Basketball

Hornets’ Kon Knueppel injures his left hamstring and could miss the start of the season

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 10:33 PM CDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel will miss the entire preseason and possibly the team’s regular-season opener after sustaining a left hamstring injury during on-court activity.

The team said Friday that Knueppel, who led the NBA in 3-pointers last season as a rookie, will be reevaluated during the first week of the season.

The Hornets open the regular season on Oct. 21 against Brooklyn.

The No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Knueppel averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 81 games. He was runner-up for NBA Rookie of the Year, first team All-Rookie and a four-time Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month. He made 273 3s, shattering the previous rookie record of 206 held by Keegan Murray.

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Basketball

Stephen Curry and Warriors agree to 2-year contract extension worth $116 million, AP source says

Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Stephen Curry and Warriors agree to 2-year contract extension worth $116 million, AP source says

Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:05 PM CDT

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $116 million that would take him through the 2028-29 season, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday night.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the terms of Curry's contract. Curry was eligible to command up to $136 million, so he is giving his team a discount as he backs up his longstanding commitment to finish his career with the Warriors.

Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy said last month he was optimistic of getting something done with the two-time MVP and NBA career leader in 3-pointers.

“We couldn’t be more excited about reaching an agreement with Stephen and extending his historic career with the Warriors,” Dunleavy said in a statement. “There has never been a better face to a franchise in professional sports history, both on and off the court, than Stephen Curry with the Warriors. He embodies everything this organization strives to represent through his legendary play on the court, his unique leadership and sacrifice, and his unmatched impact in the community.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:05 PM CDT

Basketball

Grizzlies waive D’Angelo Russell ahead of camp, sign Brendan Hausen

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Grizzlies waive D’Angelo Russell ahead of camp, sign Brendan Hausen

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 6:36 PM CDT

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies waived guard D'Angelo Russell on Friday ahead of training camp and signed Brendan Hausen as the franchise continues its latest rebuild with young players.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell landed in Memphis when he was included by Washington in a six-team, 11-player trade in July. Russell, 30, has played in 655 games over 11 NBA seasons with Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Golden State, Minnesota and Dallas.

Hausen went undrafted in June. He started 33 of 120 games in college with Villanova, Kansas State and Iowa.

___

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Yesterday at 6:36 PM CDT

Basketball

Cavaliers president Altman shrugs off LeBron James’ 76ers move, touts his team’s ‘sustainable’ build

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Cavaliers president Altman shrugs off LeBron James’ 76ers move, touts his team’s ‘sustainable’ build

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 6:18 PM CDT

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — Koby Altman would have loved for LeBron James to return for a third stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

When the most popular player in franchise history decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cavaliers' president of basketball operations wasn't fazed.

“We can’t be reliant on one outcome. I think we have too much of a good thing going in terms of our infrastructure, our foundation to worry about one outcome,” Altman said at a news conference Friday before the Cavaliers begin training camp next week. “I’m not downplaying the enormity and magnitude of the decision. I just think the way we’re built as an organization is we have a great foundation and a great sort of ecosystem in terms of talent, coaching staff, our performance staff and we’re built for a sustainable run here regardless of one outcome.”

James' agent, Rich Paul, said on his podcast in July that the Cavaliers were the only team to meet with James, while Miami and Golden State were the other finalists.

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Yesterday at 6:18 PM CDT

Basketball

Mavericks’ Irving says he’s ready to ‘kick some butt’ after ACL injury sidelined him for 19 months

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Mavericks’ Irving says he’s ready to ‘kick some butt’ after ACL injury sidelined him for 19 months

The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 1:50 PM CDT

DALLAS (AP) — Veteran Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving said Friday he’s under no physical restrictions from the torn ACL in his left knee that sidelined him 19 months ago, an injury that he called “probably the best thing that happened to me.”

“I’m ready to go out there and kick some butt,” Irving, 34, said during the team’s preseason media day, the first time that he's addressed the media since the March 3, 2025 injury. “I know that naysayers or some of the questions around where I’m going to be are going to be inevitable. But for me, I have the confidence of a champion. … This is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately type of league, and everybody wants to see it up close. So, I’m looking forward to being able to lace up my shoes and being on the court with my teammates and show everybody what I got again. It’s just like riding a bike.”

“In terms of health, he’s right there,” new team president Masai Ujiri said. “You hope he plays games and he gets right back into it.”

Irving said the time away from competitive play gave him time for reflection.

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Yesterday at 1:50 PM CDT

Basketball

Los Angeles Sparks fire coach Lynne Roberts after the team again misses the playoffs

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Los Angeles Sparks fire coach Lynne Roberts after the team again misses the playoffs

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 1:22 PM CDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Sparks fired coach Lynne Roberts on Friday, a day after her team missed the playoffs for the second straight year under her leadership.

Roberts was hired in 2024 and the Sparks went 37-51 in her two seasons in charge of the team.

“We are grateful to Lynne for the commitment and determination she brought to the role, which was evident all the way through our last game last night” Sparks special advisor Farhan Zaidi said. “Lynne has cared deeply about our organization and for our players and their development. We sincerely thank her for everything she has invested in the Sparks and wish her and her family the best moving forward.”

The Sparks had a solid squad coming into this season with Kelsey Plum and Nneka Ogwumike leading the way along with Cameron Brink. Plum was hurt in the early part of the season and then traded to Phoenix. Ogwumike was solid all year long, but announced this would be her last season playing in the WNBA and retired after Thursday's loss to Golden State.

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Yesterday at 1:22 PM CDT

Basketball

Evenly matched WNBA playoffs has everyone believing they have legitimate title shot

Doug Feinberg, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Evenly matched WNBA playoffs has everyone believing they have legitimate title shot

Doug Feinberg, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 12:21 PM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The race for WNBA playoff seeding went down to the wire, illustrating just how evenly matched the eight teams heading into the postseason are. It’s why every coach, player and fan base in the playoffs all believe they have a legitimate shot to win the title.

“It really doesn’t matter what seed you are. We have homecourt advantage. We all fight for that. There’s a reason why we all fight for that. But no, I don’t think anybody should be surprised at any outcomes,” Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. "I know the betting people will have favorites and that sort of thing. I wouldn’t pay attention to any of it. I wouldn’t be surprised by anything that happens because I think all the teams are that good.”

Reeve doesn't have to look far to find that reality.

The Lynx open the playoffs against the Liberty. The teams met for the WNBA title two years ago and now New York is an eight seed. No. 2 Golden State will play seven seed Dallas, third seed Las Vegas will play No. 6 Indiana and fourth seed Atlanta will host No. 5 Washington as the playoffs get underway Sunday.

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Yesterday at 12:21 PM CDT

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Basketball

LeBron James says friendship with Maxey, desire to help Embiid win a title led him to 76ers

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

LeBron James says friendship with Maxey, desire to help Embiid win a title led him to 76ers

The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 10:06 AM CDT

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — LeBron James said his longstanding friendship with All-Star Tyrese Maxey and a desire to help Joel Embiid win his first NBA title played significant roles in his decision to sign a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in July.

The 41-year-old James revealed scant details about the free-agency process on his “Mind the Game” podcast with co-host Steve Nash that dropped Friday. James is scheduled to meet the press for the first time as a Sixer on Monday at the team's media day in Camden, New Jersey.

Training camp opens next week.

A four-time NBA champion, James wrote on social media when he signed with the Sixers that he felt he was “done” when his 23rd NBA season ended, his last with the Los Angeles Lakers. But after time away with family, and still feeling physically and mentally strong in offseason workouts, James decided he wanted to keep playing.

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Yesterday at 10:06 AM CDT

Basketball

Thunder GM Sam Presti expects OKC to be ‘exceptional’ team even after major offseason moves

Tim Willert, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Thunder GM Sam Presti expects OKC to be ‘exceptional’ team even after major offseason moves

Tim Willert, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:45 AM CDT

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Sam Presti knows there is no dancing around the fact the Thunder will have a different makeup this season though that doesn't make OKC's longtime general manager nervous.

The Thunder won 64 games and took the San Antonio Spurs to seven games in the Western Conference finals, then traded longtime starter Lu Dort and key reserves Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins to shed salary needed to get below the second apron — a strict payroll threshold above the luxury tax that imposes severe roster-building and trade restrictions.

“I really do feel that by season’s end, we could have a really exceptional basketball team, if we stay healthy,” Presti said Thursday. “But, we’re gonna be different.

“There’s no way to avoid that because if you look over the last two years we’re losing about 10,000 minutes combined of those players. We’re losing about, oh, like a quarter, of our minutes played with that particular group.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:45 AM CDT

Basketball

Paige Bueckers steps onto WNBA playoff stage as next step in growth of Dallas Wings star

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Paige Bueckers steps onto WNBA playoff stage as next step in growth of Dallas Wings star

Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 5:02 AM CDT

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Paige Bueckers put her arms in the air with her hands together, a smile accompanying the prayer-like motion when the Dallas Wings star finally made a shot after a rare scoreless first half.

The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year knew she had missed her first seven shots in a random mid-August game against a team on a nine-game losing streak.

It illustrated the self-awareness Bueckers has shown as a pro, from the rookie No. 1 overall pick learning how to cope with losing in much larger doses to the second-year leader helping navigate the ups and downs for a contender.

Now she's ready for her WNBA playoff debut Sunday against the Golden State Valkyries.

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Yesterday at 5:02 AM CDT

Basketball

A’Ja Wilson and Aces to face Caitlin Clark and Fever in opening round of WNBA playoffs

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

A’Ja Wilson and Aces to face Caitlin Clark and Fever in opening round of WNBA playoffs

The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 12:24 AM CDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA playoffs will have a star-studded matchup between A'Ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark, thanks to a massive comeback by Golden State.

Down 10 with three minutes to go, the Valkryies went on a 14-0 run to beat the Los Angeles Sparks 76-75 Thursday night and move into to the No. 2 seed on the final day of the regular season.

Golden State's win and Indiana's loss to Minnesota sets up a best-of-three series between the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces and the Fever.

The series beginning Sunday in Las Vegas will be a showcase between Wilson, the four-time WNBA MVP, and Clark, the 2024 rookie of the year and three-time All-Star.

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Yesterday at 12:24 AM CDT

Basketball

Valkyries rally past the Sparks 76-75 to secure No. 2 seed and spoil Nneka Ogwumike’s final game

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 12:06 AM CDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kaitlyn Chen scored 14 of her 18 points in the fourth quarter, Gabby Williams added eight points in the final 90 seconds, and the Golden State Valkyries closed on a 17-4 run to beat the Los Angeles Sparks 76-75 on Thursday night in the final game for former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike.

Golden State (32-11) secured the No. 2 seed in the WNBA playoffs and will face seventh-seeded Dallas in a first-round series beginning on Sunday.

Ogwumike had 17 points, 15 rebounds and five assists for Los Angeles (16-27) in the final game of her 15-year career. Ogwumike, who announced on Aug. 19 she would retire after this season, and her 19th double-double of the season — and 134th of her career to rank sixth in league history.

Dearica Hamby and Rae Burrell each scored 15 for Los Angeles.

Basketball

Wilson scores 34, Loyd adds 25 off bench, Aces head into playoffs after beating Mercury 100-82

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Wilson scores 34, Loyd adds 25 off bench, Aces head into playoffs after beating Mercury 100-82

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026

PHOENIX (AP) — A'ja Wilson scored 34 points, Jewell Loyd added 25 off the bench, and the Las Vegas Aces closed the regular season with a 100-82 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night.

The defending champions head into the playoffs as the No. 3 seed and face No. 6 Indiana when the first round opens on Sunday.

The Mercury had cut a 31-point deficit to nine midway through the fourth quarter but two offensive fouls and a technical foul short-circuited the rally.

Stephanie Talbot added 14 points and Chelsea Gray 12 for the Aces (31-13), who shot 56% and had 28 assists, 11 from Jackie Young and 10 from Gray. Wilson has 13 games of 30 or more points this season, tying the league mark she set last year.

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Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026

Basketball

Sun beat Tempo in franchise’s final game in Connecticut before moving to Houston

The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 12:33 AM CDT

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Sun fans, many decked in the orange shirts they have been wearing for years, turned out one last time as the franchise played its final game before moving to Houston, a 95-81 win over the Toronto Tempo on Thursday night.

Longtime season ticket holders were among those honored as the Sun said goodbye to Mohegan Sun Arena.

When the Sun moved from Orlando to Connecticut after the 2002 season, former UConn stars Nykesha Sales and Rebecca Lobo were the faces of the franchise. Sales, recently hired as an assistant coach at UConn, was among those recognized Thursday.

Another UConn product, Aaliyah Edwards, had 14 first-half points to help the Sun to a 38-36 lead at the break. The Sun took control in the third quarter, much to the delight of the sellout crowd of 8,911, and went on to snap a six-game skid.

Basketball

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes the ballaround Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard, right, during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

Lynx flex their top-seed muscle without Miles, push Clark and the Fever to 6th for the WNBA playoffs

Dave Campbell, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Lynx flex their top-seed muscle without Miles, push Clark and the Fever to 6th for the WNBA playoffs

Dave Campbell, The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kayla McBride scored 22 points on 6-for-10 shooting from 3-point range as the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx closed the regular season by cruising to an 86-66 victory Thursday night that pushed the Indiana Fever into sixth place entering the WNBA playoffs.

Natasha Howard had 21 points and Courtney Williams added nine points, seven rebounds and 10 assists for the Lynx, who played without star point guard Olivia Miles for a second straight game due to a left calf injury. The Lynx snapped back from a blowout loss to the Fever on the road two days ago.

Kelsey Mitchell had a team-leading 10 points and Caitlin Clark scored a season-low two points on 1-for-12 shooting as the Fever fell behind 25-4 late in the first quarter and never recovered.

Minnesota (33-11), which had already secured the No. 1 seed for the second consecutive year, will face New York in a best-of-three first-round matchup starting Sunday. The Liberty beat the Lynx in five games in the WNBA Finals in 2024.

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Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026

Basketball

Citron has 22, Iriafen 16 points, 15 boards as playoff-bound Mystics beat Sky 101-93

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sonia Citron scored 21 points, Kiki Iriafen had 16 points and 15 rebounds, and the playoff-bound Washington Mystics beat the Chicago Sky 101-93 in their regular-season finale on Thursday night.

Washington (27-17) earned the No. 5 seed and a first-round matchup with fourth-seeded Atlanta when the playoffs open Sunday. Indiana (27-17) fell to No. 6 after losing the season series with the Mystics and will play No. 3 seed and defending champion Las Vegas in the best-of-three opening round.

Chicago (16-28) fell behind quickly and trailed by 25 in the fourth quarter before getting within 95-91 on Courtney Vandersloot's four-point play and layup with a minute left. Citron ended the threat when she fed Iriafen for a bucket with 39 seconds to play.

Washington won seven of eight games down the stretch and 16 of its last 19, going 3-0 against Chicago. Michaela Onyenwere also had 16 points, Georgia Amoore had 14 and Cotie McMahon 12 off the bench. Shakira Austin had 11 rebounds as the Mystics had a 44-27 advantage on the boards.

September 26, 2026

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