Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was voted into the NBA All-Star Game for a record 20th time on Thursday, named among 10 starters for next month's 73rd All-Star contest.

James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, was named an All-Star starter for the 20th consecutive year, a streak that began in 2005, his second NBA campaign.

The 39-year-old US playmaker, a four-time NBA champion, broke the&nbsp;record for All-Star appearances that he had shared with another Lakers legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

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The NBA All-Star Game will be played on February 18 at Indianapolis between elite squads from the Eastern and Western Conference.

As the top West point-getter, James will serve as captain and join a starting lineup that also includes Phoenix's Kevin Durant and Serbian center Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP from the defending champion Denver Nuggets.

West guards included Slovenian Luka Doncic of Dallas and Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Canada.

Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks was named captain for the East, whose frontcourt starters also include Cameroon's reigning NBA MVP and this season's top scorer Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston's Jayson Tatum.

"You never want to take it for granted," Tatum said. "For the fans to consistently vote me in is truly an honor. I grew up wanting to be in All-Star weekend every year and to live out that dream in real time is pretty cool. I'm very grateful."

East guards included Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton, the NBA assists leader, and Milwaukee's Damian Lillard, making his eighth All-Star appearance after being traded from Portland to the Bucks before this season.

Fan balloting to determine starters ended last Saturday. Fan votes counted 50% with a media panel and NBA players each counting 25%.

The All-Star Game reverts to an East versus West format after several years where two top vote getters were named captains and drafted lineups from among other top vote-getters.

Reserves for both teams will be announced next Thursday, with all 30 NBA coaches selecting two guards, three frontcourt players and two others at any position from their respective conference.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver will select the replacement for any player unable to play in the All-Star Game, selecting a substitute from the same conference.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was voted into the NBA All-Star Game for a record 20th time on Thursday, named among 10 starters for next month's 73rd All-Star contest.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was voted into the NBA All-Star Game for a record 20th time on Thursday, named among 10 starters for next month's 73rd All-Star contest. James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, was named an All-Star starter for the 20th consecutive year, a streak that began in 2005, his second NBA campaign. The 39-year-old US playmaker, a four-time NBA champion, broke the record for All-Star appearances that he had shared with another Lakers legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Also Read: Formula One: Charles Leclerc signs contract extension at Ferrari, commits long term future with Italian outfit The NBA All-Star Game will be played on February 18 at Indianapolis between elite squads from the Eastern and Western Conference. As the top West point-getter, James will serve as captain and join a starting lineup that also includes Phoenix's Kevin Durant and Serbian center Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP from the defending champion Denver Nuggets. West guards included Slovenian Luka Doncic of Dallas and Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Canada. Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks was named captain for the East, whose frontcourt starters also include Cameroon's reigning NBA MVP and this season's top scorer Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston's Jayson Tatum. "You never want to take it for granted," Tatum said. "For the fans to consistently vote me in is truly an honor. I grew up wanting to be in All-Star weekend every year and to live out that dream in real time is pretty cool. I'm very grateful." East guards included Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton, the NBA assists leader, and Milwaukee's Damian Lillard, making his eighth All-Star appearance after being traded from Portland to the Bucks before this season. Fan balloting to determine starters ended last Saturday. Fan votes counted 50% with a media panel and NBA players each counting 25%. The All-Star Game reverts to an East versus West format after several years where two top vote getters were named captains and drafted lineups from among other top vote-getters. Reserves for both teams will be announced next Thursday, with all 30 NBA coaches selecting two guards, three frontcourt players and two others at any position from their respective conference. NBA commissioner Adam Silver will select the replacement for any player unable to play in the All-Star Game, selecting a substitute from the same conference.

LeBron James creates history with record 20th NBA All-Star game nomination

The Los Angeles Clippers took full advantage of the injury absence of LeBron James on Tuesday to score a 127-116 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points and James Harden added 23 as the Clippers' impressive recent form continued with a third straight victory.

Former Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook was among six Clippers players to reach double figures in a balanced offensive performance by Tyronn Lue's side.

The Lakers, missing James due to a sore ankle, were led by D'Angelo Russell with 27 points while Anthony Davis finished with 26.

After briefly trailing early in the first quarter, the Clippers maintained control, leading by 16 points just before half-time and successfully keeping the Lakers at arm's length for most of the game.

Although the Lakers got to within two points midway through the fourth quarter, the Clippers tightened their defence and pulled away late in the game.

"For us we're taking it day by day," Westbrook said afterwards.&nbsp;

"We've got so much talent, so many great Hall-of-Famers in this locker room and our job is to make sure that every night we keep chipping away."

Tuesday's victory leaves the Clippers in fourth place in the Western Conference standings with 28 wins against 14 losses, behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.

In other games on Tuesday, Oklahoma City Thunder moved to top spot in the West with a nail-biting 111-109 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

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Jalen Williams' pull-up jump shot with two seconds remaining sealed the win for the Thunder, who trailed by nine points in the third quarter.

"It's a shot I work on a lot," Williams said afterwards. "Coach drew the play up for me to shoot it. He had a lot of faith in me to get to the spot I needed to be in and to make the shot."

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<h2>Nuggets rally past Pacers -</h2>

Elsewhere Tuesday, Nikola Jokic scored a 31-point triple-double as Denver held off a late rally to defeat the Indiana Pacers 114-109.

A wild game in Indianapolis saw the lead change hands 12 times before the Nuggets finally edged clear late in the fourth quarter.

Both teams led by double digits at different stages of the game, with the Pacers opening up a 13-point advantage in the second quarter before a devastating third quarter from Denver -– outscoring Indiana 39-19 –- wrested back the initiative for the reigning NBA champions.

Even then, there was still time for the Pacers to fight back, wiping out the Nuggets' 13-point fourth quarter advantage to lead briefly before a late burst of scoring sealed Denver's victory.

"The whole first half was bad, but the second half was good for us," Jokic said.

"We had a really good third quarter. We controlled the pace. We just need to do that in more of the game."

Jokic finished with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Denver scoring alongside Jamal Murray, who had 31 points with eight rebounds and seven assists.

With the Pacers still missing the injured Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana's scoring was led by Myles Turner with 22 points while new recruit Pascal Siakam finished with 16 points.

The Pacers meanwhile had head coach Rick Carlisle ejected for questioning a no-foul call on Siakam in the third quarter.

"I got run out because I didn't like what I was seeing out there at all. Not one bit," Carlisle explained after the game. "I'll leave it at that."

Also on Tuesday, the New York Knicks won their local derby with the Brooklyn Nets 108-103 after a remarkable late rally.

The Nets looked to be on course for victory after taking a 10-point lead late in the third quarter, only for the Knicks to outscore them 32-18 in the fourth quarter to snatch the win.

Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson each scored 30 points apiece for the Knicks to set up a battling victory.&nbsp;

Mikal Bridges was the pick of Brooklyn's scorers with 36 points, including seven three-pointers.

The Los Angeles Clippers took full advantage of the injury absence of LeBron James on Tuesday to score a 127-116 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points and James Harden added 23 as the Clippers' impressive recent form continued with a third straight victory.

The Los Angeles Clippers took full advantage of the injury absence of LeBron James on Tuesday to score a 127-116 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points and James Harden added 23 as the Clippers' impressive recent form continued with a third straight victory. Former Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook was among six Clippers players to reach double figures in a balanced offensive performance by Tyronn Lue's side. The Lakers, missing James due to a sore ankle, were led by D'Angelo Russell with 27 points while Anthony Davis finished with 26. After briefly trailing early in the first quarter, the Clippers maintained control, leading by 16 points just before half-time and successfully keeping the Lakers at arm's length for most of the game. Although the Lakers got to within two points midway through the fourth quarter, the Clippers tightened their defence and pulled away late in the game. "For us we're taking it day by day," Westbrook said afterwards. "We've got so much talent, so many great Hall-of-Famers in this locker room and our job is to make sure that every night we keep chipping away." Tuesday's victory leaves the Clippers in fourth place in the Western Conference standings with 28 wins against 14 losses, behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. In other games on Tuesday, Oklahoma City Thunder moved to top spot in the West with a nail-biting 111-109 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. × Jalen Williams' pull-up jump shot with two seconds remaining sealed the win for the Thunder, who trailed by nine points in the third quarter. "It's a shot I work on a lot," Williams said afterwards. "Coach drew the play up for me to shoot it. He had a lot of faith in me to get to the spot I needed to be in and to make the shot." ALSO READ | Ind vs Eng: England spinner Shoaib Bashir returns home due to visa row, ruled out of series opener Nuggets rally past Pacers - Elsewhere Tuesday, Nikola Jokic scored a 31-point triple-double as Denver held off a late rally to defeat the Indiana Pacers 114-109. A wild game in Indianapolis saw the lead change hands 12 times before the Nuggets finally edged clear late in the fourth quarter. Both teams led by double digits at different stages of the game, with the Pacers opening up a 13-point advantage in the second quarter before a devastating third quarter from Denver -– outscoring Indiana 39-19 –- wrested back the initiative for the reigning NBA champions. Even then, there was still time for the Pacers to fight back, wiping out the Nuggets' 13-point fourth quarter advantage to lead briefly before a late burst of scoring sealed Denver's victory. "The whole first half was bad, but the second half was good for us," Jokic said. "We had a really good third quarter. We controlled the pace. We just need to do that in more of the game." Jokic finished with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Denver scoring alongside Jamal Murray, who had 31 points with eight rebounds and seven assists. With the Pacers still missing the injured Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana's scoring was led by Myles Turner with 22 points while new recruit Pascal Siakam finished with 16 points. The Pacers meanwhile had head coach Rick Carlisle ejected for questioning a no-foul call on Siakam in the third quarter. "I got run out because I didn't like what I was seeing out there at all. Not one bit," Carlisle explained after the game. "I'll leave it at that." Also on Tuesday, the New York Knicks won their local derby with the Brooklyn Nets 108-103 after a remarkable late rally. The Nets looked to be on course for victory after taking a 10-point lead late in the third quarter, only for the Knicks to outscore them 32-18 in the fourth quarter to snatch the win. Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson each scored 30 points apiece for the Knicks to set up a battling victory. Mikal Bridges was the pick of Brooklyn's scorers with 36 points, including seven three-pointers.

Basketball: Los Angeles Clippers down Lakers in 'Battle of LA', Nuggets sink Pacers

Nikola Jokic scored 42 points on 15-of-20 shooting and pulled down 12 rebounds, and the visiting Denver Nuggets beat the struggling Washington Wizards 113-104 on Sunday night. Jokic, who had eight assists, is shooting 74.6 percent from the field in the last 12 games, leading Denver to eight wins in that span.

Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray scored 19 points apiece, Aaron Gordon contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished with 10 points for the Nuggets. Tyus Jones had 15 points and 13 assists, Kyle Kuzma scored 17, Daniel Gafford also scored 15 points and Landry Shamet and Marvin Bagley III added 14 points off the bench for Washington.

Denver led by nine after the first quarter but the Wizards rallied to tie it at 37-all early in the second. The Nuggets led 49-48 with 4:30 left in the period before pulling away. Gordon had a dunk and a layup, Jokic scored and fed Porter for a dunk and Murray hit a 20-footer in a 13-1 run. Washington cut it to 10 at the half on Bilal Coulibaly's corner 3-pointer at the horn.

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Denver stretched the lead to 70-54 on Porter's 3-pointer early in the third but the Wizards hung tough. Gafford scored on a putback, and Kuzma split a pair of free throws before scoring on three straight possessions to cut the deficit to 72-63. Following a Nuggets timeout, Gordon converted a three-point play and Jokic fed Murray for a basket to kickstart another run. Jokic took over after that, scoring 10 straight Denver points to establish an 89-73 lead.

Shamet ended the quarter by making five free throws to make it 89-78 heading into the fourth. The Wizards got within nine points twice on Corey Kispert's reverse layup and two free throws. But Murray hit two foul shots and a layup off a steal to give the Nuggets a 103-90 lead with 5:09 left.

Jones hit a floating jumper to make it an 11-point game but Porter and Caldwell-Pope hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put Denver up 109-92, safely ahead for the rest of the way.

Nikola Jokic scored 42 points on 15-of-20 shooting and pulled down 12 rebounds, and the visiting Denver Nuggets beat the struggling Washington Wizards 113-104 on Sunday night.

Nikola Jokic scored 42 points on 15-of-20 shooting and pulled down 12 rebounds, and the visiting Denver Nuggets beat the struggling Washington Wizards 113-104 on Sunday night. Jokic, who had eight assists, is shooting 74.6 percent from the field in the last 12 games, leading Denver to eight wins in that span. Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray scored 19 points apiece, Aaron Gordon contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished with 10 points for the Nuggets. Tyus Jones had 15 points and 13 assists, Kyle Kuzma scored 17, Daniel Gafford also scored 15 points and Landry Shamet and Marvin Bagley III added 14 points off the bench for Washington. Denver led by nine after the first quarter but the Wizards rallied to tie it at 37-all early in the second. The Nuggets led 49-48 with 4:30 left in the period before pulling away. Gordon had a dunk and a layup, Jokic scored and fed Porter for a dunk and Murray hit a 20-footer in a 13-1 run. Washington cut it to 10 at the half on Bilal Coulibaly's corner 3-pointer at the horn. Also read: Bundesliga: Advantage Bayer Leverkusen after Werder Bremen snap 16-year wait for win over Bayern Denver stretched the lead to 70-54 on Porter's 3-pointer early in the third but the Wizards hung tough. Gafford scored on a putback, and Kuzma split a pair of free throws before scoring on three straight possessions to cut the deficit to 72-63. Following a Nuggets timeout, Gordon converted a three-point play and Jokic fed Murray for a basket to kickstart another run. Jokic took over after that, scoring 10 straight Denver points to establish an 89-73 lead. Shamet ended the quarter by making five free throws to make it 89-78 heading into the fourth. The Wizards got within nine points twice on Corey Kispert's reverse layup and two free throws. But Murray hit two foul shots and a layup off a steal to give the Nuggets a 103-90 lead with 5:09 left. Jones hit a floating jumper to make it an 11-point game but Porter and Caldwell-Pope hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put Denver up 109-92, safely ahead for the rest of the way.

Denver Nuggets roll past Washington Wizards as Nikola Jokic pours in 42

The Los Angeles' Clippers new Intuit Dome, set to open next August, will host the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, the league said Tuesday.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement at a press conference at the still-under-construction arena, alongside Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass.

The All-Star game will return to Southern California for the first time since 2018, when it was held at Staples Center -- now Crypto.com Arena -- the venue currently shared by the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers.

Ballmer, who became the Clippers' majority owner in 2014, said in 2017 he wanted to move the team to its own arena.

The $2 billion Intuit Dome will take the team to suburban Inglewood, not far from the Forum arena that formerly housed the Lakers.

"We are building Intuit Dome to house and showcase the best basketball players in the world, and we are honored they will all be under our roof for NBA All-Star," Ballmer said. "Along with Inglewood and Los Angeles, we thank the NBA for bringing the league's marquee event to Intuit Dome in 2026."

Silver said the new venue "promises to present a unique and innovative live basketball experience which will be an extraordinary venue for the NBA All-Star Game in 2026."

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Silver later told reporters the new venue would also host basketball games at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

A spokesperson for LA 2028 said how to incorporate the new venue into the 2028 Olympics would be discussed at a later date.

"We are exploring optimizations to our venue plan and will discuss them with City of Los Angeles officials in the months ahead," the spokesperson said.

With Tuesday's announcement, the NBA has the next three All-Star venues lined up.

The Indiana Pacers will host this season's edition on February 18 in Indianapolis.

The 2025 edition will be at Chase Center, the Golden State Warriors' arena in San Francisco that opened in 2019.

The 2026 All-Star Game will be played on February 15, with the weekend including the usual festivities surrounding the mid-season exhibition, including the Rising Stars showcase for top rookies and second-year players, the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Challenge and Slam Dunk contest.

The Los Angeles' Clippers new Intuit Dome, set to open next August, will host the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, the league said Tuesday. NBA commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement at a press conference at the still-under-construction arena, alongside Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass.

The Los Angeles' Clippers new Intuit Dome, set to open next August, will host the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, the league said Tuesday. NBA commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement at a press conference at the still-under-construction arena, alongside Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass. The All-Star game will return to Southern California for the first time since 2018, when it was held at Staples Center -- now Crypto.com Arena -- the venue currently shared by the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers. Ballmer, who became the Clippers' majority owner in 2014, said in 2017 he wanted to move the team to its own arena. The $2 billion Intuit Dome will take the team to suburban Inglewood, not far from the Forum arena that formerly housed the Lakers. "We are building Intuit Dome to house and showcase the best basketball players in the world, and we are honored they will all be under our roof for NBA All-Star," Ballmer said. "Along with Inglewood and Los Angeles, we thank the NBA for bringing the league's marquee event to Intuit Dome in 2026." Silver said the new venue "promises to present a unique and innovative live basketball experience which will be an extraordinary venue for the NBA All-Star Game in 2026." ALSO READ: Australian Open: Defending champion Novak Djokovic enters third round with hard-fought win over Alexei Popyrin Silver later told reporters the new venue would also host basketball games at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. A spokesperson for LA 2028 said how to incorporate the new venue into the 2028 Olympics would be discussed at a later date. "We are exploring optimizations to our venue plan and will discuss them with City of Los Angeles officials in the months ahead," the spokesperson said. With Tuesday's announcement, the NBA has the next three All-Star venues lined up. The Indiana Pacers will host this season's edition on February 18 in Indianapolis. The 2025 edition will be at Chase Center, the Golden State Warriors' arena in San Francisco that opened in 2019. The 2026 All-Star Game will be played on February 15, with the weekend including the usual festivities surrounding the mid-season exhibition, including the Rising Stars showcase for top rookies and second-year players, the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Challenge and Slam Dunk contest.

Los Angeles Clippers' new arena to host 2026 NBA All-Star Game: Official

Brandon Ingram had the third triple-double of his career and led a franchise-record 3-point performance as the host New Orleans Pelicans routed the reeling Charlotte Hornets 132-112 on Wednesday night. Ingram finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He tied his career-high with seven 3-pointers on 11 attempts and the Pelicans made a franchise-record 25 on 47 attempts (53.2 percent) from beyond the arc.

New Orleans' CJ McCollum added 22 points, rookie Jordan Hawkins had 21, Trey Murphy III scored 18 and Zion Williamson had 13. Hawkins made 6 of 9 3-point tries, Murphy sank 5 of 12 and McCollum hit 4 of 9. LaMelo Ball scored 29 points, Terry Rozier added 25, Miles Bridges had 19 and Nick Richards finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Hornets, who lost their sixth straight game and fell for the 17th time in 18 games.

Hawks 106, Magic 104

Dejounte Murray scored 26 points and made an 18-foot jumper at the buzzer to give Atlanta a win over visiting Orlando. Orlando's Paolo Banchero tied the game with nine seconds remaining on a 3-point basket. Atlanta opted to not call its final timeout. Murray dribbled the length of the floor and made a tough shot at the horn. Murray was 11-for-18 from the floor with five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Young had 18 points and 12 assists for the Hawks, who won for the second straight time to conclude a 3-2 homestand. Banchero put up 26 points for the Magic, who lost for the fourth time in five games.

Lakers 127, Mavericks 110

Anthony Davis scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, D'Angelo Russell delivered 29 points and Los Angeles continued its revival with a home victory to spoil the return of Dallas' Luka Doncic.Davis just missed out on his third career triple-double, as he handed out nine assists. LeBron James amassed 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the Lakers improved to 4-2 since Jan. 7. Los Angeles had lost nine of 11 games before the current run of success. Doncic delivered 33 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for Dallas after missing the previous three games with a sprained right ankle. The Mavericks went 2-1 in the games their All-Star missed. Dereck Lively II scored 16 points for Dallas, but Kyrie Irving was held to 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting after he averaged 39.7 points per game while Doncic was out.

Trail Blazers 105, Nets 103

Anfernee Simons drove through the lane to sink a floater with 0.2 seconds left and give host Portland a victory over Brooklyn. Jerami Grant registered 30 points and eight rebounds and Simons scored 20 points as Portland snapped a four-game losing streak. Duop Reath added 17 points and Malcolm Brogdon had 16 as the Trail Blazers won for just the second time in nine games, with both wins coming against the Nets. Mikal Bridges scored 21 points and Spencer Dinwiddie added 19 points and seven assists for Brooklyn, which has lost four straight games and nine of its past 10.

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Celtics 117, Spurs 98

Jayson Tatum tossed in a team-high 24 points and short-handed Boston made 18 of its 38 3-point attempts en route to a victory over visiting San Antonio. Jrue Holiday finished with 22 points and Jaylen Brown added 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Boston. Holiday made six of his seven shots from beyond the 3-point arc. The victory improved Boston's home record to 20-0. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 27 points and five rebounds in 27 minutes. He shot 10 of 19 from the field and made 2 of 6 3-point attempts. Devin Vassell scored 21 points for San Antonio, which received nine points and 11 assists from Tre Jones.

Timberwolves 124, Pistons 117

Anthony Edwards scored 27 points and dished eight assists as visiting Minnesota defeated Detroit. Karl-Anthony Towns also scored 27 points as the Western Conference-leading Timberwolves won their third consecutive game. Minnesota's Jaden McDaniels had 23 points, while Rudy Gobert powered for 19 points and 16 rebounds. Naz Reid added nine points off the bench. Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with a career-high-tying 32 points, and he added six assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 20 points, and Jalen Duren supplied 16 points and 11 rebounds. Isaiah Stewart and Alec Burks put up 12 points apiece.

Cavaliers 135, Bucks 95

Georges Niang scored a career-high 33 points off the bench and Donovan Mitchell added 31 to fuel host Cleveland to a rout of Milwaukee. Niang made 13 of 14 shots from the floor and 5 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to send the Cavaliers to their sixth straight win. Cleveland's Jarrett Allen collected 21 points and 13 rebounds. The Bucks were without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat due to a right shoulder contusion. Milwaukee's Damian Lillard made 7 of 20 shots from the floor to finish with a team-high 17 points.

Knicks 109, Rockets 94

Jalen Brunson scored 30 points in his return from a calf injury for host New York, which pulled away in the second half to beat Houston. Brunson, who missed the previous two games, added seven assists for the Knicks, who have won seven of nine. Julius Randle led all scorers with 31 points for the Knicks, while Josh Hart contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds off the bench. Fred VanVleet (24 points, 12 assists) and Alperen Sengun (18 points, 10 rebounds) each recorded a double-double for the Rockets, who finished 1-5 on a six-game road trip.

Raptors 121, Heat 97

Gary Trent Jr. scored 28 points, including knocking down eight 3-pointers, to lead Toronto past visiting Miami. RJ Barrett added 26 points for the Raptors, who ended a four-game losing streak. Scottie Barnes had 20 points and Immanuel Quickley scored 17 points. The Raptors led by as many as 37 points and never trailed in the blowout. Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo each scored 16 points for the Heat, whose three-game winning streak ended.

Brandon Ingram had the third triple-double of his career and led a franchise-record 3-point performance as the host New Orleans Pelicans routed the reeling Charlotte Hornets 132-112 on Wednesday night.

Brandon Ingram had the third triple-double of his career and led a franchise-record 3-point performance as the host New Orleans Pelicans routed the reeling Charlotte Hornets 132-112 on Wednesday night. Ingram finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He tied his career-high with seven 3-pointers on 11 attempts and the Pelicans made a franchise-record 25 on 47 attempts (53.2 percent) from beyond the arc. New Orleans' CJ McCollum added 22 points, rookie Jordan Hawkins had 21, Trey Murphy III scored 18 and Zion Williamson had 13. Hawkins made 6 of 9 3-point tries, Murphy sank 5 of 12 and McCollum hit 4 of 9. LaMelo Ball scored 29 points, Terry Rozier added 25, Miles Bridges had 19 and Nick Richards finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Hornets, who lost their sixth straight game and fell for the 17th time in 18 games. Hawks 106, Magic 104 Dejounte Murray scored 26 points and made an 18-foot jumper at the buzzer to give Atlanta a win over visiting Orlando. Orlando's Paolo Banchero tied the game with nine seconds remaining on a 3-point basket. Atlanta opted to not call its final timeout. Murray dribbled the length of the floor and made a tough shot at the horn. Murray was 11-for-18 from the floor with five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Young had 18 points and 12 assists for the Hawks, who won for the second straight time to conclude a 3-2 homestand. Banchero put up 26 points for the Magic, who lost for the fourth time in five games. Lakers 127, Mavericks 110 Anthony Davis scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, D'Angelo Russell delivered 29 points and Los Angeles continued its revival with a home victory to spoil the return of Dallas' Luka Doncic.Davis just missed out on his third career triple-double, as he handed out nine assists. LeBron James amassed 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the Lakers improved to 4-2 since Jan. 7. Los Angeles had lost nine of 11 games before the current run of success. Doncic delivered 33 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for Dallas after missing the previous three games with a sprained right ankle. The Mavericks went 2-1 in the games their All-Star missed. Dereck Lively II scored 16 points for Dallas, but Kyrie Irving was held to 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting after he averaged 39.7 points per game while Doncic was out. Trail Blazers 105, Nets 103 Anfernee Simons drove through the lane to sink a floater with 0.2 seconds left and give host Portland a victory over Brooklyn. Jerami Grant registered 30 points and eight rebounds and Simons scored 20 points as Portland snapped a four-game losing streak. Duop Reath added 17 points and Malcolm Brogdon had 16 as the Trail Blazers won for just the second time in nine games, with both wins coming against the Nets. Mikal Bridges scored 21 points and Spencer Dinwiddie added 19 points and seven assists for Brooklyn, which has lost four straight games and nine of its past 10. Also read: Los Angeles Clippers' new arena to host 2026 NBA All-Star Game: Official Celtics 117, Spurs 98 Jayson Tatum tossed in a team-high 24 points and short-handed Boston made 18 of its 38 3-point attempts en route to a victory over visiting San Antonio. Jrue Holiday finished with 22 points and Jaylen Brown added 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Boston. Holiday made six of his seven shots from beyond the 3-point arc. The victory improved Boston's home record to 20-0. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 27 points and five rebounds in 27 minutes. He shot 10 of 19 from the field and made 2 of 6 3-point attempts. Devin Vassell scored 21 points for San Antonio, which received nine points and 11 assists from Tre Jones. Timberwolves 124, Pistons 117 Anthony Edwards scored 27 points and dished eight assists as visiting Minnesota defeated Detroit. Karl-Anthony Towns also scored 27 points as the Western Conference-leading Timberwolves won their third consecutive game. Minnesota's Jaden McDaniels had 23 points, while Rudy Gobert powered for 19 points and 16 rebounds. Naz Reid added nine points off the bench. Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with a career-high-tying 32 points, and he added six assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 20 points, and Jalen Duren supplied 16 points and 11 rebounds. Isaiah Stewart and Alec Burks put up 12 points apiece. Cavaliers 135, Bucks 95 Georges Niang scored a career-high 33 points off the bench and Donovan Mitchell added 31 to fuel host Cleveland to a rout of Milwaukee. Niang made 13 of 14 shots from the floor and 5 of 6 attempts from 3-point range to send the Cavaliers to their sixth straight win. Cleveland's Jarrett Allen collected 21 points and 13 rebounds. The Bucks were without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat due to a right shoulder contusion. Milwaukee's Damian Lillard made 7 of 20 shots from the floor to finish with a team-high 17 points. Knicks 109, Rockets 94 Jalen Brunson scored 30 points in his return from a calf injury for host New York, which pulled away in the second half to beat Houston. Brunson, who missed the previous two games, added seven assists for the Knicks, who have won seven of nine. Julius Randle led all scorers with 31 points for the Knicks, while Josh Hart contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds off the bench. Fred VanVleet (24 points, 12 assists) and Alperen Sengun (18 points, 10 rebounds) each recorded a double-double for the Rockets, who finished 1-5 on a six-game road trip. Raptors 121, Heat 97 Gary Trent Jr. scored 28 points, including knocking down eight 3-pointers, to lead Toronto past visiting Miami. RJ Barrett added 26 points for the Raptors, who ended a four-game losing streak. Scottie Barnes had 20 points and Immanuel Quickley scored 17 points. The Raptors led by as many as 37 points and never trailed in the blowout. Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo each scored 16 points for the Heat, whose three-game winning streak ended.

NBA roundup: New Orleans Pelicans blast Charlotte Hornets, set 3-point mark

Jaylen Brown scored 32 points and Jayson Tatum added 27 as the Boston Celtics remained unbeaten at home, defeating Houston 145-113 on Saturday in former Celtics coach Ime Udoka's return to Boston.

The Celtics improved to an NBA-best 30-9 overall and 19-0 at home, the league's only undefeated club at home stretching its team-record home win streak to start a season.

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Brown, who scored 21 points in the third quarter when the Celtics pulled away to stay, hit 11-of-15 shots from the floor, 4-of-6 from 3-point range, and added six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots.

"Being aggressive. A lot of times defense gets you going," Brown said of his third-period success. "I get it on the run and when we play like that in transition we're tough to beat."

Udoka guided the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals, where they lost to Golden State, but he was suspended just before the start of the 2022-23 season training camp over an improper relationship with a team staffer.

Udoka ultimately was dropped and replaced by former assistant Joe Mazzulla on a permanent basis last February.

"I'm glad to see Ime back coaching on the sidelines," Brown said. "I'm glad to see a lot of the staff we spent time with over there in Houston. I wish those guys the best of luck."

Asked how he reflected on his departure, Udoka said, "Job not finished. The relationships you build and the people you impact, so that would be the biggest thing.

When it came to his regrets, Udoka was equally matter-of-fact.

"The biggest thing I'd say overall is letting some people down, for sure," Udoka said. "But we've talked it out and I've seen a lot of these people throughout the summer and talk regularly and so we move past it."

Mazzulla played down the impact of Udoka's return with the Rockets, who hired him as head coach last April.

"The fact Ime is back is great," he said. "But I don't think that really has anything to do with winning or losing."

Both were important to the Celtics after being thumped 135-102 at Milwaukee on Thursday.

"Last game we didn't feel like we were at our best," Brown said. "We wanted to come out and make sure we stayed undefeated on the home court."

Tatum went 9-of-17, 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, with eight rebounds and five assists for Boston, which also got 19 points from reserve Payton Pritchard.

Reserve Cam Whitmore led Houston with 22 points while Turkish center added 19 for the Rockets, who fell to 19-19.

In Atlanta, the Washington Wizards snapped a six-game losing streak and improved to 7-31 with a 127-99 victory over the Hawks. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 29 points while Jordan Poole added 20.

The Los Angeles Lakers (19-20) were set to play later at Utah (20-20) without LeBron James.

The 39-year-old superstar missed his fourth game of the season with a left ankle injury. He suffered the setback in a loss Thursday to Phoenix.

Jaylen Brown scored 32 points and Jayson Tatum added 27 as the Boston Celtics remained unbeaten at home, defeating Houston 145-113 on Saturday in former Celtics coach Ime Udoka's return to Boston.

Jaylen Brown scored 32 points and Jayson Tatum added 27 as the Boston Celtics remained unbeaten at home, defeating Houston 145-113 on Saturday in former Celtics coach Ime Udoka's return to Boston. The Celtics improved to an NBA-best 30-9 overall and 19-0 at home, the league's only undefeated club at home stretching its team-record home win streak to start a season. Also Read: Exequiel Palacios scores late winner for Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen Brown, who scored 21 points in the third quarter when the Celtics pulled away to stay, hit 11-of-15 shots from the floor, 4-of-6 from 3-point range, and added six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots. "Being aggressive. A lot of times defense gets you going," Brown said of his third-period success. "I get it on the run and when we play like that in transition we're tough to beat." Udoka guided the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals, where they lost to Golden State, but he was suspended just before the start of the 2022-23 season training camp over an improper relationship with a team staffer. Udoka ultimately was dropped and replaced by former assistant Joe Mazzulla on a permanent basis last February. "I'm glad to see Ime back coaching on the sidelines," Brown said. "I'm glad to see a lot of the staff we spent time with over there in Houston. I wish those guys the best of luck." Asked how he reflected on his departure, Udoka said, "Job not finished. The relationships you build and the people you impact, so that would be the biggest thing. When it came to his regrets, Udoka was equally matter-of-fact. "The biggest thing I'd say overall is letting some people down, for sure," Udoka said. "But we've talked it out and I've seen a lot of these people throughout the summer and talk regularly and so we move past it." Mazzulla played down the impact of Udoka's return with the Rockets, who hired him as head coach last April. "The fact Ime is back is great," he said. "But I don't think that really has anything to do with winning or losing." Both were important to the Celtics after being thumped 135-102 at Milwaukee on Thursday. "Last game we didn't feel like we were at our best," Brown said. "We wanted to come out and make sure we stayed undefeated on the home court." Tatum went 9-of-17, 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, with eight rebounds and five assists for Boston, which also got 19 points from reserve Payton Pritchard. Reserve Cam Whitmore led Houston with 22 points while Turkish center added 19 for the Rockets, who fell to 19-19. In Atlanta, the Washington Wizards snapped a six-game losing streak and improved to 7-31 with a 127-99 victory over the Hawks. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 29 points while Jordan Poole added 20. The Los Angeles Lakers (19-20) were set to play later at Utah (20-20) without LeBron James. The 39-year-old superstar missed his fourth game of the season with a left ankle injury. He suffered the setback in a loss Thursday to Phoenix.

Boston Celtics continue unbeaten run at home with win over Houston Rockets

The Indiana Pacers overcame a scary injury to star point guard Tyrese Haliburton before beating the in-form Boston Celtics 133-131 on Monday in the NBA.

Haliburton, one of the brightest stars in the league, was carried off the court by teammates after a painful tumble near the end of the second quarter at Indiana's Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena.

The 23-year-old grimaced after inadvertently doing the splits as he attempted to change direction while driving towards the basket.

The Pacers later said Haliburton, who did not return to the game, had suffered a left hamstring strain.

With Haliburton out of action, Bennedict Mathurin stepped up with 26 points off the bench to lead the second-half fightback after Indiana trailed 68-59 at the break.

A frantic finale looked to have tilted Boston's way after the Pacers were adjudged to have fouled Jaylen Brown in the closing seconds with the score locked at 131-131.

But Indiana challenged the call and the foul was overturned to leave the score level and give the Pacers one last chance to snatch the win.

Boston's Kristaps Porzingis then fouled Mathurin with one second on the clock and the Pacers shooting guard promptly sank two free throws to secure the victory.

"We lost the best player on the team, so my role was to step up and help the team win the game," Mathurin said afterwards.

"Ty (Haliburton) was down but it felt like the team pretty much knew what to do. Everyone had to step up. If your name gets called, be ready to play," the Canadian added.&nbsp;

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"We have a lot of depth on this team. We have a lot of players who can play and perform and have an impact on the game. It was a great win for us."

The Pacers bench combined for 75 points overall, with the starters finishing with 58.

Boston's scoring was led by Brown with 40 points, while Jrue Holiday finished with 21 and Porzingis 19.

Boston remain top of the Eastern Conference standings at 28-8 while fifth-placed Indiana improved to 21-15.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle meanwhile hailed his team's response to Haliburton's injury, adding that the star would undergo an MRI on Tuesday.

"Really amazing effort from our team," Carlisle said. "Lot of emotions in this game. We hope it isn't serious. He's getting an MRI tomorrow."

In other games on Monday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren both impressed as the Oklahoma City Thunder downed the Washington Wizards 136-128.&nbsp;

Jordan Poole scored 24 points for Washington but the Wizards were ultimately overpowered by the youthful Thunder line-up. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 32 points while Chet Holmgren weighed in with 31 points, including four of five shooting from three-point distance.

In Miami, Tyler Herro scored 28 points and Bam Adebayo 22 as the Heat edged past the Houston Rockets 120-113.

In Charlotte, Terry Rozier scored 39 points but it was not enough to prevent the Hornets falling 119-112 to the Chicago Bulls. Coby White led the Bulls scoring with 27 points.

The Indiana Pacers overcame a scary injury to star point guard Tyrese Haliburton before beating the in-form Boston Celtics 133-131 on Monday in the NBA. Haliburton, one of the brightest stars in the league, was carried off the court by teammates after a painful tumble near the end of the second quarter at Indiana's Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena.

The Indiana Pacers overcame a scary injury to star point guard Tyrese Haliburton before beating the in-form Boston Celtics 133-131 on Monday in the NBA. Haliburton, one of the brightest stars in the league, was carried off the court by teammates after a painful tumble near the end of the second quarter at Indiana's Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena. The 23-year-old grimaced after inadvertently doing the splits as he attempted to change direction while driving towards the basket. The Pacers later said Haliburton, who did not return to the game, had suffered a left hamstring strain. With Haliburton out of action, Bennedict Mathurin stepped up with 26 points off the bench to lead the second-half fightback after Indiana trailed 68-59 at the break. A frantic finale looked to have tilted Boston's way after the Pacers were adjudged to have fouled Jaylen Brown in the closing seconds with the score locked at 131-131. But Indiana challenged the call and the foul was overturned to leave the score level and give the Pacers one last chance to snatch the win. Boston's Kristaps Porzingis then fouled Mathurin with one second on the clock and the Pacers shooting guard promptly sank two free throws to secure the victory. "We lost the best player on the team, so my role was to step up and help the team win the game," Mathurin said afterwards. "Ty (Haliburton) was down but it felt like the team pretty much knew what to do. Everyone had to step up. If your name gets called, be ready to play," the Canadian added. ALSO READ | Football world mourns death of German legend Franz Beckenbauer, see who said what "We have a lot of depth on this team. We have a lot of players who can play and perform and have an impact on the game. It was a great win for us." The Pacers bench combined for 75 points overall, with the starters finishing with 58. Boston's scoring was led by Brown with 40 points, while Jrue Holiday finished with 21 and Porzingis 19. Boston remain top of the Eastern Conference standings at 28-8 while fifth-placed Indiana improved to 21-15. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle meanwhile hailed his team's response to Haliburton's injury, adding that the star would undergo an MRI on Tuesday. "Really amazing effort from our team," Carlisle said. "Lot of emotions in this game. We hope it isn't serious. He's getting an MRI tomorrow." In other games on Monday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren both impressed as the Oklahoma City Thunder downed the Washington Wizards 136-128. Jordan Poole scored 24 points for Washington but the Wizards were ultimately overpowered by the youthful Thunder line-up. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 32 points while Chet Holmgren weighed in with 31 points, including four of five shooting from three-point distance. In Miami, Tyler Herro scored 28 points and Bam Adebayo 22 as the Heat edged past the Houston Rockets 120-113. In Charlotte, Terry Rozier scored 39 points but it was not enough to prevent the Hornets falling 119-112 to the Chicago Bulls. Coby White led the Bulls scoring with 27 points.

Indiana Pacers battle through Tyrese Haliburton injury to sink Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum scored 25 points and Jaylen Brown added 24 to lead the NBA-best Boston Celtics over San Antonio 134-101 on Sunday, stretching their win streak to six games. Kristaps Porzingis added 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds for the Celtics, who improved to 26-6. Boston also got 17 points from Derrick White, who spent five seasons with San Antonio before joining the Celtics in a 2022 trade. He heard chants of "White's an All-Star" from the Texas fans.

"I've got a lot of respect for the fans here, great memories here," White said. "I'm just thankful." Boston outscored the Spurs 40-23 in the third quarter to pull away for good. "Just had that mindset of third quarter is important and coming out ready to go," White said. "We finished the first half well and kept it going from there."

Tatum made 10-of-17 shots from the floor, 5-of-10 from 3-point range, while Brown went 9-of-13 from the floor, hitting both 3-point attempts, and 4-of-6 from the free throw line. French 19-year-old rookie star center Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 (2.24m) top pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the host Spurs, who fell to 5-27.

Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram each scored 26 points and the host New Orleans Pelicans avenged an In-Season Tournament (IST) semi-final loss by ripping the Los Angeles Lakers 129-109.

Ingram also contributed eight assists, five rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots while Williamson added six assists and four rebounds for the Pelicans, who improved to 19-14 with all five starters scoring in double figures.

A day after his 39th birthday, LeBron James led the Lakers with 34 points while adding eight assists and five rebounds. Anthony Davis netted 20 points with 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who&nbsp;humbled the Pelicans 133-89 on their way to the IST crown earlier this month. Japan's Rui Hachimura was sidelined by a calf injury after starting for the Lakers, playing only eight minutes.

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<h2>- Thunder win streak at 4 -</h2>

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 24 points to lead Oklahoma City over visiting Brooklyn 124-108 for a fourth consecutive triumph. The Canadian guard hit 7-of-15 from the floor and all nine free throws to pace five starters scoring in double figures for the Thunder, who at 22-9 pulled two games back of Western Conference leader Minnesota.

Phoenix's Kevin Durant scored 31 points while Bradley Beal added 25 and Devin Booker had 21 to spark the host Suns over Orlando 112-107. The Magic, paced by Paolo Banchero's 28 points, used a 21-8 rally in the third quarter to erase a Suns lead, but shot only 3-for-13 in the final 7:30 to fall.

"They made us work a little bit harder than we wanted to but that's what we need right now," Beal said after his highest-scoring game since arriving in a deal with Washington. "I'm just trying to figure out my way with the guys. I'm not here to step on any toes but at the same time I'm here for a reason. I've got to be aggressive. I've got to be me. I came out tonight being aggressive and thankfully we got a great win out of it. "We've got to be better on defense, got to clean that up, but we've got some good mojo, some good juices going into the new year."

Trae Young scored 40 points and passed off 13 assists to spark Atlanta's 130-126 triumph at Washington. The Wizards (6-26) had 38 points from Kyle Kuzma in a losing cause. Dejounte Murray had 32 for the Hawks (13-19).

Domantas Sabonis had a triple double with 13 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists while Malik Monk came off the Sacramento bench to score a game-high 27 points as the Kings won 123-92 at Memphis.

Jayson Tatum scored 25 points and Jaylen Brown added 24 to lead the NBA-best Boston Celtics over San Antonio 134-101 on Sunday, stretching their win streak to six games.

Jayson Tatum scored 25 points and Jaylen Brown added 24 to lead the NBA-best Boston Celtics over San Antonio 134-101 on Sunday, stretching their win streak to six games. Kristaps Porzingis added 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds for the Celtics, who improved to 26-6. Boston also got 17 points from Derrick White, who spent five seasons with San Antonio before joining the Celtics in a 2022 trade. He heard chants of "White's an All-Star" from the Texas fans. "I've got a lot of respect for the fans here, great memories here," White said. "I'm just thankful." Boston outscored the Spurs 40-23 in the third quarter to pull away for good. "Just had that mindset of third quarter is important and coming out ready to go," White said. "We finished the first half well and kept it going from there." Tatum made 10-of-17 shots from the floor, 5-of-10 from 3-point range, while Brown went 9-of-13 from the floor, hitting both 3-point attempts, and 4-of-6 from the free throw line. French 19-year-old rookie star center Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 (2.24m) top pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the host Spurs, who fell to 5-27. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram each scored 26 points and the host New Orleans Pelicans avenged an In-Season Tournament (IST) semi-final loss by ripping the Los Angeles Lakers 129-109. Ingram also contributed eight assists, five rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots while Williamson added six assists and four rebounds for the Pelicans, who improved to 19-14 with all five starters scoring in double figures. A day after his 39th birthday, LeBron James led the Lakers with 34 points while adding eight assists and five rebounds. Anthony Davis netted 20 points with 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who humbled the Pelicans 133-89 on their way to the IST crown earlier this month. Japan's Rui Hachimura was sidelined by a calf injury after starting for the Lakers, playing only eight minutes. Also read: Golf: PGA Tour works to extend 'active and productive' Saudi merger talks - Thunder win streak at 4 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 24 points to lead Oklahoma City over visiting Brooklyn 124-108 for a fourth consecutive triumph. The Canadian guard hit 7-of-15 from the floor and all nine free throws to pace five starters scoring in double figures for the Thunder, who at 22-9 pulled two games back of Western Conference leader Minnesota. Phoenix's Kevin Durant scored 31 points while Bradley Beal added 25 and Devin Booker had 21 to spark the host Suns over Orlando 112-107. The Magic, paced by Paolo Banchero's 28 points, used a 21-8 rally in the third quarter to erase a Suns lead, but shot only 3-for-13 in the final 7:30 to fall. "They made us work a little bit harder than we wanted to but that's what we need right now," Beal said after his highest-scoring game since arriving in a deal with Washington. "I'm just trying to figure out my way with the guys. I'm not here to step on any toes but at the same time I'm here for a reason. I've got to be aggressive. I've got to be me. I came out tonight being aggressive and thankfully we got a great win out of it. "We've got to be better on defense, got to clean that up, but we've got some good mojo, some good juices going into the new year." Trae Young scored 40 points and passed off 13 assists to spark Atlanta's 130-126 triumph at Washington. The Wizards (6-26) had 38 points from Kyle Kuzma in a losing cause. Dejounte Murray had 32 for the Hawks (13-19). Domantas Sabonis had a triple double with 13 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists while Malik Monk came off the Sacramento bench to score a game-high 27 points as the Kings won 123-92 at Memphis.

NBA-best Boston Celtics beat San Antonio Spurs to earn sixth win in a row

The Boston Celtics used a hot start and a strong finish to put away the Los Angeles Lakers 126-115 on Monday in a Christmas clash of storied NBA franchises.

Kristaps Porzingis scored 28 points and pulled down 11 rebounds and Jayson Tatum added 25 points for the Celtics, who withstood a 40-point effort from Lakers star Anthony Davis.

The game between the teams that share the record for most NBA titles with 17 apiece was one of five on the Christmas Day slate that started with the New York Knicks' 129-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden.

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The reigning champion Denver Nuggets beat Golden State&nbsp;120-114 in a clash of the last two title winners that left Warriors coach Steve Kerr fuming at the officiating.

Lakers star LeBron James, coming off a 40-point performance in a win over the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Saturday, scored just 16 points on five-of-14 shooting.

James added nine rebounds and eight assists, but a slightly "lethargic" start -- which Lakers coach Darvin Ham said could have been due to holiday distractions or an unusually early afternoon start -- proved too much to overcome.

The Celtics roared out of the gate to a 12-0 lead and led by as many as 18 before the Lakers began to chip away.

Davis scored 20 first-half points, driving for a basket that cut the deficit to 58-57 in the waning seconds of the first half.

Both teams got a scare late in the second period, when James and Jaylen Brown collided and both went down, James holding his left knee and Brown his back.

James would go briefly to the bench before returning while Brown went to the locker room and was diagnosed with a lower back contusion. He eventually returned to finish with 19 points.

Tatum said the thing he liked best about the victory was how Boston responded after the Lakers closed the gap then took a two-point lead early in the third on Jarred Vanderbilt's dunk.

Boston answered with seven straight points and the Lakers wouldn't get in front again as the Celtics improved to a league-best 23-6.

"And it's a big win, right? It's Christmas day and it's tough to win on the road," Tatum said. "So just the way we responded and executed late in the game."

<h2>Kerr blasts officiating</h2>

In Denver, Jamal Murray scored 28 points and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic overcame a poor shooting day by going 18-for-18 at the free-throw as the Nuggets took their winning streak to five games.

Despite connecting on just four of 12 shots from the field Jokic finished with 26 points, adding 14 rebounds and eight assists to help the Nuggets come out on top in a seesaw battle.

The Warriors came into the contest riding a five-game winning streak. But superstar Stephen Curry endured a frustrating afternoon, scoring just four points in the first half on the way to a total of 18 on seven-of-21 shooting.

He was three-for-13 from three-point range and handed out four assists.

Canada's Andrew Wiggins helped keep the Warriors in it, scoring a team-high 22 points off the bench.

But after Jokic took 14 second-half free-throws Kerr blasted the NBA for "legislating defense out of the game".

"If I were a fan, I wouldn't have wanted to watch the second half of that game, it was disgusting," Kerr said.

"It was just baiting refs into calls, but the refs have to make those calls because that's how they're taught," added Kerr, who decried what he called "a parade to the free-throw line."

In New York, Jalen Brunson scored 38 points for the Knicks as they finally got the better of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, halting Milwaukee's seven-game win streak with a 129-122 victory at the Garden.

The Knicks had lost their previous nine games against Milwaukee, including a 130-111 decision on Saturday.

Julius Randle scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds, RJ Barrett bounced back from a disappointing showing on Saturday to score 21 points, and Immanuel Quickley added 20 off the bench for the Knicks.

Damian Lillard and Antetokounmpo meanwhile each scored 32 points apiece for Milwaukee.

The Boston Celtics used a hot start and a strong finish to put away the Los Angeles Lakers 126-115 on Monday in a Christmas clash of storied NBA franchises. Kristaps Porzingis scored 28 points and pulled down 11 rebounds and Jayson Tatum added 25 points for the Celtics, who withstood a 40-point effort from Lakers star Anthony Davis.

The Boston Celtics used a hot start and a strong finish to put away the Los Angeles Lakers 126-115 on Monday in a Christmas clash of storied NBA franchises. Kristaps Porzingis scored 28 points and pulled down 11 rebounds and Jayson Tatum added 25 points for the Celtics, who withstood a 40-point effort from Lakers star Anthony Davis. The game between the teams that share the record for most NBA titles with 17 apiece was one of five on the Christmas Day slate that started with the New York Knicks' 129-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden. Also Read: Boxing Day Test: South Africa is hardest place to play for batters, admits India captain Rohit The reigning champion Denver Nuggets beat Golden State 120-114 in a clash of the last two title winners that left Warriors coach Steve Kerr fuming at the officiating. Lakers star LeBron James, coming off a 40-point performance in a win over the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Saturday, scored just 16 points on five-of-14 shooting. James added nine rebounds and eight assists, but a slightly "lethargic" start -- which Lakers coach Darvin Ham said could have been due to holiday distractions or an unusually early afternoon start -- proved too much to overcome. The Celtics roared out of the gate to a 12-0 lead and led by as many as 18 before the Lakers began to chip away. Davis scored 20 first-half points, driving for a basket that cut the deficit to 58-57 in the waning seconds of the first half. Both teams got a scare late in the second period, when James and Jaylen Brown collided and both went down, James holding his left knee and Brown his back. James would go briefly to the bench before returning while Brown went to the locker room and was diagnosed with a lower back contusion. He eventually returned to finish with 19 points. Tatum said the thing he liked best about the victory was how Boston responded after the Lakers closed the gap then took a two-point lead early in the third on Jarred Vanderbilt's dunk. Boston answered with seven straight points and the Lakers wouldn't get in front again as the Celtics improved to a league-best 23-6. "And it's a big win, right? It's Christmas day and it's tough to win on the road," Tatum said. "So just the way we responded and executed late in the game." Kerr blasts officiating In Denver, Jamal Murray scored 28 points and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic overcame a poor shooting day by going 18-for-18 at the free-throw as the Nuggets took their winning streak to five games. Despite connecting on just four of 12 shots from the field Jokic finished with 26 points, adding 14 rebounds and eight assists to help the Nuggets come out on top in a seesaw battle. The Warriors came into the contest riding a five-game winning streak. But superstar Stephen Curry endured a frustrating afternoon, scoring just four points in the first half on the way to a total of 18 on seven-of-21 shooting. He was three-for-13 from three-point range and handed out four assists. Canada's Andrew Wiggins helped keep the Warriors in it, scoring a team-high 22 points off the bench. But after Jokic took 14 second-half free-throws Kerr blasted the NBA for "legislating defense out of the game". "If I were a fan, I wouldn't have wanted to watch the second half of that game, it was disgusting," Kerr said. "It was just baiting refs into calls, but the refs have to make those calls because that's how they're taught," added Kerr, who decried what he called "a parade to the free-throw line." In New York, Jalen Brunson scored 38 points for the Knicks as they finally got the better of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, halting Milwaukee's seven-game win streak with a 129-122 victory at the Garden. The Knicks had lost their previous nine games against Milwaukee, including a 130-111 decision on Saturday. Julius Randle scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds, RJ Barrett bounced back from a disappointing showing on Saturday to score 21 points, and Immanuel Quickley added 20 off the bench for the Knicks. Damian Lillard and Antetokounmpo meanwhile each scored 32 points apiece for Milwaukee.

Boston Celtics win Christmas clash against Lakers in Los Angeles

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James will miss the Los Angeles Lakers' game at Minnesota on Thursday with tendinitis in his left ankle, the club announced. The 38-year-old power forward delivered 25 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists on Wednesday in a 124-108 Lakers loss at Chicago.

The Lakers fell to 1-4 since capturing the first NBA In-Season Tournament crown and James said the slump is not only about emotional and physical fatigue for the team but also something more. "It's a combination of everything," James said. "It's the emotional fatigue, it's the physical fatigue, it's the grind of the season fatigue, and when you're not winning obviously that's the frustration fatigue. So, a little combination of everything."

James leads the Lakers with 25.2 points a game and also sets the club pace with 7.3 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while ranking second behind Anthony Davis in rebounds with 7.7 a game.

Since their tournament title, the Lakers have allowed the most 3-pointers per game of any NBA club and rank second-to-last in opponent 3-point shooting percentage at 42.8%.

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The US 2008 Olympic gold medal squad featuring Kobe Bryant and&nbsp;James plus high-leaping Vince Carter were among first-time nominees for the Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Thursday. The Hall announced its list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2024, which will be unveiled on April 6 at Phoenix, Arizona, and enshrined on August 17 at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Thursday marked the anniversary of the day when Dr. James Naismith first introduced the game of basketball in Springfield in 1891. Other first-time nominees included four-time Women's NBA champion and three-time US Olympic champion Seimone Augustus, two-time NBA champion center Bill Laimbeer, 16-season NBA head coach and television commentator Mike Fratello and Australian Olympians Andrew Gaze, Penny Taylor and Michele Timms.

The Hall of Fame announced changes to its election process to give more careful examination to candidates from the veterans, contributors and international committees.

Since 2011, those were direct-elect committees to ensure proper consideration of worthy candidates who might have "fallen through the cracks," but the election committee decided the objective was met in the past 12 years and candidates from those committees will be given final consideration by the honors committee.

The US Olympic "Redeem Team" from Beijing, inspired by the 2004 US squad only managing bronze in Athens, rolled to gold with a lineup including NBA stars Bryant, James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Jason Kidd, Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams, Michael Redd and Tayshaun Prince.

Bryant, a five-time NBA champion who was enshrined in the Hall of Fame on his own in 2020, was killed in a 2020 helicopter crash in California. Carter, a member of the US 2000 Sydney Olympic gold medal team of NBA stars, played 22 NBA seasons from 1998 to 2020. The eight-time NBA All-Star swingman, who earned the nickname "Vinsanity," averaged 16.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists over 1,541 games with Toronto, New Jersey, Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Memphis, Sacramento and Atlanta.

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James will miss the Los Angeles Lakers' game at Minnesota on Thursday with tendinitis in his left ankle, the club announced. The 38-year-old power forward delivered 25 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists on Wednesday in a 124-108 Lakers loss at Chicago.

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James will miss the Los Angeles Lakers' game at Minnesota on Thursday with tendinitis in his left ankle, the club announced. The 38-year-old power forward delivered 25 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists on Wednesday in a 124-108 Lakers loss at Chicago. The Lakers fell to 1-4 since capturing the first NBA In-Season Tournament crown and James said the slump is not only about emotional and physical fatigue for the team but also something more. "It's a combination of everything," James said. "It's the emotional fatigue, it's the physical fatigue, it's the grind of the season fatigue, and when you're not winning obviously that's the frustration fatigue. So, a little combination of everything." James leads the Lakers with 25.2 points a game and also sets the club pace with 7.3 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while ranking second behind Anthony Davis in rebounds with 7.7 a game. Since their tournament title, the Lakers have allowed the most 3-pointers per game of any NBA club and rank second-to-last in opponent 3-point shooting percentage at 42.8%. Also read: FIFA, UEFA chief react after top court's ruling in favour of European Super League The US 2008 Olympic gold medal squad featuring Kobe Bryant and James plus high-leaping Vince Carter were among first-time nominees for the Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Thursday. The Hall announced its list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2024, which will be unveiled on April 6 at Phoenix, Arizona, and enshrined on August 17 at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Thursday marked the anniversary of the day when Dr. James Naismith first introduced the game of basketball in Springfield in 1891. Other first-time nominees included four-time Women's NBA champion and three-time US Olympic champion Seimone Augustus, two-time NBA champion center Bill Laimbeer, 16-season NBA head coach and television commentator Mike Fratello and Australian Olympians Andrew Gaze, Penny Taylor and Michele Timms. The Hall of Fame announced changes to its election process to give more careful examination to candidates from the veterans, contributors and international committees. Since 2011, those were direct-elect committees to ensure proper consideration of worthy candidates who might have "fallen through the cracks," but the election committee decided the objective was met in the past 12 years and candidates from those committees will be given final consideration by the honors committee. The US Olympic "Redeem Team" from Beijing, inspired by the 2004 US squad only managing bronze in Athens, rolled to gold with a lineup including NBA stars Bryant, James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Jason Kidd, Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams, Michael Redd and Tayshaun Prince. Bryant, a five-time NBA champion who was enshrined in the Hall of Fame on his own in 2020, was killed in a 2020 helicopter crash in California. Carter, a member of the US 2000 Sydney Olympic gold medal team of NBA stars, played 22 NBA seasons from 1998 to 2020. The eight-time NBA All-Star swingman, who earned the nickname "Vinsanity," averaged 16.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists over 1,541 games with Toronto, New Jersey, Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Memphis, Sacramento and Atlanta.

LeBron James to miss LA Lakers' NBA fixture at Minnesota

Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks was fined $35,000 and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was fined $25,000 by the&nbsp;NBA&nbsp;on Tuesday for directing inappropriate language at a game referee. The punishments, which also saw Brooks hit for criticizing an official, came after both were assessed technical fouls and ejected with 38 seconds remaining in Houston's 128-119 loss on Sunday at Milwaukee.

The physical contest saw Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo grab 17 rebounds to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and become the Bucks' all-time rebounding leader. The Greek star was already the franchise leader in points and assists. Damian Lillard made three of four free throws off the Houston technical fouls to seal the victory for Milwaukee. At 13-11, the Rockets rank ninth in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the Los Angeles Lakers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl/news-well-let-season-play-out---atlanta-falcons-owner-opines-on-under-fire-coach-arthur-smiths-future-671648">'We'll let season play out' - Atlanta Falcons owner opines on under-fire coach Arthur Smith's future</a>

Brooks, a 27-year-old Canadian, was obtained in a July trade deal with Memphis. He is averaging 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds a game. Udoka, dropped as coach by the Boston Celtics after violating team policies relating to another staff member, was hired last April as coach of the Rockets, who have missed the playoffs the past three seasons.

Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks was fined $35,000 and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Tuesday for directing inappropriate language at a game referee.

Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks was fined $35,000 and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Tuesday for directing inappropriate language at a game referee. The punishments, which also saw Brooks hit for criticizing an official, came after both were assessed technical fouls and ejected with 38 seconds remaining in Houston's 128-119 loss on Sunday at Milwaukee. The physical contest saw Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo grab 17 rebounds to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and become the Bucks' all-time rebounding leader. The Greek star was already the franchise leader in points and assists. Damian Lillard made three of four free throws off the Houston technical fouls to seal the victory for Milwaukee. At 13-11, the Rockets rank ninth in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the Los Angeles Lakers. Also read: 'We'll let season play out' - Atlanta Falcons owner opines on under-fire coach Arthur Smith's future Brooks, a 27-year-old Canadian, was obtained in a July trade deal with Memphis. He is averaging 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds a game. Udoka, dropped as coach by the Boston Celtics after violating team policies relating to another staff member, was hired last April as coach of the Rockets, who have missed the playoffs the past three seasons.

NBA fines Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks, coach Ime Udoka for ripping referee

Victor Wembanyama's first clash with Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to wait after the San Antonio Spurs said their sensational rookie would miss Tuesday's NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks with a sore right ankle. Wembanyama was listed as "out" for Tuesday's game on the Spurs' injury report on Monday.

ESPN reported the 19-year-old French star, who was the number one pick in the NBA draft, is not expected to miss much time. The Spurs visit the Chicago Bulls on Thursday and the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

Wembanyama scored 17 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots in 31 minutes in San Antonio's blowout loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. In 24 games this season he has averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots and has posted a double-double in his past eight games.

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Tuesday will mark just the second game Wembanyama has missed this season. He sat out a game against the Pelicans on December 1 with tightness in his right hip.

Victor Wembanyama's first clash with Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to wait after the San Antonio Spurs said their sensational rookie would miss Tuesday's NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks with a sore right ankle.

Victor Wembanyama's first clash with Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to wait after the San Antonio Spurs said their sensational rookie would miss Tuesday's NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks with a sore right ankle. Wembanyama was listed as "out" for Tuesday's game on the Spurs' injury report on Monday. ESPN reported the 19-year-old French star, who was the number one pick in the NBA draft, is not expected to miss much time. The Spurs visit the Chicago Bulls on Thursday and the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Wembanyama scored 17 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots in 31 minutes in San Antonio's blowout loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. In 24 games this season he has averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots and has posted a double-double in his past eight games. Also read: Premier League: Manchester City fined for chaos during Tottenham Hotspur game Tuesday will mark just the second game Wembanyama has missed this season. He sat out a game against the Pelicans on December 1 with tightness in his right hip.

San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama to miss meeting with Milwaukee Bucks with sore ankle

Chance Comanche, an NBA G League player with the Stockton Kings, will be charged with open murder in the death of a 23-year-old woman who went missing in Las Vegas, police said Sunday.

Comanche was released by the Sacramento Kings' G League affiliate based in Stockton, California, on Friday after he was apprehended in California on a kidnapping charge.

Sakari Harnden, 19, was arrested on a kidnapping charge in Nevada and Las Vegas police said in a statement on Sunday that both she and Comanche will now be charged with murder after the remains of Marayna Rodgers, a medical assistant from Washington state who was last seen in the Las Vegas area, were found in a desert area near Henderson, Nevada.

Rodgers was reported missing on December 7.

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"Early in the investigation, detectives suspected foul play and obtained evidence to arrest Harnden and her boyfriend Comanche for their role in the kidnapping and disappearance of Rodgers," Las Vegas police said in a statement, adding that information received after the arrests had allowed them to find and identify Rodgers's remains.

More to follow...

Chance Comanche, an NBA G League player with the Stockton Kings, will be charged with open murder in the death of a 23-year-old woman who went missing in Las Vegas, police said Sunday.

Chance Comanche, an NBA G League player with the Stockton Kings, will be charged with open murder in the death of a 23-year-old woman who went missing in Las Vegas, police said Sunday. Comanche was released by the Sacramento Kings' G League affiliate based in Stockton, California, on Friday after he was apprehended in California on a kidnapping charge. Sakari Harnden, 19, was arrested on a kidnapping charge in Nevada and Las Vegas police said in a statement on Sunday that both she and Comanche will now be charged with murder after the remains of Marayna Rodgers, a medical assistant from Washington state who was last seen in the Las Vegas area, were found in a desert area near Henderson, Nevada. Rodgers was reported missing on December 7. ALSO READ: Premier League: Arsenal hit Brighton 2-0 to take top spot; West Ham, Aston Villa register vital wins "Early in the investigation, detectives suspected foul play and obtained evidence to arrest Harnden and her boyfriend Comanche for their role in the kidnapping and disappearance of Rodgers," Las Vegas police said in a statement, adding that information received after the arrests had allowed them to find and identify Rodgers's remains. More to follow...

Stockton Kings player faces murder charge of missing woman in Las Vegas

French sensation Victor Wembanyama came out on top in his first tussle with NBA superstar LeBron James Friday as the San Antonio Spurs snapped their 18-game losing streak with a 129-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Two days after falling to the Lakers in a game that James sat out, the Spurs halted the longest losing streak in franchise history.

Devin Vassell scored a career-high 36 points for San Antonio and seven Spurs players -- including Wembanyama -- scored in double figures.

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Wembanyama, whose arrival in the league has been compared to that of James 20 years ago, scored 13 points and grabbed 15 rebounds with five assists, two blocked shots and two steals.

It was the 19-year-old rookie's fifth game this season with multiple blocks and multiple steals.

James, the four-time NBA champion who will turn 39 this month, scored 23 points with seven rebounds and 14 assists.

But without Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish, the Lakers trailed from start to finish.

James impressed with an early steal and dunk, but the Spurs led by as many as 25 in the first half and for once were able to make the lead stand up.

Los Angeles cut the deficit to four points shortly before halftime with a run that included James's high-arching three-pointer over the towering Wembanyama.

But the Spurs kept the pressure on after the break, outscoring the Lakers 29-25 in the third period to take a 98-87 lead into the final quarter.

The Lakers pulled their starters midway through the fourth and the young Spurs team were able to celebrate their first victory since a November 2 triumph over Phoenix.

"This is what I'm addicted to, winning, this is what I love," said Wembanyama, who credited Vassell's 12-of-19 shooting with keeping the Lakers at bay.

"Everything went in," Wembanyama said of his teammate's big night. "I think if he didn't make those shots they would have had more runs, but by himself he kept the lead for us."

James said the multiple injury absences were just too much for the Lakers to overcome.

"You give credit where it's due," he added. "San Antonio played great tonight, they shot the ball extremely well. They attacked us and we're just limited with bodies."

James said his first clash with Wembanyama only reinforced his previous assessment that the highly touted rookie is a "special talent."

There was no respite for the Detroit Pistons, who suffered a franchise-record 22nd straight defeat with a 124-92 loss to the 76ers in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia's NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid scored 35 points and pulled down 13 rebounds for his ninth straight double-double.

Tyrese Maxey added 19 points for the Sixers, who won their fifth straight.

The Pistons had matched their longest-ever losing streak with a loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Their skid is the sixth-longest in a single season in NBA history. Cleveland in 2010-11 and Philadelphia in 2013-14 share the record for the longest at 26 straight defeats.

<h2>Brunson pours in 50</h2>

New York's Jalen Brunson made nine of nine from three-point range on the way to a career-high 50 points in the Knicks' 139-122 victory over the Suns in Phoenix.

Brunson was a perfect 12-for-12 from the floor in the second half -- including eight three-pointers -- as the Knicks handed the Suns a defeat made more painful by the early exit of Bradley Beal with an ankle injury.

The Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics remained unbeaten at home, riding 30 points from Jayson Tatum to a 128-111 victory over the upstart Orlando Magic.

Derrick White added 19 points, Jaylen Brown scored 18 and Payton Pritchard added 21 off the bench for the Celtics, who improved to 13-0 at TD Garden and 19-5 for the season despite missing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet.

Jalen Suggs scored 19 points for the Magic, who dropped to fourth in the East behind the Celtics, Bucks and 76ers.

Dillon Brooks made a triumphant return to Memphis, scoring 24 of his 26 points in the second half to fuel the Houston Rockets' rally for a 103-96 victory over the Grizzlies, who traded Brooks in the offseason.

French sensation Victor Wembanyama came out on top in his first tussle with NBA superstar LeBron James Friday as the San Antonio Spurs snapped their 18-game losing streak with a 129-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

French sensation Victor Wembanyama came out on top in his first tussle with NBA superstar LeBron James Friday as the San Antonio Spurs snapped their 18-game losing streak with a 129-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Two days after falling to the Lakers in a game that James sat out, the Spurs halted the longest losing streak in franchise history. Devin Vassell scored a career-high 36 points for San Antonio and seven Spurs players -- including Wembanyama -- scored in double figures. Also Read: Pep Guardiola mulls potential move to replace outgoing Kalvin Phillips at Manchester City Wembanyama, whose arrival in the league has been compared to that of James 20 years ago, scored 13 points and grabbed 15 rebounds with five assists, two blocked shots and two steals. It was the 19-year-old rookie's fifth game this season with multiple blocks and multiple steals. James, the four-time NBA champion who will turn 39 this month, scored 23 points with seven rebounds and 14 assists. But without Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell and Cam Reddish, the Lakers trailed from start to finish. James impressed with an early steal and dunk, but the Spurs led by as many as 25 in the first half and for once were able to make the lead stand up. Los Angeles cut the deficit to four points shortly before halftime with a run that included James's high-arching three-pointer over the towering Wembanyama. But the Spurs kept the pressure on after the break, outscoring the Lakers 29-25 in the third period to take a 98-87 lead into the final quarter. The Lakers pulled their starters midway through the fourth and the young Spurs team were able to celebrate their first victory since a November 2 triumph over Phoenix. "This is what I'm addicted to, winning, this is what I love," said Wembanyama, who credited Vassell's 12-of-19 shooting with keeping the Lakers at bay. "Everything went in," Wembanyama said of his teammate's big night. "I think if he didn't make those shots they would have had more runs, but by himself he kept the lead for us." James said the multiple injury absences were just too much for the Lakers to overcome. "You give credit where it's due," he added. "San Antonio played great tonight, they shot the ball extremely well. They attacked us and we're just limited with bodies." James said his first clash with Wembanyama only reinforced his previous assessment that the highly touted rookie is a "special talent." There was no respite for the Detroit Pistons, who suffered a franchise-record 22nd straight defeat with a 124-92 loss to the 76ers in Philadelphia. Philadelphia's NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid scored 35 points and pulled down 13 rebounds for his ninth straight double-double. Tyrese Maxey added 19 points for the Sixers, who won their fifth straight. The Pistons had matched their longest-ever losing streak with a loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday. Their skid is the sixth-longest in a single season in NBA history. Cleveland in 2010-11 and Philadelphia in 2013-14 share the record for the longest at 26 straight defeats. Brunson pours in 50 New York's Jalen Brunson made nine of nine from three-point range on the way to a career-high 50 points in the Knicks' 139-122 victory over the Suns in Phoenix. Brunson was a perfect 12-for-12 from the floor in the second half -- including eight three-pointers -- as the Knicks handed the Suns a defeat made more painful by the early exit of Bradley Beal with an ankle injury. The Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics remained unbeaten at home, riding 30 points from Jayson Tatum to a 128-111 victory over the upstart Orlando Magic. Derrick White added 19 points, Jaylen Brown scored 18 and Payton Pritchard added 21 off the bench for the Celtics, who improved to 13-0 at TD Garden and 19-5 for the season despite missing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet. Jalen Suggs scored 19 points for the Magic, who dropped to fourth in the East behind the Celtics, Bucks and 76ers. Dillon Brooks made a triumphant return to Memphis, scoring 24 of his 26 points in the second half to fuel the Houston Rockets' rally for a 103-96 victory over the Grizzlies, who traded Brooks in the offseason.

Victor Wembanyama comes out triumphant in first tussle with LeBron James as Spurs beat Lakers

Golden State coach Steve Kerr on Thursday backed the NBA's decision to issue an indefinite suspension on Draymond Green, saying the open-ended ban gave the Warriors star a chance to change his ways. Warriors stalwart Green was sanctioned by the NBA on Wednesday after his third ejection of the season on Tuesday, when he was tossed for violently swinging an arm into the head of Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic.

It was just the latest in a long line of incidents that have landed Green in disciplinary hot water over the years, and came just weeks after he was given a five-game ban for grabbing Minnesota's Rudy Gobert in a headlock last month. Kerr told reporters on Thursday ahead of the Warriors game with the Los Angeles Clippers that the NBA's indefinite suspension of Green -- a virtually unheard of sanction in the league -- was the appropriate move.

"I think the suspension makes sense," Kerr said. "To me, this is about more than basketball. It's about helping Draymond. "It's an opportunity for Draymond to step away and to make a change in his approach, in his life. And that's not an easy thing to do."

Kerr said the league's five-game suspension of Green after the Gobert incident last month justified the stiffer penalty for this week's latest flashpoint. "You don't just say 'We're going to do five games and he's going to be fine'," Kerr said.&nbsp; "The league did that with five games after the incident with Rudy. That's not the answer, to pick a number.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golden-state-warriors-ace-draymond-green-suspended-indefinitely-over-jusuf-nurkic-clash-nba-669457">Golden State Warriors ace Draymond Green suspended 'indefinitely' over Jusuf Nurkic clash: NBA</a>

<h2>- 'The answer is to help' -</h2>

"The answer is to help Draymond and give him the help he needs, give him the opportunity to make a change that will not only help him and help our team, but help him for the rest of his life." "It's not just about an outburst on the court. This is about his life. Someone who I believe in, someone who I have known for a decade, who I love for his loyalty, his commitment, his passion, his love for his team-mates, his friends and his family.

"We're trying to help that guy. Because the one who choked Rudy, the one who took a wild flail at Jusuf, the one who punched Jordan (Poole) last year, that's the guy who has to change. And he knows that. "Look at the past year and what's happened -- it's clear he needs the opportunity to change. And that's what an indefinite suspension gives him the opportunity for."

Kerr and the Warriors have attracted criticism in the past for how they have handled Green's disciplinary indiscretions, notably when he was only fined by the franchise -- rather than suspended -- for punching team-mate Poole in a pre-season practice last year.

Prominent ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has suggested that Warriors star Steph Curry bears part of the responsibility for not bringing Green into line as a senior member of the Golden State locker room. Kerr however hit back at the criticism of Curry's leadership.&nbsp;

"For anyone to question Steph Curry’s leadership, it's actually kind of sickening," Kerr said. "I saw some of that yesterday. It was disgusting. You're talking about one of the finest human beings I have ever been around.&nbsp; "But that's the climate that we live in ... Like, really? That's the angle you're going to take? You're going to question Steph Curry's leadership?"

Golden State coach Steve Kerr on Thursday backed the NBA's decision to issue an indefinite suspension on Draymond Green, saying the open-ended ban gave the Warriors star a chance to change his ways.

Golden State coach Steve Kerr on Thursday backed the NBA's decision to issue an indefinite suspension on Draymond Green, saying the open-ended ban gave the Warriors star a chance to change his ways. Warriors stalwart Green was sanctioned by the NBA on Wednesday after his third ejection of the season on Tuesday, when he was tossed for violently swinging an arm into the head of Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic. It was just the latest in a long line of incidents that have landed Green in disciplinary hot water over the years, and came just weeks after he was given a five-game ban for grabbing Minnesota's Rudy Gobert in a headlock last month. Kerr told reporters on Thursday ahead of the Warriors game with the Los Angeles Clippers that the NBA's indefinite suspension of Green -- a virtually unheard of sanction in the league -- was the appropriate move. "I think the suspension makes sense," Kerr said. "To me, this is about more than basketball. It's about helping Draymond. "It's an opportunity for Draymond to step away and to make a change in his approach, in his life. And that's not an easy thing to do." Kerr said the league's five-game suspension of Green after the Gobert incident last month justified the stiffer penalty for this week's latest flashpoint. "You don't just say 'We're going to do five games and he's going to be fine'," Kerr said. "The league did that with five games after the incident with Rudy. That's not the answer, to pick a number. Also read: Golden State Warriors ace Draymond Green suspended 'indefinitely' over Jusuf Nurkic clash: NBA - 'The answer is to help' - "The answer is to help Draymond and give him the help he needs, give him the opportunity to make a change that will not only help him and help our team, but help him for the rest of his life." "It's not just about an outburst on the court. This is about his life. Someone who I believe in, someone who I have known for a decade, who I love for his loyalty, his commitment, his passion, his love for his team-mates, his friends and his family. "We're trying to help that guy. Because the one who choked Rudy, the one who took a wild flail at Jusuf, the one who punched Jordan (Poole) last year, that's the guy who has to change. And he knows that. "Look at the past year and what's happened -- it's clear he needs the opportunity to change. And that's what an indefinite suspension gives him the opportunity for." Kerr and the Warriors have attracted criticism in the past for how they have handled Green's disciplinary indiscretions, notably when he was only fined by the franchise -- rather than suspended -- for punching team-mate Poole in a pre-season practice last year. Prominent ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has suggested that Warriors star Steph Curry bears part of the responsibility for not bringing Green into line as a senior member of the Golden State locker room. Kerr however hit back at the criticism of Curry's leadership. "For anyone to question Steph Curry’s leadership, it's actually kind of sickening," Kerr said. "I saw some of that yesterday. It was disgusting. You're talking about one of the finest human beings I have ever been around. "But that's the climate that we live in ... Like, really? That's the angle you're going to take? You're going to question Steph Curry's leadership?"

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr says NBA indefinite ban on Draymond Green 'makes sense'

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has been "suspended indefinitely" following his clash with Phoenix player Jusuf Nurkic that saw him ejected for the third time this season, the NBA said Wednesday. The NBA said in a statement that Green had been handed an open-ended ban given his "repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts," adding that he would be "required to meet certain league and team conditions" before he is allowed to return to play.

An indefinite suspension is an almost unheard of sanction by the NBA, which more commonly issues bans for a fixed number of games.&nbsp; Examples of recent hefty suspensions issued to players include the 25-game ban handed to Memphis's Ja Morant in June after he was seen flashing a gun in an online video, and the 30-game ban given to Charlotte's Miles Bridges over domestic violence allegations.

Green was tossed from the Warriors' 119-116 road defeat against Phoenix on Tuesday after hitting Suns player Jusuf Nurkic in the head to earn a flagrant foul. The four-time NBA champion later apologized to Nurkic, saying he had accidentally struck the Bosnian after swinging his arm to try and win a foul call, believing he had been illegally held back.

"I thought he was pulling my hip, and I was swinging a way to sell the call, and made contact with him," Green said.&nbsp; "As you know, I'm not one to apologize for things I meant to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn't intend to hit him."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-porto-storm-into-uefa-champions-league-last-16-as-newcastle-united-bow-out-669454">PSG, Porto storm into UEFA Champions League last 16 as Newcastle United bow out</a>

<h2>- 'That brother needs help' -</h2>

Nurkic however was scathing of the incident, saying Green "needs help." "What's going on with him? I don't know,"&nbsp;Nurkic said Tuesday. "Personally, I feel like that brother needs help."

The flashpoint came just weeks after Green was issued a five-game suspension for his second ejection of the season, when he grabbed Minnesota's Rudy Gobert in a headlock during the Warriors' defeat to the Timberwolves on November 14.

Green's second suspension of the season is the latest in a long line of brushes with NBA disciplinary chiefs over the years. The 33-year-old, who was also ejected in the Warriors' defeat to Cleveland earlier in November, was also suspended during the playoffs in April after stamping on Sacramento Kings player Domantas Sabonis.

In October 2022, Green escaped a suspension by the Warriors after punching teammate Jordan Poole during a pre-season practice. Warriors coach Steve Kerr later described the incident as the "biggest crisis that we've ever had," but the team decided to levy a fine against Green rather than an in-house suspension.

That incident followed an ejection in Golden State's 2021-2022 playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies after a clash with Brandon Clarke. He was also infamously suspended for game five of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers for a low blow against LeBron James.

The flagrant foul led to a one-game ban and Cleveland, down 3-1 in the best-of-seven series, won at Golden State on the way to capturing the crown in seven games. Warriors coach Kerr however has been one of Green's staunchest defenders over the years, maintaining that the four-time NBA All-Star has been an integral part of the team's success over the past decade.

"I've said many times we don't have a single championship without Draymond Green," Kerr said earlier this year.&nbsp;"That's the truth. He's crossed the line over the years, and that's part of it, you know. We will go to bat for Draymond, and go to battle with him every day of the week."

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has been "suspended indefinitely" following his clash with Phoenix player Jusuf Nurkic that saw him ejected for the third time this season, the NBA said Wednesday.

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has been "suspended indefinitely" following his clash with Phoenix player Jusuf Nurkic that saw him ejected for the third time this season, the NBA said Wednesday. The NBA said in a statement that Green had been handed an open-ended ban given his "repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts," adding that he would be "required to meet certain league and team conditions" before he is allowed to return to play. An indefinite suspension is an almost unheard of sanction by the NBA, which more commonly issues bans for a fixed number of games. Examples of recent hefty suspensions issued to players include the 25-game ban handed to Memphis's Ja Morant in June after he was seen flashing a gun in an online video, and the 30-game ban given to Charlotte's Miles Bridges over domestic violence allegations. Green was tossed from the Warriors' 119-116 road defeat against Phoenix on Tuesday after hitting Suns player Jusuf Nurkic in the head to earn a flagrant foul. The four-time NBA champion later apologized to Nurkic, saying he had accidentally struck the Bosnian after swinging his arm to try and win a foul call, believing he had been illegally held back. "I thought he was pulling my hip, and I was swinging a way to sell the call, and made contact with him," Green said. "As you know, I'm not one to apologize for things I meant to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn't intend to hit him." Also read: PSG, Porto storm into UEFA Champions League last 16 as Newcastle United bow out - 'That brother needs help' - Nurkic however was scathing of the incident, saying Green "needs help." "What's going on with him? I don't know," Nurkic said Tuesday. "Personally, I feel like that brother needs help." The flashpoint came just weeks after Green was issued a five-game suspension for his second ejection of the season, when he grabbed Minnesota's Rudy Gobert in a headlock during the Warriors' defeat to the Timberwolves on November 14. Green's second suspension of the season is the latest in a long line of brushes with NBA disciplinary chiefs over the years. The 33-year-old, who was also ejected in the Warriors' defeat to Cleveland earlier in November, was also suspended during the playoffs in April after stamping on Sacramento Kings player Domantas Sabonis. In October 2022, Green escaped a suspension by the Warriors after punching teammate Jordan Poole during a pre-season practice. Warriors coach Steve Kerr later described the incident as the "biggest crisis that we've ever had," but the team decided to levy a fine against Green rather than an in-house suspension. That incident followed an ejection in Golden State's 2021-2022 playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies after a clash with Brandon Clarke. He was also infamously suspended for game five of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers for a low blow against LeBron James. The flagrant foul led to a one-game ban and Cleveland, down 3-1 in the best-of-seven series, won at Golden State on the way to capturing the crown in seven games. Warriors coach Kerr however has been one of Green's staunchest defenders over the years, maintaining that the four-time NBA All-Star has been an integral part of the team's success over the past decade. "I've said many times we don't have a single championship without Draymond Green," Kerr said earlier this year. "That's the truth. He's crossed the line over the years, and that's part of it, you know. We will go to bat for Draymond, and go to battle with him every day of the week."

Golden State Warriors ace Draymond Green suspended 'indefinitely' over Jusuf Nurkic clash: NBA

Giannis Antetokounmpo erupted for a career-high 64 points as the Milwaukee Bucks avenged last week's in-season tournament exit to the Indiana Pacers with an ill-tempered 140-126 victory on Wednesday. Former NBA Most Valuable Player Antetokounmpo was in scintillating form, shooting 20-of-28 from the field with 14 rebounds, three assists and four steals as the clash between the two highest-scoring teams in the NBA lived up to its billing.

Milwaukee were dumped out of the in-season tournament semi-finals in Las Vegas last week by the Pacers and were clearly determined to avoid a repeat of that loss before their home crowd at the Fiserv Forum. The simmering tension between the teams boiled over in the fourth quarter when Indiana's Aaron Nesmith wrapped an arm around Antetokounmpo's neck as he drove for the basket.&nbsp;

Milwaukee's Bobby Portis flew in to defend his team-mate before being dragged away in an ugly melee that involved officials and coaching staff from both benches. The acrimony flared again after the final buzzer, with Antetokounmpo and other Milwaukee players racing off the court to confront members of the Pacers team.

Antetokounmpo, whose 64 points marked a franchise record, later re-emerged back onto the court to remonstrate with Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said the post-game fracas was triggered over a misunderstanding about the game-ball, snaffled by the Pacers after their Congolese rookie Oscar Tshiebwe scored his first NBA point off the bench.

"We were not thinking about Giannis's franchise record so we grabbed the ball and a couple of minutes later several of their players ended up in our hallway," Carlisle said. "There was a big fracas, melee whatever. I don't think any punches landed but our general manager got an elbow in the ribs from one of their players. "Unfortunate situation. It didn't need to escalate to that.&nbsp;

"Third time we've played these guys in the past two to three weeks so things are heated and I understand all that. But for it to come into the hallway -– it didn't need to happen that way."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golden-state-warriors-ace-draymond-green-suspended-indefinitely-over-jusuf-nurkic-clash-nba-669457">Golden State Warriors ace Draymond Green suspended 'indefinitely' over Jusuf Nurkic clash: NBA</a>

<h2>- Wemby rally falls short -</h2>

Elsewhere, Anthony Davis scored 37 points as the Los Angeles Lakers held off a dazzling late rally led by French prodigy Victor Wembanyama to edge past the San Antonio Spurs 122-119. The Lakers, missing LeBron James after Tuesday’s defeat in Phoenix, looked to be cruising after leading for almost the entire game and opening up a 20-point advantage early in the fourth quarter at San Antonio's Frost Bank Center.

But a stunning fightback by the home team -– who erupted for 45 points in the final quarter -– left the Lakers clinging on towards the end of regulation before they eventually scraped home. Number one draft pick Wembanyama, denied his much-hoped-for match-up with James, excelled down the stretch with 14 points including two back-to-back three-pointers and a free throw that helped San Antonio get to within one point with 22 seconds remaining.

The San Antonio rally fell just short however, with Davis nailing four straight free throws to give the Lakers a five-point cushion in the closing seconds, effectively sealing the game. Wembanyama, who arrived in the NBA this season being hailed as a once-in-a-generation talent, finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and six blocks, earning admiration from Lakers linchpin Davis.

"Obviously there's a lot of pressure on him, No.1 pick," said Davis. "But he can play. He's been struggling a little bit but he showed up tonight... he's one of them ones -– a generational talent. It was fun going against him tonight."

Wembanyama received offensive support from Keldon Johnson with 28 points, while Malaki Branham added 19 points as San Antonio fell to a franchise record-extending 18th straight defeat. The Lakers improved to 15-10 to remain in fifth place in the Western Conference. In other games, reigning MVP Joel Embiid bagged 41 points in Philadelphia's 129-111 drubbing of the hapless Detroit Pistons (2-2-22).

Giannis Antetokounmpo erupted for a career-high 64 points as the Milwaukee Bucks avenged last week's in-season tournament exit to the Indiana Pacers with an ill-tempered 140-126 victory on Wednesday.

Giannis Antetokounmpo erupted for a career-high 64 points as the Milwaukee Bucks avenged last week's in-season tournament exit to the Indiana Pacers with an ill-tempered 140-126 victory on Wednesday. Former NBA Most Valuable Player Antetokounmpo was in scintillating form, shooting 20-of-28 from the field with 14 rebounds, three assists and four steals as the clash between the two highest-scoring teams in the NBA lived up to its billing. Milwaukee were dumped out of the in-season tournament semi-finals in Las Vegas last week by the Pacers and were clearly determined to avoid a repeat of that loss before their home crowd at the Fiserv Forum. The simmering tension between the teams boiled over in the fourth quarter when Indiana's Aaron Nesmith wrapped an arm around Antetokounmpo's neck as he drove for the basket. Milwaukee's Bobby Portis flew in to defend his team-mate before being dragged away in an ugly melee that involved officials and coaching staff from both benches. The acrimony flared again after the final buzzer, with Antetokounmpo and other Milwaukee players racing off the court to confront members of the Pacers team. Antetokounmpo, whose 64 points marked a franchise record, later re-emerged back onto the court to remonstrate with Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said the post-game fracas was triggered over a misunderstanding about the game-ball, snaffled by the Pacers after their Congolese rookie Oscar Tshiebwe scored his first NBA point off the bench. "We were not thinking about Giannis's franchise record so we grabbed the ball and a couple of minutes later several of their players ended up in our hallway," Carlisle said. "There was a big fracas, melee whatever. I don't think any punches landed but our general manager got an elbow in the ribs from one of their players. "Unfortunate situation. It didn't need to escalate to that. "Third time we've played these guys in the past two to three weeks so things are heated and I understand all that. But for it to come into the hallway -– it didn't need to happen that way." Also read: Golden State Warriors ace Draymond Green suspended 'indefinitely' over Jusuf Nurkic clash: NBA - Wemby rally falls short - Elsewhere, Anthony Davis scored 37 points as the Los Angeles Lakers held off a dazzling late rally led by French prodigy Victor Wembanyama to edge past the San Antonio Spurs 122-119. The Lakers, missing LeBron James after Tuesday’s defeat in Phoenix, looked to be cruising after leading for almost the entire game and opening up a 20-point advantage early in the fourth quarter at San Antonio's Frost Bank Center. But a stunning fightback by the home team -– who erupted for 45 points in the final quarter -– left the Lakers clinging on towards the end of regulation before they eventually scraped home. Number one draft pick Wembanyama, denied his much-hoped-for match-up with James, excelled down the stretch with 14 points including two back-to-back three-pointers and a free throw that helped San Antonio get to within one point with 22 seconds remaining. The San Antonio rally fell just short however, with Davis nailing four straight free throws to give the Lakers a five-point cushion in the closing seconds, effectively sealing the game. Wembanyama, who arrived in the NBA this season being hailed as a once-in-a-generation talent, finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and six blocks, earning admiration from Lakers linchpin Davis. "Obviously there's a lot of pressure on him, No.1 pick," said Davis. "But he can play. He's been struggling a little bit but he showed up tonight... he's one of them ones -– a generational talent. It was fun going against him tonight." Wembanyama received offensive support from Keldon Johnson with 28 points, while Malaki Branham added 19 points as San Antonio fell to a franchise record-extending 18th straight defeat. The Lakers improved to 15-10 to remain in fifth place in the Western Conference. In other games, reigning MVP Joel Embiid bagged 41 points in Philadelphia's 129-111 drubbing of the hapless Detroit Pistons (2-2-22).

NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 64 in stormy Bucks win, Lakers down Spurs

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was once again ejected from an NBA game - this time against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday (Dec. 12) at Footprint Center in Arizona. The reason for ejection this time was hitting Suns center Jusuf Nurkic on the face. It happened in the third quarter of the game when the Warriors were leading 65-60 and Green already had one technical foul against him.

As for the play, Green was getting into the position with Nurkic defending him near the left corner of the court. Green, in order to reposition himself, moved around a bit and swung wildly which ended in his right hand smashing&nbsp;across Nurkic's face. Have a look at the video below:

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This shit is so tired and so ridiculous. If the NBA really wants Draymond Green to knock off the nonsense, they have to suspend Steve Kerr. Punishing the only defender Draymond has left is the only way to get the message through to him <a href="https://t.co/F6rSffnfHF">pic.twitter.com/F6rSffnfHF</a>
— Ryan Hickey (@Ryan_Hickey3) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryan_Hickey3/status/1734800811304108153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Suns center went down immediately on the floor and stayed there for multiple minutes as Green existed with 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists to his name on the night.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/watch-in-x-video-australia-batter-usman-khawaja-addresses-controversy-around-his-worded-shoes-669192">In X video, Australia batter Usman Khawaja addresses controversy around his 'worded' shoes&nbsp;</a>

This is not the first time Green has faced the consequence for his on-court antics. Earlier in the season, he was suspended five games for holding Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a headlock.

Talking about the game, the Warriors lost the game 119-116 despite being in lead at the halftime, although by just three points. The first 12 minutes of the game saw both teams going neck-to-neck, scoring 25 points each. In the second quarter, Golden State scored 31 points against Phoenix's 28 and took the marginal lead.

Come second half, the Suns shone brighter over the Warriors, scoring 35 points against the Golden State's 31 in the third quarter - not only erasing the deficit but taking one point lead as well.

In the final quarter, Phoenix outscored the Warriors 31-29 and won their 14th game of the the season to go with 10 losses. The Warriors, on the other hand, slumped to a 10-14 win-loss record for the season.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was once again ejected from an NBA game - this time against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday (Dec. 12) at Footprint Center in Arizona.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was once again ejected from an NBA game - this time against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday (Dec. 12) at Footprint Center in Arizona. The reason for ejection this time was hitting Suns center Jusuf Nurkic on the face. It happened in the third quarter of the game when the Warriors were leading 65-60 and Green already had one technical foul against him. As for the play, Green was getting into the position with Nurkic defending him near the left corner of the court. Green, in order to reposition himself, moved around a bit and swung wildly which ended in his right hand smashing across Nurkic's face. Have a look at the video below: This shit is so tired and so ridiculous. If the NBA really wants Draymond Green to knock off the nonsense, they have to suspend Steve Kerr. Punishing the only defender Draymond has left is the only way to get the message through to him pic.twitter.com/F6rSffnfHF — Ryan Hickey (@Ryan_Hickey3) December 13, 2023 × The Suns center went down immediately on the floor and stayed there for multiple minutes as Green existed with 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists to his name on the night. Also Watch: In X video, Australia batter Usman Khawaja addresses controversy around his 'worded' shoes This is not the first time Green has faced the consequence for his on-court antics. Earlier in the season, he was suspended five games for holding Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert in a headlock. Talking about the game, the Warriors lost the game 119-116 despite being in lead at the halftime, although by just three points. The first 12 minutes of the game saw both teams going neck-to-neck, scoring 25 points each. In the second quarter, Golden State scored 31 points against Phoenix's 28 and took the marginal lead. Come second half, the Suns shone brighter over the Warriors, scoring 35 points against the Golden State's 31 in the third quarter - not only erasing the deficit but taking one point lead as well. In the final quarter, Phoenix outscored the Warriors 31-29 and won their 14th game of the the season to go with 10 losses. The Warriors, on the other hand, slumped to a 10-14 win-loss record for the season.

VIDEO | Warriors' Draymond Green hits Suns' Jusuf Nurkic on face, gets ejected

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young was ejected from the game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday (Dec. 11) for arguing with the referees. Thee incident happened in the third quarter after the referees handed Young his second technical foul with 24 seconds remaining on the clock.

The whole thing started when Young tried to score on a floater shot but had some contact with Nuggets defender Peyton Watson. The refs decided it wasn't a foul and the play continued. Young got agitated when Hawks wing Bogdan Bogdanovic a few seconds later. Afterwards, Nuggets guard Christian Braun sent down a pair of free throws with under 30 seconds left in the quarter and Young had a strong opinion about the second of those free throws.

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The All-Star got into it with referee Brent Haskill with incessant clapping and was given a technical foul. Hawks head coach Quin Snyder also joined the chorus and was given a technical too. Have a look at the entire sequence below:

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Trae Young ejected 😳 <a href="https://t.co/m9IbQ0BVh5">pic.twitter.com/m9IbQ0BVh5</a>
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1734403419354304759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Hawks were trailing 99-86 at the time when Young was ejected and eventually lost the game 129-122 in the East-West clash. He managed 19 points, 9 assists, and 5 turnovers before being ousted for the rest of the game.

The Hawks had started well, scoring 36 points against the Nuggets' 28 in the first 12 minutes. Denver bounced back in the second quarter with 37 points of their own as Atlanta could manage only 26.

The Hawks went into the halftime with a three-point deficit which got extended to 17 points by the end of the third quarter as Denver scored 38 against Atlanta's 24. The Hawks went into beast mode in the final 12 minutes and scored 36 points but they could erase only 10 points of the deficit as the Nuggets scored 26 and won the game.

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young was ejected from the game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday (Dec. 11) for arguing with the referees. Thee incident happened in the third quarter after the referees handed Young his second technical foul with 24 seconds remaining on the clock.

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young was ejected from the game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday (Dec. 11) for arguing with the referees. Thee incident happened in the third quarter after the referees handed Young his second technical foul with 24 seconds remaining on the clock. The whole thing started when Young tried to score on a floater shot but had some contact with Nuggets defender Peyton Watson. The refs decided it wasn't a foul and the play continued. Young got agitated when Hawks wing Bogdan Bogdanovic a few seconds later. Afterwards, Nuggets guard Christian Braun sent down a pair of free throws with under 30 seconds left in the quarter and Young had a strong opinion about the second of those free throws. Also Read: LA Chargers QB Justin Herbert likely to miss game versus Las Vegas Raiders The All-Star got into it with referee Brent Haskill with incessant clapping and was given a technical foul. Hawks head coach Quin Snyder also joined the chorus and was given a technical too. Have a look at the entire sequence below: Trae Young ejected 😳 pic.twitter.com/m9IbQ0BVh5 — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 12, 2023 × The Hawks were trailing 99-86 at the time when Young was ejected and eventually lost the game 129-122 in the East-West clash. He managed 19 points, 9 assists, and 5 turnovers before being ousted for the rest of the game. The Hawks had started well, scoring 36 points against the Nuggets' 28 in the first 12 minutes. Denver bounced back in the second quarter with 37 points of their own as Atlanta could manage only 26. The Hawks went into the halftime with a three-point deficit which got extended to 17 points by the end of the third quarter as Denver scored 38 against Atlanta's 24. The Hawks went into beast mode in the final 12 minutes and scored 36 points but they could erase only 10 points of the deficit as the Nuggets scored 26 and won the game.

VIDEO | Hawks' ice-cool Trae Young gets ejection vs Denver after arguing with referees

LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the Los Angeles Lakers over the Indiana Pacers to win the maiden NBA in-season tournament on Saturday (Dec. 9). Both, James and Davis scored in double digits as the Lakers beat the Pacers 123-109&nbsp;to clinch the final.

The game started at a frantic pace&nbsp;as the first quarter saw both teams scoring a total of 63 points. The Lakers, however, took a five-point lead by outscoring Indiana 34-29 in the first 12 minutes. The Pacers caught up with Los Angeles in the second quarter, scoring 31 points, same as the Lakers.

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Indiana, however, still trailed by five points going into the halftime. Come second half, the pace of the game went slow as the teams scored in 20s. The Lakers, nonetheless, grew their lead to eight points as they outscored the Pacers 25-22 in the third quarter.&nbsp;

The Pacers tried their heart out in the final 12 minutes but could score only 27 points against the Lakers' 33, eventually conceding the game by 14 points.

For the Lakers, Davis scored a double-double with 41&nbsp;points and 20 rebounds to go with 6&nbsp;assists. LeBron also scored a double-double of his own, scoring 24&nbsp;points and 11&nbsp;rebounds to go with 4&nbsp;assists. The duo did bulk of the scoring while Austin Reaves (28&nbsp;points), D'Angelo Russell (13 points) and Cam Reddish (9) also chipped in with handy points.

For the Pacers, point guard Tyrese Haliburton scored a double-double of 20&nbsp;points and 11&nbsp;assists. Apart from him Myles Turner scored 10 points, Obin Toppin scored 13, Bennedict Mathurin was handy with 20&nbsp;points, Aaron Nesmith scored 15&nbsp;and Isaiah Jackson chipped in with 10 points.

More to follow...

LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the Los Angeles Lakers over the Indiana Pacers to win the maiden NBA in-season tournament on Saturday (Dec. 9). Both, James and Davis scored in double digits as the Lakers beat the Pacers 123-109 to clinch the final.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the Los Angeles Lakers over the Indiana Pacers to win the maiden NBA in-season tournament on Saturday (Dec. 9). Both, James and Davis scored in double digits as the Lakers beat the Pacers 123-109 to clinch the final. The game started at a frantic pace as the first quarter saw both teams scoring a total of 63 points. The Lakers, however, took a five-point lead by outscoring Indiana 34-29 in the first 12 minutes. The Pacers caught up with Los Angeles in the second quarter, scoring 31 points, same as the Lakers. Also Read: Premier League: Mohamed Salah's 200th Liverpool goal inspires fightback to beat Crystal Palace Indiana, however, still trailed by five points going into the halftime. Come second half, the pace of the game went slow as the teams scored in 20s. The Lakers, nonetheless, grew their lead to eight points as they outscored the Pacers 25-22 in the third quarter. The Pacers tried their heart out in the final 12 minutes but could score only 27 points against the Lakers' 33, eventually conceding the game by 14 points. For the Lakers, Davis scored a double-double with 41 points and 20 rebounds to go with 6 assists. LeBron also scored a double-double of his own, scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds to go with 4 assists. The duo did bulk of the scoring while Austin Reaves (28 points), D'Angelo Russell (13 points) and Cam Reddish (9) also chipped in with handy points. For the Pacers, point guard Tyrese Haliburton scored a double-double of 20 points and 11 assists. Apart from him Myles Turner scored 10 points, Obin Toppin scored 13, Bennedict Mathurin was handy with 20 points, Aaron Nesmith scored 15 and Isaiah Jackson chipped in with 10 points. More to follow...

Los Angeles Lakers beat Indiana Pacers in maiden in-season tournament final

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said that he'll meet Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant ahead of his expected return to the league. Morant is currently serving a 25-game ban which is due to end on December 18 when the Grizzlies face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The league had outlined several guidelines and checkpoints for Morant to comply with in order for him to return after his suspension in June earlier this year. Silver, ahead of the maiden in-season tournament final in Las Vegas, USA on Saturday (Dec. 9), said that he's been monitoring situation closely.

"Yes, I have been monitoring the situation closely, and him. In fact, we intend to have a check-in this week directly, Ja and I," Silver said during his news conference.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba/news-los-angeles-lakers-beat-indiana-pacers-in-maiden-in-season-tournament-final-668083">Los Angeles Lakers beat Indiana Pacers in maiden in-season tournament final</a>

"But folks in the league office, together with Ja and his team and the Players Association, have been in regular contact, essentially weekly. There have been those checkpoints.

"We've, together, laid out a program for him over the last several weeks, and to the best of my knowledge, he's complied with everything he's been asked to do. As I said, we'll talk at least once this week before he comes back, and we will review the program and make sure the conditions are in place for him to be successful going forward," he added.

Morant was suspended for 25 games after second video of him brandishing a firearm went viral on social media. He was banned for eight games in March earlier after going live on Instagram outside a Denver, Colorado club while holding a gun. The second incident was deemed detrimental to the league and hence came the suspension.

The Grizzlies, sans Morant, are tied for 13th place in the Western Conference with a 6-15 (win-loss) record. Memphis also performed poorly in the inaugural in-season tournament and bowed out with a 0-4 record.

If all goes well, Morant could play his first game of the season on December 19 against Zion Williamson starrer New Orleans Pelicans.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said that he'll meet Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant ahead of his expected return to the league. Morant is currently serving a 25-game ban which is due to end on December 18 when the Grizzlies face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said that he'll meet Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant ahead of his expected return to the league. Morant is currently serving a 25-game ban which is due to end on December 18 when the Grizzlies face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The league had outlined several guidelines and checkpoints for Morant to comply with in order for him to return after his suspension in June earlier this year. Silver, ahead of the maiden in-season tournament final in Las Vegas, USA on Saturday (Dec. 9), said that he's been monitoring situation closely. "Yes, I have been monitoring the situation closely, and him. In fact, we intend to have a check-in this week directly, Ja and I," Silver said during his news conference. Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers beat Indiana Pacers in maiden in-season tournament final "But folks in the league office, together with Ja and his team and the Players Association, have been in regular contact, essentially weekly. There have been those checkpoints. "We've, together, laid out a program for him over the last several weeks, and to the best of my knowledge, he's complied with everything he's been asked to do. As I said, we'll talk at least once this week before he comes back, and we will review the program and make sure the conditions are in place for him to be successful going forward," he added. Morant was suspended for 25 games after second video of him brandishing a firearm went viral on social media. He was banned for eight games in March earlier after going live on Instagram outside a Denver, Colorado club while holding a gun. The second incident was deemed detrimental to the league and hence came the suspension. The Grizzlies, sans Morant, are tied for 13th place in the Western Conference with a 6-15 (win-loss) record. Memphis also performed poorly in the inaugural in-season tournament and bowed out with a 0-4 record. If all goes well, Morant could play his first game of the season on December 19 against Zion Williamson starrer New Orleans Pelicans.

League commissioner Adam Silver to meet Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant ahead of expected return

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has suffered a contusion in his right heel, announced the team on Saturday (Dec. 9). Irving had suffered the injury during the win against the Portland Trail Blazer on Friday (Dec. 8). The Mavericks, however, have not announced a timeline for his return but he won't be playing the Monday's (Dec. 11) game on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Irving also confirmed that he's feeling better comparatively and posted on social media on Saturday night: "I am feeling better than I was yesterday and for now, that's all I can ask for. I'll be fine."

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To my Tribe and Family Members: 
I appreciate all of the prayers, well -wishes, and messages 🤞🏾🪶 
The unconditional Love shown from you all is truly appreciated. 
 
I am feeling better than I was yesterday and for now, that’s all I can ask for. I’ll be fine. 
 
Chief Hélà
— Chief Hélà 🤞🏾 (@KyrieIrving) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyrieIrving/status/1733663362330902817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba/news-los-angeles-lakers-beat-indiana-pacers-in-maiden-in-season-tournament-final-668083">Los Angeles Lakers beat Indiana Pacers in maiden in-season tournament final</a>

The Mavs guard had suffered an injury after his teammate Dwight Powell landed on his leg during the Trail Blazer game. The incident happened with 3:51 minutes left in the first half when Irving drove for a basket but was fouled. Powell then went on to grab the rebound but lost his balance and fell awkwardly on Irving's right leg. Have a look at the video below:

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Rough Injury for Kyrie Irving, hopefully it isn’t too serious 🙏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/vvlYmp4I5Z">pic.twitter.com/vvlYmp4I5Z</a>
— ₅ (@RunWithFox) <a href="https://twitter.com/RunWithFox/status/1733595326106210511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The injury seemed serious early on as the medical staff reached the court to help Irving. The guard eventually got up on his feet, took free throws but then decided to call it a night.&nbsp;

Irving, who had joined the Mavericks in 2022-23 mid season, has been suffering from a sore right foot in the ongoing season, making him miss four games so far. The veteran guard is averaging 23 points per game in 17 games played this season which is almost identical to his career average of 23.4. &nbsp;

Irving has been plying brilliantly well since last three-four seasons, averaging near or more than 27 points per page. He played 20 games with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2019-20 season and averaged 27.4 points per game. The next season, he played 54 games and averaged 26.9 points.

During the 2022-23 season where he played 40 games for the Nets and 20 for the Mavs, the guard averaged 27.1 and 27 points per game, respectively.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has suffered a contusion in his right heel, announced the team on Saturday (Dec. 9). Irving had suffered the injury during the win against the Portland Trail Blazer on Friday (Dec.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has suffered a contusion in his right heel, announced the team on Saturday (Dec. 9). Irving had suffered the injury during the win against the Portland Trail Blazer on Friday (Dec. 8). The Mavericks, however, have not announced a timeline for his return but he won't be playing the Monday's (Dec. 11) game on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies. Irving also confirmed that he's feeling better comparatively and posted on social media on Saturday night: "I am feeling better than I was yesterday and for now, that's all I can ask for. I'll be fine." To my Tribe and Family Members: I appreciate all of the prayers, well -wishes, and messages 🤞🏾🪶 The unconditional Love shown from you all is truly appreciated. I am feeling better than I was yesterday and for now, that’s all I can ask for. I’ll be fine. Chief Hélà — Chief Hélà 🤞🏾 (@KyrieIrving) December 10, 2023 × Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers beat Indiana Pacers in maiden in-season tournament final The Mavs guard had suffered an injury after his teammate Dwight Powell landed on his leg during the Trail Blazer game. The incident happened with 3:51 minutes left in the first half when Irving drove for a basket but was fouled. Powell then went on to grab the rebound but lost his balance and fell awkwardly on Irving's right leg. Have a look at the video below: Rough Injury for Kyrie Irving, hopefully it isn’t too serious 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/vvlYmp4I5Z — ₅ (@RunWithFox) December 9, 2023 × The injury seemed serious early on as the medical staff reached the court to help Irving. The guard eventually got up on his feet, took free throws but then decided to call it a night. Irving, who had joined the Mavericks in 2022-23 mid season, has been suffering from a sore right foot in the ongoing season, making him miss four games so far. The veteran guard is averaging 23 points per game in 17 games played this season which is almost identical to his career average of 23.4. Irving has been plying brilliantly well since last three-four seasons, averaging near or more than 27 points per page. He played 20 games with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2019-20 season and averaged 27.4 points per game. The next season, he played 54 games and averaged 26.9 points. During the 2022-23 season where he played 40 games for the Nets and 20 for the Mavs, the guard averaged 27.1 and 27 points per game, respectively.

Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving reacts on injury sustained during win over Portland Trail Blazers

Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers' scintillating run to Saturday's NBA Cup final has brought them nose to nose with a league great in LeBron James and a legendary franchise in the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA's inaugural in-season tournament has been a coming-out party for Haliburton and the Pacers, one of 10 NBA franchises never to win a league championship.

Having dispatched the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, the young Pacers can expect their stiffest test yet from all-time scoring leader James and the Lakers, who would love to claim the first NBA Cup but acknowledge they aren't taking their eye of the main prize of an 18th NBA title come June.

Indiana coach Rick Carlisle, who describes the Pacers as "somewhere on the climb" to becoming title contenders, said the match-up with James and the Lakers is just what his young team needs.

James, who turns 39 on December 30, delivered a master class in the Lakers 133-89 semi-final thrashing of the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, a performance that Carlisle said showed the four-time NBA champ "is in his prime still."

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"I'm watching the guy last night, and it's phenomenal," Carlisle said. "He's the only player in NBA history who has been the youngest player in the league and the oldest player in the league, both. That speaks to obviously an amazing run of longevity and, in his case, greatness. "He's the all-time leading scorer, and if there's a Mount Rushmore, he's one of the guys on the NBA Mount Rushmore.

"That's what we're up against tomorrow. We're up against him and Anthony Davis and a lot of other very good players that are on a real uptick right now competitively. "We've got our hands full. But if you're the Indiana Pacers and you're in the process of making the climb and you want great experience, this is the kind of challenge that you've got to love."

<h2>&nbsp;Gold standard&nbsp;</h2>

Haliburton, who grew up a James fan, calls him "the gold standard of basketball players." "Like any kid born in 2000, LeBron was my favorite player growing up," Haliburton said. "But that's the great part about being in the NBA is getting to compete against your idols on a nightly basis. I really look forward to that."

Former fandom aside, Haliburton and his young teammates would love to play spoiler to the Lakers' bid to add a new piece of hardware to their stuffed trophy case. "We're not supposed to be here and nobody expected us to be here," Haliburton said. "We've been probably looked at to lose the majority of our tournament games.

"The Philly game, we weren't supposed to win. Boston game we definitely weren't supposed to win. Milwaukee, we definitely weren't supposed to win. That's just been part of the storybook of this. "But it's not done yet." The Pacers will be hoping to wear down the Lakers with the up-tempo offense that has entertained fans and exhausted rivals in four group-stage wins and the knockout rounds.

Haliburton has emerged as the chief orchestrator of an offense that is averaging more than 128 points per game. He leads the league in assists with more than 12 per game, and had 15, without a turnover, along with 27 points in the semi-final win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. "You definitely have to have your track shoes on, come with the energy," Lakers coach Darvin Ham said of what it will take to beat the Pacers.

But the Lakers are rounding into form after early-season injuries and with James leading the way they have the tools to get the job done, Ham said. "You hear and feel his presence all over the place, and the guys respond," Ham said.

Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers' scintillating run to Saturday's NBA Cup final has brought them nose to nose with a league great in LeBron James and a legendary franchise in the Los Angeles Lakers.

Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers' scintillating run to Saturday's NBA Cup final has brought them nose to nose with a league great in LeBron James and a legendary franchise in the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA's inaugural in-season tournament has been a coming-out party for Haliburton and the Pacers, one of 10 NBA franchises never to win a league championship. Having dispatched the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, the young Pacers can expect their stiffest test yet from all-time scoring leader James and the Lakers, who would love to claim the first NBA Cup but acknowledge they aren't taking their eye of the main prize of an 18th NBA title come June. Indiana coach Rick Carlisle, who describes the Pacers as "somewhere on the climb" to becoming title contenders, said the match-up with James and the Lakers is just what his young team needs. James, who turns 39 on December 30, delivered a master class in the Lakers 133-89 semi-final thrashing of the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, a performance that Carlisle said showed the four-time NBA champ "is in his prime still." Also Read: IOC board approves participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes for Paris Olympics under neutral flag "I'm watching the guy last night, and it's phenomenal," Carlisle said. "He's the only player in NBA history who has been the youngest player in the league and the oldest player in the league, both. That speaks to obviously an amazing run of longevity and, in his case, greatness. "He's the all-time leading scorer, and if there's a Mount Rushmore, he's one of the guys on the NBA Mount Rushmore. "That's what we're up against tomorrow. We're up against him and Anthony Davis and a lot of other very good players that are on a real uptick right now competitively. "We've got our hands full. But if you're the Indiana Pacers and you're in the process of making the climb and you want great experience, this is the kind of challenge that you've got to love." Gold standard Haliburton, who grew up a James fan, calls him "the gold standard of basketball players." "Like any kid born in 2000, LeBron was my favorite player growing up," Haliburton said. "But that's the great part about being in the NBA is getting to compete against your idols on a nightly basis. I really look forward to that." Former fandom aside, Haliburton and his young teammates would love to play spoiler to the Lakers' bid to add a new piece of hardware to their stuffed trophy case. "We're not supposed to be here and nobody expected us to be here," Haliburton said. "We've been probably looked at to lose the majority of our tournament games. "The Philly game, we weren't supposed to win. Boston game we definitely weren't supposed to win. Milwaukee, we definitely weren't supposed to win. That's just been part of the storybook of this. "But it's not done yet." The Pacers will be hoping to wear down the Lakers with the up-tempo offense that has entertained fans and exhausted rivals in four group-stage wins and the knockout rounds. Haliburton has emerged as the chief orchestrator of an offense that is averaging more than 128 points per game. He leads the league in assists with more than 12 per game, and had 15, without a turnover, along with 27 points in the semi-final win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. "You definitely have to have your track shoes on, come with the energy," Lakers coach Darvin Ham said of what it will take to beat the Pacers. But the Lakers are rounding into form after early-season injuries and with James leading the way they have the tools to get the job done, Ham said. "You hear and feel his presence all over the place, and the guys respond," Ham said.

Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers set for historic face-off in NBA in-season tournament final

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder harried Golden State into an NBA season-high 29 turnovers in a thrilling 138-136 NBA overtime victory on Friday. In front of an ecstatic crowd in Oklahoma City, the Thunder opened a 10-point lead in overtime on rookie Chet Holmgren's three-point play with 1:52 remaining.The Warriors cut the deficit to two points with less than a minute to go but couldn't get over the hump.

The game was one of 13 on the slate on Friday, before Saturday's showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers for the first NBA Cup. San Antonio rookie Victor Wembanyama notched another milestone, scoring 21 points and grabbing 20 rebounds, but it didn't prevent the Spurs from falling to a franchise record-equalling 16th straight defeat, 121-112 to the Chicago Bulls.

The 19-year-old French phenomenon became the youngest player in NBA history to record a 20-point, 20-rebound game, surpassing Dwight Howard who was a few days closer to his 20th birthday when he did it in 2005. In other games, Philadelphia's reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid scored 38 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to propel the 76ers to a 125-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks despite a late injury scare.

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The Cameroonian big man appeared to injure his left knee, going down hard in the lane in the waning minutes. He was slowed but stayed in the game, draining a turnaround jumper to extend the Sixers' lead to four points with two and a half minutes to go.

It was part of a 15-0 scoring run that saw the Sixers pull away. Tyrese Maxey, who finished with 30 points, drilled a three-pointer in the burst capped by De'Anthony Melton's dunk. Embiid downplayed the injury after the game. "I just twisted it," Embiid said. "So we are going to talk about it and see how it feels. But I don’t know. I should be fine."

In Oklahoma City, Stephen Curry's three-pointer put the Warriors up by three with 19 seconds left in regulation. Holmgren, fouled on a three-point attempt, calmly drained three free throws to tie it at 118-118 with 7.7 seconds left.

<h2>Turnovers and fouls&nbsp;</h2>

Curry missed a last-gasp three-pointer and they went to the extra session. Curry scored 10 of his 34 points in overtime, but the Warriors couldn't overcome the 29 turnovers that led to 35 Thunder points. "It's turnovers and fouls, that's what it comes down to," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "We're good enough to win the championship, I believe that. But if we're going to just turn the ball over, throw the basketball to the other team, and foul, then we're going to lose."

In Denver the reigning champion Nuggets suffered their first home defeat of the season, falling 114-106 to the Houston Rockets -- who fended off a late Nuggets surge to win for the first time on the road. The Dallas Mavericks led wire-to-wire in a 125-112 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, but saw Kyrie Irving exit in the second quarter with a foot injury.

Irving was down after being fouled when teammate Dwight Powell, going for the rebound, fell hard onto his lower leg. In Boston, Derrick White scored 30 points and Kristaps Porzingis returned from a four-game injury absence to add 21 in the Celtics' 133-123 victory over the New York Knicks.

Jayson Tatum added 25 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown scored 17 before he was ejected after getting two quick technicals in the fourth quarter. Brown, apparently irked by a foul call, said something to draw a technical. Subbed out of the game, he continued jawing and was handed a second technical and tossed for the first time in his career. In Orlando, Franz Wagner scored 27 points and Paolo Banchero added 24 for the Magic, who handed the Detroit Pistons a 19th straight defeat 123-91.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder harried Golden State into an NBA season-high 29 turnovers in a thrilling 138-136 NBA overtime victory on Friday.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 38 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder harried Golden State into an NBA season-high 29 turnovers in a thrilling 138-136 NBA overtime victory on Friday. In front of an ecstatic crowd in Oklahoma City, the Thunder opened a 10-point lead in overtime on rookie Chet Holmgren's three-point play with 1:52 remaining.The Warriors cut the deficit to two points with less than a minute to go but couldn't get over the hump. The game was one of 13 on the slate on Friday, before Saturday's showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers for the first NBA Cup. San Antonio rookie Victor Wembanyama notched another milestone, scoring 21 points and grabbing 20 rebounds, but it didn't prevent the Spurs from falling to a franchise record-equalling 16th straight defeat, 121-112 to the Chicago Bulls. The 19-year-old French phenomenon became the youngest player in NBA history to record a 20-point, 20-rebound game, surpassing Dwight Howard who was a few days closer to his 20th birthday when he did it in 2005. In other games, Philadelphia's reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid scored 38 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to propel the 76ers to a 125-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks despite a late injury scare. Also Read: Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers set for historic face-off in NBA in-season tournament final The Cameroonian big man appeared to injure his left knee, going down hard in the lane in the waning minutes. He was slowed but stayed in the game, draining a turnaround jumper to extend the Sixers' lead to four points with two and a half minutes to go. It was part of a 15-0 scoring run that saw the Sixers pull away. Tyrese Maxey, who finished with 30 points, drilled a three-pointer in the burst capped by De'Anthony Melton's dunk. Embiid downplayed the injury after the game. "I just twisted it," Embiid said. "So we are going to talk about it and see how it feels. But I don’t know. I should be fine." In Oklahoma City, Stephen Curry's three-pointer put the Warriors up by three with 19 seconds left in regulation. Holmgren, fouled on a three-point attempt, calmly drained three free throws to tie it at 118-118 with 7.7 seconds left. Turnovers and fouls Curry missed a last-gasp three-pointer and they went to the extra session. Curry scored 10 of his 34 points in overtime, but the Warriors couldn't overcome the 29 turnovers that led to 35 Thunder points. "It's turnovers and fouls, that's what it comes down to," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "We're good enough to win the championship, I believe that. But if we're going to just turn the ball over, throw the basketball to the other team, and foul, then we're going to lose." In Denver the reigning champion Nuggets suffered their first home defeat of the season, falling 114-106 to the Houston Rockets -- who fended off a late Nuggets surge to win for the first time on the road. The Dallas Mavericks led wire-to-wire in a 125-112 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, but saw Kyrie Irving exit in the second quarter with a foot injury. Irving was down after being fouled when teammate Dwight Powell, going for the rebound, fell hard onto his lower leg. In Boston, Derrick White scored 30 points and Kristaps Porzingis returned from a four-game injury absence to add 21 in the Celtics' 133-123 victory over the New York Knicks. Jayson Tatum added 25 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown scored 17 before he was ejected after getting two quick technicals in the fourth quarter. Brown, apparently irked by a foul call, said something to draw a technical. Subbed out of the game, he continued jawing and was handed a second technical and tossed for the first time in his career. In Orlando, Franz Wagner scored 27 points and Paolo Banchero added 24 for the Magic, who handed the Detroit Pistons a 19th straight defeat 123-91.

Oklahoma City Thunder clinches NBA series over Golden State Warriors

The Los Angeles Lakers, fueled by 30 points from ageless LeBron James, routed New Orleans 133-89 on Thursday to book a title showdown with upstarts Indiana in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament.

James, who will celebrate his 39th birthday on December 30, was ruthlessly efficient, connecting on nine of his 12 attempts from the floor including four-of-four from three-point range. He piled up his 30 points, with five rebounds and eight assists, in less than 23 minutes on the floor. "Extraordinary" and "otherworldly" were two words Lakers coach Darvin Ham used to describe James, who also absorbed three charging fouls.

"He is the ultimate tone-setter," Ham said. "His energy, him sacrificing his body -- three charges. He set the tone for us on both ends of the basketball court for us tonight." He sat out the entire fourth quarter as both teams pulled their starters. The Lakers had taken full control, out-scoring the shell-shocked Pelicans 43-17 in the third period.

The first semi-final of the new tournament was an altogether different affair, with Tyrese Haliburton scoring 27 points to propel the Pacers to a 128-119 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in a game that featured 16 lead changes -- seven of them in the fourth quarter. Haliburton added 15 assists, without a turnover, and Myles Turner scored 26 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.

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Indiana, sixth in the Eastern Conference regular-season standings, had knocked out the East-leading Boston Celtics in the quarter-finals and followed up with another scintillating showing against the 2021 NBA champion Bucks, who were led by 37 points and 10 rebounds from two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The tournament has been a coming-out party for Haliburton and the Pacers, who came into Thursday's game averaging more than 128 points per game but whose NBA title hopes have been largely discounted.

"I think we're shocking the world right now," Haliburton said. "Nobody expected us to be here except for the guys in the locker room." The Bucks out-scored the Pacers 43-28 in the third quarter to take a 94-91 lead into the final period. Damian Lillard, who scored just four points in the first half, scored 20 in the second for Milwaukee.

But in a nip-and-tuck fourth, Turner's put-back layup gave the Pacers a 115-112 lead with 2:19 to play. Haliburton added a layup and a step-back three-pointer as the Pacers pushed the lead to 122-114 with 49.5 seconds left.

<h2>&nbsp;Still December&nbsp;</h2>

The in-season tournament, conceived to add excitement to the early stages of the long NBA season, has proved the perfect showcase for the high-octane Pacers, who have never won an NBA title. "We're in an inaugural championship game," Haliburton said. "That's going to go down in history. But we didn't just come here to play one game, play in two games, compete.

"We came here to win." For the Lakers, whose 17 NBA titles are tied for the most in history with the Boston Celtics, it's a chance to get in on the ground floor of the new competition.

But four-time NBA champion James said the Lakers won't let it distract from the long-term goal of capping his 21st NBA season with another title come June. 2Listen, it's still December, so I'm not getting too crazy about the whole thing," James said. "I understand this thing has been great, the in-season tournament, but it's still December.

"But it is another game for us to get better and we want to try to win the game because we're a team that wants to get better every single game we go out there, every quarter, every possession." The Pelicans weathered the Lakers' hot shooting start, their 13-8 rebounding advantage in the first quarter helping New Orleans take a 30-29 lead through one period.

James responded, making three straight three-pointers to open the second quarter. He scored 18 of his 21 first-half points in the second period -- his most in any quarter this season -- as the Lakers seized a 67-54 halftime lead. Anthony Davis added 16 points and 15 rebounds and Austin Reaves added 17 points off the bench for the Lakers, who had six players score in double figures.

"We're continuing to get better, but the most important thing, we continue to get healthy," James said. "Guys are buying into what we want to do defensively.&nbsp;"We're helping each other, we're sharing the ball offensively, and we're just playing Laker basketball right now."

The Los Angeles Lakers, fueled by 30 points from ageless LeBron James, routed New Orleans 133-89 on Thursday to book a title showdown with upstarts Indiana in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament.

The Los Angeles Lakers, fueled by 30 points from ageless LeBron James, routed New Orleans 133-89 on Thursday to book a title showdown with upstarts Indiana in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament. James, who will celebrate his 39th birthday on December 30, was ruthlessly efficient, connecting on nine of his 12 attempts from the floor including four-of-four from three-point range. He piled up his 30 points, with five rebounds and eight assists, in less than 23 minutes on the floor. "Extraordinary" and "otherworldly" were two words Lakers coach Darvin Ham used to describe James, who also absorbed three charging fouls. "He is the ultimate tone-setter," Ham said. "His energy, him sacrificing his body -- three charges. He set the tone for us on both ends of the basketball court for us tonight." He sat out the entire fourth quarter as both teams pulled their starters. The Lakers had taken full control, out-scoring the shell-shocked Pelicans 43-17 in the third period. The first semi-final of the new tournament was an altogether different affair, with Tyrese Haliburton scoring 27 points to propel the Pacers to a 128-119 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in a game that featured 16 lead changes -- seven of them in the fourth quarter. Haliburton added 15 assists, without a turnover, and Myles Turner scored 26 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Also Read: Everton beat Newcastle in Premier League, move out of relegation zone Indiana, sixth in the Eastern Conference regular-season standings, had knocked out the East-leading Boston Celtics in the quarter-finals and followed up with another scintillating showing against the 2021 NBA champion Bucks, who were led by 37 points and 10 rebounds from two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo. The tournament has been a coming-out party for Haliburton and the Pacers, who came into Thursday's game averaging more than 128 points per game but whose NBA title hopes have been largely discounted. "I think we're shocking the world right now," Haliburton said. "Nobody expected us to be here except for the guys in the locker room." The Bucks out-scored the Pacers 43-28 in the third quarter to take a 94-91 lead into the final period. Damian Lillard, who scored just four points in the first half, scored 20 in the second for Milwaukee. But in a nip-and-tuck fourth, Turner's put-back layup gave the Pacers a 115-112 lead with 2:19 to play. Haliburton added a layup and a step-back three-pointer as the Pacers pushed the lead to 122-114 with 49.5 seconds left. Still December The in-season tournament, conceived to add excitement to the early stages of the long NBA season, has proved the perfect showcase for the high-octane Pacers, who have never won an NBA title. "We're in an inaugural championship game," Haliburton said. "That's going to go down in history. But we didn't just come here to play one game, play in two games, compete. "We came here to win." For the Lakers, whose 17 NBA titles are tied for the most in history with the Boston Celtics, it's a chance to get in on the ground floor of the new competition. But four-time NBA champion James said the Lakers won't let it distract from the long-term goal of capping his 21st NBA season with another title come June. 2Listen, it's still December, so I'm not getting too crazy about the whole thing," James said. "I understand this thing has been great, the in-season tournament, but it's still December. "But it is another game for us to get better and we want to try to win the game because we're a team that wants to get better every single game we go out there, every quarter, every possession." The Pelicans weathered the Lakers' hot shooting start, their 13-8 rebounding advantage in the first quarter helping New Orleans take a 30-29 lead through one period. James responded, making three straight three-pointers to open the second quarter. He scored 18 of his 21 first-half points in the second period -- his most in any quarter this season -- as the Lakers seized a 67-54 halftime lead. Anthony Davis added 16 points and 15 rebounds and Austin Reaves added 17 points off the bench for the Lakers, who had six players score in double figures. "We're continuing to get better, but the most important thing, we continue to get healthy," James said. "Guys are buying into what we want to do defensively. "We're helping each other, we're sharing the ball offensively, and we're just playing Laker basketball right now."

LeBron James fires Los Angeles Lakers into maiden NBA in-season tournament final with star show

Joel Embiid shrugged off the lingering effects of illness to score 50 points as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Washington Wizards 131-126 in the NBA on Wednesday. Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Embiid missed the Sixers' last two games due to ill health but returned with a bang to deliver a season-high performance in a slender victory on the road.

It was the second monster performance by Embiid against the Wizards this season after the Cameroon-born star dropped 48 points against Washington on November 6. Embiid, who also had 13 rebounds and seven assists, revealed after Wednesday's win he was still not fully fit.

"I didn't feel good. My chest was killing me," Embiid said. "I started to feel better in the second half but I was struggling." The win saw the Sixers improve to 13-7 to remain in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, two games back from top-of-the-table Boston. Tyrese Maxey backed Embiid with 26 points while De'Anthony Melton added 19. Jordan Poole led the Washington scorers with 23 points as the Wizards slumped to their 17th defeat of the season to remain second from bottom in the East.

Elsewhere Wednesday, Luka Doncic put on a show with 40 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists -- including a first-half triple-double -- as the Dallas Mavericks pounded the Utah Jazz 147-97. Doncic's virtuoso performance -- the 60th triple-double of his career -- helped take him past the legendary Larry Bird into ninth place on the NBA's all-time rankings for triples.

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"I did that? It's pretty amazing," Doncic said when informed of his overtaking of Bird's triple-double mark. "I don't know what to say, honestly. We all know who Larry Bird was so it's pretty special," the 24-year-old Slovenian said.

The Mavericks improved to 12-8 with the win while Utah fell to 7-14. San Antonio's dismal start to the season continued with a 102-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Spurs' 15th consecutive defeat leaves them rooted to the foot of the Western Conference on 3-17.&nbsp;

San Antonio's number one draft pick Victor Wembanyama finished with 12 points from 4-of-13 shooting, but was upstaged by French compatriot Rudy Gobert, who posted 16 points with 20 rebounds for the Wolves, who lead the Western Conference at 16-4. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich bemoaned his team's inability to shoot anything from three-point range. Spurs made just eight of 36 attempts from outside the arc.

"We gave them a good run, but if you shoot eight from 36 you're going to have a tough night," Popovich said.&nbsp; In Detroit, Desmond Bane erupted for 49 points as the Memphis Grizzlies cruised past the Pistons 116-102.&nbsp; Memphis improved to 6-14 -- one place off the bottom of the West -- while Detroit fell to 2-19 to remain bottom of the East.

Joel Embiid shrugged off the lingering effects of illness to score 50 points as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Washington Wizards 131-126 in the NBA on Wednesday.

Joel Embiid shrugged off the lingering effects of illness to score 50 points as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Washington Wizards 131-126 in the NBA on Wednesday. Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Embiid missed the Sixers' last two games due to ill health but returned with a bang to deliver a season-high performance in a slender victory on the road. It was the second monster performance by Embiid against the Wizards this season after the Cameroon-born star dropped 48 points against Washington on November 6. Embiid, who also had 13 rebounds and seven assists, revealed after Wednesday's win he was still not fully fit. "I didn't feel good. My chest was killing me," Embiid said. "I started to feel better in the second half but I was struggling." The win saw the Sixers improve to 13-7 to remain in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, two games back from top-of-the-table Boston. Tyrese Maxey backed Embiid with 26 points while De'Anthony Melton added 19. Jordan Poole led the Washington scorers with 23 points as the Wizards slumped to their 17th defeat of the season to remain second from bottom in the East. Elsewhere Wednesday, Luka Doncic put on a show with 40 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists -- including a first-half triple-double -- as the Dallas Mavericks pounded the Utah Jazz 147-97. Doncic's virtuoso performance -- the 60th triple-double of his career -- helped take him past the legendary Larry Bird into ninth place on the NBA's all-time rankings for triples. Also Read: FIFA to consider more severe sanctions on under-fire Luis Rubiales in kiss row "I did that? It's pretty amazing," Doncic said when informed of his overtaking of Bird's triple-double mark. "I don't know what to say, honestly. We all know who Larry Bird was so it's pretty special," the 24-year-old Slovenian said. The Mavericks improved to 12-8 with the win while Utah fell to 7-14. San Antonio's dismal start to the season continued with a 102-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Spurs' 15th consecutive defeat leaves them rooted to the foot of the Western Conference on 3-17. San Antonio's number one draft pick Victor Wembanyama finished with 12 points from 4-of-13 shooting, but was upstaged by French compatriot Rudy Gobert, who posted 16 points with 20 rebounds for the Wolves, who lead the Western Conference at 16-4. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich bemoaned his team's inability to shoot anything from three-point range. Spurs made just eight of 36 attempts from outside the arc. "We gave them a good run, but if you shoot eight from 36 you're going to have a tough night," Popovich said. In Detroit, Desmond Bane erupted for 49 points as the Memphis Grizzlies cruised past the Pistons 116-102. Memphis improved to 6-14 -- one place off the bottom of the West -- while Detroit fell to 2-19 to remain bottom of the East.

NBA: Joel Embiid's monster performance helps Philadelphia 76ers win against Washington Wizards

The officials have defended the controversial timeout given to Los Angeles Lakers against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA in-season tournament quarterfinals of the Western Conference. The Lakers eventually beat the Suns 106-103 to move to the next round where they'll meet the Milwaukee Bucks for a place in the in-season tournament final.

The incident happened in the fourth quarter with 11.2 seconds left in the game and the scores being at 105-103 in favour of the Lakers. Suns' Kevin Durant had just scored a layup for for his team to cut the deficit to two points. The Lakers now had to inbound the ball under their own basket and LeBron James took charge.&nbsp;

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James passed the ball to Austin Reaves who immediately got surrounded by the Suns defenders. Reeves seemed to have lost the control over the ball but immediately a whistle blew to give the Lakers a timeout. Have a look at the video below:

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How are the refs gonna let the Lakers call timeout when they don’t have possession? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PHXvsLAL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PHXvsLAL</a> <a href="https://t.co/chAYjVMW9i">pic.twitter.com/chAYjVMW9i</a>
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rate_the_Refs/status/1732273696843477421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Talking about the timeout, crew chief Josh Tiven, after the game, told pool reporter Jovan Buha of The Athletic: “During live play the official felt that LA still had possession of the ball when LeBron James requested the timeout. Through postgame video review in slow motion replay, we did see that Austin Reaves had his left hand on the ball while it’s pinned against his left leg, which does constitute control.”

After the timeout, the Suns fouled the Lakers and Anthony Davis got to shoot the free throws. Davis scored one point on FTs and the Lakers score hit 106. Kevin Durant then failed to score the game-tying three pointer in the dying moments as the Suns bowed out of&nbsp;the tournament.&nbsp;

The Suns were pretty much trailing the Lakers in each quarter except the third one where they outscored Los Angeles 35-25. Phoenix was still in one-point deficit despite all that and the final quarter score of 23-21 in the Lakers' favour marked the end of their run in the inaugural in-season tournament.

The officials have defended the controversial timeout given to Los Angeles Lakers against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA in-season tournament quarterfinals of the Western Conference.

The officials have defended the controversial timeout given to Los Angeles Lakers against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA in-season tournament quarterfinals of the Western Conference. The Lakers eventually beat the Suns 106-103 to move to the next round where they'll meet the Milwaukee Bucks for a place in the in-season tournament final. The incident happened in the fourth quarter with 11.2 seconds left in the game and the scores being at 105-103 in favour of the Lakers. Suns' Kevin Durant had just scored a layup for for his team to cut the deficit to two points. The Lakers now had to inbound the ball under their own basket and LeBron James took charge. Also Read: Aaron Rodgers backs teammate Zach Wilson, angry about leaks from NY Jets’ locker room James passed the ball to Austin Reaves who immediately got surrounded by the Suns defenders. Reeves seemed to have lost the control over the ball but immediately a whistle blew to give the Lakers a timeout. Have a look at the video below: How are the refs gonna let the Lakers call timeout when they don’t have possession? #PHXvsLAL pic.twitter.com/chAYjVMW9i — Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) December 6, 2023 × Talking about the timeout, crew chief Josh Tiven, after the game, told pool reporter Jovan Buha of The Athletic: “During live play the official felt that LA still had possession of the ball when LeBron James requested the timeout. Through postgame video review in slow motion replay, we did see that Austin Reaves had his left hand on the ball while it’s pinned against his left leg, which does constitute control.” After the timeout, the Suns fouled the Lakers and Anthony Davis got to shoot the free throws. Davis scored one point on FTs and the Lakers score hit 106. Kevin Durant then failed to score the game-tying three pointer in the dying moments as the Suns bowed out of the tournament. The Suns were pretty much trailing the Lakers in each quarter except the third one where they outscored Los Angeles 35-25. Phoenix was still in one-point deficit despite all that and the final quarter score of 23-21 in the Lakers' favour marked the end of their run in the inaugural in-season tournament.

WATCH | Referee defends Lakers' controversial timeout vs Suns during in-season tournament quarters

The Indiana Pacers, fueled by Tyrese Haliburton's first career triple-double, beat the Boston Celtics 122-112 Monday to become the first team to reach the semifinals of the NBA's new in-season tournament. Haliburton scored 26 points with 10 rebounds and 13 assists and the Pacers put together a 9-0 scoring run with less than two minutes remaining to take control of a tightly contested battle in Indianapolis.

The Pacers, ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference regular-season standings, knocked out the East-leading Celtics and will face either the Milwaukee Bucks or New York Knicks in the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday. The Bucks will host the New York Knicks in the quarters on Tuesday and Haliburton said the Pacers will be ready for either one.

"We're a young, hungry group and we want to win every night," Haliburton said. "So we're excited to be there, but we're not complacent being there. We want to win." Buddy Hield added 21 points for the Pacers, who had seven players score in double figures to the delight of the 16,000-plus crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

"The atmosphere is crazy," Haliburton said of the playoff-type intensity in the arena, which was just what the NBA was looking for when it launched the in-season tournament hoping it would lend excitement to the early stages of a long season. "I love this," Haliburton said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba/news-las-vegas-beckons-as-nba%E2%80%99s-inaugural-in-season-tournament-enters-knockouts-666079">Las Vegas beckons as NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament enters knockouts</a>

Jayson Tatum scored 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and Jaylen Brown added 30 points and nine rebounds for Boston, who dominated inside in the first half but just couldn't keep the prolific Pacers offense in check in the second. Boston out-scored Indiana 32-14 in the paint and out-rebounded them 34-19 in the first half and led 55-48 at the break.

The Pacers turned the tables in the second half. Haliburton, held to seven points in the first half, scored eight in the first four minutes of the third quarter. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said 18 turnovers -- six of them in the third quarter when the Pacers briefly pushed their lead to 11 -- doomed the Celtics.

"When you turn the ball over you just let them get out in transition," he said. Even so it was all tied up at 105-105 with 1:33 to play when Indiana delivered the final blow.

Haliburton drew a foul on a step-back three and converted the free throw to give the Pacers the lead for good. Hield drilled a three-pointer and Aaron Nesmith threw down a dunk before the Celtics could respond and the Pacers held on. Later Monday, the Sacramento Kings hosted the New Orleans Pelicans in the first Western Conference quarter-final, with the Los Angeles Lakers due to host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The title game is on Saturday in Vegas -- where the finalists will be competing for the first NBA Cup and for the $500,000 in prize money per player on the winning team.

The Indiana Pacers, fueled by Tyrese Haliburton's first career triple-double, beat the Boston Celtics 122-112 Monday to become the first team to reach the semifinals of the NBA's new in-season tournament.

The Indiana Pacers, fueled by Tyrese Haliburton's first career triple-double, beat the Boston Celtics 122-112 Monday to become the first team to reach the semifinals of the NBA's new in-season tournament. Haliburton scored 26 points with 10 rebounds and 13 assists and the Pacers put together a 9-0 scoring run with less than two minutes remaining to take control of a tightly contested battle in Indianapolis. The Pacers, ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference regular-season standings, knocked out the East-leading Celtics and will face either the Milwaukee Bucks or New York Knicks in the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday. The Bucks will host the New York Knicks in the quarters on Tuesday and Haliburton said the Pacers will be ready for either one. "We're a young, hungry group and we want to win every night," Haliburton said. "So we're excited to be there, but we're not complacent being there. We want to win." Buddy Hield added 21 points for the Pacers, who had seven players score in double figures to the delight of the 16,000-plus crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. "The atmosphere is crazy," Haliburton said of the playoff-type intensity in the arena, which was just what the NBA was looking for when it launched the in-season tournament hoping it would lend excitement to the early stages of a long season. "I love this," Haliburton said. Also Read: Las Vegas beckons as NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament enters knockouts Jayson Tatum scored 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and Jaylen Brown added 30 points and nine rebounds for Boston, who dominated inside in the first half but just couldn't keep the prolific Pacers offense in check in the second. Boston out-scored Indiana 32-14 in the paint and out-rebounded them 34-19 in the first half and led 55-48 at the break. The Pacers turned the tables in the second half. Haliburton, held to seven points in the first half, scored eight in the first four minutes of the third quarter. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said 18 turnovers -- six of them in the third quarter when the Pacers briefly pushed their lead to 11 -- doomed the Celtics. "When you turn the ball over you just let them get out in transition," he said. Even so it was all tied up at 105-105 with 1:33 to play when Indiana delivered the final blow. Haliburton drew a foul on a step-back three and converted the free throw to give the Pacers the lead for good. Hield drilled a three-pointer and Aaron Nesmith threw down a dunk before the Celtics could respond and the Pacers held on. Later Monday, the Sacramento Kings hosted the New Orleans Pelicans in the first Western Conference quarter-final, with the Los Angeles Lakers due to host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The title game is on Saturday in Vegas -- where the finalists will be competing for the first NBA Cup and for the $500,000 in prize money per player on the winning team.

Tyrese Haliburton triple-double helps Indiana Pacers reach semifinals of in-season tournament

Philadelphia forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is eager to return to NBA action this week after suffering a fractured rib in what he called a "traumatic" hit and run last month. Oubre called out conspiracy theorists who questioned his version of events after police said they had not been able to find any video evidence of the incident, in which Oubre says he was out walking when he was struck by a vehicle that fled.

"This was and is a very traumatic situation for me and my family," said Oubre when he met reporters at the 76ers training facility on Monday. "So, I just wish that my life wasn't like 'The Truman Show' where everybody kind of watched it and have their own opinion about my life."

With police still investigating, Oubre said he wouldn't go into specifics of what happened on November 11, when he was hospitalized with a broken rib and other injuries."This is very hard for us to have to deal with and for me to miss being on the court, which keeps me sane, and a lot of people were very inconsiderate and insensitive to try to worry about video cameras," Oubre said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/nfl/news-jake-brownings-touchdown-helps-cincinnati-bengals-beat-jacksonville-jaguars-post-trevor-lawrence-injury-666387">Jake Browning's touchdown helps Cincinnati Bengals beat Jacksonville Jaguars post Trevor Lawrence injury</a>

"I'm just really blessed that it wasn't worse than what it is and I'm able to come back to work and smile and walk and talk and breathe. So yeah, that's just what I have to say about the conspiracy theorists." Oubre is expected to return for the Sixers on Wednesday at the Washington Wizards.

Oubre, 27, is averaging 16.3 points on 50 percent shooting this season. He inked a $2.89 million deal with the 76ers in September.A first-round pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2015 draft, he has played for the Wizards, the Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors.

Philadelphia forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is eager to return to NBA action this week after suffering a fractured rib in what he called a "traumatic" hit and run last month.

Philadelphia forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is eager to return to NBA action this week after suffering a fractured rib in what he called a "traumatic" hit and run last month. Oubre called out conspiracy theorists who questioned his version of events after police said they had not been able to find any video evidence of the incident, in which Oubre says he was out walking when he was struck by a vehicle that fled. "This was and is a very traumatic situation for me and my family," said Oubre when he met reporters at the 76ers training facility on Monday. "So, I just wish that my life wasn't like 'The Truman Show' where everybody kind of watched it and have their own opinion about my life." With police still investigating, Oubre said he wouldn't go into specifics of what happened on November 11, when he was hospitalized with a broken rib and other injuries."This is very hard for us to have to deal with and for me to miss being on the court, which keeps me sane, and a lot of people were very inconsiderate and insensitive to try to worry about video cameras," Oubre said. Also Read: Jake Browning's touchdown helps Cincinnati Bengals beat Jacksonville Jaguars post Trevor Lawrence injury "I'm just really blessed that it wasn't worse than what it is and I'm able to come back to work and smile and walk and talk and breathe. So yeah, that's just what I have to say about the conspiracy theorists." Oubre is expected to return for the Sixers on Wednesday at the Washington Wizards. Oubre, 27, is averaging 16.3 points on 50 percent shooting this season. He inked a $2.89 million deal with the 76ers in September.A first-round pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2015 draft, he has played for the Wizards, the Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. ready to return after 'traumatic' hit and run

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made a 360-degree layup against the Houston Rockets on December 2 and the internet can't keep calm. The 39-year-old, who is playing in his 21st season, defied the odds to get points in the second quarter and went viral instantly for the play which trended with LeBron 360 on X.

Talking about the play, LeBron spun on the baseline with Rockets forward Tari Eason in his face. He then went around defending Jeff Green to complete a 360-degree spin move before putting the ball in the basket. Have a look at the layup below:

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YEAR 21 🌪️ <a href="https://t.co/WtSEivga16">https://t.co/WtSEivga16</a> <a href="https://t.co/13cJIuTxwV">pic.twitter.com/13cJIuTxwV</a>
— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1731171799574950363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The video, put up by the NBA's official X handle, quickly went viral on the internet, garnering over 275,000 views in the first 20 minutes. Below are some other angles.

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LeBron goes baseline into the 360 LAYUP 🤯 
 
Lakers-Rockets | Live on the NBA App 
📲 <a href="https://t.co/dDpew0TWgp">https://t.co/dDpew0TWgp</a> <a href="https://t.co/M0b7P0vi6F">pic.twitter.com/M0b7P0vi6F</a>
— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1731171204109680955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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LeBron goes baseline into the 360 LAYUP 🤯 
 
Lakers-Rockets | Live on the NBA App 
📲 <a href="https://t.co/dDpew0TWgp">https://t.co/dDpew0TWgp</a> <a href="https://t.co/M0b7P0vi6F">pic.twitter.com/M0b7P0vi6F</a>
— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1731171204109680955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The 2003 NBA draft No. 1 overall pick has been with the Lakers since the 2018 season and has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as the Miami Heat before that. LeBron averages 24.8 points per game in his 21st year compared to his career average of 27.2.

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He also leads the list of NBA's all-time scorers list with 39,124 points.

Talking about the game, the Lakers won it 107-97 - their ninth win of the season in 11 games. Los Angeles started slow in the game, scoring 25 points against the Rockets' 30 in the first quarter.

The Lakers, however, picked up pace in the second quarter, scoring 35 points while managing to stop Houston at 14 only. At halftime, the box score read 60-44 in the Lakers' favour.

Come the second half, the Rockets erased two points from the 16-point deficit as they scored 28 vs the Lakers' 26 in the third quarter. In the final 12 minutes of the game, the Rockets pushed hard and scored 25 but fell short by 10 points in the end despite the Lakers scoring only 21 in the final quarter.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made a 360-degree layup against the Houston Rockets on December 2 and the internet can't keep calm. The 39-year-old, who is playing in his 21st season, defied the odds to get points in the second quarter and went viral instantly for the play which trended with LeBron 360 on X.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made a 360-degree layup against the Houston Rockets on December 2 and the internet can't keep calm. The 39-year-old, who is playing in his 21st season, defied the odds to get points in the second quarter and went viral instantly for the play which trended with LeBron 360 on X. Talking about the play, LeBron spun on the baseline with Rockets forward Tari Eason in his face. He then went around defending Jeff Green to complete a 360-degree spin move before putting the ball in the basket. Have a look at the layup below: YEAR 21 🌪️ https://t.co/WtSEivga16 pic.twitter.com/13cJIuTxwV — NBA (@NBA) December 3, 2023 × The video, put up by the NBA's official X handle, quickly went viral on the internet, garnering over 275,000 views in the first 20 minutes. Below are some other angles. LeBron goes baseline into the 360 LAYUP 🤯 Lakers-Rockets | Live on the NBA App 📲 https://t.co/dDpew0TWgp pic.twitter.com/M0b7P0vi6F — NBA (@NBA) December 3, 2023 × LeBron goes baseline into the 360 LAYUP 🤯 Lakers-Rockets | Live on the NBA App 📲 https://t.co/dDpew0TWgp pic.twitter.com/M0b7P0vi6F — NBA (@NBA) December 3, 2023 × The 2003 NBA draft No. 1 overall pick has been with the Lakers since the 2018 season and has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as the Miami Heat before that. LeBron averages 24.8 points per game in his 21st year compared to his career average of 27.2. Also Read: Former Australia skipper Ian Chappell outlines qualities which make Pat Cummins inspiring captain He also leads the list of NBA's all-time scorers list with 39,124 points. Talking about the game, the Lakers won it 107-97 - their ninth win of the season in 11 games. Los Angeles started slow in the game, scoring 25 points against the Rockets' 30 in the first quarter. The Lakers, however, picked up pace in the second quarter, scoring 35 points while managing to stop Houston at 14 only. At halftime, the box score read 60-44 in the Lakers' favour. Come the second half, the Rockets erased two points from the 16-point deficit as they scored 28 vs the Lakers' 26 in the third quarter. In the final 12 minutes of the game, the Rockets pushed hard and scored 25 but fell short by 10 points in the end despite the Lakers scoring only 21 in the final quarter.

WATCH | LeBron's 360 layup in Lakers vs Rockets sends internet into a frenzy

A fan died during the NBA in-season tournament quarterfinal between the Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday (Dec. 4) at Golden 1 Center. The game, where the Kings hosted the Pelicans, was in the first quarter when the incident happened.

As soon as the fan needed medical assistance, the emergency staff reached the scene but were unable to stop the fatal incident.&nbsp;The Kings issued a statement before the game concluded and expressed condolences.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/manchester-city-charged-for-failing-to-control-players-behaviour-in-tottenham-game-haaland-escapes-penalty-666334">Manchester City charged for failing to control players' behaviour in Tottenham game; Haaland escapes penalty</a>

“During the first quarter of the Kings vs. Pelicans game, a guest had a medical emergency. EMS immediately responded and administered CPR. Tragically, these efforts were unsuccessful and the guest passed away. The organization offers its deepest condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones,” the team said in the statement.

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Kings say a fan tragically died at tonight’s game after having a medical emergency and receiving CPR. <a href="https://t.co/ggUTA1Pxnn">pic.twitter.com/ggUTA1Pxnn</a>
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As for the game, the Pelicans beat the Kings 127-117 to advance to the Western Conference semifinal of the first-ever NBA in-season tournament. New Orleans started well in the game but fell short one point behind the Kings' score of 36 in the first quarter.&nbsp;

The Pelicans, however, took an eight-point lead by halftime as they outscored the Kings 34-25 in the second quarter. For the next two quarters in the second half, New Orleans kept the edge over Sacramento and outscored the Kings 31-30 &amp; 27-26 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.

New Orleans will now face the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns game in the semis for a place in the in-season tournament final.

In the second quarterfinal of the day, the Indiana Pacers beat the Boston Celtics 122-112 to reach the Eastern Conference semis. The Pacers will be facing the winner of the Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks in the East semis.

The winner of the semis from the two conferences will face off in the tournament final on December 9.

A fan died during the NBA in-season tournament quarterfinal between the Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday (Dec. 4) at Golden 1 Center. The game, where the Kings hosted the Pelicans, was in the first quarter when the incident happened.

A fan died during the NBA in-season tournament quarterfinal between the Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday (Dec. 4) at Golden 1 Center. The game, where the Kings hosted the Pelicans, was in the first quarter when the incident happened. As soon as the fan needed medical assistance, the emergency staff reached the scene but were unable to stop the fatal incident. The Kings issued a statement before the game concluded and expressed condolences. Also Read: Manchester City charged for failing to control players' behaviour in Tottenham game; Haaland escapes penalty “During the first quarter of the Kings vs. Pelicans game, a guest had a medical emergency. EMS immediately responded and administered CPR. Tragically, these efforts were unsuccessful and the guest passed away. The organization offers its deepest condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones,” the team said in the statement. Kings say a fan tragically died at tonight’s game after having a medical emergency and receiving CPR. pic.twitter.com/ggUTA1Pxnn — Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) December 5, 2023 × As for the game, the Pelicans beat the Kings 127-117 to advance to the Western Conference semifinal of the first-ever NBA in-season tournament. New Orleans started well in the game but fell short one point behind the Kings' score of 36 in the first quarter. The Pelicans, however, took an eight-point lead by halftime as they outscored the Kings 34-25 in the second quarter. For the next two quarters in the second half, New Orleans kept the edge over Sacramento and outscored the Kings 31-30 & 27-26 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. New Orleans will now face the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns game in the semis for a place in the in-season tournament final. In the second quarterfinal of the day, the Indiana Pacers beat the Boston Celtics 122-112 to reach the Eastern Conference semis. The Pacers will be facing the winner of the Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks in the East semis. The winner of the semis from the two conferences will face off in the tournament final on December 9.

Fan dies during Kings vs Pelicans in-season tournament quarterfinal in Sacramento

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