 18, 2025 2:49 PM Read more >

GM Rob Pelinka extends contract with Lakers, gets additional title as president of basketball ops

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — General manager Rob Pelinka has received a contract extension from the Los Angeles Lakers less than three months after he acquired Luka Doncic.

Apr 18, 2025 1:37 PM Read more >