KEN ATKINSON

Steve Clifford is heading back to Charlotte.

From the moment all those months ago that Klay Thompson uttered “championship or bust,” the Golden State Warriors seemed set to make good on his lofty proclamation.

Kenny Atkinson has decided not to become the coach of the Charlotte Hornets.

The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson to be their next head coach, says a person familiar with the situation.

The Charlotte Hornets have begun their search for a head coach, asking permission to speak with several candidates, said a person familiar with the situation.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points and had his third triple-double of the season to help Milwaukee rout the Golden State Warriors 118-99 on Thursday night in Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer’s return from the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) defends against Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, in New York. The Los Angeles Clippers left Brooklyn impressed — and eager for another shot at the Nets. Irving scored a season-high 39 points, including eight straight in the fourth-quarter run that sent Brooklyn into the lead for good, and the Nets beat the Clippers 124-120 on Tuesday night. Durant added 28 points, Harden had 23 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds, and the three stars scored all the points in the decisive 13-0 spurt. Nets: Brooklyn had scored 30 or more points in nine straight quarters before being held to 24 in the first.

NEW YORK – Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving sent expectations soaring when they decided to come to Brooklyn. And that includes 7-11, so get to know us,” Irving said, referring to their uniform numbers. He sat out all last season, while Irving ended up limited to only 20 games because of a shoulder injury. In just 9 1/2 minutes, Durant and Irving outscored the Washington Wizards by themselves, combining for 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Durant, Irving and Nash have all downplayed the talk.

They 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.

Spencer 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.

NEW YORK Spencer Dinwiddie and DeAndre Jordan said Monday they have tested positive for the coronavirus, potentially leaving the Brooklyn Nets without two starters when the NBA season resumes. At least six players on the Nets have tested positive for the virus. Both players said they tested positive after returning to New York to rejoin the team. Dinwiddie said he tested negative for the virus multiple times after returning to Brooklyn and took part in a couple practices. But he has since tested positive and said he has a fever and chest soreness.