Mitchell scores 36, leads Cavs past Giannis, Bucks 114-106
Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers finally put together a complete game against Milwaukee, withstanding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s season-high 45-point performance to beat the Bucks 114-106 on Wednesday night.
Garland, Mitchell lead Cavs past Lakers to 8th straight win
Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points and Darius Garland added 24 in the dynamic Cleveland backcourt’s return from injury absences, and the Cavaliers rolled past LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 114-100 for their eighth consecutive victory.
Fantasy Basketball 2022-23: Center draft tiers
By Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha, RotoWireSpecial to Yahoo SportsAs the 2022-23 NBA season quickly approaches, it’s time for fantasy managers to begin digging in on preparation. Below, we’ve identified the top-19 targets at center in eight-category, roto leagues for the 2022-23 fantasy basketball season. [Get in on the fun this fantasy hoops season: Create or join a league now!] Myles Turner, PacersIndiana has been openly shopping Turner for some time, so his fantasy value is a bit fluid given the team context. He’s ranked between 23-39 in per-game fantasy value over the past six years.
wftv.comCavaliers All-Star Allen back for play-in game against Hawks
Bucks Cavaliers Basketball Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen stands near the bench after the Cavaliers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 133-115 in an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 10, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer) (David Dermer)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Cavaliers All-Star center Jarrett Allen was back in the starting lineup Friday for the play-in game against Atlanta after missing 19 games with a broken left finger. The Cavs haven't been the same defensively without Allen, who clogs the middle and can block shots or clear rebounds. “I'm late,” Allen said as he walked out of the locker room without wearing his sneakers to get in a quick on-court workout before the opening tip. While Allen was out, coach J.B. Bickerstaff has tried numerous starting lineups and rotations trying to make up for his absence.
wftv.comCavs get second shot at playoffs, must slow Hawks' Young
Hornets Hawks Basketball Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) drives to the basket past Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Trouble is, Trae Young does, too. Atlanta's high-scoring All-Star guard will be THE defensive focal point for Cleveland on Friday night as the Cavs host the Hawks in a win-or-start-vacation game. “Obviously, it starts with Trae Young,” he said. “They played well and they moved the ball well as a team,” Cavs guard Rajon Rondo said.
wftv.comEmbiid has 35 points, 17 rebounds as 76ers beat Cavs 118-114
76ers Cavaliers Basketball Cleveland Cavaliers' Kevin Love (0) and Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid vie for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Joel Embiid had 35 points and 17 rebounds, James Harden scored 21 points and added 11 assists and the Philadelphia 76ers edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-114 on Wednesday night. Isaac Okoro had 17 points and Evan Mobley added 13 points and nine rebounds for Cleveland. Harris scored 16 points and Harden had 10 points and five assists. Philadelphia took command from the start, jumping ahead 19-4 and 26-10 as Embiid racked up 13 points and eight rebounds in the first.
wftv.comCenter of attention: Towns wins All-Star 3-Point Contest
NBA All-Star Skills Challenge Basketball Minnesota Timberwolves' Karl-Anthony Towns celebrates after winning the three-point shot skills challenge competition, part of NBA All-Star basketball game weekend, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, in Cleveland. Minnesota's 7-footer became the first center to win the 3-Point Shooting Contest, defeating seven guards during the NBA's All-Star Saturday and providing a memorable moment on a night the dunk contest barely got off the ground. Golden State's Juan Toscano-Anderson was second as the dunk contest, once a marquee event that at times trumped the All-Star Game, fell flat. After his surprising 3-point win, Towns accepted his trophy at mid-court and immediately turned toward Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal sitting courtside in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. It’s coming back home where it belongs.”The dunk contest started with some promise and fizzled fast.
wftv.comPacers deal All-Star Sabonis to Kings in 6-player trade
Pacers Cavaliers Basketball Indiana Pacers' Domantas Sabonis (11) plays against Cleveland Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb 6, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)INDIANAPOLIS — (AP) — The Indiana Pacers will look completely different when they return home later this week while Sacramento Kings are getting a All-Star. Sabonis could make a difference for a team that already has some young, talented players such as point guard De'Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell. Now, Pritchard has pulled off another major trade by getting Haliburton, a promising 21-year-old point guard who the Kings took with the No. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comPacers put together new look in 6-player deal with Kings
Pacers Cavaliers Basketball Indiana Pacers' Domantas Sabonis (11) plays against Cleveland Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb 6, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)INDIANAPOLIS — (AP) — The Indiana Pacers traded two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday in a 6-player deal, a person with direct knowledge of the details confirmed to The Associated Press. Sacramento is sending Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson to the Pacers, the person told AP, speaking only on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been officially announced. The Kings will get Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb and a second-round draft pick plus Sabonis, who is averaging 18.9 points, 12.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comSuns' Booker, Paul picked as NBA All-Star reserves
Nets Suns Basketball Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and guard Chris Paul (3) motion after Booker made a three pointer against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) (Matt York)NEW YORK — (AP) — Devin Booker and Chris Paul were chosen Thursday as reserves for the NBA All-Star Game, giving the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns two selections. Guard Darius Garland will represent the Cavaliers but center Jarrett Allen was not among the seven players from the Eastern Conference. The other reserves from the Western Conference were Luka Doncic of Dallas, Karl-Anthony Towns of Minnesota and Draymond Green of Golden State. Reserves were voted on by the head coaches from each conference, who could not vote for players from their own teams.
wftv.comCoronavirus: NBA postpones 5 games over next 3 days
5 games postponed: The NBA postponed three games on Sunday, bringing the total to five games in three days. (G Fiume/Getty Images)NEW YORK — The NBA postponed three games Sunday as several teams were having COVID-19 issues, boosting the total amount of scrapped games to five over the next three days. >> Read more trending newsThe NBA postponed the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks, ESPN reported. Five members of the Cavaliers tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday morning, according to the sports network. More coronavirus pandemic coverage:>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms?
wftv.comAntetokounmpo scores 27 on 27th birthday, Bucks win 112-104
Cavaliers Bucks Basketball Cleveland Cavaliers' Evan Mobley loses the ball in front of Milwaukee Bucks' Jrue Holiday during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo came back from a two-game absence and scored 27 points on his 27th birthday to help the Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-104 on Monday night. The two-time MVP also had 12 rebounds in his return from a sore right calf as the Bucks won for the 10th time in 11 games. Pat Connaughton scored 12, and Bobby Portis had 10 points and 16 rebounds. Bucks: Donte DiVincenzo was briefly assigned to the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ NBA G League affiliate, to get some practice sessions as he works his way back from a torn left ankle ligament.
wftv.comCurry lands second $200M contract of career with Warriors
Warriors Curry Extension Basketball FILE - In this April 15, 2021, file photo, Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) goes to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen (31) and Isaac Okoro during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland. Curry has landed the second $200 million contract of his career, reaching agreement on a $215 million, four-year extension with the Warriors on Tuesday, Aug. 3. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File) (David Dermer)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — Stephen Curry has landed the second $200 million-plus contract of his career, reaching agreement on a $215 million, four-year extension with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday that takes him through the 2025-26 season. Curry averaged 32.0 points, 5.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds and shot 42.1% on 3-pointers for the Warriors, who lost in the play-in tournament to Memphis. In July 2017, Curry received a $201 million, five-year deal that initially was the richest ever, until James Harden topped it with a $228 million extension from the Rockets.
wftv.comLakers add center Andre Drummond for postseason push
FILE - In this Feb 5, 2021, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers' Andre Drummond drives the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)LOS ANGELES – Andre Drummond is joining the Los Angeles Lakers for the playoff push. The Lakers announced the signing of the two-time All-Star center less than an hour before Sunday night's game against the Orlando Magic. AdThe Lakers currently rank ninth in the NBA in rebounds per game (45.1), but just 17th in offensive rebounds (9.6). Ad___AP Sports Writer Joe Reedy in Los Angeles contributed to this report___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Cavs buy out Drummond, center eyes signing with contender
Andre Drummond didn't move. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)CLEVELAND – Center Andre Drummond is now a free agent and can sign with a contending team after reaching a buyout with the Cavaliers. Drummond, who hasn't played since mid-February, began negotiating terms of the buyout with the Cavs on Thursday after the club didn't trade the 27-year-old before the deadline. The agreement ends a partnership that became awkward when the Cavs benched Drummond to give young center Jarrett Allen more playing time. Drummond twice made the playoffs with the Pistons, who selected him with the ninth overall pick in 2012.
USA Basketball picks 57 players for men's Tokyo Games pool
USA Basketball is a step closer to choosing the team that will play in this summer’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, releasing the names Thursday of 57 players who are part of the pool to fill the squad. It’s also already drawing major interest from some NBA stars who have yet to taste Olympic gold. USA Basketball will pare the list to a 12-person Olympic team by early summer. Jordan, who now plays for Brooklyn, is also a newcomer to the pool even though he was on the 2016 Olympic team. “But for USA Basketball to receive the commitment of so many outstanding players remains an indicator of the great honor of representing your country means to these men.”
Murray scores historic 50 as Nuggets down crumbling Cavs
Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray (27) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers' Cedi Osman (16) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND – Not himself of late, Jamal Murray got a lecture from Nuggets coach Michael Malone about being more aggressive and not passing up open shots. Following the game, Murray was unaware that he had done something unique. “With the exception of Murray, we took some steps in the right direction,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. They made their first 12 shots, opened a 22-point lead in the second half and then let Murray close out the Cavs.
Cavaliers sitting Drummond while pursuing trade for center
Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap, left, fights for position for a rebound with Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)CLEVELAND – Andre Drummond is on the trade block — and the bench. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said the decision to sit Drummond, one of the NBA's leading rebounders at 13.5 per game, was difficult. Drummond will continue to stay on the sideline while the team tries to find a trade partner. But with the NBA's focus on shooting 3-pointers, a player like Drummond — a prototypical center — can be viewed as a liability.
Irving returns, but new-look Nets beaten by Cavs in 2 OTs
Cleveland Cavaliers' Larry Nance Jr. (22) steals a pass intended for Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Cleveland. Sexton scored 15 points in the second OT — most of them over Irving — for the Cavs, who outplayed the Nets all night. Before the game, Nets first-year coach Steve Nash admitted being “curious” about how his trio of superstars would align on the floor. In the second quarter, Sexton ran back on defense and cleanly flicked the ball away from Durant as he was going in on a breakaway dunk. Irving's return to the Nets was also just his second game in Cleveland since he was traded by the Cavs after the 2017 season.
Nets GM: Superstars will sacrifice to make Harden trade work
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) passes the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Houston. But only the commitment from the three players will allow the Nets to fully utilize it and Marks is confident he secured that from his own players and from Harden. “I think he’s looking for a fresh start and I think these guys are going to have to sacrifice without a doubt,” Marks said. The Nets will have to fill out a roster that has holes, though Marks said he won't rush that. If they do, the Nets might meet the expectations that Marks said he won't run from.
Nets, without Irving and Durant, beat NBA-leading 76ers
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK – Joe Harris scored a season-high 28 points and the Brooklyn Nets, playing without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, beat the NBA-leading Philadelphia 76ers 122-109 on Thursday night. Caris LeVert had 22 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, and Jarrett Allen added 15 points and 11 boards for the Nets. The Nets already knew they’d be without Durant for a second consecutive game because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Irving, who grew up in New Jersey, missed the chance to wear the Nets' uniforms they wore while playing there. Nets; Brooklyn was also without G Tyler Johnson because of the health and safety protocols.
Nets' Dinwiddie to have surgery for partially torn right ACL
Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash, right, talks with Spencer Dinwiddie during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)NEW YORK – Spencer Dinwiddie will have surgery to repair a partially torn ACL in his right knee, an early blow to a Brooklyn Nets team that hoped it had left its injury troubles behind. Dinwiddie was hurt Sunday in Charlotte during the third quarter of the Nets' first loss of the season. The Nets said Monday the guard's surgery was scheduled for next week and further updates would be provided afterward. But they couldn't complete a comeback Sunday in Charlotte, falling 106-104 after Dinwiddie was hurt in the third quarter.
Irving scores 37, leads Nets to 123-95 win over Celtics
Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving (11) loses control of the ball against Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart (36) and Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)BOSTON – Kyrie Irving scored 37 points with eight assists in his return to Boston and Kevin Durant added 29 for Brooklyn on Friday to lead the Nets to a 123-95 victory over the Celtics. Jarrett Allen added 11 rebounds for the Nets, who remained perfect so far this season and sent Boston to its first loss. Jaylen Brown scored 27 with eight rebounds for the Celtics and Jayson Tatum had 20 points and eight boards. ... Celtics coach Brad Stevens was called for a technical foul arguing about a foul call against Daniel Theis in the second quarter.
Irving leads rout of Celtics in return to Boston Garden
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Boston. Irving scored 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting and had seven rebounds, five assists and two steals helping the Nets rout the Celtics 113-89 Friday night in the final preseason game for both teams. There were no fans in the new Boston Garden on Friday night, and his introduction was greeted with a faint, fake cheer. Precious Achiuwa scored 13 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Heat, while Bam Adebayo scored 13 points and Tyler Herro scored 10. McCollum led the Blazers with 26 points on 8-of-20 shooting and Gary Trent Jr. added 18 points in the loss.