INSIDER
Darius Garland scores 25, Cavaliers become 4th team to start 15-0 with 128-114 win over Hornets
Read full article: Darius Garland scores 25, Cavaliers become 4th team to start 15-0 with 128-114 win over HornetsDarius Garland scored 25 points, Ty Jerome matched his career-high with 24 in place of Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers stayed unbeaten with a 128-114 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Donovan Mitchell scores 37, Cavaliers stay perfect and improve to 14-0 with 144-126 win over Bulls
Read full article: Donovan Mitchell scores 37, Cavaliers stay perfect and improve to 14-0 with 144-126 win over BullsDonovan Mitchell scored a season-high 37 points, Darius Garland had 29 and the Cleveland Cavaliers continued one of the best starts in league history, improving to 14-0 with a 144-126 win over the Chicago Bulls in an NBA Cup game.
Perfect 10: High-scoring Cavaliers extend best start in team history under new coach Kenny Atkinson
Read full article: Perfect 10: High-scoring Cavaliers extend best start in team history under new coach Kenny AtkinsonKenny Atkinson couldnāt help but smile as he looked at the box score and stared at the record of his Cleveland Cavaliers.
Mitchell scores 29 and the Cavaliers beat the Pelicans 131-122 for their first 9-0 start
Read full article: Mitchell scores 29 and the Cavaliers beat the Pelicans 131-122 for their first 9-0 startDonovan Mitchell scored 29 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 131-122 to open 9-0 for the first time in their 55-year NBA history.
Darius Garland scores 39, Cavs improve to 8-0 with 116-114 win over struggling Bucks without Giannis
Read full article: Darius Garland scores 39, Cavs improve to 8-0 with 116-114 win over struggling Bucks without GiannisDarius Garland scored 39 points, Evan Mobley added 17 and the Cleveland Cavaliers improved to 8-0 with a 116-114 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, wo played without injured superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo out with muscle strain as Milwaukee visits unbeaten Cavaliers
Read full article: Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo out with muscle strain as Milwaukee visits unbeaten CavaliersMilwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss Monday nightās game against the unbeaten Cleveland Cavaliers with a strained adductor muscle, another early-season hiccup for the struggling Bucks.
Cavaliers, center Jarrett Allen agree to 3-year, $91 million contract extension, AP source says
Read full article: Cavaliers, center Jarrett Allen agree to 3-year, $91 million contract extension, AP source saysA person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has agreed to a three-year, $91 million contract extension with Cleveland.
The Celtics are in a good headspace as they head to a 3rd consecutive Eastern Conference finals
Read full article: The Celtics are in a good headspace as they head to a 3rd consecutive Eastern Conference finalsThe Celtics are back in the Eastern Conference finals for the third consecutive season following their 4-1 series victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jayson Tatum scores 25 to lead Celtics past Cavaliers 113-98 and into 3rd consecutive East finals
Read full article: Jayson Tatum scores 25 to lead Celtics past Cavaliers 113-98 and into 3rd consecutive East finalsJayson Tatum had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98 on to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight season.
Cavaliers without Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert as they try to stave off elimination vs. Celtics
Read full article: Cavaliers without Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert as they try to stave off elimination vs. CelticsThe Cleveland Cavaliers will try to extend their season without star Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert, who were both ruled out prior to Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinals matchup with Boston.
Jayson Tatum's 33 points help Celtics down short-handed Cavaliers 109-102 to take 3-1 lead in semis
Read full article: Jayson Tatum's 33 points help Celtics down short-handed Cavaliers 109-102 to take 3-1 lead in semisJayson Tatum scored 33 points with LeBron James watching from a courtside seat and the Boston Celtics beat the severely short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers 109-102 in Game 4 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their East semifinal series.
Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell misses Game 4 against the Celtics with a strained left calf
Read full article: Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell misses Game 4 against the Celtics with a strained left calfCavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell missed Game 4 against the Boston Celtics on Monday with a left calf injury, a devastating loss that will make it even tougher for Cleveland to get back in the series.
Cavaliers get back forward Dean Wade against Celtics. Center Jarrett Allen still out with rib injury
Read full article: Cavaliers get back forward Dean Wade against Celtics. Center Jarrett Allen still out with rib injuryCavaliers forward Dean Wade made his playoff debut in Game 3 against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night after being sidelined the past two months with a strained right knee.
Cavaliers pull together to overcome Orlando, but challenge stiffens with top-seeded Celtics up next
Read full article: Cavaliers pull together to overcome Orlando, but challenge stiffens with top-seeded Celtics up nextIt took Donovan Mitchellās magnificence, a historic comeback and plenty of grit for the Cavaliers to escape the first round.
Cavs center Jarrett Allen is out for Game 7 vs. Magic with rib injury, missing 3rd game in series
Read full article: Cavs center Jarrett Allen is out for Game 7 vs. Magic with rib injury, missing 3rd game in seriesCavaliers center Jarrett Allen will miss Game 7 against Orlando with a painful rib injury that sidelined him for the final three games of the series.
Franz Wagner scores 34, leads Magic to second straight rout of Cavaliers to tie series at 2-2
Read full article: Franz Wagner scores 34, leads Magic to second straight rout of Cavaliers to tie series at 2-2Franz Wagner had 34 points and 13 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic held the Cleveland Cavaliers scoreless for a second-half stretch of almost seven minutes Saturday in a 112-89 victory that tied the Eastern Conference first-round series at 2-2.
Donovan Mitchell scores 30, Cavaliers open playoffs with tough-minded 97-83 win in Game 1 over Magic
Read full article: Donovan Mitchell scores 30, Cavaliers open playoffs with tough-minded 97-83 win in Game 1 over MagicDonovan Mitchell scored 30 points, Jarrett Allen had 18 reounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 97-83 in Game 1 of their playoff series.
Steve Clifford wins final game as Charlotte coach, Hornets beat playoff-bound Cavaliers 120-110
Read full article: Steve Clifford wins final game as Charlotte coach, Hornets beat playoff-bound Cavaliers 120-110Nick Smith Jr. scored a season-high 24 points and Steve Clifford won his coaching farewell as the Charlotte Hornets rallied to beat the playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers 120-110.
Maxed out: Strus sinks 59-footer at the final horn, sending Cavaliers to 121-119 win over Mavericks
Read full article: Maxed out: Strus sinks 59-footer at the final horn, sending Cavaliers to 121-119 win over MavericksMax Strus drilled a 59-footer as time expired, his fifth made 3-pointer in the final four minutes, to give the Cleveland Cavaliers a wild 121-119 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Mitchell, Mobley help Cavaliers stand tall against Wembanyama, Spurs for 5th straight win, 117-101
Read full article: Mitchell, Mobley help Cavaliers stand tall against Wembanyama, Spurs for 5th straight win, 117-101Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points, Evan Mobley had 28 points and 10 rebounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers routed the San Antonio Spurs 117-101 on Saturday night.
Donovan Mitchell scores season-high 45 points, Cavaliers beat Nets 111-102 in Paris
Read full article: Donovan Mitchell scores season-high 45 points, Cavaliers beat Nets 111-102 in ParisDonovan Mitchell scored a season-high 45 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Brooklyn Nets 111-102 on Thursday in the NBAās third regular-season game in Paris.
Jarrett Allen has 29 points and 16 rebounds, Cavaliers hold off Spurs 117-115
Read full article: Jarrett Allen has 29 points and 16 rebounds, Cavaliers hold off Spurs 117-115Jarrett Allen had 29 points and 16 rebounds, Caris LeVert scored 23 points off the bench and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the San Antonio Spurs 117-115.
Star-studded crowd watches Victor Wembanyama turn it on late, hours before NBA draft lottery
Read full article: Star-studded crowd watches Victor Wembanyama turn it on late, hours before NBA draft lotteryHours before finding out his likely destination in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama drew a star-studded crowd in his last regular-season game in France and delivered another game-winning performance in the fourth quarter.
Garland scores 32, Cavs beat Knicks 107-90 to even series
Read full article: Garland scores 32, Cavs beat Knicks 107-90 to even seriesDarius Garland scored 32 points, 26 while setting an aggressive tone for Cleveland in the first half, and the Cavaliers evened their Eastern Conference playoff series against New York at one game apiece with a 107-90 victory over the Knicks.
Mitchell scores 41 as Cavs hand Spurs 13th straight loss
Read full article: Mitchell scores 41 as Cavs hand Spurs 13th straight lossDonovan Mitchell scored 41 points and led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their seventh straight win, 117-109 over the nose-diving San Antonio Spurs, who matched a team record with their 13th consecutive loss.
Cavs All-Star Mitchell calls Grizzlies' Brooks dirty player
Read full article: Cavs All-Star Mitchell calls Grizzlies' Brooks dirty playerDarius Garland scored 32 points shortly after being left off the All-Star team and carried Cleveland following Donovan Mitchellās ejection, leading the Cavaliers to a 128-113 win over the slumping Memphis Grizzlies.
Mitchell scores 36, leads Cavs past Giannis, Bucks 114-106
Read full article: Mitchell scores 36, leads Cavs past Giannis, Bucks 114-106Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers finally put together a complete game against Milwaukee, withstanding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpoās season-high 45-point performance to beat the Bucks 114-106 on Wednesday night.
Timberwolves hang on, top undermanned 76ers 112-109
Read full article: Timberwolves hang on, top undermanned 76ers 112-109Anthony Edwards scored 25 points, DāAngelo Russell had 19 and the Minnesota Timberwolves survived a late scare and won their third straight game, 112-109 over the undermanned Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
Wolves beat Cavaliers 129-124 despite 51 points from Garland
Read full article: Wolves beat Cavaliers 129-124 despite 51 points from GarlandDāAngelo Russell had season highs of 30 points and 12 assists, Karl-Anthony Towns scored 29 points, and the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers 129-124.
Garland, Mitchell lead Cavs past Lakers to 8th straight win
Read full article: Garland, Mitchell lead Cavs past Lakers to 8th straight winDonovan Mitchell scored 33 points and Darius Garland added 24 in the dynamic Cleveland backcourtās return from injury absences, and the Cavaliers rolled past LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 114-100 for their eighth consecutive victory.
Garland scores 29 in return, Cavs edge Celtics 114-113 in OT
Read full article: Garland scores 29 in return, Cavs edge Celtics 114-113 in OTDarius Garland scored 29 points in his return after missing five games with an ugly eye injury and Donovan Mitchell added 25, leading Cleveland to a 114-113 overtime win over Boston.
Young's 38 lift Hawks past Cavs for No. 8 playoff seed
Read full article: Young's 38 lift Hawks past Cavs for No. 8 playoff seedTrae Young scored 32 of his 38 points in the second half and the Atlanta Hawks overcame losing center Clint Capela to a knee injury to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-101 in the play-in and earn the Eastern Conferenceās No. 8 playoff seed.
Irving, Durant lead Nets past Cavs in play-in for No. 7 seed
Read full article: Irving, Durant lead Nets past Cavs in play-in for No. 7 seedKyrie Irving had 34 points and 12 assists, Kevin Durant added 25 points and 11 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets took the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-108 in the play-in opener.
Cavs blast Bucks backups 133-115 to earn No. 8 play-in seed
Read full article: Cavs blast Bucks backups 133-115 to earn No. 8 play-in seedKevin Love made eight 3-pointers and scored 32 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers took the No. 8 play-in spot ā and a matchup against Brooklyn ā with a 133-115 win over Milwaukee.
LeBron scores 38 in Ohio return, Lakers crush Cavs 131-120
Read full article: LeBron scores 38 in Ohio return, Lakers crush Cavs 131-120LeBron James scored 38 points, notched another triple-double and sparked memories of his time in Cleveland, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-120 win over the Cavaliers.
Garland scores 27 in return, leads Cavs past Spurs 105-92
Read full article: Garland scores 27 in return, leads Cavs past Spurs 105-92Darius Garland scored 27 points in his return from a back injury and Caris LeVert added 11 in his debut for Cleveland, leading the Cavaliers to a 105-92 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night in their last home game before hosting the All-Star Game.
Cavaliers rally from 20-point deficit, beat Pacers 98-85
Read full article: Cavaliers rally from 20-point deficit, beat Pacers 98-85Cedi Osman scored 22 points and Kevin Love had 19 as the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied from 20 down to beat Indiana 98-85, shortly after agreeing to acquire shooting guard Caris LeVert from the Pacers.
Nets drop first game without Durant, fall to Cavs 114-107
Read full article: Nets drop first game without Durant, fall to Cavs 114-107Darius Garland strengthened his All-Star case with 22 points and 12 assists, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets, who began a stretch without injured superstar Kevin Durant.
AP source: Cavs give GM Altman contract extension, new title
Read full article: AP source: Cavs give GM Altman contract extension, new titleA person familiar with the decision tells AP that Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman has been rewarded for the teamās turnaround with a contract extension and new job title.
Antetokounmpo scores 27 on 27th birthday, Bucks win 112-104
Read full article: Antetokounmpo scores 27 on 27th birthday, Bucks win 112-104Giannis 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.
Booker scores 35, Suns win 14th straight, beat Cavs 120-115
Read full article: Booker scores 35, Suns win 14th straight, beat Cavs 120-115Devin Booker scored 35 points, Chris Paul had 12 assists and made four free throws in the final 8.8 seconds the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to 14 games, holding off the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-1115.
Curry scores 20 of 40 points in 4th, Warriors beat Cavs
Read full article: Curry scores 20 of 40 points in 4th, Warriors beat CavsStephen Curry scored 20 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter, hitting three straight 3-pointers, and the NBA-leading Golden State Warriors overcame a 13-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-89 on Thursday night.
Wizards beat Cavaliers 120-105, clinch East play-in spot
Read full article: Wizards beat Cavaliers 120-105, clinch East play-in spotRussell Westbrook got his first triple-double since passing Oscar Robertson and becoming the NBA's career leader earlier in the week and Washington beat Cleveland 120-105 to clinch a spot in the East play-in tournament.
Curry scores 33, Warriors roll to 119-101 win over Cavaliers
Read full article: Curry scores 33, Warriors roll to 119-101 win over CavaliersStephen Curry scored 33 points ā topping 30 for a career-best ninth consecutive game ā as the Golden State Warriors pulled away for a 119-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lakers add center Andre Drummond for postseason push
Read full article: Lakers add center Andre Drummond for postseason pushFILE - 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 ā 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
Read full article: Cavs buy out Drummond, center eyes signing with contenderAndre Drummond didn't move. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)CLEVELAND ā 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.
Johnson has 23 points, 21 boards as Spurs beat Cavs 116-110
Read full article: Johnson has 23 points, 21 boards as Spurs beat Cavs 116-110(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)CLEVELAND ā Keldon Johnson scored 23 points and grabbed a career-high 21 rebounds, and Dejounte Murray had 22 points as the San Antonio Spurs held on for a 116-110, wire-to-wire victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. San Antonio, which led by 22 in the third quarter, won its third straight to move a season-high six games over .500. AdJohnson had 15 points and 11 rebounds in the first half, helping San Antonio take a 54-42 lead. San Antonio wraps up a five-game road trip, then heads home for nine consecutive games through April 5. Sexton averaged 23.3 points last season against the Raptors, who won all three games by 46 total points.
USA Basketball picks 57 players for men's Tokyo Games pool
Read full article: USA Basketball picks 57 players for men's Tokyo Games poolUSA Basketball is a step closer to choosing the team that will play in this summerās rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, releasing the names Thursday of 57 players who are part of the pool to fill the squad. Itās 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. āBut 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.ā
Murray's 50 points power Nuggets past crumbling Cavaliers
Read full article: Murray's 50 points power Nuggets past crumbling CavaliersDenver 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. According to Elias Sports Bureau, he's the first player in league history to score 50 or more points without shooting a free throw. āTo do it as efficiently as he did it is really remarkable,ā said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. On his 26th birthday, Jokic had 16 points and 12 rebounds in getting his seventh triple-double this season. AdCavaliers: F Taurean Prince missed his second straight game with a sprained left ankle.
Cavaliers sitting Drummond while pursuing trade for center
Read full article: Cavaliers sitting Drummond while pursuing trade for centerDenver 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 ā Andre Drummond is on the trade block ā 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 ā a prototypical center ā can be viewed as a liability.
Irving returns, but new-look Nets beaten by Cavs in 2 OTs
Read full article: Irving returns, but new-look Nets beaten by Cavs in 2 OTsCleveland 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 ā most of them over Irving ā for the Cavs, who outplayed the Nets all night. Before the game, Nets first-year coach Steve Nash admitted being ācuriousā 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
Read full article: Nets GM: Superstars will sacrifice to make Harden trade workHouston 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. āI think heās looking for a fresh start and I think these guys are going to have to sacrifice without a doubt,ā 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
Read full article: Nets, without Irving and Durant, beat NBA-leading 76ers(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK ā The Brooklyn Nets couldn't put Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant into those throwback blue tie-dye jerseys from 30 years ago. Joe Harris scored a season-high 28 points and the Nets shook off the absence of their two superstars to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 122-109 on Thursday night. The Nets already knew theyād be without Durant for a second consecutive game because of the NBAās health and safety protocols. Nash said he didn't think the strong performance without them sent a message to the rest of his players. 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
Read full article: Nets' Dinwiddie to have surgery for partially torn right ACLBrooklyn 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 ā 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
Read full article: Irving scores 37, leads Nets to 123-95 win over CelticsBrooklyn 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 ā 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
Read full article: Irving leads rout of Celtics in return to Boston GardenBrooklyn 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.
VanVleet, Powell lead Raptors past Nets 104-99 for 2-0 lead
Read full article: VanVleet, Powell lead Raptors past Nets 104-99 for 2-0 leadThe victory gave the Raptors a 2-0 lead in the first round plyoff series. Kyle Lowry had 21 points, nine rebounds and forced a big turnover in the closing seconds for the second seeded Raptors. But this game was much closer as the Nets built a 14-point lead in the first quarter. Toronto was in control after that, stretching the lead to eight on Powell's drive and dunk from the right wing. Caris LeVert had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris each had 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Nets.
Lillard, Blazers escape Nets, advance to play-in series
Read full article: Lillard, Blazers escape Nets, advance to play-in seriesThe Trail Blazers secured the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference only after Brooklyn's Caris LeVert, who scored 37 points, missed a jumper just before time expired. The winner of the play-in series gets the final spot in the West and a first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Had the Blazers lost, the Suns would have inched ahead of them into ninth. LeVert came back with a three-point play and had a chance to win it after Carmelo Anthony missed a 3-pointer, but his jumper was off.
Giannis watches in 2nd half as Nets beat Bucks 119-116
Read full article: Giannis watches in 2nd half as Nets beat Bucks 119-116Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 16 points playing only the first half for Milwaukee, which has lost two of three seeding games. Kyle Korver scored 13 points, and Ersan Ilyasova had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Chiozza scored on a reverse layup, then Luwawu-Cabarrot hit a 3 with 2:59 left to put the Nets ahead to stay. Milwaukee appeared ready to clinch from the opening tip as the Bucks scored eight of the first 10 points and hit 7 of 14 beyond the arc. Bucks: G Wesley Matthews sat out with a sore right calf with starting center Brook Lopez also out.
Caris LeVert's 34 lead Nets past Wizards, 118-110
Read full article: Caris LeVert's 34 lead Nets past Wizards, 118-110The Nets moved seven games ahead of ninth-place Washington in the Eastern Conference standings, and now the Wizards hopes of forcing a play-in series are fading. Thomas Bryant had a career-high 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Troy Brown Jr. added 22 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Wizards. The Nets are without DeAndre Jordan, Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince because of positive coronavirus tests before the restart. His 170 jams last season tied Kenyon Martin (2002-03) for the most in a season since the stat first was kept during the 1997-98 season. He is in his first season with the Nets after signing a two-way contract with the team in January.
Magic beat Nets 128-118 in restart opener, move up to 7th
Read full article: Magic beat Nets 128-118 in restart opener, move up to 7thThey extended their winning streak to four and moved back ahead of the Nets into seventh place in the Eastern Conference. The Magic outscored the Nets 75-43 in the middle two quarters, allowing them to overcome some shaky defense at the start and finish. So Brooklyn started two players who hadn't started an NBA game this season one who never had. Veteran Jamal Crawford, signed as a substitute player after not playing in the NBA this season, did not play. Nets: Play Washington on Sunday.
Despite virus cases, Nets say no thought to skipping restart
Read full article: Despite virus cases, Nets say no thought to skipping restartSpencer Dinwiddie is a maybe, with his status unclear after both he and Jordan tested positive for the coronavirus. The Brooklyn Nets don't look ready for a restart, but general manager Sean Marks said Wednesday there was no discussion of the team not traveling to Florida for the resumption of the NBA season. Vaughn had moved Jordan into the starting lineup, but now the job apparently goes back to Jarrett Allen. They eventually decided it was best to first come back to Brooklyn, and both Dinwiddie and Jordan tested positive after returning. He sent his family to Phoenix when the virus struck New York, only to find that Arizona's cases are now rising.
Ewing wins big again at MSG, Hoyas knock off No. 22 Texas
Read full article: Ewing wins big again at MSG, Hoyas knock off No. 22 TexasPatrick Ewing!āMaybe this win wasnāt as big for Ewing as beating the Pacers or the Bulls in playoff games. The Hoyas (4-1) used a 12-0 run early in the second half that rallied the crowd and had "Let's go Hoyas!" Wahab had a thunderous dunk for a 54-52 lead and the active Hoyas defensive forced another turnover under Texas' basket. The Knicks tweeted a photo montage of Ewing with the Hoyas and Knicks and wrote, "Pat comes full circle." BIG PICTUREGeorgetown: Former Hoyas star Alonzo Mourning was at the game to watch them knock off a ranked team for the third time under Ewing.