NBA chief Adam Silver applauded the outcome of the Derek Chauvin murder trial on Tuesday, saying justice had been served against the former police officer found guilty of killing unarmed Black man George Floyd.

In a joint statement with the National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts, the NBA chief said the league would continue to campaign for criminal justice and police reforms.

"George Floyd's murder was a flash point for how we look at race and justice in our country, and we are pleased that justice appears to have beens served," Silver and Roberts said.

"But we also recognize that there is much work to be done with the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association, together with our newly formed Social Justice Coalition, will redouble our efforts to advocate for meaningful change in the areas of criminal justice and policing," they added.

NBA players joined nationwide protests against Floyd's killing in Minneapolis in May last year, and the league later encouraged players to share social justice messages when the pandemic-interrupted season resumed.

The words "Black Lives Matter" were painted prominently on courts at games staged in the NBA's bubble in Orlando.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx WNBA teams both praised Tuesday's verdict in a joint statement.

"One year ago, George Floyd was murdered, causing unimaginable pain and trauma for his family, the Minneapolis community, and communities across the nation," the teams said.

"We are hopeful that today's decision will serve as a step forward, but it does not ease the physical and emotional pain that continues in an environment where systemic racism exists."

NBA chief Adam Silver applauded the outcome of the Derek Chauvin murder trial on Tuesday, saying justice had been served against the former police officer found guilty of killing unarmed Black man George Floyd.

NBA chief Adam Silver applauded the outcome of the Derek Chauvin murder trial on Tuesday, saying justice had been served against the former police officer found guilty of killing unarmed Black man George Floyd. In a joint statement with the National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts, the NBA chief said the league would continue to campaign for criminal justice and police reforms. "George Floyd's murder was a flash point for how we look at race and justice in our country, and we are pleased that justice appears to have beens served," Silver and Roberts said. "But we also recognize that there is much work to be done with the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association, together with our newly formed Social Justice Coalition, will redouble our efforts to advocate for meaningful change in the areas of criminal justice and policing," they added. NBA players joined nationwide protests against Floyd's killing in Minneapolis in May last year, and the league later encouraged players to share social justice messages when the pandemic-interrupted season resumed. The words "Black Lives Matter" were painted prominently on courts at games staged in the NBA's bubble in Orlando. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx WNBA teams both praised Tuesday's verdict in a joint statement. "One year ago, George Floyd was murdered, causing unimaginable pain and trauma for his family, the Minneapolis community, and communities across the nation," the teams said. "We are hopeful that today's decision will serve as a step forward, but it does not ease the physical and emotional pain that continues in an environment where systemic racism exists."

'Justice served': NBA, players praise Chauvin guilty verdict

The 2021 NBA Draft will be staged on July 29, one week after a possible seventh game of the NBA Finals, with the lottery for the top pick set for June 22.

The league announced key dates on Monday for the annual allocation of rights for top NBA newcomers in a season forced later than usual into the year by the Covid-19 pandemic.

No details were revealed about the locations for the events or that of the NBA Draft Combine, a workout session for players in front of team scouts planned from June 21-27.

The combine features five-on-five contests as well as strength and agility testing.

Teams who fail to qualify for the playoffs will be involved in a weighted lottery for the top pick on June 22, a month after the start of the NBA playoffs.

The deadline for players to make an early entry application for the NBA Draft is May 30 while the deadline to withdraw such an application is July 19.

js/iwd

The 2021 NBA Draft will be staged on July 29, one week after a possible seventh game of the NBA Finals, with the lottery for the top pick set for June 22. The league announced key dates on Monday for the annual allocation of rights for top NBA newcomers in a season forced later than usual into the year by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2021 NBA Draft will be staged on July 29, one week after a possible seventh game of the NBA Finals, with the lottery for the top pick set for June 22. The league announced key dates on Monday for the annual allocation of rights for top NBA newcomers in a season forced later than usual into the year by the Covid-19 pandemic. No details were revealed about the locations for the events or that of the NBA Draft Combine, a workout session for players in front of team scouts planned from June 21-27. The combine features five-on-five contests as well as strength and agility testing. Teams who fail to qualify for the playoffs will be involved in a weighted lottery for the top pick on June 22, a month after the start of the NBA playoffs. The deadline for players to make an early entry application for the NBA Draft is May 30 while the deadline to withdraw such an application is July 19. js/iwd

NBA Draft set for July 29 with lottery for top pick June 22

The Boston Red Sox have gained a global sports star as a partial team owner. LeBron James has bought a minor stake in the MLB franchise at the same time that the team’s longtime ownership group received a $750 million infusion from a private-equity firm.

It was not clear how much James invested in the Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club, an English Premier League soccer team.

The investment from the private-equity firm, RedBird Capital Partners, places the value of Fenway Sports Group at around $8 billion, including its debt. In addition to the sports teams, FSG owns Fenway Park, Roush Fenway Racing, the NESN regional sports network and Fenway Sports Management, a marketing company.

James, 36, a member of the Los Angeles Lakers who is in his 18th NBA season, has a long history with FSG. He originally partnered with Fenway Sports Management in 2011, allowing it to represent his global marketing rights, and as part of that deal took a small ownership stake in Liverpool FC. But by investing in FSG itself, James added the Red Sox and other FSG companies to his portfolio.

Maverick Carter, James’ longtime friend and business partner, also invested in FSG. The deal will make the pair the first Black partners in Fenway Sports Group.

The investments, which still requires approval from Major League Baseball, were confirmed by two people with knowledge of them, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the news media before a public announcement from FSG. The Boston Globe first reported the investments from RedBird and James.

James, an Ohio native, has described himself as a lifelong New York Yankees fan, and he created a stir during the 2007 baseball playoffs when he wore a Yankees hat to an American League playoff game in Cleveland. He then actively rooted for Cleveland in the 2016 World Series, just months after leading the Cavaliers to the city’s first major sports championship in 52 years.

Expanding his role with FSG is one of James’ many ventures off the basketball court, which include his More Than a Vote group, which aims to fight voter suppression; his work with Carter at SpringHill Entertainment, a production company; and starring in, as well as producing, the movie “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” scheduled to be released this summer.

Though James has the highest profile among the new investors, RedBird’s involvement is likely to have more effect on FSG’s operations.

RedBird Capital Partners is led by Gerry Cardinale, who helped the Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys form Legends Hospitality when he previously worked at Goldman Sachs. RedBird recently joined the Yankees, Amazon and others in buying the YES Network from The Walt Disney Co. RedBird also recently purchased an 85% stake in Toulouse Football Club, which plays in France’s second soccer division.

FSG has more than 20 investors, who are all called partners, but it is led by John Henry, Tom Werner and Michael Gordon. RedBird’s stake in FSG will be around 11%, making it the third-largest investor, surpassing Gordon’s stake, according to one of the people with knowledge of the deal.

Henry and Werner paid $660 million for the Red Sox in 2002 and about $476 million for Liverpool in 2010. Both teams won long-awaited championships under FSG and would almost certainly be worth multiple billions individually if they were sold. RedBird’s investment will allow FSG’s current partners to cash out some of those gains without relinquishing control of the franchises. According to The Boston Globe, more than $600 million will go to FSG partners.

Whatever money is left could be invested in a number of ways, including upgrading the current teams’ rosters.

After winning their last World Series title in 2018, the Red Sox substantially slashed their payroll, notably trading star outfielder Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who later signed Betts to one of the largest contracts in the sport’s history. Liverpool has won the Champions League and Premier League in recent seasons but has also been reluctant to spend on roster depth, a decision that has caused a crisis this season after a rash of season-ending injuries to important players.

The Boston Red Sox have gained a global sports star as a partial team owner. LeBron James has bought a minor stake in the MLB franchise at the same time that the team’s longtime ownership group received a $750 million infusion from a private-equity firm.

The Boston Red Sox have gained a global sports star as a partial team owner. LeBron James has bought a minor stake in the MLB franchise at the same time that the team’s longtime ownership group received a $750 million infusion from a private-equity firm. It was not clear how much James invested in the Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club, an English Premier League soccer team. The investment from the private-equity firm, RedBird Capital Partners, places the value of Fenway Sports Group at around $8 billion, including its debt. In addition to the sports teams, FSG owns Fenway Park, Roush Fenway Racing, the NESN regional sports network and Fenway Sports Management, a marketing company. James, 36, a member of the Los Angeles Lakers who is in his 18th NBA season, has a long history with FSG. He originally partnered with Fenway Sports Management in 2011, allowing it to represent his global marketing rights, and as part of that deal took a small ownership stake in Liverpool FC. But by investing in FSG itself, James added the Red Sox and other FSG companies to his portfolio. Maverick Carter, James’ longtime friend and business partner, also invested in FSG. The deal will make the pair the first Black partners in Fenway Sports Group. The investments, which still requires approval from Major League Baseball, were confirmed by two people with knowledge of them, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the news media before a public announcement from FSG. The Boston Globe first reported the investments from RedBird and James. James, an Ohio native, has described himself as a lifelong New York Yankees fan, and he created a stir during the 2007 baseball playoffs when he wore a Yankees hat to an American League playoff game in Cleveland. He then actively rooted for Cleveland in the 2016 World Series, just months after leading the Cavaliers to the city’s first major sports championship in 52 years. Expanding his role with FSG is one of James’ many ventures off the basketball court, which include his More Than a Vote group, which aims to fight voter suppression; his work with Carter at SpringHill Entertainment, a production company; and starring in, as well as producing, the movie “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” scheduled to be released this summer. Though James has the highest profile among the new investors, RedBird’s involvement is likely to have more effect on FSG’s operations. RedBird Capital Partners is led by Gerry Cardinale, who helped the Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys form Legends Hospitality when he previously worked at Goldman Sachs. RedBird recently joined the Yankees, Amazon and others in buying the YES Network from The Walt Disney Co. RedBird also recently purchased an 85% stake in Toulouse Football Club, which plays in France’s second soccer division. FSG has more than 20 investors, who are all called partners, but it is led by John Henry, Tom Werner and Michael Gordon. RedBird’s stake in FSG will be around 11%, making it the third-largest investor, surpassing Gordon’s stake, according to one of the people with knowledge of the deal. Henry and Werner paid $660 million for the Red Sox in 2002 and about $476 million for Liverpool in 2010. Both teams won long-awaited championships under FSG and would almost certainly be worth multiple billions individually if they were sold. RedBird’s investment will allow FSG’s current partners to cash out some of those gains without relinquishing control of the franchises. According to The Boston Globe, more than $600 million will go to FSG partners. Whatever money is left could be invested in a number of ways, including upgrading the current teams’ rosters. After winning their last World Series title in 2018, the Red Sox substantially slashed their payroll, notably trading star outfielder Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who later signed Betts to one of the largest contracts in the sport’s history. Liverpool has won the Champions League and Premier League in recent seasons but has also been reluctant to spend on roster depth, a decision that has caused a crisis this season after a rash of season-ending injuries to important players.

LeBron James is becoming a Red Sox owner

One year after Covid-19 sent sport across North America grinding to a halt, professional leagues and tours are inching back towards normalcy after absorbing a multi-billion-dollar financial hit.

Twelve months ago on March 11, NBA commissioner Adam Silver sent shockwaves across the sporting world after dramatically halting the season following confirmation of Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert's positive test.

The NBA decision triggered a domino effect, with baseball, soccer, golf, ice hockey and other sports swiftly following suit either by suspending their seasons or cancelling events altogether.

A year after the start of the shutdown, US leagues are continuing to count the cost of the pandemic as they adjust to the new realities of sport in the age of Covid-19.

The NBA has reached the halfway point of its abbreviated 2020-2021 season after losing an estimated $1.2 billion through its interrupted 2019-2020 campaign, with a $4 billion loss projected for 2020-2021.

NBA chief Silver however is hopeful that the worst may be over, noting that next season may resemble something like a return to normality as more Americans get vaccinated against Covid-19 and fans return to arenas.

"I'm fairly optimistic at this point that we will be able to start on time," Silver said ahead of Sunday's All-Star game.

"If vaccines continue on the pace they are, and they continue to be as effective as they have been against the virus and its variants, we're hopeful that we'll have relatively full arenas next season."

Silver added that despite losses he described as "considerable", the "long-term health of the league is very solid."

<h2>- Baseball revenues hit -</h2>

Major League Baseball, meanwhile, is also counting the cost of coronavirus. The league slashed its 2020 season from 162 games to 60, finally starting in late July before wrapping the World Series in October.

Although fans were allowed to return for the late stages of last year's playoffs, regular season games in 2020 took place in empty arenas, denying clubs game day revenue and contributing to collective losses estimated by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred at around $2.8-$3 billion.

A full 162-game regular season is planned when the 2021 campaign gets under way on April 1, but spectator access will vary depending on city and state health regulations where each team is based.

The World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will only be allowed a maximum of 100 fans at Dodger Stadium under current rules; the St. Louis Cardinals have been approved to allow 14,500 spectators.

Major League Soccer is bracing for another hefty financial loss after taking a $1 billion hit in 2020.

MLS was halted just two weeks into its new season last year, returning with a tournament staged in a bubble in environment in Florida before the regular season resumed in August.

"We are forecasted to lose pretty close to $1 billion, if not $1 billion (exactly), that we have been talking about," Garber said in February. "When you don't have fans for the majority of your season, it's just pure math."

The National Football League, meanwhile, provided a template for professional leagues in North America by completing its season in February with the Super Bowl in Tampa.

A robust testing program and strict health and safety protocols allowed the league to fulfill all of its 256 regular season games and playoff schedule successfully.

A crowd of 25,000 fans, including several thousand vaccinated healthcare workers invited as guests, attended last month's Super Bowl, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admits it is unclear what fan attendance may look like when the 2021 season kicks off next September.

<h2>- 'They got lucky' -</h2>

"One of the things that I think I have learned and I think all of us have learned is try not to project too far in advance because it's difficult to do," Goodell said. "I know this: We've learned to operate in a very difficult environment. We have found solutions, and we'll do it again."

Zach Binney, an epidemiologist at Oxford College of Emory University in Atlanta, believes that major US sports "did some really good things" as they plotted a return from Covid-19.

"The NBA, Major League Baseball and the NFL all found various ways to bring sports back without having a lot of cases among their players and staff," Binney told AFP. "The various models were quite strong on that front."

Binney noted however that some NFL and college football teams allowed large numbers of fans back into arenas before being certain it was safe to do so.

"I think they were reckless and got lucky," Binney said.

Other aspects of the US sporting landscape, meanwhile, shifted in more profound ways by the pandemic.

In almost every major sport, television ratings were down sharply, sometimes by striking margins.

The NBA finals ratings nosedived by 51%, while the battle for ice hockey's Stanley Cup cratered by 61%. The US Open tennis tournament slumped by 45% and even February's dream NFL Super Bowl pitting Tom Brady against Patrick Mahomes drew its lowest audience since 2006.

In college sports meanwhile, budget shortfalls caused by the pandemic have led to the elimination of more than 350 sports programs -- the vast majority in Olympic sports including athletics, swimming and volleyball.

One year after Covid-19 sent sport across North America grinding to a halt, professional leagues and tours are inching back towards normalcy after absorbing a multi-billion-dollar financial hit.

One year after Covid-19 sent sport across North America grinding to a halt, professional leagues and tours are inching back towards normalcy after absorbing a multi-billion-dollar financial hit. Twelve months ago on March 11, NBA commissioner Adam Silver sent shockwaves across the sporting world after dramatically halting the season following confirmation of Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert's positive test. The NBA decision triggered a domino effect, with baseball, soccer, golf, ice hockey and other sports swiftly following suit either by suspending their seasons or cancelling events altogether. A year after the start of the shutdown, US leagues are continuing to count the cost of the pandemic as they adjust to the new realities of sport in the age of Covid-19. The NBA has reached the halfway point of its abbreviated 2020-2021 season after losing an estimated $1.2 billion through its interrupted 2019-2020 campaign, with a $4 billion loss projected for 2020-2021. NBA chief Silver however is hopeful that the worst may be over, noting that next season may resemble something like a return to normality as more Americans get vaccinated against Covid-19 and fans return to arenas. "I'm fairly optimistic at this point that we will be able to start on time," Silver said ahead of Sunday's All-Star game. "If vaccines continue on the pace they are, and they continue to be as effective as they have been against the virus and its variants, we're hopeful that we'll have relatively full arenas next season." Silver added that despite losses he described as "considerable", the "long-term health of the league is very solid." - Baseball revenues hit - Major League Baseball, meanwhile, is also counting the cost of coronavirus. The league slashed its 2020 season from 162 games to 60, finally starting in late July before wrapping the World Series in October. Although fans were allowed to return for the late stages of last year's playoffs, regular season games in 2020 took place in empty arenas, denying clubs game day revenue and contributing to collective losses estimated by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred at around $2.8-$3 billion. A full 162-game regular season is planned when the 2021 campaign gets under way on April 1, but spectator access will vary depending on city and state health regulations where each team is based. The World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will only be allowed a maximum of 100 fans at Dodger Stadium under current rules; the St. Louis Cardinals have been approved to allow 14,500 spectators. Major League Soccer is bracing for another hefty financial loss after taking a $1 billion hit in 2020. MLS was halted just two weeks into its new season last year, returning with a tournament staged in a bubble in environment in Florida before the regular season resumed in August. "We are forecasted to lose pretty close to $1 billion, if not $1 billion (exactly), that we have been talking about," Garber said in February. "When you don't have fans for the majority of your season, it's just pure math." The National Football League, meanwhile, provided a template for professional leagues in North America by completing its season in February with the Super Bowl in Tampa. A robust testing program and strict health and safety protocols allowed the league to fulfill all of its 256 regular season games and playoff schedule successfully. A crowd of 25,000 fans, including several thousand vaccinated healthcare workers invited as guests, attended last month's Super Bowl, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admits it is unclear what fan attendance may look like when the 2021 season kicks off next September. - 'They got lucky' - "One of the things that I think I have learned and I think all of us have learned is try not to project too far in advance because it's difficult to do," Goodell said. "I know this: We've learned to operate in a very difficult environment. We have found solutions, and we'll do it again." Zach Binney, an epidemiologist at Oxford College of Emory University in Atlanta, believes that major US sports "did some really good things" as they plotted a return from Covid-19. "The NBA, Major League Baseball and the NFL all found various ways to bring sports back without having a lot of cases among their players and staff," Binney told AFP. "The various models were quite strong on that front." Binney noted however that some NFL and college football teams allowed large numbers of fans back into arenas before being certain it was safe to do so. "I think they were reckless and got lucky," Binney said. Other aspects of the US sporting landscape, meanwhile, shifted in more profound ways by the pandemic. In almost every major sport, television ratings were down sharply, sometimes by striking margins. The NBA finals ratings nosedived by 51%, while the battle for ice hockey's Stanley Cup cratered by 61%. The US Open tennis tournament slumped by 45% and even February's dream NFL Super Bowl pitting Tom Brady against Patrick Mahomes drew its lowest audience since 2006. In college sports meanwhile, budget shortfalls caused by the pandemic have led to the elimination of more than 350 sports programs -- the vast majority in Olympic sports including athletics, swimming and volleyball.

One year on from shutdown, US sport inching back to normalcy

Damian Lillard nailed a game-ending three pointer from just inside half court as LeBron James improved to 4-0 as an NBA All-Star Game captain with a 170-150 win over Team Durant on Sunday night.

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo captured the Kobe Bryant MVP Award going a perfect 16-of-16 from the field for a game high 35 points in Atlanta.

"It's fun. I was happy," said Antetokounmpo. "I just love being around great players. It makes it easier to play with them."

Antetokounmpo's 16-for-16 game easily eclipsed the previous All-Star record of the Philadelphia 76ers' Hal Greer, who went eight-of-eight in 1968. Antetokounmpo also made all three of his three point attempts.

James improved to 4-0 in All-Star games he has served as a team captain. He finished with four points in just 13 minutes of playing time.

"I always try to pick the right team, and I've been lucky enough for four years to pick the right team," James said. "Guys go out and compete and play to win. I've been on the winning side of all four."

James' participation in the annual showcase was at one time in doubt. Last month James slammed the NBA for holding the contest during the global pandemic calling it a "slap in the face."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver responded to the criticism from James and others at a weekend news conference, saying the players he spoke to this week were in favor of holding the contest.

"It would have been a bigger deal not to have it," Silver said. "I know that some players have made public comments suggesting they'd rather not be at All-Star.&nbsp;Many have told me directly they're thrilled to be All-Stars.

"It should be judged, when people are looking back, as to what this meant to them as opposed to what some of the initial reactions were from the players."

Antetokounmpo becomes just the second winner of the MVP award named in honour of Bryant who died in a helicopter crash just outside of Los Angeles in January 2020. Kawhi Leonard was the first recipient at last year's All-Star Game in Chicago.

"To have the trophy with the name of Kobe Bryant, it's amazing, and I know he would be happy. Yeah, I know he'd be happy," said Antetokounmpo.

"I wanted to win the one last year really bad and I had a chance to win."

The 70th All-Star Game had a different feel to it because there were no fans in the arena due to the global pandemic.

But that didn't stop the players from putting on a show at the State Farm Arena including a healthy dose of dunks, alley-oops, behind the back passes and long-range threes like the one by Lillard, who finished with 32 points.

<h2>- Plenty of dunks -</h2>

Stephen Curry, who won the three-point shooting contest earlier in the day, hit six threes in the first half en route to a 28 point night for Team LeBron. Jaylen Brown tallied 22 points and Chris Paul dished out 16 assists. Both Curry and Lillard finished with eight baskets from beyond the arc.

Bradley Beal scored a team high 26 points and Kyrie Irving delivered 24 points and 12 assists for Team Durant. In a sign that defense took the night off no player from either team grabbed more than nine rebounds.

"When you've got Steph, Dame, those guys shooting half-court threes, threes from the timeline, there's not much you can do. So give credit to them," said Irving.

The NBA and the players union agreed to hold Sunday's modified All-Star Game weekend, salvaging a scaled-down showcase after the pandemic scuttled plans to hold the event earlier in Indianapolis.

This is the second straight year using the new scoring format which calls for an “Elam Ending,” which provides a target score during an untimed fourth quarter. Team LeBron dominated the first three quarters to take a 146-125 lead into the final quarter.&nbsp;

That set a winning target score of 170 which Team LeBron easily achieved despite being outscored 25-24 in the fourth by Team Durant.

Damian Lillard nailed a game-ending three pointer from just inside half court as LeBron James improved to 4-0 as an NBA All-Star Game captain with a 170-150 win over Team Durant on Sunday night.

Damian Lillard nailed a game-ending three pointer from just inside half court as LeBron James improved to 4-0 as an NBA All-Star Game captain with a 170-150 win over Team Durant on Sunday night. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo captured the Kobe Bryant MVP Award going a perfect 16-of-16 from the field for a game high 35 points in Atlanta. "It's fun. I was happy," said Antetokounmpo. "I just love being around great players. It makes it easier to play with them." Antetokounmpo's 16-for-16 game easily eclipsed the previous All-Star record of the Philadelphia 76ers' Hal Greer, who went eight-of-eight in 1968. Antetokounmpo also made all three of his three point attempts. James improved to 4-0 in All-Star games he has served as a team captain. He finished with four points in just 13 minutes of playing time. "I always try to pick the right team, and I've been lucky enough for four years to pick the right team," James said. "Guys go out and compete and play to win. I've been on the winning side of all four." James' participation in the annual showcase was at one time in doubt. Last month James slammed the NBA for holding the contest during the global pandemic calling it a "slap in the face." NBA commissioner Adam Silver responded to the criticism from James and others at a weekend news conference, saying the players he spoke to this week were in favor of holding the contest. "It would have been a bigger deal not to have it," Silver said. "I know that some players have made public comments suggesting they'd rather not be at All-Star. Many have told me directly they're thrilled to be All-Stars. "It should be judged, when people are looking back, as to what this meant to them as opposed to what some of the initial reactions were from the players." Antetokounmpo becomes just the second winner of the MVP award named in honour of Bryant who died in a helicopter crash just outside of Los Angeles in January 2020. Kawhi Leonard was the first recipient at last year's All-Star Game in Chicago. "To have the trophy with the name of Kobe Bryant, it's amazing, and I know he would be happy. Yeah, I know he'd be happy," said Antetokounmpo. "I wanted to win the one last year really bad and I had a chance to win." The 70th All-Star Game had a different feel to it because there were no fans in the arena due to the global pandemic. But that didn't stop the players from putting on a show at the State Farm Arena including a healthy dose of dunks, alley-oops, behind the back passes and long-range threes like the one by Lillard, who finished with 32 points. - Plenty of dunks - Stephen Curry, who won the three-point shooting contest earlier in the day, hit six threes in the first half en route to a 28 point night for Team LeBron. Jaylen Brown tallied 22 points and Chris Paul dished out 16 assists. Both Curry and Lillard finished with eight baskets from beyond the arc. Bradley Beal scored a team high 26 points and Kyrie Irving delivered 24 points and 12 assists for Team Durant. In a sign that defense took the night off no player from either team grabbed more than nine rebounds. "When you've got Steph, Dame, those guys shooting half-court threes, threes from the timeline, there's not much you can do. So give credit to them," said Irving. The NBA and the players union agreed to hold Sunday's modified All-Star Game weekend, salvaging a scaled-down showcase after the pandemic scuttled plans to hold the event earlier in Indianapolis. This is the second straight year using the new scoring format which calls for an “Elam Ending,” which provides a target score during an untimed fourth quarter. Team LeBron dominated the first three quarters to take a 146-125 lead into the final quarter. That set a winning target score of 170 which Team LeBron easily achieved despite being outscored 25-24 in the fourth by Team Durant.

Giannis wins MVP as Team LeBron dominates 2021 NBA All-Star Game

NBA commissioner Adam Silver says the league won't require players to be vaccinated against Covid-19, but if progress continues against the virus the league can play a normal schedule in "relatively full" arenas next season.

"Roughly half of our teams have fans in their arenas right now and if vaccines continue on the pace they are, and they continue to be as effective as they have been against the virus and its variants, we're hopeful that we'll have relatively full arenas next season as well," Silver said Saturday in a virtual press conference on the eve of the All-Star Game in Atlanta, Georgia.

Silver said there are no plans for any overseas exhibition or regular-season games in the upcoming campaign, but he remains confident teams will be able to play a full 82-game schedule starting next October and ending in June.

"I'm fairly optimistic, at this point, that we will be able to start on time," Silver said.

The commissioner said he believed it was a "personal decision" whether to be vaccinated "that players need to make just like everyone in our communities needs to make."

He said the league and players association were working together to provide players with information on vaccines "and also encouraging them to seek out information on their own" from personal physicians or other advisers.

Silver said that, to his knowledge, no NBA players had yet been vaccinated, although some coaches and other staff who qualified to be innoculated because of age or other reasons had been.

Even so, Silver said, the league's coronavirus protocols including mask-wearing, social distancing and rigorous contact tracing and quarantining, had allowed the season to proceed with only "a relatively small percentage of games" having to be postponed.

The coronavirus pandemic shut down the NBA in March of 2020, the league eventually cancelling 171 games before resuming in a quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida.

After the Los Angeles Lakers captured the title in September, the new season tipped off on December 22 with each team scheduled to play 72 games.

Silver said the financial hit had been and continues to be "significant" and was being borne by both owners and players.

"Last season and this season has required a significant investment on the part of the team owners," Silver said. "They accept that. Players will end up taking a reduction in salary this season because they are partners with the league and teams on revenue.

"League executives, team executives have all taken haircuts on their salary," he said.

"But I think when we all step back, we all feel very fortunate to be working under these circumstances and my sense is the players feel the same way."

And despite his optimism, Silver sounded a cautionary note when discussing progress made in containing coronavirus.

"One thing we've all come to understand over the last year is that the virus is firmly in charge," Silver said.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver says the league won't require players to be vaccinated against Covid-19, but if progress continues against the virus the league can play a normal schedule in "relatively full" arenas next season.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver says the league won't require players to be vaccinated against Covid-19, but if progress continues against the virus the league can play a normal schedule in "relatively full" arenas next season. "Roughly half of our teams have fans in their arenas right now and if vaccines continue on the pace they are, and they continue to be as effective as they have been against the virus and its variants, we're hopeful that we'll have relatively full arenas next season as well," Silver said Saturday in a virtual press conference on the eve of the All-Star Game in Atlanta, Georgia. Silver said there are no plans for any overseas exhibition or regular-season games in the upcoming campaign, but he remains confident teams will be able to play a full 82-game schedule starting next October and ending in June. "I'm fairly optimistic, at this point, that we will be able to start on time," Silver said. The commissioner said he believed it was a "personal decision" whether to be vaccinated "that players need to make just like everyone in our communities needs to make." He said the league and players association were working together to provide players with information on vaccines "and also encouraging them to seek out information on their own" from personal physicians or other advisers. Silver said that, to his knowledge, no NBA players had yet been vaccinated, although some coaches and other staff who qualified to be innoculated because of age or other reasons had been. Even so, Silver said, the league's coronavirus protocols including mask-wearing, social distancing and rigorous contact tracing and quarantining, had allowed the season to proceed with only "a relatively small percentage of games" having to be postponed. The coronavirus pandemic shut down the NBA in March of 2020, the league eventually cancelling 171 games before resuming in a quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida. After the Los Angeles Lakers captured the title in September, the new season tipped off on December 22 with each team scheduled to play 72 games. Silver said the financial hit had been and continues to be "significant" and was being borne by both owners and players. "Last season and this season has required a significant investment on the part of the team owners," Silver said. "They accept that. Players will end up taking a reduction in salary this season because they are partners with the league and teams on revenue. "League executives, team executives have all taken haircuts on their salary," he said. "But I think when we all step back, we all feel very fortunate to be working under these circumstances and my sense is the players feel the same way." And despite his optimism, Silver sounded a cautionary note when discussing progress made in containing coronavirus. "One thing we've all come to understand over the last year is that the virus is firmly in charge," Silver said.

No Covid vaccine mandate for NBA players: commissioner

The pilot in the January 2020 helicopter crash that killed retired NBA star Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others was "legally prohibited" from flying into clouds but did so anyway, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board's chairman said on Tuesday.

Pilot Ara Zobayan told air traffic controllers that his helicopter was climbing out of heavy clouds when in fact it was descending immediately before slamming into a hillside near the town of Calabasas, the agency said in June. Zobayan's actions have been in focus in the investigation into the crash of the Sikorsky S-76B helicopter outside Los Angeles into hilly terrain.

NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said the pilot was "flying under visual flight orders or VFR which legally prohibited him from penetrating the clouds" but he continued into clouds. The board was meeting to vote on the probable cause of the crash.

The board "will discuss whether the pilot faced pressure to complete the flight. .... What were the expectations of the pilot under the company policy? Did he put pressure on himself and what actions could he have taken to avoid flying into the clouds?" Sumwalt said.

Zobayan was killed in the crash.

The board has said pilots can become confused about an aircraft's attitude and acceleration when they cannot see the sky or landscape around them. Sumwalt said the board "will discuss the phenomenon of spatial disorientation, which is the powerful sensation that confuses pilots who lose visual reference and what types of training can be effective in countering this effect."

The board said previously an examination of the helicopter's engines and rotors found no evidence of "catastrophic mechanical failure."

Bryant, 41, an 18-time National Basketball Association all-star with the Los Angeles Lakers, was traveling with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, two other girls and several friends to a youth basketball tournament at the time of the crash. The accident prompted an outpouring of shock and grief from sports fans worldwide.

The pilot in the January 2020 helicopter crash that killed retired NBA star Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others was "legally prohibited" from flying into clouds but did so anyway, the U.

The pilot in the January 2020 helicopter crash that killed retired NBA star Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others was "legally prohibited" from flying into clouds but did so anyway, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board's chairman said on Tuesday. Pilot Ara Zobayan told air traffic controllers that his helicopter was climbing out of heavy clouds when in fact it was descending immediately before slamming into a hillside near the town of Calabasas, the agency said in June. Zobayan's actions have been in focus in the investigation into the crash of the Sikorsky S-76B helicopter outside Los Angeles into hilly terrain. NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said the pilot was "flying under visual flight orders or VFR which legally prohibited him from penetrating the clouds" but he continued into clouds. The board was meeting to vote on the probable cause of the crash. The board "will discuss whether the pilot faced pressure to complete the flight. .... What were the expectations of the pilot under the company policy? Did he put pressure on himself and what actions could he have taken to avoid flying into the clouds?" Sumwalt said. Zobayan was killed in the crash. The board has said pilots can become confused about an aircraft's attitude and acceleration when they cannot see the sky or landscape around them. Sumwalt said the board "will discuss the phenomenon of spatial disorientation, which is the powerful sensation that confuses pilots who lose visual reference and what types of training can be effective in countering this effect." The board said previously an examination of the helicopter's engines and rotors found no evidence of "catastrophic mechanical failure." Bryant, 41, an 18-time National Basketball Association all-star with the Los Angeles Lakers, was traveling with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, two other girls and several friends to a youth basketball tournament at the time of the crash. The accident prompted an outpouring of shock and grief from sports fans worldwide.

Pilot in fatal Kobe Bryant crash legally prohibited from flying into clouds: NTSB chief

James Harden believes the best is yet to come after producing a late burst of scoring to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 98-85 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday.

Harden -- who joined the Nets in a blockbuster trade from Houston earlier this month -- produced a dazzling burst of fourth-quarter scoring as Brooklyn finally overpowered an under-strength Miami team.

The 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player poured on 16 of his 20 points in the final period to lead the Brooklyn scoring alongside Kevin Durant, who also had 20.

Harden and Durant's contributions in the fourth quarter proved decisive, with the duo making a succession of three-pointers as Brooklyn reeled off 15 unanswered points.

Kyrie Irving had 16 points, while Joe Harris finished with 12 and DeAndre Jordan 11. The victory improved the Nets' season record to 11-8 in the Eastern Conference.

But it was Harden who caught the eye with his game-changing late cameo that swung the contest in Brooklyn's favor.

"I was in a role for eight years (in Houston) where I was controlling the ball, dominating the ball," Harden said. "Now it's a different experience for me but it's still great.

"It's still basketball at the end of the day. It's fun. Once we get a rhythm and flow it will be a lot easier for us.

<h2>- 'One of the greatest' -</h2>

Nets coach Steve Nash showered praise on Brooklyn's star new recruit.

"He was great," Nash said of Harden. "We're starting to see a glimpse of the things he can do scoring the ball.

"He's one of the greatest offensive players to ever play the game. He's so effective manipulating the defense that he's a positive even when he's not scoring."

Brooklyn are also starting to see the best of Durant, who delivered another consistent performance in the latest chapter in his return after a year-long injury absence. Durant has now scored 20 points or more in 14 straight games.

"Man, I feel good," Durant said. "Mentally I feel like I'm still catching up to the speed of the game, but physically I feel solid.

"I just try to come out there and produce, and rely on the work that I put in."

Elsewhere on Monday, LeBron James conjured another virtuoso performance for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 115-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Ohio.

James finished with 46 points, eight rebounds and six assists to subdue his former club.

"It always feels great to get a win, especially in the purple and gold," James said afterwards.

"I'm just trying to build my game where I can beat them at all facets, from the perimeter, from the mid-range, from the low posts.

"Just trying to be dominant where I can keep the defense off-balance and I was able to do that tonight."

<h2>- 'Pretty awesome' -</h2>

Lakers coach Frank Vogel was left marveling at another ageless performance from the 36-year-old James.

"Pretty awesome just to see that he can still turn it up like that," Vogel said. "Obviously, he wanted to win against his former team here. One of those nights for the ages from him."

Anthony Davis finished with 17 points for the Lakers, while Dennis Schroder and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 10 points apiece.

The win nudged the Lakers back into first place in the Western Conference standings, with 14 wins and four defeats. The Los Angeles Clippers, who play in Atlanta on Tuesday, are second on 13-4.

Elsewhere on Monday, the lowly Detroit Pistons upset the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia 76ers 119-104 with the help of a 28-point haul from Delon Wright.

The Pistons, bottom of the East on 4-13, romped to a blowout win with Jerami Grant also adding 25 points.

In Dallas, meanwhile, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was ejected after appearing to hit the Mavericks' Tim Hardaway Jr in the groin in an off-the-ball incident in the third quarter. The Nuggets went on to win 117-113.

James Harden believes the best is yet to come after producing a late burst of scoring to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 98-85 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday.

James Harden believes the best is yet to come after producing a late burst of scoring to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 98-85 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday. Harden -- who joined the Nets in a blockbuster trade from Houston earlier this month -- produced a dazzling burst of fourth-quarter scoring as Brooklyn finally overpowered an under-strength Miami team. The 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player poured on 16 of his 20 points in the final period to lead the Brooklyn scoring alongside Kevin Durant, who also had 20. Harden and Durant's contributions in the fourth quarter proved decisive, with the duo making a succession of three-pointers as Brooklyn reeled off 15 unanswered points. Kyrie Irving had 16 points, while Joe Harris finished with 12 and DeAndre Jordan 11. The victory improved the Nets' season record to 11-8 in the Eastern Conference. But it was Harden who caught the eye with his game-changing late cameo that swung the contest in Brooklyn's favor. "I was in a role for eight years (in Houston) where I was controlling the ball, dominating the ball," Harden said. "Now it's a different experience for me but it's still great. "It's still basketball at the end of the day. It's fun. Once we get a rhythm and flow it will be a lot easier for us. - 'One of the greatest' - Nets coach Steve Nash showered praise on Brooklyn's star new recruit. "He was great," Nash said of Harden. "We're starting to see a glimpse of the things he can do scoring the ball. "He's one of the greatest offensive players to ever play the game. He's so effective manipulating the defense that he's a positive even when he's not scoring." Brooklyn are also starting to see the best of Durant, who delivered another consistent performance in the latest chapter in his return after a year-long injury absence. Durant has now scored 20 points or more in 14 straight games. "Man, I feel good," Durant said. "Mentally I feel like I'm still catching up to the speed of the game, but physically I feel solid. "I just try to come out there and produce, and rely on the work that I put in." Elsewhere on Monday, LeBron James conjured another virtuoso performance for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 115-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Ohio. James finished with 46 points, eight rebounds and six assists to subdue his former club. "It always feels great to get a win, especially in the purple and gold," James said afterwards. "I'm just trying to build my game where I can beat them at all facets, from the perimeter, from the mid-range, from the low posts. "Just trying to be dominant where I can keep the defense off-balance and I was able to do that tonight." - 'Pretty awesome' - Lakers coach Frank Vogel was left marveling at another ageless performance from the 36-year-old James. "Pretty awesome just to see that he can still turn it up like that," Vogel said. "Obviously, he wanted to win against his former team here. One of those nights for the ages from him." Anthony Davis finished with 17 points for the Lakers, while Dennis Schroder and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 10 points apiece. The win nudged the Lakers back into first place in the Western Conference standings, with 14 wins and four defeats. The Los Angeles Clippers, who play in Atlanta on Tuesday, are second on 13-4. Elsewhere on Monday, the lowly Detroit Pistons upset the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia 76ers 119-104 with the help of a 28-point haul from Delon Wright. The Pistons, bottom of the East on 4-13, romped to a blowout win with Jerami Grant also adding 25 points. In Dallas, meanwhile, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was ejected after appearing to hit the Mavericks' Tim Hardaway Jr in the groin in an off-the-ball incident in the third quarter. The Nuggets went on to win 117-113.

Harden leads Nets over Heat, LeBron sparks Lakers

LeBron James scored a season-high 34 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won their eighth straight road game with a 113-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.

The victory opened a seven-game road trip for the NBA champion Lakers, who are hoping this is the beginning of another run of victories.&nbsp;

They had a five-game winning streak snapped in their most recent outing, a 115-113 loss to Golden State.

"Our motivation was not losing two in a row tonight. We were able to get that accomplished," said forward Anthony Davis.

James made a key three pointer and capped his night with an emphatic double clutch slam dunk as the Lakers improved to a NBA best 12-4 on the season after Thursday's gritty performance at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 23 points and Davis finished with 18 points and nine rebounds in the win. Caldwell-Pope sank seven-of-10 threes as the Lakers went 19-of-37 from three-point range.

Going on a seven-game road trip might be a daunting task for some teams but not the Lakers, who have the best record in the league.

They have excelled away from Staples Center arena by compiling a franchise best 8-0 start on the road this season.

"It is coming along. We are just playing for each other," said Caldwell-Pope.

The Lakers bottled up reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds but had a career high nine turnovers.

"We've got to keep working, keep playing good basketball for longer periods of time, make shots, defend better, rebound the ball better," Antetokounmpo said. "Ultimately we've got to get better."

Jrue Holiday tallied 22 points and Khris Middleton scored 20 for the Bucks, who dropped their second straight game for the first time this season.

The Bucks led by as many as seven in the first quarter before taking a 33-29 lead into the second.

The Lakers started the fourth with a five-point lead, 86-81, but quickly extended that to 11 points. The Bucks took advantage of some sloppy Laker defence to go on a 9-0 run to close the gap to 98-96 with three minutes to go on a layup by Middleton.

But four-time MVP James and Alex Caruso each drained key three pointers in the final two minutes. James, who beat the shot clock with his three pointer, then put the game away in style by driving hard to the basket and dunking it with 15 seconds remaining in the fourth.

"There were stretches where we were really good on both ends of the court," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said.&nbsp;

"We had a bad stretch, I felt like the last four or five minutes of the second quarter, on both ends of the court we were not good. We were not sharp like you need to be for 48 minutes."

&nbsp;

<h2>- Green ejected for yelling -</h2>

&nbsp;

Elsewhere, R.J. Barrett recorded a career best with 28 points, and the&nbsp;New York Knicks used a 40-point first quarter to build a lead they relinquished only momentarily in a 119-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Stephen Curry had a game-high 30 points for the Warriors, who were coming off back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.&nbsp;

The Warriors lost Draymond Green to a disputed technical ejection in the second quarter, when he appeared to be yelling at his own teammate&nbsp;James Wiseman -- but the officials saw it differently.

The Knicks outshot the Warriors 46.3 percent to 38.4 from the floor.

LeBron James scored a season-high 34 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won their eighth straight road game with a 113-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.

LeBron James scored a season-high 34 points as the Los Angeles Lakers won their eighth straight road game with a 113-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. The victory opened a seven-game road trip for the NBA champion Lakers, who are hoping this is the beginning of another run of victories. They had a five-game winning streak snapped in their most recent outing, a 115-113 loss to Golden State. "Our motivation was not losing two in a row tonight. We were able to get that accomplished," said forward Anthony Davis. James made a key three pointer and capped his night with an emphatic double clutch slam dunk as the Lakers improved to a NBA best 12-4 on the season after Thursday's gritty performance at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 23 points and Davis finished with 18 points and nine rebounds in the win. Caldwell-Pope sank seven-of-10 threes as the Lakers went 19-of-37 from three-point range. Going on a seven-game road trip might be a daunting task for some teams but not the Lakers, who have the best record in the league. They have excelled away from Staples Center arena by compiling a franchise best 8-0 start on the road this season. "It is coming along. We are just playing for each other," said Caldwell-Pope. The Lakers bottled up reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds but had a career high nine turnovers. "We've got to keep working, keep playing good basketball for longer periods of time, make shots, defend better, rebound the ball better," Antetokounmpo said. "Ultimately we've got to get better." Jrue Holiday tallied 22 points and Khris Middleton scored 20 for the Bucks, who dropped their second straight game for the first time this season. The Bucks led by as many as seven in the first quarter before taking a 33-29 lead into the second. The Lakers started the fourth with a five-point lead, 86-81, but quickly extended that to 11 points. The Bucks took advantage of some sloppy Laker defence to go on a 9-0 run to close the gap to 98-96 with three minutes to go on a layup by Middleton. But four-time MVP James and Alex Caruso each drained key three pointers in the final two minutes. James, who beat the shot clock with his three pointer, then put the game away in style by driving hard to the basket and dunking it with 15 seconds remaining in the fourth. "There were stretches where we were really good on both ends of the court," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "We had a bad stretch, I felt like the last four or five minutes of the second quarter, on both ends of the court we were not good. We were not sharp like you need to be for 48 minutes." - Green ejected for yelling - Elsewhere, R.J. Barrett recorded a career best with 28 points, and the New York Knicks used a 40-point first quarter to build a lead they relinquished only momentarily in a 119-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry had a game-high 30 points for the Warriors, who were coming off back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. The Warriors lost Draymond Green to a disputed technical ejection in the second quarter, when he appeared to be yelling at his own teammate James Wiseman -- but the officials saw it differently. The Knicks outshot the Warriors 46.3 percent to 38.4 from the floor.

James scores 34 as Lakers improve to 8-0 on the road

James Harden scored 34 points, and Kevin Durant's 30 included the go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute as the NBA's new-look Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 125-123 on Monday.

Harden, playing his second game for Brooklyn since arriving in a blockbuster trade, added 12 assists.

Durant added six assists and nine rebounds as the Nets held off two-time defending NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in a clash of Eastern Conference powers.

Antetokounmpo scored 34 points with 12 rebounds and seven assists for Milwaukee. Khris Middleton added 25 points -- but couldn't get a potential game-winning three-pointer to drop in the final second.

"That's a huge win for us," Harden said. "Not having a chance to practice, just going on the fly, we beat a really good Bucks team."

In a back-and-forth fourth quarter, the Nets trailed 122-123 when Harden missed a three-pointer but managed to corral the rebound and get the ball to Durant, who drained a three-pointer to put Brooklyn up 125-123 with 36.8 seconds remaining.

After Middleton missed a three-point attempt, Durant turned the ball over to give the Bucks one more chance, but Middleton missed again.

"It's a rejuvenation," Harden said of arriving in Brooklyn, who were without star guard Kyrie Irving for a seventh straight game. "This organization, the Brooklyn Nets, has welcomed me with open arms.

The game at Brooklyn's Barclays Arena was one of the marquee match-ups on the NBA's holiday slate honoring civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.

Across town at Madison Square Garden, Julius Randle scored seven of his 21 points in the final 93 seconds as the New York Knicks held off Orlando 91-84.

Randle shot only 5-of-19 from the floor but added 17 rebounds, while R.J. Barrett had 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Knicks, who ripped Boston on Sunday, won on consecutive days for the first time in 41 tries over more than three years.

"Back-to-back is always tough for us," Randle said. "We had the lead the whole game, played well. They made a run. Stayed together.

"I couldn't throw a rock in the ocean but we got it done. It's a great win for us."

The Knicks led 19-13 after the first quarter and boosted the margin as high as 14 points early in the fourth. The Magic made a late charge but came up short in their sixth straight defeat.

<h2>- Hawks wear King jerseys -</h2>

In King's hometown, the Atlanta Hawks debuted special black jerseys with the initials MLK on the front in a 108-97 victory over visiting Minnesota.

The Hawks, who had lost six of their prior seven games, improved to 6-7 despite 24 turnovers, while the Timberwolves fell to 3-9 with their ninth loss in 10 games.

D'Angelo Russell scored 25 points to lead the Hawks, while Clint Capela added 23 points and 15 rebounds and Trae Young contributed 20 points and 13 assists for Atlanta.

De'Andre Hunter scored a game-high 31 points for the T-Wolves.

San Antonio rolled to a 125-104 victory at Portland behind 22 points from LaMarcus Aldridge, 20 points and 11 assists from DeMar DeRozan and 21 points each off the bench for Patty Mills and Rudy Gay.

The Miami Heat, missing Jimmy Butler due to Covid-19 safety protocols and Tyler Herro to neck spasms, bounced back from a 20-point loss to Detroit on Saturday with a 113-107 victory over the same Pistons team.

The Heat trailed the Pistons by 19 early, but unlike on Saturday, they were able to battle back with 28 points and 11 rebounds from Bam Adebayo, 22 points from guard Goran Dragic and 18 from Duncan Robinson.

James Harden scored 34 points, and Kevin Durant's 30 included the go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute as the NBA's new-look Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 125-123 on Monday.

James Harden scored 34 points, and Kevin Durant's 30 included the go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute as the NBA's new-look Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 125-123 on Monday. Harden, playing his second game for Brooklyn since arriving in a blockbuster trade, added 12 assists. Durant added six assists and nine rebounds as the Nets held off two-time defending NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in a clash of Eastern Conference powers. Antetokounmpo scored 34 points with 12 rebounds and seven assists for Milwaukee. Khris Middleton added 25 points -- but couldn't get a potential game-winning three-pointer to drop in the final second. "That's a huge win for us," Harden said. "Not having a chance to practice, just going on the fly, we beat a really good Bucks team." In a back-and-forth fourth quarter, the Nets trailed 122-123 when Harden missed a three-pointer but managed to corral the rebound and get the ball to Durant, who drained a three-pointer to put Brooklyn up 125-123 with 36.8 seconds remaining. After Middleton missed a three-point attempt, Durant turned the ball over to give the Bucks one more chance, but Middleton missed again. "It's a rejuvenation," Harden said of arriving in Brooklyn, who were without star guard Kyrie Irving for a seventh straight game. "This organization, the Brooklyn Nets, has welcomed me with open arms. The game at Brooklyn's Barclays Arena was one of the marquee match-ups on the NBA's holiday slate honoring civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. Across town at Madison Square Garden, Julius Randle scored seven of his 21 points in the final 93 seconds as the New York Knicks held off Orlando 91-84. Randle shot only 5-of-19 from the floor but added 17 rebounds, while R.J. Barrett had 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Knicks, who ripped Boston on Sunday, won on consecutive days for the first time in 41 tries over more than three years. "Back-to-back is always tough for us," Randle said. "We had the lead the whole game, played well. They made a run. Stayed together. "I couldn't throw a rock in the ocean but we got it done. It's a great win for us." The Knicks led 19-13 after the first quarter and boosted the margin as high as 14 points early in the fourth. The Magic made a late charge but came up short in their sixth straight defeat. - Hawks wear King jerseys - In King's hometown, the Atlanta Hawks debuted special black jerseys with the initials MLK on the front in a 108-97 victory over visiting Minnesota. The Hawks, who had lost six of their prior seven games, improved to 6-7 despite 24 turnovers, while the Timberwolves fell to 3-9 with their ninth loss in 10 games. D'Angelo Russell scored 25 points to lead the Hawks, while Clint Capela added 23 points and 15 rebounds and Trae Young contributed 20 points and 13 assists for Atlanta. De'Andre Hunter scored a game-high 31 points for the T-Wolves. San Antonio rolled to a 125-104 victory at Portland behind 22 points from LaMarcus Aldridge, 20 points and 11 assists from DeMar DeRozan and 21 points each off the bench for Patty Mills and Rudy Gay. The Miami Heat, missing Jimmy Butler due to Covid-19 safety protocols and Tyler Herro to neck spasms, bounced back from a 20-point loss to Detroit on Saturday with a 113-107 victory over the same Pistons team. The Heat trailed the Pistons by 19 early, but unlike on Saturday, they were able to battle back with 28 points and 11 rebounds from Bam Adebayo, 22 points from guard Goran Dragic and 18 from Duncan Robinson.

Harden, Durant lead Nets past Bucks, Randle the hero for Knicks

James Harden is joining the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster NBA trade from the Houston Rockets, US media reported Wednesday.

ESPN and The Athletic reported that the 2018 NBA MVP will head to the Nets in a trade that will see Harden reunited with former Oklahoma City Thunder team-mate Kevin Durant.

The 31-year-old played alongside Durant for three seasons in Oklahoma City between 2009 and 2012.

ESPN reported that the complex deal also involved the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers.

In exchange for Harden, Houston received multiple players and draft picks as well as guard Caris LeVert.&nbsp;

LeVert was traded immediately to the Pacers in exchange for Victor Oladipo.

There was no immediate confirmation of the deal by Houston or Brooklyn.

Harden's move raises the prospect of the Nets emerging as a new super team, with the unhappy Rockets ace joining forces with Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Harden's exit from the Rockets had loomed ever closer, with team-mates complaining of his attitude in the locker room.

On Tuesday, Harden had lashed out after the Rockets were thumped 117-100 at home by the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I love this city," Harden said. "I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It's something that I don't think can be fixed."

Team-mate John Wall, who arrived in Houston this year from the Washington Wizards, accused Harden of not being committed to the team.

"When you have certain guys that don't want to buy in, it's hard," said Wall.

On Wednesday, Harden was barred from team practice following his outburst.&nbsp;

"We felt it was best for James and best for the group for him not to be at practice," Rockets coach Stephen Silas told reporters on a video call.

Silas said Harden's criticisms had been "hard to hear."

"Especially when you don't believe it and you know it not to be true," he said.

The Rockets' DeMarcus Cousins meanwhile accused Harden of being "disrespectful" to the Houston locker room.&nbsp;

"Will he ever need to play with us again? I don't know, quite honestly don't care," Cousins said.&nbsp;

"He can feel however he wants to feel with the organization but the other 14 guys in the locker room have done nothing to him.

"So for us to be on the receiving end of some of the disrespectful comments &amp; antics, it's completely unfair to us."

Harden, an eight-time NBA All-Star and a prolific scorer, joined Houston in 2012 after starting his career in Oklahoma City.

However he was unable to guide the Rockets to an NBA Championship during that time, and instead suffered a string of playoff disappointments, with Houston failing to make the NBA finals once in eight straight playoff appearances.

James Harden is joining the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster NBA trade from the Houston Rockets, US media reported Wednesday. ESPN and The Athletic reported that the 2018 NBA MVP will head to the Nets in a trade that will see Harden reunited with former Oklahoma City Thunder team-mate Kevin Durant.

James Harden is joining the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster NBA trade from the Houston Rockets, US media reported Wednesday. ESPN and The Athletic reported that the 2018 NBA MVP will head to the Nets in a trade that will see Harden reunited with former Oklahoma City Thunder team-mate Kevin Durant. The 31-year-old played alongside Durant for three seasons in Oklahoma City between 2009 and 2012. ESPN reported that the complex deal also involved the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. In exchange for Harden, Houston received multiple players and draft picks as well as guard Caris LeVert. LeVert was traded immediately to the Pacers in exchange for Victor Oladipo. There was no immediate confirmation of the deal by Houston or Brooklyn. Harden's move raises the prospect of the Nets emerging as a new super team, with the unhappy Rockets ace joining forces with Durant and Kyrie Irving. Harden's exit from the Rockets had loomed ever closer, with team-mates complaining of his attitude in the locker room. On Tuesday, Harden had lashed out after the Rockets were thumped 117-100 at home by the Los Angeles Lakers. "I love this city," Harden said. "I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It's something that I don't think can be fixed." Team-mate John Wall, who arrived in Houston this year from the Washington Wizards, accused Harden of not being committed to the team. "When you have certain guys that don't want to buy in, it's hard," said Wall. On Wednesday, Harden was barred from team practice following his outburst. "We felt it was best for James and best for the group for him not to be at practice," Rockets coach Stephen Silas told reporters on a video call. Silas said Harden's criticisms had been "hard to hear." "Especially when you don't believe it and you know it not to be true," he said. The Rockets' DeMarcus Cousins meanwhile accused Harden of being "disrespectful" to the Houston locker room. "Will he ever need to play with us again? I don't know, quite honestly don't care," Cousins said. "He can feel however he wants to feel with the organization but the other 14 guys in the locker room have done nothing to him. "So for us to be on the receiving end of some of the disrespectful comments & antics, it's completely unfair to us." Harden, an eight-time NBA All-Star and a prolific scorer, joined Houston in 2012 after starting his career in Oklahoma City. However he was unable to guide the Rockets to an NBA Championship during that time, and instead suffered a string of playoff disappointments, with Houston failing to make the NBA finals once in eight straight playoff appearances.

James Harden joining Brooklyn Nets in blockbuster deal: reports

Houston star James Harden's frustration with the Rockets boiled over Tuesday after the team's second blowout loss to the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in three days.

Harden, the NBA's top scorer the past three seasons, finished with 16 points on five-of-16 shooting in the 117-100 home loss, in which the Lakers never trailed and led by as many as 30 points.

"I love this city," Harden said. "I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It's something that I don't think can be fixed."

The season opened last month with Harden the center of trade-demand reports.

The Rockets have reportedly discussed possible trades with various teams, but they expect a big return for their star and no deal is yet in the offing.

Guard John Wall, who arrived in Houston this season in the trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards, admitted that team chemistry was lacking.

"When you have certain guys that don’t want to buy in, it's hard," said Wall, who scored 10 points and handed out five assists on Tuesday.

Specifically, Wall said when asked, forging a relationship with Harden has been difficult.

"It's been a little rocky, not going to lie about that," Wall said. "I don't think it's been the best it could be. That's all I can say."

At 3-6, the Rockets are second from bottom in the Western Conference.

After back-to-back defeats they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday.

Houston star James Harden's frustration with the Rockets boiled over Tuesday after the team's second blowout loss to the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in three days.

Houston star James Harden's frustration with the Rockets boiled over Tuesday after the team's second blowout loss to the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in three days. Harden, the NBA's top scorer the past three seasons, finished with 16 points on five-of-16 shooting in the 117-100 home loss, in which the Lakers never trailed and led by as many as 30 points. "I love this city," Harden said. "I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It's something that I don't think can be fixed." The season opened last month with Harden the center of trade-demand reports. The Rockets have reportedly discussed possible trades with various teams, but they expect a big return for their star and no deal is yet in the offing. Guard John Wall, who arrived in Houston this season in the trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards, admitted that team chemistry was lacking. "When you have certain guys that don’t want to buy in, it's hard," said Wall, who scored 10 points and handed out five assists on Tuesday. Specifically, Wall said when asked, forging a relationship with Harden has been difficult. "It's been a little rocky, not going to lie about that," Wall said. "I don't think it's been the best it could be. That's all I can say." At 3-6, the Rockets are second from bottom in the Western Conference. After back-to-back defeats they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday.

Rockets' Harden after loss to Lakers: situation can't be fixed

Two more NBA games were postponed by the league on Monday due to Covid-19 and contract tracing issues, bringing the total to four in the virus-shortened 2020-21 season.

The New Orleans Pelicans game at Dallas on Monday and the Boston Celtics game Tuesday at Chicago were both delayed over unspecified health and safety protocol issues.

The league also said it would meet with the National Basketball Players Association on Monday about possible modifications in the joint safety protocols.

There has been concern expressed by coaches about the health and safety of players being forced into playing unusually high numbers of minutes due to depleted rosters being forced to take the court.

The latest postponements will mark three consecutive days of lost games for the NBA after Miami's matchup on Sunday against the Celtics in Boston was called off because the Heat were unable to field a minimum eight players due to Covid-19 issues.

The Celtics had been reduced to the minimum eight players by virus issues with seven players missing due to the virus or contact tracing.

The Heat were still scheduled to play on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, where the 76ers had only a minimum eight available players, just seven of them healthy, for a home loss Saturday to Denver.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that the Heat's available players would travel from Boston to Philadelphia while players deemed at risk through contact tracing would be flown to Florida to quarantine.

The first NBA game to be postponed this season due to Covid-19 issues was on December 23 between Oklahoma City at Houston.

Dallas has three players listed as out due to the NBA Covid-19 protocols -- Jalen Brunson, Josh Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith -- and Maxi Kleber listed as questionable for the same reason.

Scott Tomlin, the Mavericks' vice president of basketball communications, told the Dallas Morning News that the team would have had at least eight players available on Monday, but the league chose to postpone the contest "to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and other personnel" as contact tracing continues.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said before the season started on December 22 that the league, which completed the disrupted 2019-20 season in a quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida, expected disruptions as it forged ahead in teams' home markets with coronavirus still surging.

"We do anticipate there will be bumps in the road along the way," Silver said in December, adding that's why the schedule for only the first half of the season had been released.

"We know it's possible we may have to reschedule games along the way," he said.

Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said Saturday he trusted the procedures the league had put in place to limit spread of Covid-19, but he said losing so many players to contact tracing posed a danger to those remaining with increased minutes on the floor, wear and tear and the push to perhaps play through injury.

"That's long-term health with the accumulation of games," he said. "So I'm actually more concerned about that than I am actually about Covid."

Two more NBA games were postponed by the league on Monday due to Covid-19 and contract tracing issues, bringing the total to four in the virus-shortened 2020-21 season.

Two more NBA games were postponed by the league on Monday due to Covid-19 and contract tracing issues, bringing the total to four in the virus-shortened 2020-21 season. The New Orleans Pelicans game at Dallas on Monday and the Boston Celtics game Tuesday at Chicago were both delayed over unspecified health and safety protocol issues. The league also said it would meet with the National Basketball Players Association on Monday about possible modifications in the joint safety protocols. There has been concern expressed by coaches about the health and safety of players being forced into playing unusually high numbers of minutes due to depleted rosters being forced to take the court. The latest postponements will mark three consecutive days of lost games for the NBA after Miami's matchup on Sunday against the Celtics in Boston was called off because the Heat were unable to field a minimum eight players due to Covid-19 issues. The Celtics had been reduced to the minimum eight players by virus issues with seven players missing due to the virus or contact tracing. The Heat were still scheduled to play on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, where the 76ers had only a minimum eight available players, just seven of them healthy, for a home loss Saturday to Denver. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that the Heat's available players would travel from Boston to Philadelphia while players deemed at risk through contact tracing would be flown to Florida to quarantine. The first NBA game to be postponed this season due to Covid-19 issues was on December 23 between Oklahoma City at Houston. Dallas has three players listed as out due to the NBA Covid-19 protocols -- Jalen Brunson, Josh Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith -- and Maxi Kleber listed as questionable for the same reason. Scott Tomlin, the Mavericks' vice president of basketball communications, told the Dallas Morning News that the team would have had at least eight players available on Monday, but the league chose to postpone the contest "to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and other personnel" as contact tracing continues. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said before the season started on December 22 that the league, which completed the disrupted 2019-20 season in a quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida, expected disruptions as it forged ahead in teams' home markets with coronavirus still surging. "We do anticipate there will be bumps in the road along the way," Silver said in December, adding that's why the schedule for only the first half of the season had been released. "We know it's possible we may have to reschedule games along the way," he said. Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said Saturday he trusted the procedures the league had put in place to limit spread of Covid-19, but he said losing so many players to contact tracing posed a danger to those remaining with increased minutes on the floor, wear and tear and the push to perhaps play through injury. "That's long-term health with the accumulation of games," he said. "So I'm actually more concerned about that than I am actually about Covid."

NBA postpones games at Dallas and Chicago due to Covid-19

As violence at the US Capitol underlined deep divisions in America on Wednesday, NBA players said the incident helped renew their commitment to fight racial injustice.

Boston Celtics and Miami Heat players knelt during the national anthem before their game in Miami on Wednesday, hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as legislators met to certify Joe Biden's victory in the November election.

The players issued a joint statement referring not only to the chaotic events in Washington but also to the decision on Tuesday by prosecutors in Wisconsin not to charge the white police officer who shot and paralyzed Black man Jacob Blake in Kenosha last August.

Protests of Blake's shooting brought the NBA to a standstill for three days in August in a protest of racial injustice that soon spread across an array of sports.

"2021 is a new year, but some things have not changed," the Celtics and Heat players said in their statement.

"We play tonight's game with a heavy heart after yesterday's decision in Kenosha and knowing that protesters in our nation's capital are treated differently by political leaders depending on what side of certain issues they are on.

"The drastic difference between the way protesters this past spring and summer were treated and the encouragement given to today's protesters who acted illegally just shows how much more work we have to do.

"We have decided to play tonight's game to try to bring joy into people's lives.

"But we must not forget the injustices in our society, and we will continue to use our voices and our platform to highlight these issues and do everything we can to work for a more equal and just America."

In Philadelphia, 76ers coach Doc Rivers was blunt in his assessment of the scene at the Capitol.

"It's pretty disturbing and sad," he said. "I keep hearing, 'This is an attack on democracy.' It's not. Democracy will prevail. It always does.

"It shows a lot though. I'll say it because I don't think a lot of people want to -- could you imagine today if those were all Black people storming into the Capitol and what would've happened?

"It's a sad day in a lot of ways. But it's a part of what we are and so we have to solve it."

In Milwaukee, the host Bucks and the Detroit Pistons both took turnovers on their first possessions.

The Bucks won the opening tip off and NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo simply held the ball as all the players took a knee. On the ensuing Detroit possession, Pistons star Blake Griffin held the ball and all 10 players on court took a knee again.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted that it was hard to concentrate on basketball.

"I started the day thinking about how we were going to guard Lou Williams without fouling him," Kerr said. "Suddenly that didn't seem quite as important.

"Just a bizarre scene, but a pretty clear reminder that the truth matters," Kerr said.

"A legitimate election is suddenly questioned by millions of people, including many of the people who are leading our country in government, because we've decided to -- over the last few years -- allow lies to be told. So, this is who we are," Kerr said. "You reap what you sow."

As violence at the US Capitol underlined deep divisions in America on Wednesday, NBA players said the incident helped renew their commitment to fight racial injustice.

As violence at the US Capitol underlined deep divisions in America on Wednesday, NBA players said the incident helped renew their commitment to fight racial injustice. Boston Celtics and Miami Heat players knelt during the national anthem before their game in Miami on Wednesday, hours after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol as legislators met to certify Joe Biden's victory in the November election. The players issued a joint statement referring not only to the chaotic events in Washington but also to the decision on Tuesday by prosecutors in Wisconsin not to charge the white police officer who shot and paralyzed Black man Jacob Blake in Kenosha last August. Protests of Blake's shooting brought the NBA to a standstill for three days in August in a protest of racial injustice that soon spread across an array of sports. "2021 is a new year, but some things have not changed," the Celtics and Heat players said in their statement. "We play tonight's game with a heavy heart after yesterday's decision in Kenosha and knowing that protesters in our nation's capital are treated differently by political leaders depending on what side of certain issues they are on. "The drastic difference between the way protesters this past spring and summer were treated and the encouragement given to today's protesters who acted illegally just shows how much more work we have to do. "We have decided to play tonight's game to try to bring joy into people's lives. "But we must not forget the injustices in our society, and we will continue to use our voices and our platform to highlight these issues and do everything we can to work for a more equal and just America." In Philadelphia, 76ers coach Doc Rivers was blunt in his assessment of the scene at the Capitol. "It's pretty disturbing and sad," he said. "I keep hearing, 'This is an attack on democracy.' It's not. Democracy will prevail. It always does. "It shows a lot though. I'll say it because I don't think a lot of people want to -- could you imagine today if those were all Black people storming into the Capitol and what would've happened? "It's a sad day in a lot of ways. But it's a part of what we are and so we have to solve it." In Milwaukee, the host Bucks and the Detroit Pistons both took turnovers on their first possessions. The Bucks won the opening tip off and NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo simply held the ball as all the players took a knee. On the ensuing Detroit possession, Pistons star Blake Griffin held the ball and all 10 players on court took a knee again. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted that it was hard to concentrate on basketball. "I started the day thinking about how we were going to guard Lou Williams without fouling him," Kerr said. "Suddenly that didn't seem quite as important. "Just a bizarre scene, but a pretty clear reminder that the truth matters," Kerr said. "A legitimate election is suddenly questioned by millions of people, including many of the people who are leading our country in government, because we've decided to -- over the last few years -- allow lies to be told. So, this is who we are," Kerr said. "You reap what you sow."

After chaos at Capitol NBA players reaffirm racial justice commitment

Milwaukee's two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 43 points Monday, powering the Bucks to a 125-115 NBA victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Antetokounmpo connected on 17 of 24 shots from the field. He made a brace of three pointers and was simply unstoppable in the paint.

His was just one of the outstanding performances on a night that featured a 40-point outburst from Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and a triple-double for Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks.

Antetokounmpo set the tone early in Milwaukee, scoring 30 of the Bucks' 67 first-half points.

Detroit managed to trim the deficit to 118-110 with 2:38 left to play, but Antetokounmpo stopped their momentum with a block of a driving Sekou Doumbouya shot, then grabbed the rebound of teammate Donte DiVincenzo's miss for a put-back basket that effectively ended the Pistons' comeback bid.

"The blocked shot and the put-back was big," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said, adding that he wouldn't have liked to see the deficit whittled further.

Detroit, playing without star Blake Griffin, also saw rookie Killian Hayes go down in the third quarter with a hip injury that kept him out the rest of the game.

Boston's Tatum scored 21 of his season-best 40 in the second quarter as the Celtics rallied from an early deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 126-114.

Tatum connected on 11 of 19 shots from the field and was a perfect 13-for-13 from the free throw line as he fell one point shy of matching his career best.

The first meeting of the teams since Boston eliminated Toronto in the second round of the playoffs in September was in Tampa, Florida, where the Raptors are based, amid continuing coronavirus restrictions on travel to Canada.

The Dallas Mavericks won a Texas tussle with the Rockets in Houston on the back of Doncic's first triple-double of the season.

Doncic, who sat out Sunday with a quadriceps contusion, returned with a vengeance with 33 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists as Dallas held off a late Rockets push for a 113-100 victory.

The Slovenian star, still just 21, notched his 26th career triple-double. Tim Hardway Jr. added 30 points off the bench for Dallas, who led by as many as 16 in the third quarter.

The Rockets, with 23 points from Christian Wood and 21 from James Harden, tied it up with 10 minutes remaining, but the Mavericks relentlessly pulled away again.

While Mavs coach Rick Carlisle conceded that Doncic came into the season "behind the curve" on his conditioning, he said his young star is clearly going in the right direction.

"You can tell on the floor," Carlisle said. "You can see that he's getting better and better as each day goes by."

The Philadelphia 76ers improved their league-leading record to 6-1 with a 118-101 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

Tobias Harris scored 22 points to lead seven Sixers players in double figures in the wire-to-wire win.

Joel Embiid added 14 points and 11 rebounds, Danny Green contributed 13 points, and Ben Simmons had 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Philadelphia.

<h2>- Knicks find a way -</h2>

New York's Julius Randle scored 28 points and pulled down 17 rebounds and Austin Rivers drilled a late three-pointer that helped the Knicks erase a 15-point third-quarter deficit in a 113-108 victory over the Hawks in Atlanta.

In a back-and-forth battle, the Knicks seized an early double-digit lead only for Atlanta to take a four-point lead into halftime.

The Hawks pushed their lead to 15 with less than five minutes left in the third, but they couldn't hang on.

"We didn't play great but we found a way to win," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said.

Indiana's Malcolm Brogdon delivered the game-winner as the Pacers broke the New Orleans Pelicans' hearts 118-116 in overtime, having rallied from six points down with less than a minute remaining in regulation.

There was no such drama for Golden State as Stephen Curry followed up Sunday's 62-point outburst with 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in the Warriors' 137-106 romp over the Sacramento Kings.

Milwaukee's two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 43 points Monday, powering the Bucks to a 125-115 NBA victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Milwaukee's two-time reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 43 points Monday, powering the Bucks to a 125-115 NBA victory over the Detroit Pistons. Antetokounmpo connected on 17 of 24 shots from the field. He made a brace of three pointers and was simply unstoppable in the paint. His was just one of the outstanding performances on a night that featured a 40-point outburst from Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and a triple-double for Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. Antetokounmpo set the tone early in Milwaukee, scoring 30 of the Bucks' 67 first-half points. Detroit managed to trim the deficit to 118-110 with 2:38 left to play, but Antetokounmpo stopped their momentum with a block of a driving Sekou Doumbouya shot, then grabbed the rebound of teammate Donte DiVincenzo's miss for a put-back basket that effectively ended the Pistons' comeback bid. "The blocked shot and the put-back was big," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said, adding that he wouldn't have liked to see the deficit whittled further. Detroit, playing without star Blake Griffin, also saw rookie Killian Hayes go down in the third quarter with a hip injury that kept him out the rest of the game. Boston's Tatum scored 21 of his season-best 40 in the second quarter as the Celtics rallied from an early deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 126-114. Tatum connected on 11 of 19 shots from the field and was a perfect 13-for-13 from the free throw line as he fell one point shy of matching his career best. The first meeting of the teams since Boston eliminated Toronto in the second round of the playoffs in September was in Tampa, Florida, where the Raptors are based, amid continuing coronavirus restrictions on travel to Canada. The Dallas Mavericks won a Texas tussle with the Rockets in Houston on the back of Doncic's first triple-double of the season. Doncic, who sat out Sunday with a quadriceps contusion, returned with a vengeance with 33 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists as Dallas held off a late Rockets push for a 113-100 victory. The Slovenian star, still just 21, notched his 26th career triple-double. Tim Hardway Jr. added 30 points off the bench for Dallas, who led by as many as 16 in the third quarter. The Rockets, with 23 points from Christian Wood and 21 from James Harden, tied it up with 10 minutes remaining, but the Mavericks relentlessly pulled away again. While Mavs coach Rick Carlisle conceded that Doncic came into the season "behind the curve" on his conditioning, he said his young star is clearly going in the right direction. "You can tell on the floor," Carlisle said. "You can see that he's getting better and better as each day goes by." The Philadelphia 76ers improved their league-leading record to 6-1 with a 118-101 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Tobias Harris scored 22 points to lead seven Sixers players in double figures in the wire-to-wire win. Joel Embiid added 14 points and 11 rebounds, Danny Green contributed 13 points, and Ben Simmons had 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Philadelphia. - Knicks find a way - New York's Julius Randle scored 28 points and pulled down 17 rebounds and Austin Rivers drilled a late three-pointer that helped the Knicks erase a 15-point third-quarter deficit in a 113-108 victory over the Hawks in Atlanta. In a back-and-forth battle, the Knicks seized an early double-digit lead only for Atlanta to take a four-point lead into halftime. The Hawks pushed their lead to 15 with less than five minutes left in the third, but they couldn't hang on. "We didn't play great but we found a way to win," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. Indiana's Malcolm Brogdon delivered the game-winner as the Pacers broke the New Orleans Pelicans' hearts 118-116 in overtime, having rallied from six points down with less than a minute remaining in regulation. There was no such drama for Golden State as Stephen Curry followed up Sunday's 62-point outburst with 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in the Warriors' 137-106 romp over the Sacramento Kings.

Antetokounmpo's 43 points fuel Bucks, Tatum scores 40 in Celtics win

Former WNBA player Becky Hammon has become the first woman to direct a team in an NBA contest, describing the experience as "a big deal, it's a substantial moment."

Hammon made history Wednesday in the Los Angeles Lakers' 121-107 win over the San Antonio Spurs, taking over the Spurs' bench duties when head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in the first half.

"I've been a part of this organization, I got traded here in 2007, so I've been in San Antonio and part of the Spurs and sports organization with the Stars and everything for 13 years," Hammon said. "So I have a lot of time invested, and they have a lot of time invested in me, in building me and getting me better."

Popovich received a technical foul and was thrown out of the game with 3:56 remaining in the second quarter for arguing with a referee as his team trailed the Lakers 52-41.

"He officially pointed at me. That was it," Hammon said. "Said, 'You got 'em,' and that was it. Very Pop-like."

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was among those to congratulate Hammon on social media saying she hopes more ex-WNBA players can land coaching jobs in the NBA.

"Congrats, @BeckyHammon. You may be the first, but I know you certainly won't be the last."

Hammon is in her seventh season on the San Antonio coaching staff.&nbsp; Hammon was a six-time all-star in the WNBA with teams in New York and Texas.

Former WNBA player Becky Hammon has become the first woman to direct a team in an NBA contest, describing the experience as "a big deal, it's a substantial moment.

Former WNBA player Becky Hammon has become the first woman to direct a team in an NBA contest, describing the experience as "a big deal, it's a substantial moment." Hammon made history Wednesday in the Los Angeles Lakers' 121-107 win over the San Antonio Spurs, taking over the Spurs' bench duties when head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in the first half. "I've been a part of this organization, I got traded here in 2007, so I've been in San Antonio and part of the Spurs and sports organization with the Stars and everything for 13 years," Hammon said. "So I have a lot of time invested, and they have a lot of time invested in me, in building me and getting me better." Popovich received a technical foul and was thrown out of the game with 3:56 remaining in the second quarter for arguing with a referee as his team trailed the Lakers 52-41. "He officially pointed at me. That was it," Hammon said. "Said, 'You got 'em,' and that was it. Very Pop-like." Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was among those to congratulate Hammon on social media saying she hopes more ex-WNBA players can land coaching jobs in the NBA. "Congrats, @BeckyHammon. You may be the first, but I know you certainly won't be the last." Hammon is in her seventh season on the San Antonio coaching staff. Hammon was a six-time all-star in the WNBA with teams in New York and Texas.

Hammon makes history by becoming first woman to direct NBA team

The NBA is expected to require its players to wear tracking devices on team buses and airplanes in its ongoing fight to control the spread of the coronavirus, US media reported on Thursday.

The sensor program will go into effect on January 7 and will involve players and team officials, including coaches, American sports broadcaster ESPN said.&nbsp;

The idea is to identify which club members would need to be quarantined if someone on the team tests positive for Covid-19. The sensor lets the wearer know when they come within six feet of someone who is also wearing a sensor.

The players would not have to wear them in the team hotel when they are on the road, or during games.

The United States has been hit harder than any other country during the global pandemic with close to 20 million cases and 344,000 deaths,

The NBA is expected to require its players to wear tracking devices on team buses and airplanes in its ongoing fight to control the spread of the coronavirus, US media reported on Thursday.

The NBA is expected to require its players to wear tracking devices on team buses and airplanes in its ongoing fight to control the spread of the coronavirus, US media reported on Thursday. The sensor program will go into effect on January 7 and will involve players and team officials, including coaches, American sports broadcaster ESPN said. The idea is to identify which club members would need to be quarantined if someone on the team tests positive for Covid-19. The sensor lets the wearer know when they come within six feet of someone who is also wearing a sensor. The players would not have to wear them in the team hotel when they are on the road, or during games. The United States has been hit harder than any other country during the global pandemic with close to 20 million cases and 344,000 deaths,

NBA to require players to wear Covid tracking devices: US media

Los Angeles superstar LeBron James celebrated his 36th birthday Wednesday with another NBA milestone, scoring double-digit points for the 1,000th straight game in the Lakers' 121-107 victory over the Spurs in San Antonio.

James finished with 26 points to extend his already record streak of double-digit games in the regular season.

He sealed the milestone midway through the second quarter with a turnaround jump hook that gave the Lakers a 46-37 lead.

"I just try to live in the moment and just try to continue to get better with my game, try to get better with my teammates and try to just maximize when I'm on the floor," said James, who is in his 18th NBA campaign after leading the Lakers to the 2020 title in the league's quarantine bubble in Orlando.

"I've been blessed to play the game that I love for 18 years and hopefully I can continue to play at a high level," he said.

James' double-digit scoring streak began on January 6, 2007, when he was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"It's a tribute to his tenacity level ... his commitment to excellence," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said before the game. "He deserves a lot of credit for being the consummate professional. His mental state along with his physical state really makes him really special."

Shortly after James reached the milestone, Popovich was ejected from the contest for arguing with officials.

Assistant Becky Hammon took over on the Spurs bench, becoming the first woman to direct a team in an NBA game.

Anthony Davis scored 20 points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Lakers, newcomer Dennis Schroder added 21 points and four assists.

Wesley Matthews had his best game since joining the champions, scoring 18 points off the bench as he made all six of his three-point attempts.

<h2>- Humbled Heat bounce back -</h2>

In early action, the Miami Heat rebounded from an embarrassing 47-point loss to Milwaukee with a 119-108 NBA victory over the Bucks.

The Heat didn't have to wait long for revenge as they hosted the Bucks for the second straight night.

Goran Dragic came off the bench to lead Miami with 26 points, Bam Adebayo added 22 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists and Tyler Herro scored 21 points with a career-best 15 rebounds as the Heat rallied to stave off another home defeat.

The Bucks had dominated on Tuesday with an NBA-record 29 three-pointers in their 144-97 triumph.

The Bucks, fueled by a triple-double of 26 points 13 rebounds and 10 assists from two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, looked like making it two wins in a row when they led by 14 in the third quarter.

Donte DiVincenzo scored 15 points and Jrue Holiday added 13 for the Bucks, but the Heat rallied despite missing Jimmy Butler for the second straight game.

"You want to constantly develop some grit and toughness during the course of a long season, and our guys responded in an appropriate fashion," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who acknowledged before the game that there was "a lot of anger and frustration" after the blowout loss on Tuesday.

"As well there should have been," he said.

In Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving scored 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and Kevin Durant added 33 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the Nets dealt the Atlanta Hawks their first defeat of the young season, 145-141.

Irving's late burst helped the Celtics withstand 30-point performances from Atlanta's Trae Young and John Collins.

Boston, powered by Jaylen Brown's career-high 42 points, defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 116-111.

The Celtics led by 12 points after the opening quarter and took full control with a 17-0 scoring run in the second period.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who missed two games with a mouth injury from an elbow to the face, returned in a protective mask to score a game-high 28 points in his team's 128-105 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Los Angeles superstar LeBron James celebrated his 36th birthday Wednesday with another NBA milestone, scoring double-digit points for the 1,000th straight game in the Lakers' 121-107 victory over the Spurs in San Antonio.

Los Angeles superstar LeBron James celebrated his 36th birthday Wednesday with another NBA milestone, scoring double-digit points for the 1,000th straight game in the Lakers' 121-107 victory over the Spurs in San Antonio. James finished with 26 points to extend his already record streak of double-digit games in the regular season. He sealed the milestone midway through the second quarter with a turnaround jump hook that gave the Lakers a 46-37 lead. "I just try to live in the moment and just try to continue to get better with my game, try to get better with my teammates and try to just maximize when I'm on the floor," said James, who is in his 18th NBA campaign after leading the Lakers to the 2020 title in the league's quarantine bubble in Orlando. "I've been blessed to play the game that I love for 18 years and hopefully I can continue to play at a high level," he said. James' double-digit scoring streak began on January 6, 2007, when he was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. "It's a tribute to his tenacity level ... his commitment to excellence," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said before the game. "He deserves a lot of credit for being the consummate professional. His mental state along with his physical state really makes him really special." Shortly after James reached the milestone, Popovich was ejected from the contest for arguing with officials. Assistant Becky Hammon took over on the Spurs bench, becoming the first woman to direct a team in an NBA game. Anthony Davis scored 20 points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Lakers, newcomer Dennis Schroder added 21 points and four assists. Wesley Matthews had his best game since joining the champions, scoring 18 points off the bench as he made all six of his three-point attempts. - Humbled Heat bounce back - In early action, the Miami Heat rebounded from an embarrassing 47-point loss to Milwaukee with a 119-108 NBA victory over the Bucks. The Heat didn't have to wait long for revenge as they hosted the Bucks for the second straight night. Goran Dragic came off the bench to lead Miami with 26 points, Bam Adebayo added 22 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists and Tyler Herro scored 21 points with a career-best 15 rebounds as the Heat rallied to stave off another home defeat. The Bucks had dominated on Tuesday with an NBA-record 29 three-pointers in their 144-97 triumph. The Bucks, fueled by a triple-double of 26 points 13 rebounds and 10 assists from two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, looked like making it two wins in a row when they led by 14 in the third quarter. Donte DiVincenzo scored 15 points and Jrue Holiday added 13 for the Bucks, but the Heat rallied despite missing Jimmy Butler for the second straight game. "You want to constantly develop some grit and toughness during the course of a long season, and our guys responded in an appropriate fashion," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who acknowledged before the game that there was "a lot of anger and frustration" after the blowout loss on Tuesday. "As well there should have been," he said. In Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving scored 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and Kevin Durant added 33 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the Nets dealt the Atlanta Hawks their first defeat of the young season, 145-141. Irving's late burst helped the Celtics withstand 30-point performances from Atlanta's Trae Young and John Collins. Boston, powered by Jaylen Brown's career-high 42 points, defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 116-111. The Celtics led by 12 points after the opening quarter and took full control with a 17-0 scoring run in the second period. Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who missed two games with a mouth injury from an elbow to the face, returned in a protective mask to score a game-high 28 points in his team's 128-105 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

'King' James celebrates birthday with milestone in Lakers win

Philadelphia 76ers' president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, whose tweet last year about Hong Kong protesters led to an NBA-China rift, is in trouble again for another social media posting.

The NBA said Monday it has issued Morey a $50,000 (40,961 euro) fine for violating the league's anti-tampering rule.

The penalty was imposed for a since-deleted social media post Morey made on December 20 regarding Houston Rockets star James Harden, the NBA's top scorer each of the past three seasons.

Harden has said he wants to be traded from the Rockets and one of the teams he indicated he would accept a deal to join was the 76ers.

The tweet celebrated a feat done by Harden a year earlier.

Morey&nbsp;knows Harden's talents well. Morey had served as general manager of the Rockets from 2007 until departing this past October and then joining the 76ers last month.

In October 2019, Morey sent tweets supportive of protests in Hong Kong, leading China to stop NBA television coverage for a year and sever sponsorship ties and other deals.

The 76ers are off to a 2-1 start to the 2020-21 campaign while the Rockets lost their opener after having a game postponed when they could not field a minimum eight players.

Absences were due to Covid-19 issues, including Harden needing to be isolated and tested after appearing at a party in violation of NBA safety protocols.

Philadelphia 76ers' president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, whose tweet last year about Hong Kong protesters led to an NBA-China rift, is in trouble again for another social media posting.

Philadelphia 76ers' president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, whose tweet last year about Hong Kong protesters led to an NBA-China rift, is in trouble again for another social media posting. The NBA said Monday it has issued Morey a $50,000 (40,961 euro) fine for violating the league's anti-tampering rule. The penalty was imposed for a since-deleted social media post Morey made on December 20 regarding Houston Rockets star James Harden, the NBA's top scorer each of the past three seasons. Harden has said he wants to be traded from the Rockets and one of the teams he indicated he would accept a deal to join was the 76ers. The tweet celebrated a feat done by Harden a year earlier. Morey knows Harden's talents well. Morey had served as general manager of the Rockets from 2007 until departing this past October and then joining the 76ers last month. In October 2019, Morey sent tweets supportive of protests in Hong Kong, leading China to stop NBA television coverage for a year and sever sponsorship ties and other deals. The 76ers are off to a 2-1 start to the 2020-21 campaign while the Rockets lost their opener after having a game postponed when they could not field a minimum eight players. Absences were due to Covid-19 issues, including Harden needing to be isolated and tested after appearing at a party in violation of NBA safety protocols.

NBA fine 76ers exec Morey $50,000 for Harden tweet

KC Jones, a 12-time NBA champion as a player and coach and 1956 Olympic gold medalist, has died, his former club the Boston Celtics announced Friday. He was 88.

Jones, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989, captured 10 titles as a player, two more as a coach and two others as an assistant coach.

"The Celtics family mourns the loss of twelve-time NBA champion, two-time NCAA champion, Gold medal-winning Olympian and Hall of Famer K.C. Jones as we celebrate his remarkable career and life," the Celtics said in a statement.

Jones played college basketball at the University of San Francisco, winning 1955 and 1956 national crowns and a 1956 Melbourne Olympics title alongside future Celtics teammate Bill Russell.

Russell tweeted that he was told Jones died Friday morning.

"The way that he was revered by the players he played with, by the people he worked with, by the players that played for him, he was special," said current Celtics coach Brad Stevens.

With the Celtics, Jones won eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966. The club retired his jersey number, 25, in 1967.

Only Celtics teammates Russell and Sam Jones won more career NBA titles as players.

"Where K.C. Jones went, winning was sure to follow," the Celtics said.

Jones joined Russell, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Quinn Buckner, Jerry Lucas and Clyde Lovellette as the only players to complete the "Triple Crown" of NBA and NCAA titles plus Olympic gold.

Jones served as an assistant coach for the 1972 NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers and served as head coach for the Washington Bullets for three seasons, but he joined the Celtics coaching staff in 1978 and was an assistant when they won the 1981 NBA crown.

In 1983, Jones was named Celtics head coach and guided the team to NBA championships in 1984 and 1986. Boston also reached the NBA finals under Jones in 1985 and 1987.

"K.C. also demonstrated that one could be both a fierce competitor and a gentleman in every sense of the word," the Celtics said in their statement.

"He made his teammates better and he got the most out of the players he coached. Never one to seek credit, his glory was found in the most fundamental of basketball ideals -- being part of a winning team."

KC Jones, a 12-time NBA champion as a player and coach and 1956 Olympic gold medalist, has died, his former club the Boston Celtics announced Friday. He was 88. Jones, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989, captured 10 titles as a player, two more as a coach and two others as an assistant coach.

KC Jones, a 12-time NBA champion as a player and coach and 1956 Olympic gold medalist, has died, his former club the Boston Celtics announced Friday. He was 88. Jones, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989, captured 10 titles as a player, two more as a coach and two others as an assistant coach. "The Celtics family mourns the loss of twelve-time NBA champion, two-time NCAA champion, Gold medal-winning Olympian and Hall of Famer K.C. Jones as we celebrate his remarkable career and life," the Celtics said in a statement. Jones played college basketball at the University of San Francisco, winning 1955 and 1956 national crowns and a 1956 Melbourne Olympics title alongside future Celtics teammate Bill Russell. Russell tweeted that he was told Jones died Friday morning. "The way that he was revered by the players he played with, by the people he worked with, by the players that played for him, he was special," said current Celtics coach Brad Stevens. With the Celtics, Jones won eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966. The club retired his jersey number, 25, in 1967. Only Celtics teammates Russell and Sam Jones won more career NBA titles as players. "Where K.C. Jones went, winning was sure to follow," the Celtics said. Jones joined Russell, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Quinn Buckner, Jerry Lucas and Clyde Lovellette as the only players to complete the "Triple Crown" of NBA and NCAA titles plus Olympic gold. Jones served as an assistant coach for the 1972 NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers and served as head coach for the Washington Bullets for three seasons, but he joined the Celtics coaching staff in 1978 and was an assistant when they won the 1981 NBA crown. In 1983, Jones was named Celtics head coach and guided the team to NBA championships in 1984 and 1986. Boston also reached the NBA finals under Jones in 1985 and 1987. "K.C. also demonstrated that one could be both a fierce competitor and a gentleman in every sense of the word," the Celtics said in their statement. "He made his teammates better and he got the most out of the players he coached. Never one to seek credit, his glory was found in the most fundamental of basketball ideals -- being part of a winning team."

Celtics confirm death of 12-time NBA champion KC Jones

The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that 107 international players from 41 countries are on opening-night rosters for the 2020-21 season, including a record 17 Canadian players and a record-tying 14 African players. This marks the seventh consecutive season that opening-night rosters feature at least 100 international players. All 30 teams have at least one international player.&nbsp;

In addition to the 107 international players on 2020-21 opening-night rosters, there are 10 international players from a record-tying eight countries on “two-way” contracts, allowing them to play in up to 50 NBA games this season.&nbsp;

For the seventh consecutive year, Canada (17 players) is the most-represented country outside of the U.S., followed by France (nine players), Australia (eight players), Serbia and Germany (six players each).&nbsp;

The Washington Wizards have an NBA-high seven international players. The Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets each have six, while the New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder and Toronto Raptors each have five.&nbsp;

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The 2020-21 NBA season begins tonight with a doubleheader on TNT as part of Kia NBA Tip-Off 2020. The first game features the Brooklyn Nets hosting the Golden State Warriors at 7 p.m. ET. In the second game, the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers take on the LA Clippers at 10 p.m. ET.&nbsp;

A record 34 players on opening-night rosters participated in Basketball Without Borders (BWB) prior to starting their NBA careers, surpassing the previous record of 30 set in 2019-20. Former BWB campers include Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011), Jamal Murray (Nuggets; Canada; BWB Global 2015) and Pascal Siakam (Raptors; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012). BWB is the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program that has seen 76 former campers drafted into the NBA or signed as free agents since 2001.&nbsp;

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In addition to the 107 international players on 2020-21 opening-night rosters, there are 10 international players from a record-tying eight countries on “two-way” contracts, allowing them to play in up to 50 NBA games this season. There are also a number of American players with ties to other countries, including more than 30 players with at least one parent from Africa. Among the American players with ties to other countries are Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz; ties to the Philippines), Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers; ties to Nigeria), Matisse Thybulle (76ers; ties to Australia and Haiti) and Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves; ties to the Dominican Republic).&nbsp;

The records for international players (113) and countries and territories represented (42) were set at the start of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, respectively.&nbsp;

The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that 107 international players from 41 countries are on opening-night rosters for the 2020-21 season, including a record 17 Canadian players and a record-tying 14 African players.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that 107 international players from 41 countries are on opening-night rosters for the 2020-21 season, including a record 17 Canadian players and a record-tying 14 African players. This marks the seventh consecutive season that opening-night rosters feature at least 100 international players. All 30 teams have at least one international player. In addition to the 107 international players on 2020-21 opening-night rosters, there are 10 international players from a record-tying eight countries on “two-way” contracts, allowing them to play in up to 50 NBA games this season. For the seventh consecutive year, Canada (17 players) is the most-represented country outside of the U.S., followed by France (nine players), Australia (eight players), Serbia and Germany (six players each). The Washington Wizards have an NBA-high seven international players. The Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets each have six, while the New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder and Toronto Raptors each have five. ALSO READ: From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020 The 2020-21 NBA season begins tonight with a doubleheader on TNT as part of Kia NBA Tip-Off 2020. The first game features the Brooklyn Nets hosting the Golden State Warriors at 7 p.m. ET. In the second game, the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers take on the LA Clippers at 10 p.m. ET. A record 34 players on opening-night rosters participated in Basketball Without Borders (BWB) prior to starting their NBA careers, surpassing the previous record of 30 set in 2019-20. Former BWB campers include Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011), Jamal Murray (Nuggets; Canada; BWB Global 2015) and Pascal Siakam (Raptors; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012). BWB is the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program that has seen 76 former campers drafted into the NBA or signed as free agents since 2001. ALSO READ: From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement In addition to the 107 international players on 2020-21 opening-night rosters, there are 10 international players from a record-tying eight countries on “two-way” contracts, allowing them to play in up to 50 NBA games this season. There are also a number of American players with ties to other countries, including more than 30 players with at least one parent from Africa. Among the American players with ties to other countries are Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz; ties to the Philippines), Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers; ties to Nigeria), Matisse Thybulle (76ers; ties to Australia and Haiti) and Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves; ties to the Dominican Republic). The records for international players (113) and countries and territories represented (42) were set at the start of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, respectively.

NBA rosters feature 107 international players from 41 countries

Nine teams hired new head coach since the conclusion of their 2019-20 seasons. Four of those teams will be led by a first-time NBA head coach.

NATE BJORKGREN, INDIANA PACERS: Bjorkgren is one of two former NBA G League head coaches to be named a first-time NBA head coach during the 2020 offseason (along with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Mark Daigneault). Bjorkgren compiled a 126-74 record (.630) with four different franchises across four years as an NBA G League head coach. His NBA experience includes assistant coaching positions with the Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns. Bjorkgren was an assistant coach on the Raptors’ 2018-19 NBA championship team.

MARK DAIGNEAULT, OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Daigneault has been promoted to head coach after spending last season as an assistant coach with Oklahoma City. He joined the Thunder organization in 2014 as head coach of its NBA G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, where he amassed a 143-107 record (.572) in five seasons and made four playoff appearances. He guided the Blue to a franchise-record 34 wins in 2018-19.

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BILLY DONOVAN, CHICAGO BULLS: Donovan spent the previous five seasons as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, guiding the Thunder to a record of 243-157 (.608) and five consecutive playoff appearances. Last season, he was an NBA Coach of the Year finalist with a revamped Thunder roster. Donovan came to the NBA after a successful 19-year stint as head coach of the University of Florida, including back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007.

TYRONN LUE, LA CLIPPERS: Lue, a former NBA guard, served as an assistant coach with the Clippers last season after working as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ head coach over four seasons. He led the Cavaliers to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances, including the franchise’s first NBA championship when Cleveland rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 Finals during his first season as an NBA head coach.

STEVE NASH, BROOKLYN NETS: Nash begins his coaching career after serving as a player development consultant with the Golden State Warriors for five years. In his 18-year playing career, Nash earned two NBA MVP awards, eight All-Star selections and five assists titles. He is the ninth former NBA MVP to serve as an NBA head coach, joining Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Dave Cowens, Magic Johnson, Bob Pettit, Willis Reed, Bill Russell and Wes Unseld.

DOC RIVERS, PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: Rivers joins Philadelphia after posting a .631 winning percentage in seven seasons as head coach of the LA Clippers, who had five of the franchise’s six best regular-season records under his direction. He has 21 years of experience as an NBA head coach, including stints with the Orlando Magic, where he was named the 1999-2000 NBA Coach of the Year, and the Boston Celtics, where he won the 2007-08 NBA championship. With 943 regular-season victories, Rivers ranks 11th on the NBA’s all-time coaching wins list.

STEPHEN SILAS, HOUSTON ROCKETS: Silas is entering his first season as an NBA head coach after spending 19 years as an NBA assistant coach, most recently working two seasons under Rick Carlisle with the Dallas Mavericks. He is the son of Paul Silas, a former longtime NBA head coach and two-time NBA All-Star as a player. A former basketball player at Brown University, Stephen also spent three years as the assistant executive director of the National Basketball Retired Players Association.

TOM THIBODEAU, NEW YORK KNICKS: Thibodeau returns to New York, where he served as an assistant coach from 1996-2003. He holds a career regular-season coaching record of 352-246 (.589) over eight seasons with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves. Thibodeau was named the NBA Coach of the Year for the 2010-11 season, when he led Chicago to a league-best 62-20 record in his first season as an NBA head coach.

STAN VAN GUNDY, NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Van Gundy is set to coach his fourth NBA team after previous stints with the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons. In 11 full seasons as an NBA head coach, Van Gundy has reached the playoffs eight times, highlighted by an NBA Finals appearance with Orlando in 2008-09. Van Gundy has a career regular-season record of 523-384 (.577), making him one of five 2020-21 head coaches to record at least 500 victories.

Nine teams hired new head coach since the conclusion of their 2019-20 seasons. Four of those teams will be led by a first-time NBA head coach. NATE BJORKGREN, INDIANA PACERS: Bjorkgren is one of two former NBA G League head coaches to be named a first-time NBA head coach during the 2020 offseason (along with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Mark Daigneault).

Nine teams hired new head coach since the conclusion of their 2019-20 seasons. Four of those teams will be led by a first-time NBA head coach. NATE BJORKGREN, INDIANA PACERS: Bjorkgren is one of two former NBA G League head coaches to be named a first-time NBA head coach during the 2020 offseason (along with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Mark Daigneault). Bjorkgren compiled a 126-74 record (.630) with four different franchises across four years as an NBA G League head coach. His NBA experience includes assistant coaching positions with the Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns. Bjorkgren was an assistant coach on the Raptors’ 2018-19 NBA championship team. MARK DAIGNEAULT, OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Daigneault has been promoted to head coach after spending last season as an assistant coach with Oklahoma City. He joined the Thunder organization in 2014 as head coach of its NBA G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, where he amassed a 143-107 record (.572) in five seasons and made four playoff appearances. He guided the Blue to a franchise-record 34 wins in 2018-19. ALSO READ: Top players back in action in NBA as fresh season awaits BILLY DONOVAN, CHICAGO BULLS: Donovan spent the previous five seasons as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, guiding the Thunder to a record of 243-157 (.608) and five consecutive playoff appearances. Last season, he was an NBA Coach of the Year finalist with a revamped Thunder roster. Donovan came to the NBA after a successful 19-year stint as head coach of the University of Florida, including back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007. TYRONN LUE, LA CLIPPERS: Lue, a former NBA guard, served as an assistant coach with the Clippers last season after working as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ head coach over four seasons. He led the Cavaliers to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances, including the franchise’s first NBA championship when Cleveland rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 Finals during his first season as an NBA head coach. STEVE NASH, BROOKLYN NETS: Nash begins his coaching career after serving as a player development consultant with the Golden State Warriors for five years. In his 18-year playing career, Nash earned two NBA MVP awards, eight All-Star selections and five assists titles. He is the ninth former NBA MVP to serve as an NBA head coach, joining Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Dave Cowens, Magic Johnson, Bob Pettit, Willis Reed, Bill Russell and Wes Unseld. DOC RIVERS, PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: Rivers joins Philadelphia after posting a .631 winning percentage in seven seasons as head coach of the LA Clippers, who had five of the franchise’s six best regular-season records under his direction. He has 21 years of experience as an NBA head coach, including stints with the Orlando Magic, where he was named the 1999-2000 NBA Coach of the Year, and the Boston Celtics, where he won the 2007-08 NBA championship. With 943 regular-season victories, Rivers ranks 11th on the NBA’s all-time coaching wins list. STEPHEN SILAS, HOUSTON ROCKETS: Silas is entering his first season as an NBA head coach after spending 19 years as an NBA assistant coach, most recently working two seasons under Rick Carlisle with the Dallas Mavericks. He is the son of Paul Silas, a former longtime NBA head coach and two-time NBA All-Star as a player. A former basketball player at Brown University, Stephen also spent three years as the assistant executive director of the National Basketball Retired Players Association. TOM THIBODEAU, NEW YORK KNICKS: Thibodeau returns to New York, where he served as an assistant coach from 1996-2003. He holds a career regular-season coaching record of 352-246 (.589) over eight seasons with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves. Thibodeau was named the NBA Coach of the Year for the 2010-11 season, when he led Chicago to a league-best 62-20 record in his first season as an NBA head coach. STAN VAN GUNDY, NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Van Gundy is set to coach his fourth NBA team after previous stints with the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons. In 11 full seasons as an NBA head coach, Van Gundy has reached the playoffs eight times, highlighted by an NBA Finals appearance with Orlando in 2008-09. Van Gundy has a career regular-season record of 523-384 (.577), making him one of five 2020-21 head coaches to record at least 500 victories.

NBA 2020-21 season: New head coaches set to take world by storm

Several of the NBA’s best players are preparing to come back after missing most or all of last season. The list of returnees includes two former Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award winners and five players who were NBA All-Star selections as recently as two seasons ago.&nbsp;

• STEPHEN CURRY, GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (5 GP LAST SEASON): The two-time Kia NBA MVP led Golden State to three NBA championships and five consecutive NBA Finals appearances before last season’s extended absence (he returned in March and played one game before the season was paused). Curry needs five three-pointers to reach 2,500 for his career and is 66 threes from passing Reggie Miller for the second-most in NBA history. He is also poised to become the Warriors’ franchise leader in both points and assists this season.&nbsp;

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• KEVIN DURANT, BROOKLYN NETS (0 GP): The 10-time NBA AllStar and 2013-14 Kia NBA MVP is set for his first action since the 2019 NBA Finals. In three seasons with Golden State, Durant won two Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP awards and reached the NBA Finals three times. A four-time scoring champion, Durant has the sixth-highest scoring average in NBA history (27.0 ppg).&nbsp;

• BLAKE GRIFFIN, DETROIT PISTONS (18 GP): In 2018-19 (his first full season with Detroit), Griffin averaged a career-high 24.5 points, was named an NBA All-Star for the sixth time and earned All-NBA Third Team honors. He also made a career-high 189 three-pointers.&nbsp;

• KYRIE IRVING, BROOKLYN NETS (20 GP): Irving made a splash with 50 points in his first game as a Net, the highest-scoring debut in NBA history. He averaged 27.4 points in 20 games, which would have been a career-high over a full season. Before last season, Irving had been named an NBA All-Star six times in a seven-year span.&nbsp;

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• KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS, MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (35 GP): Towns actually played more than half of Minnesota’s games last season, but he also had two extended absences, one of which sidelined him for the final 12 games. He averaged 26.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists and shot 41.2 per cent from three-point range in 35 games. Towns was an NBA All-Star selection in 2017-18 and 2018-19.&nbsp;

• JOHN WALL, WASHINGTON WIZARDS (0 GP): Wall is poised to return two years after his last regular-season NBA game (Dec. 26, 2018). He made five consecutive NBA All-Star teams from 2014-18, a stretch during which he averaged at least 10.0 assists three times. This will be Wall’s 10th playing season with the Wizards, who selected him with the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Several of the NBA’s best players are preparing to come back after missing most or all of last season. The list of returnees includes two former Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award winners and five players who were NBA All-Star selections as recently as two seasons ago.

Several of the NBA’s best players are preparing to come back after missing most or all of last season. The list of returnees includes two former Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award winners and five players who were NBA All-Star selections as recently as two seasons ago. • STEPHEN CURRY, GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (5 GP LAST SEASON): The two-time Kia NBA MVP led Golden State to three NBA championships and five consecutive NBA Finals appearances before last season’s extended absence (he returned in March and played one game before the season was paused). Curry needs five three-pointers to reach 2,500 for his career and is 66 threes from passing Reggie Miller for the second-most in NBA history. He is also poised to become the Warriors’ franchise leader in both points and assists this season. ALSO READ: From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020 • KEVIN DURANT, BROOKLYN NETS (0 GP): The 10-time NBA AllStar and 2013-14 Kia NBA MVP is set for his first action since the 2019 NBA Finals. In three seasons with Golden State, Durant won two Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP awards and reached the NBA Finals three times. A four-time scoring champion, Durant has the sixth-highest scoring average in NBA history (27.0 ppg). • BLAKE GRIFFIN, DETROIT PISTONS (18 GP): In 2018-19 (his first full season with Detroit), Griffin averaged a career-high 24.5 points, was named an NBA All-Star for the sixth time and earned All-NBA Third Team honors. He also made a career-high 189 three-pointers. • KYRIE IRVING, BROOKLYN NETS (20 GP): Irving made a splash with 50 points in his first game as a Net, the highest-scoring debut in NBA history. He averaged 27.4 points in 20 games, which would have been a career-high over a full season. Before last season, Irving had been named an NBA All-Star six times in a seven-year span. ALSO READ: From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history • KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS, MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (35 GP): Towns actually played more than half of Minnesota’s games last season, but he also had two extended absences, one of which sidelined him for the final 12 games. He averaged 26.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists and shot 41.2 per cent from three-point range in 35 games. Towns was an NBA All-Star selection in 2017-18 and 2018-19. • JOHN WALL, WASHINGTON WIZARDS (0 GP): Wall is poised to return two years after his last regular-season NBA game (Dec. 26, 2018). He made five consecutive NBA All-Star teams from 2014-18, a stretch during which he averaged at least 10.0 assists three times. This will be Wall’s 10th playing season with the Wizards, who selected him with the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Top players back in action in NBA as fresh season awaits

Life has come a full circle for Kevin Durant. The last time he played in the NBA was in Game 5 of the 2018-19 NBA Finals as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Fast forward 18 months and the 32-year old is back from the Achilles’ tendon injury and will face the Warriors on the opening night of the 2020-21 season wearing the Brooklyn Nets’ jersey.

The two-time NBA champion said he has tried to be the best version of himself while returning to much-awaited on-court action. “Every drill that I’ve done, I’ve been going as hard as I could,” said Durant. “I’ve been in the league for 14 years. Even if I didn’t have an Achilles’, I probably wouldn’t be 100 percent. So the wear and tear over time, I guess, but I feel solid.”

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Achilles tendon injuries can be exhausting to come back from, but Durant didn’t let the long road back to recovery get to him. “It actually wasn’t that frustrating, to be honest. I enjoyed having a lot of ‘me time’ away from you all and the NBA life in general,” said Durant while speaking to reporters.

Before the injury stopped him in tracks, Durant was one of the most feared basketball players in the world winning two titles with the Warriors and the Finals MVP in both the championship runs. A few years before getting his championship rings, Durant had already established his credentials winning the League MVP in 2014 playing for Oklahoma City Thunder.

When asked if he was back to his MVP form, he shrugged off the question saying he was feeling good playing the sport and not thinking about the awards at the moment. But Durant admitted he would find it difficult to be judicious coming at the back of a long injury layoff. “I enjoy playing an if and when Coach tries to pull me out early unexpectedly, of course, I’m going to push back, but I know they have my best interest,” the Nets superstar said.

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Durant will form one of NBA’s blockbuster pairing with his friend Kyrie Irving that will look to dominate the Eastern Conference. “We both respect each other’s’ game, we know each other’s game inside out. We know what championship level basketball looks like,” he said.

But what if the duo became a trio with James Harden’s speculated move to Brooklyn. Durant wasn’t bothered. “Whatever happens, we have to be prepared for everything,” said Durant. When further probed on his role in getting the Houston Rockets cornerstone to his team, Durant said these are all made up stories. “I heard all the noise and James potentially wanted to come to the Nets. Nothing is set in stone till it is set in stone,” Durant concluded.

Life has come a full circle for Kevin Durant. The last time he played in the NBA was in Game 5 of the 2018-19 NBA Finals as a member of the Golden State Warriors.

Life has come a full circle for Kevin Durant. The last time he played in the NBA was in Game 5 of the 2018-19 NBA Finals as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Fast forward 18 months and the 32-year old is back from the Achilles’ tendon injury and will face the Warriors on the opening night of the 2020-21 season wearing the Brooklyn Nets’ jersey. The two-time NBA champion said he has tried to be the best version of himself while returning to much-awaited on-court action. “Every drill that I’ve done, I’ve been going as hard as I could,” said Durant. “I’ve been in the league for 14 years. Even if I didn’t have an Achilles’, I probably wouldn’t be 100 percent. So the wear and tear over time, I guess, but I feel solid.” ALSO READ: PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism Achilles tendon injuries can be exhausting to come back from, but Durant didn’t let the long road back to recovery get to him. “It actually wasn’t that frustrating, to be honest. I enjoyed having a lot of ‘me time’ away from you all and the NBA life in general,” said Durant while speaking to reporters. Before the injury stopped him in tracks, Durant was one of the most feared basketball players in the world winning two titles with the Warriors and the Finals MVP in both the championship runs. A few years before getting his championship rings, Durant had already established his credentials winning the League MVP in 2014 playing for Oklahoma City Thunder. When asked if he was back to his MVP form, he shrugged off the question saying he was feeling good playing the sport and not thinking about the awards at the moment. But Durant admitted he would find it difficult to be judicious coming at the back of a long injury layoff. “I enjoy playing an if and when Coach tries to pull me out early unexpectedly, of course, I’m going to push back, but I know they have my best interest,” the Nets superstar said. ALSO READ: Ronaldo scores twice as Juve crush Messi's troubled Barcelona Durant will form one of NBA’s blockbuster pairing with his friend Kyrie Irving that will look to dominate the Eastern Conference. “We both respect each other’s’ game, we know each other’s game inside out. We know what championship level basketball looks like,” he said. But what if the duo became a trio with James Harden’s speculated move to Brooklyn. Durant wasn’t bothered. “Whatever happens, we have to be prepared for everything,” said Durant. When further probed on his role in getting the Houston Rockets cornerstone to his team, Durant said these are all made up stories. “I heard all the noise and James potentially wanted to come to the Nets. Nothing is set in stone till it is set in stone,” Durant concluded.

Life comes a full circle for Kevin Durant

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