Basketball – Winnipeg Free Press

Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) looks towards his bench during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Thursday, May 18, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

KCP’s championship pedigree was missing link in Nuggets’ drive to Finals

Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 4:48 PM CDT

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets had all the ingredients for an NBA Finals run this season — Nikola Jokic's all-around greatness, Jamal Murray's sweet ball handling, Michael Porter Jr.'s board crashing and arc accuracy, Aaron Gordon's above-the-rim brilliance.

The only thing missing was big-game experience.

Enter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who won a title with the Los Angeles Lakers inside the NBA bubble in 2020.

The Nuggets acquired the sharp-shooting swingman along with veteran guard Ish Smith from the Washington Wizards last July in exchange for Monte Morris and Will Barton.

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Bucks finalizing deal to make Raptors’ Adrian Griffin their head coach, AP source says

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Bucks finalizing deal to make Raptors’ Adrian Griffin their head coach, AP source says

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 5:15 PM CDT

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks are finalizing a deal to make Adrian Griffin their head coach after he spent the last five seasons as a Toronto Raptors assistant, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Saturday because the deal was still being completed.

Griffin would replace Mike Budenholzer, who was fired earlier this month after the top-seeded Bucks' stunning loss to the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs.

Griffin had been an assistant on a Toronto staff headed by Nick Nurse, who was fired last month after the end of the Raptors' season. Griffin was an assistant on the Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship team that beat the Bucks in the Eastern Conference finals.

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Updated: 5:15 PM CDT

FILE -Toronto Raptors assistant coach Adrian Griffin takes charge of the team against the Detroit Pistons in NBA basketball game action in Toronto, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. The Milwaukee Bucks are finalizing a deal to make Adrian Griffin their head coach after he spent the last five seasons as a Toronto Raptors assistant, a person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press, Saturday, May 27, 2023.(Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

White plays hero as Celtics beat Heat, force Game 7 in East finals

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

White plays hero as Celtics beat Heat, force Game 7 in East finals

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 10:33 PM CDT

MIAMI (AP) — Derrick White scored on a putback with 0.1 seconds left and the Boston Celtics moved to the brink of the greatest comeback in NBA playoff history, holding off the Miami Heat 104-103 on Saturday night to force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference finals.

Jayson Tatum scored 31 points, Jaylen Brown scored 26 and Marcus Smart added 21 for the Celtics, who became only the fourth NBA team to erase a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series and force a deciding game. The others in that club — the 1951 New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, the 1994 Denver Nuggets in the second round and the 2003 Portland Trail Blazers in the first round — all lost Game 7, all on the road.

Boston, however, is going home for its shot at history. Game 7 is Monday night on the Celtics’ floor, a matchup that’ll decide who meets the Western Conference champion Denver Nuggets in a title series that starts Thursdays.

Jimmy Butler made three free throws with three seconds left for a one-point Heat lead. Smart missed a 3-pointer, but White grabbed the rebound and scored as time expired.

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Updated: 10:33 PM CDT

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Sea Bears ready to roar

Mike Sawatzky 4 minute read Preview

Sea Bears ready to roar

Mike Sawatzky 4 minute read Yesterday at 5:32 PM CDT

The Winnipeg Sea Bears are newcomers to the local sports landscape, but the fledgling Canadian Elite Basketball League franchise is guaranteed to make history even before the first three-pointer is scored.

As of Friday afternoon, the franchise had sold more than 6,700 tickets for its home debut against the Vancouver Bandits at Canada Life Centre Saturday night (7 p.m. tip-off), which will establish a league single-game attendance record eclipsing the previous mark of 4,404 set by the Bandits on June 18, 2022.

The promise of a large crowd doesn’t faze Sea Bears point guard Glen Yang.

“At this point, I enjoy those kinds of atmospheres,” said Yang, who played the winter season with Hong Kong-based Bay Area Dragons of the Phillipine Basketball Association. “I played in front of 54,000 in the Philippines in our Game 7 of the finals, which was insane.”

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Yesterday at 5:32 PM CDT

Idle Nuggets hold light practice, waiting for Celts and Heat to decide NBA Finals foe

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Idle Nuggets hold light practice, waiting for Celts and Heat to decide NBA Finals foe

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 5:18 PM CDT

DENVER (AP) — Denver Nuggets guard Bruce Brown has been using the long layoff before the start of the NBA Finals to work on his game — his golf game.

“First day of golf I played pretty well,” Brown recounted. “The second day was terrible."

On Friday, it was back to the business of Brown hitting the shots he hits the best — jumpers — as the Nuggets returned to the court for a light practice. Game 1 of the franchise's first appearance in an NBA Finals is still nearly a week away and their opponent has yet to be determined, with Boston and Miami heading into Game 6 of its Eastern Conference finals series.

The rest has certainly been welcome. The rust, though, does become a concern.

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Yesterday at 5:18 PM CDT

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) shoots past Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder in the first half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Final series Monday, May 22, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The 15 NBA teams that have come closest to overcoming a 3-0 series deficit

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

The 15 NBA teams that have come closest to overcoming a 3-0 series deficit

The Associated Press 1 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 2:42 PM CDT

A list of the 15 teams that forced at least a Game 6 in a best-of-seven NBA playoff series after dropping the first three games:

___

1947 BAA Semifinals: Washington Capitols trailed Chicago Stags 3-0, lost in six.

1949 BAA Finals: Washington Capitols trailed Minneapolis 3-0, lost in six.

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Updated: Yesterday at 2:42 PM CDT

A list of the 15 teams that forced at least a Game 6 in a best-of-seven NBA playoff series after dropping the first three games:

___

1947 BAA Semifinals: Washington Capitols trailed Chicago Stags 3-0, lost in six.

1949 BAA Finals: Washington Capitols trailed Minneapolis 3-0, lost in six.

Heat still lead East finals, but Celtics roaring back with eye on history

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Heat still lead East finals, but Celtics roaring back with eye on history

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 2:34 PM CDT

MIAMI (AP) — Maybe Kevin Garnett was right. Maybe, as he screamed in celebration of Boston’s 2008 NBA championship, anything truly is possible.

Even the impossible.

The Celtics are halfway to history, and that alone has gotten them entry into a very small club. Of the first 150 teams that trailed a best-of-seven series 3-0 in NBA history, just 14 — 9.3% — found a way to extend the matchup to Game 6. None of them have won the series, and most are usually eliminated by now.

Not the Celtics. They have cut the deficit in the Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat to 3-2, simultaneously trailing the series yet seeming to have all the momentum going into Game 6 in Miami on Saturday night.

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Yesterday at 2:34 PM CDT

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, right, talks with forward Jayson Tatum during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference Final series against the Miami Heat Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Marquette’s Prosper says he will stay in draft rather than returning to school

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Marquette’s Prosper says he will stay in draft rather than returning to school

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 11:22 AM CDT

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Olivier-Maxence Prosper has announced he is keeping his name under NBA draft consideration rather than returning to Marquette.

The 6-foot-8 forward announced his decision Friday.

“Thank you Marquette nation, my coaches, my teammates and support staff for embracing me from day one,” Prosper said in an Instagram post. “My time at Marquette has been incredible. With that being said, I will remain in the 2023 NBA Draft. I’m excited for what comes next. On to the next chapter…”

Prosper had announced last month he was entering the draft. He still could have returned to school and maintained his college eligibility by withdrawing from the draft by May 31. Prosper's announcement Friday indicates he instead is going ahead with his plans to turn pro.

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Yesterday at 11:22 AM CDT

FILE - Marquette forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (12) drives on Vermont guard Robin Duncan (55) in the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on March 17, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. Prosper has announced Friday, May 26, 2023, that he is keeping his name under NBA draft consideration rather than returning to Marquette. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 12.5 points and 4.7 rebounds last season while helping Marquette go 29-7 and win the Big East’s regular-season and tournament titles. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

NBA Playoffs: Celtics’ starters come up with a bit of history in Game 5 win over Heat

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

NBA Playoffs: Celtics’ starters come up with a bit of history in Game 5 win over Heat

The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 10:14 AM CDT

The Boston Celtics aren't done yet.

The Celtics — once down 3-0 in the Eastern Conference finals — are now within 3-2, after leading the whole way and topping the Miami Heat 110-97 on Thursday night.

Boston had four players, all of them starters, with at least 21 points — Derrick White led the way with 24, Marcus Smart added 23, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had 21 apiece. It was the eighth time this season, and first time this postseason, that a team had four starters score at least 21.

It was the first time Boston had four starters score that many in a playoff game since June 11, 1987. The Celtics actually had all five starters do it in that game against the Los Angeles Lakers; Dennis Johnson scored 25 points, Larry Bird had 23, Kevin McHale had 22, and Danny Ainge and Robert Parish scored 21 apiece in the Celtics’ 123-108 win.

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Yesterday at 10:14 AM CDT

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, left, during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals series, Thursday, May 18, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Miami looks to clinch conference finals in game 6

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Miami looks to clinch conference finals in game 6

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 1:05 AM CDT

Boston Celtics (57-25, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference)

Miami; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Heat -3; over/under is 211

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: Heat lead series 3-2

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Yesterday at 1:05 AM CDT

Boston Celtics (57-25, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference)

Miami; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Heat -3; over/under is 211

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: Heat lead series 3-2

Heat head home to Miami, confident as ever with another chance to clinch

Jimmy Golen, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Heat head home to Miami, confident as ever with another chance to clinch

Jimmy Golen, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

BOSTON (AP) — The Miami Heat insist they are as confident as ever, even after missing two chances to eliminate the Boston Celtics.

They will get the next one, Jimmy Butler said.

“It’s going to be all smiles,” Butler said after the Celtics won 110-97 on Thursday night to cut the Heat’s lead in the series to 3-2. “We are going to keep it very, very, very consistent, knowing that we are going to win the next game.”

The Heat are headed home with still two more chances to clinch a spot in the NBA Finals. But they would be wise to do it in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday night and avoid a decisive seventh game in Boston.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III, left, dunks as Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler watches during the second half in Game 5 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa )

Celtics thrive on 3s, beat Heat 110-97 in Game 5 to extend East finals

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Celtics thrive on 3s, beat Heat 110-97 in Game 5 to extend East finals

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics have looked elimination in the face four times this postseason and still haven't blinked.

Derrick White had 24 points, including six 3-pointers, and the Celtics dominated the Miami Heat 110-97 on Thursday night in Game 5 to extend the Eastern Conference finals.

Marcus Smart had 23 points and five steals. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown finished with 21 points apiece as the Celtics won their second straight and trimmed Miami’s series lead to 3-2. The Celtics are halfway to becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series.

“We’ve got to do whatever it takes to get a win," White said.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin, left, shoots as Boston Celtics guard Derrick White defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference Final series Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Heat to start Lowry for injured Vincent in Game 5 of East finals vs. Celtics

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Heat to start Lowry for injured Vincent in Game 5 of East finals vs. Celtics

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

BOSTON (AP) — The Miami Heat will start Kyle Lowry at point guard against the Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals Thursday after starter Gabe Vincent was ruled out with a sprained left ankle.

Vincent got hurt late in Miami’s Game 4 loss when he landed awkwardly while trying to save a loose ball near the Heat bench. He was re-taped and returned to that game, but the effects of the sprain led to the Heat ruling Vincent out for Game 5.

Miami enters Thursday with a 3-1 series lead and a second chance to advance to the NBA Finals for a matchup with the Denver Nuggets.

Vincent started each of Miami’s first 15 playoff games. He’s averaged 13.1 points in the postseason, third-best on the Heat behind Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Lowry has been coming off the bench while Vincent starts.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent (2) during the first half of Game 4 during the NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference finals, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Michael Winger leaving Clippers to take over Wizards, source tells AP

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Michael Winger leaving Clippers to take over Wizards, source tells AP

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 1 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Michael Winger has been hired as the new president of Monumental Basketball, overseeing the NBA’s Washington Wizards and WNBA’s Washington Mystics, a person with knowledge of the matter said Wednesday.

Winger, who comes to Washington after serving as the general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers for six years, will also oversee the G League's Capital City Go-Go as part of his new responsibilities, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Wizards had not announced the move.

ESPN first reported Winger's hiring.

Winger is essentially replacing Tommy Sheppard, who was the Wizards' president and general manager until getting fired last month after about two decades in the team's front office.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Michael Winger has been hired as the new president of Monumental Basketball, overseeing the NBA’s Washington Wizards and WNBA’s Washington Mystics, a person with knowledge of the matter said Wednesday.

Winger, who comes to Washington after serving as the general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers for six years, will also oversee the G League's Capital City Go-Go as part of his new responsibilities, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Wizards had not announced the move.

ESPN first reported Winger's hiring.

Winger is essentially replacing Tommy Sheppard, who was the Wizards' president and general manager until getting fired last month after about two decades in the team's front office.

Justus returns to court with Sea Bears

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Justus returns to court with Sea Bears

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Justus Alleyn was carving out an impressive professional basketball career overseas when he was dealt some devastating news.

His mom, Catherine, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Alleyn, a 6-3 guard who played for the Manitoba Bisons between 2013-18 and holds the school’s record for most career points, decided he needed to hit the pause button and sit out last season.

“It was definitely a tough situation. It’s one of those things where you want to be there for her and the rest of the family, but you’re so far away so you feel you can’t do anything. Even if you were home, you want to fix the situation or make it better, but it’s kind of out of your hands. It was not easy to deal with, for sure,” Alleyn told the Free Press on Wednesday.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Ja Morant is ‘fine,’ taking a social media break, police say after welfare check due to cryptic post

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Ja Morant is ‘fine,’ taking a social media break, police say after welfare check due to cryptic post

The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Police in Tennessee conducted a welfare check Wednesday on suspended Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant and say “he is fine” after cryptic messages appeared on his Instagram account and were later deleted.

The post from earlier Wednesday included messages and pictures saying “Love ya ma,” “Love ya pops" and “You da greatest babygirl love ya.” A fourth message simply read: “Bye.”

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office spokesman John Morris told The Associated Press in a phone call that deputies checked on Morant at his home Wednesday morning.

“He advised us that he is taking a break from social media,” Morris said.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the second half of Game 5 of the team's first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Still down 3-1 to Heat, Celtics cling to hope as East finals shift back to Boston

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Still down 3-1 to Heat, Celtics cling to hope as East finals shift back to Boston

Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics’ season didn’t end in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference finals matchup with the Miami Heat, and now there is a flicker of hope.

Whether Boston’s 116-99 victory on Tuesday night was the start of a miraculous revival or simply a momentary reprieve from what NBA history suggests is still inevitable remains to be determined.

At the very least, the Celtics’ win made their chances of becoming the first NBA team in 151 tries to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series move from insurmountable to iffy heading into Game 5 at TD Garden on Thursday.

That's good for a team that had spent most of this series looking nothing like the one that earned the conference’s second seed.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) stands on the court during the first half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat, Sunday, May 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Nuggets make Denver a hoops town with first trip to NBA Finals in 47 years

Eddie Pells, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Nuggets make Denver a hoops town with first trip to NBA Finals in 47 years

Eddie Pells, The Associated Press 5 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

DENVER (AP) — It took 3,787 regular-season games and 29 trips to the playoffs, countless ripoffs of rainbow uniforms and even more ‘yeah, buts’ than any city should have to stomach. Finally, 47 seasons into an entertaining, often frustrating and almost always overlooked journey in the NBA, Denver is at the center of the basketball world.

The Nuggets — yes, those sometimes-lovable and often-forgettable Nuggets — are in the NBA Finals.

The way they made it says everything about their near half-century in the league, and just how different this team is from every Denver team, even the really good ones, that preceded it.

The Nuggets brushed aside their long-held irrelevance by completing their first sweep in 44 NBA playoff series. They did it against the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that has caused them so much of their pain. Before the Western Conference finals, Denver was 0-7 in playoff series against the Lakers. Now, Denver is 1-7.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, right, is hugged by head coach Michael Malone after Game 4 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Final series against the Los Angeles Lakers Monday, May 22, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Adebayo and the Heat look to clinch conference finals against Boston

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Adebayo and the Heat look to clinch conference finals against Boston

The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Miami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (57-25, second in the Eastern Conference)

Boston; Thursday, 8:30 p.m. EDT

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Celtics -7.5; over/under is 215.5

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: Heat lead series 3-1

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

Miami Heat (44-38, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (57-25, second in the Eastern Conference)

Boston; Thursday, 8:30 p.m. EDT

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Celtics -7.5; over/under is 215.5

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: Heat lead series 3-1

Tatum scores 33, Celtics stave off elimination by topping Heat 116-99 in Game 4

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Tatum scores 33, Celtics stave off elimination by topping Heat 116-99 in Game 4

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 5 minute read Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

MIAMI (AP) — Down nine early in the third quarter, down 3-0 in the series, the Boston Celtics knew their season was completely on the brink.

Three minutes later, everything looked different.

Jayson Tatum had 33 points and 11 rebounds, Jaylen Brown added 17 points and the Celtics staved off elimination in the Eastern Conference finals by running away in the second half to beat the Miami Heat 116-99 in Game 4 on Tuesday night.

“We were just trying to save our season,” Tatum said.

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Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) congratulate each other during the second half of Game 4 during the NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Lakers hoping LeBron James decides to continue career after playoff elimination

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Lakers hoping LeBron James decides to continue career after playoff elimination

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 5 minute read Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers hope LeBron James will decide to continue his career after he recovers from the difficult end to their season.

James didn't meet with the media on the day after the top scorer in NBA history said he needed time to think about his basketball future following the Lakers' elimination from the Western Conference finals.

The 38-year-old James has skipped his team's postseason media exit interviews before, but his decision Tuesday left Lakers fans hanging about his intentions with his enigmatic comments following a four-game sweep by the Denver Nuggets.

General manager Rob Pelinka and coach Darvin Ham said they'll speak with James soon about his future.

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Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, is defended by Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) in the first half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Final series Monday, May 22, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Jimmy Butler fined $25,000 by NBA for not doing postgame media after Game 3

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Jimmy Butler fined $25,000 by NBA for not doing postgame media after Game 3

The Associated Press 1 minute read Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — Miami's Jimmy Butler was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Tuesday for not participating in required media availability after Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Butler did not talk to reporters following the Heat's 128-102 victory on Sunday that gave them a 3-0 lead over the Boston Celtics. The Heat can win the series and advance to the NBA Finals with a victory Tuesday night.

NBA TV, which has been televising the postgame press conferences, teased that Butler would be coming to the podium during its coverage, but the star forward never appeared. Gabe Vincent, Bam Adebayo and Caleb Martin instead followed coach Erik Spoelstra.

___

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Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) talks t0 Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Golden State’s Stephen Curry wins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice award

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Golden State’s Stephen Curry wins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice award

The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — Golden State’s Stephen Curry was selected as this season’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion, the NBA announced Tuesday.

The league will donate $100,000 on Curry’s behalf to the University of San Francisco Institute for Nonviolence and Social Justice. He is the third winner of the award, after Carmelo Anthony in 2021 and Reggie Bullock last year.

Curry’s off-court interests related to social justice are many. He’s a co-chair of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s “When We All Vote” initiative, to help drive voter registration, education and turnout. He participated in the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition’s “Freedom to Vote” social media campaign to help advocate for the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act in the U.S. Senate.

And when the Warriors visited the White House this season to meet President Joe Biden and commemorate their 2022 NBA title, Curry met with the president to discuss issues of community safety.

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Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry runs back after scoring during the first half in Game 6 of an NBA basketball Western Conference semifinal series against the Los Angeles Lakers Friday, May 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Nuggets shaking off team history, staking claim for first NBA title

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Nuggets shaking off team history, staking claim for first NBA title

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 5 minute read Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Denver Nuggets played with disruption on their minds in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.

Everybody on that tight-knit bench Monday night seemed to know their team had never reached the NBA Finals, had never swept a playoff opponent and had never beaten the Los Angeles Lakers in a postseason series. The Nuggets have given their fans comparatively little to cheer in their 47 seasons in the NBA, and they've rarely seized the basketball world's attention despite a solid list of famous alumni.

But with their confidence soaring in the midst of a dominant playoff run, these Nuggets were determined to secure their latest bit of history Monday night. They kept that attitude even after LeBron James dropped a 31-point first half that could have made a lesser team with a 3-0 series lead start thinking about Game 5 back home.

“Yeah, that’s never been our mentality,” Aaron Gordon said. “That hasn’t been our mentality all year, like, to concede. We’re not that type of team.”

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Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) celebrates after Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, center, missed a layup attempt as time expired in the second half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Final series Monday, May 22, 2023, in Los Angeles. Denver won 113-111 to win the series. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Jokic leads Nuggets past Lakers, and into first NBA Finals

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Jokic leads Nuggets past Lakers, and into first NBA Finals

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 6 minute read Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nikola Jokic is a player unlike almost anything the NBA has ever seen, and now he's taking his Denver Nuggets somewhere they've never been.

Jokic had 30 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists, and the Nuggets advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in team history Monday night, sweeping the Western Conference finals with a 113-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Canadian Jamal Murray scored 25 points for the top-seeded Nuggets, who overcame LeBron James’ 31-point first half and a 15-point halftime deficit with a tenacious finish in Game 4 to earn their first conference title in their 47 NBA seasons.

“It’s incredible,” Murray said. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s surreal. We’re going to keep making history, that’s the thing. We’re going to keep that mindset.”

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Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

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