LeBron James shook a few hands, slapped a few fives, gave a few hugs.
LeBron James shook a few hands, slapped a few fives, gave a few hugs.
Maybe they'll finally get a challenge this time.
Maybe they'll finally get a challenge this time.
The NBA fined Miami coach Erik Spoelstra $25,000 on Friday for "critical public comments" about officiating in the Eastern Conference series with Indiana.
The NBA fined Miami coach Erik Spoelstra $25,000 on Friday for "critical public comments" about officiating in the Eastern Conference series with Indiana.
Mike Woodson will return as the New York Knicks' coach after leading them to their first playoff victory in 11 years.
One playoff victory was good enough for Mike Woodson to return as New York Knicks coach - even with Phil Jackson lurking as a potential candidate.
Chris Bosh remains sidelined, and just about everyone else on the Miami Heat seems to be dealing with at least some minor aches and pains.
Dwyane Wade has been battling knee soreness. LeBron James was hobbling after a falling into a courtside cameraman. Chris Bosh remains sidelined indefinitely with an abdominal strain. Mike Miller looks to be in agony whenever...
A person familiar with the situation says the Charlotte Bobcats will interview Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan on Friday for their vacant head coaching position.
A person familiar with the situation says the Charlotte Bobcats will interview Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan on Friday for their vacant head coaching position.
With another season on the brink, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James took their two-man game to new heights.
With another season on the brink, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James took their two-man game to new heights.
Dwyane Wade scored 41 points, LeBron James added 28 and Miami finished off the Indiana Pacers, sending the Heat back to the Eastern Conference finals with a 105-93 victory in Game 6 on Thursday night.
Miami's Big Two was more than enough to finish off the Indiana Pacers.
By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer For Jocelyn Leonard, the pain can be difficult to bear - especially during a week like this.
By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer Jocelyn Leonard stood near the front of the gym, leading the choir at Fennville High School.
LeBron James was the leading vote-getter for the All-NBA team, while Kobe Bryant earned his 10th first-team selection, tied for second on the career list.
LeBron James was the leading vote-getter for the All-NBA team, while Kobe Bryant earned his 10th first-team selection, tied for second on the career list.
Jrue Holiday scored 20 points, and Elton Brand had 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the tough-and-determined Philadelphia 76ers past the Celtics, 82-75 on Wednesday night to send the Eastern Conference semifinals back to...
In the most unpredictable of playoff series, Rajon Rondo was the one consistent playmaker for Boston.
Larry Bird called the Indiana Pacers soft. Players agreed with their team president.
Udonis Haslem insists he meant no harm. The NBA deemed otherwise, and the Miami Heat will be without one of their co-captains when they try to close out the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
Dwyane Wade was bleeding after taking a smack in the head from Tyler Hansbrough, who became the target of a retaliatory shot from Udonis Haslem a few moments later.
Dwyane Wade was bleeding after taking a smack in the head from Tyler Hansbrough, who became the target of a retaliatory shot from Udonis Haslem a few moments later.
LeBron James scored 30 points, Dwyane Wade added 28, and the Miami Heat moved a win away from another trip to the Eastern Conference finals with a 115-83 victory over the suddenly hurting Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.
Suddenly, the road back to the Eastern Conference finals no longer looks daunting for Miami.
Indiana forward Danny Granger sprained his left ankle after missing a shot late in the first half of Game 5 of the Pacers' Eastern Conference semifinal series in Miami on Tuesday night.
Indiana forward Danny Granger left the Pacers' Eastern Conference semifinal game against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night early in the second half with a sprained left ankle.
Sitting on the shore and staring at one of the world's most majestic metropolitan views, Joe Lacob leaned over to hear fellow Golden State Warriors co-owner Peter Guber whisper in his ear.
Sitting along the shore and staring at one of the world's most majestic metropolitan views, Joe Lacob leaned over to hear fellow Golden State Warriors co-owner Peter Guber whisper in his ear.
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol spent the final minutes of the Los Angeles Lakers' final game arguing in Oklahoma City, disagreeing on the best way to run a pick-and-roll play.
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol spent the final minutes of the Los Angeles Lakers' final game arguing in Oklahoma City, disagreeing on the best way to run a pick-and-roll play.
The Golden State Warriors are ready to move back to San Francisco.
The Golden State Warriors are ready to announce what many have long suspected: The franchise wants to move back to San Francisco.
Russell Westbrook found a way to get the Thunder rolling past the Los Angeles Lakers and into the Western Conference finals for the second straight year.
Ramon Sessions did the best he could to keep Russell Westbrook from making a high-flying dunk that would energize the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Eighteen wins in a row, and eight more victories to go.
Eighteen wins in a row, and eight more victories to go.
Russell Westbrook scored 28 points, Kevin Durant added 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder surged ahead in the second half to beat Los Angeles 106-90 in Game 5 on Monday night and eliminate the Lakers...
With the Oklahoma City Thunder just starting to come to life, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant didn't need to take a break.
Brandon Bass scored 18 of his postseason career-high 27 points in the third quarter on Monday night as the Boston Celtics pulled away from the Philadelphia 76ers to win 101-85 and take a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference...
They started as a Big Three and grew to a Big Four when Rajon Rondo earned the right to be mentioned along with the other Boston Celtics All-Stars.
By JIM LITKE AP Sports Columnist Spectacular as it seemed, it was nothing we haven't seen from LeBron James before.
By JIM LITKE AP Sports Columnist Spectacular as it seemed, it was nothing we haven't seen from LeBron James before.
The Orlando Magic have fired coach Stan Van Gundy after a rocky season.
For months the Orlando Magic have been trudging through the aftermath of a preseason trade request by Dwight Howard that sapped the life out of the franchise as internal team issues quickly affected the product on the floor.
LeBron James was tired Monday. Understandable, given he was coming off an effort the NBA hadn't seen in more than 50 years.
On the plane ride home from Indiana, Miami guard Dwyane Wade was watching a LeBron James highlight tape. It was otherwise known as Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Bradley Center has a new name - and, perhaps, a more specific expiration date.
The Bradley Center has a new name and, perhaps, a more specific expiration date.
The San Antonio Spurs are on to the Western Conference finals, along with their 18-game winning streak and 8-0 mark in the playoffs.
The San Antonio Spurs are on to the Western Conference finals, along with their 18-game winning streak and 8-0 mark in the playoffs.
As the clock ticked down to a precious few seconds, LeBron James threw his right arm around Dwyane Wade's neck and pulled his teammate close.
As the clock ticked down to a precious few seconds, LeBron James threw his right arm around Dwyane Wade's neck and pulled his teammate close.
Tim Duncan scored 21 points, Tony Parker added 17 and the San Antonio Spurs rallied in the final minutes to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 102-99 on Sunday night, closing out the series 4-0 and advancing to the Western...
The San Antonio Spurs mowed down another opponent, using their guile under pressure to close out another perfect playoff series.
LeBron James scored 40 points, superstar sidekick Dwyane Wade added 30 - 22 in the second half - and Miami's dynamic duo took over after halftime to bring the Heat even the series with a 101-93 win over the Indiana...
The coveted NBA championship, the one LeBron James needs to validate everything, was vanishing.
Former NBA star and 1960 Olympic gold medalist Bob Boozer has died. He was 75.
Bob Boozer was a star in college, an Olympic gold medalist and an 11-year professional who finished his playing career with an NBA championship.
Russell Westbrook scored 10 of his 37 points during a stirring fourth-quarter comeback, Kevin Durant added 31 points and hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 13.7 seconds left, and the Oklahoma City Thunder seized control of...
Kevin Durant stood above the 3-point line and watched the shot clock dwindle in the final seconds of Game 4. When Metta World Peace backed up slightly on defense, Durant hesitated only an instant before launching a 26-footer.
Tim Duncan scored 19 points, helping engineer a 24-0 run in the third quarter after the Spurs trailed by 24 points, and San Antonio defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 96-86 on Saturday to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their...
Nothing was going to rattle the calm, cool and collected Spurs. Not even a 24-point deficit.
Pacers reserve guard Lance Stephenson apologized for making a choking gesture toward LeBron James.
Pacers reserve guard Lance Stephenson apologized for making a choking gesture toward LeBron James.
Refreshed in body and spirit, the Miami Heat returned to practice reunited and refocused.
Refreshed in body and spirit, the Miami Heat returned to practice reunited and refocused.
Pacers reserve guard Lance Stephenson has apologized to his coach for making a choking gesture toward LeBron James during Indiana's Game 3 win over Miami.
Pacers reserve guard Lance Stephenson has apologized to his coach for making a choking gesture toward LeBron James during Indiana's Game 3 win over Miami.
Dwyane Wade says the Miami Heat have moved on from Game 3 when he had his public spat with coach Erik Spoelstra.
Dwyane Wade says the Miami Heat have moved on from Game 3 when he had his public spat with coach Erik Spoelstra.
It started with an innocent spurt that only seemed as if it would make an inevitable season-opening loss for Los Angeles a bit more respectable.
It started with an innocent spurt that only seemed as if it would make an inevitable season-opening loss for Los Angeles a bit more respectable.
Lakers guard Steve Blake and his wife received multiple online threats after he missed a big shot late in Game 2 of Los Angeles' second-round playoff series with Oklahoma City.
Lakers guard Steve Blake and his wife received multiple online threats after he missed a big shot late in Game 2 of Los Angeles' second-round playoff series with Oklahoma City.
After two straight exhausting playoff games that went down to the last gasp, Kobe Bryant knows the Los Angeles Lakers can't hope to keep up with the younger, faster Oklahoma City Thunder.
After two straight exhausting playoff games that went down to the last gasp, Kobe Bryant knows the Los Angeles Lakers can't hope to keep up with the younger, faster Oklahoma City Thunder.
Andre Iguodala snapped a tie game with five straight points in the final 90 seconds to help the Philadelphia 76ers storm back from 15 points down and stun the Boston Celtics 92-83 on Friday night in Game 4 of the Eastern...
Andre Iguodala squared up for a 3-pointer from the wing like he had hundreds of times in his career.
After the storm, silence. The Miami Heat stayed off the floor.
As panic ensued along South Beach and the national scrutiny intensified, the Miami Heat decided to chill out.
Down 2-0 against the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Clippers face the tough task of needing two victories at home to keep pace with the NBA's hottest team. Making things worse are injuries to Chris Paul and Blake...
Down 2-0 against the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Clippers face the tough task of needing two victories at home to keep pace with the NBA's hottest team. Making things worse are injuries to Chris Paul and Blake...
Larry Drew is returning for his third season as the Atlanta Hawks' coach despite the team's first-round exit from the playoffs.
The Atlanta Hawks have committed to Larry Drew for one more season.
The Miami Heat canceled practice and their media availability one day after a blowout loss in Game 3 to the Pacers.
The Miami Heat canceled practice and their media availability one day after a blowout loss in Game 3 to the Pacers.
Lakers guard Steve Blake and his wife have been attacked online since he missed a possible game-winning 3-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal.
Lakers guard Steve Blake and his wife have been attacked online since he missed a possible game-winning 3-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal.
On his 30th birthday, Tony Parker first kept the San Antonio Spurs on pace for what might be another lopsided playoff sweep.
On his 30th birthday, Tony Parker first kept the San Antonio Spurs on pace for what might be another lopsided playoff sweep. Then the All-Star who's always quick to needle Tim Duncan about his age finally acknowledged...
Dwyane Wade lashed out in frustration during the worst playoff game of his career.
Dwyane Wade lashed out in frustration during the worst playoff game of his career.
Roy Hibbert had 19 points and 18 rebounds, George Hill scored 20 and Danny Granger 17 as the Indiana Pacers, showing more balance, toughness and togetherness than Miami, throttled the Heat 94-75 on Thursday night in Game 3...
LeBron James grabbed a seat on Miami's bench, lowered his head and stared down at the floor.
A 12-year-old Texas boy who was suspended from school after shaving his head to resemble the face of Spurs forward Matt Bonner scored tickets to a playoff game and props from his favorite NBA player.
A 12-year-old Texas boy who was suspended from school after shaving his head to resemble the face of Spurs forward Matt Bonner scored tickets to a playoff game and props from his favorite NBA player.
Down in desperation time, Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks called on Kevin Durant to show that he's more than just a three-time scoring champion. And that meant guarding one of the NBA's all-time best.
Down in desperation time, Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks called on Kevin Durant to show that he's more than just a three-time scoring champion. And that meant guarding one of the NBA's all-time best.
Kevin Durant scored 22 points and rattled in the go-ahead basket on a baseline runner with 18 seconds left, and the Oklahoma City Thunder scored the final nine points to rally for a 77-75 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers...
Even down late, the Oklahoma City Thunder are showing that they are never out.
Kevin Garnett scored 27 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and used a dominant second quarter to help the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 107-91 on Wednesday night and take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference...
Kevin Garnett yapped his way down the court after big baskets and clearly enjoyed taking it to the 76ers.
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were not carrying "Help Wanted" signs around the Miami Heat practice floor on Wednesday. The mood was not grim, voices were not hushed and scowls were not...
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were not carrying "Help Wanted" signs around the Miami Heat practice floor on Wednesday. The mood was not grim, voices were not hushed and...
Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird has been voted the NBA's Executive of the Year, becoming the first person to win that award, plus the league's MVP and Coach of the Year honors.
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI AP Sports Writer Everything always seemed to come so easily for Larry Bird on a basketball court.
It came down to a last shot and who was going to take it, an all-too-familiar dilemma for the Miami Heat.
It came down to a last shot and who was going to take it, an all-too-familiar dilemma for the Miami Heat.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade did almost everything for Miami - until the final minute.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade did almost everything for Miami - until the final minute.
Tim Duncan had 26 points and 10 rebounds and the San Antonio Spurs, recharged after a weeklong layoff, wore down the busy Los Angeles Clippers to win Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series, 108-92 on Tuesday...
So much for getting rusty: The San Antonio Spurs didn't miss a beat after a weeklong break, extending a winning streak that few NBA teams have ever sustained in the playoffs.
This does not sound like a winning formula. Miss 24 of 29 shots in one stretch, on the road. Watch an 11-point, second-half lead turn into a deficit. Have your entire team get outscored by two players in the fourth quarter.
This does not sound like a winning formula. Miss 24 of 29 shots in one stretch, on the road. Watch an 11-point, second-half lead turn into a deficit. Have your entire team get outscored by two players in the fourth quarter.
David West scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, George Hill added 15 and the Indiana Pacers took home-court advantage away from Miami by beating the Heat 78-75 in Game 2 of the teams' Eastern Conference semifinal...
No Big Three meant one big problem for Miami, and one very big win for Indiana.
Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose faces a recovery of eight months to a year in his recovery from knee surgery.
The doctor who operated on Derrick Rose's knee insists the Chicago Bulls' star can dominate again.
Lakers star Kobe Bryant says he doesn't take charges, and he's got a reason for it.
Lakers star Kobe Bryant says he doesn't take charges, and he's got a reason for it.
Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving is the NBA's Rookie of the Year, winning the award with the same ease as he dribbled past defenders this season.
Once Kyrie Irving finished cracking jokes, thanking Cleveland's fans, his teammates and coaches, he looked down from the podium at the person who promised this would happen.
Russell Westbrook had 27 points and nine assists, Kevin Durant added 25 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder blasted the weary Los Angeles Lakers 119-90 on Monday night in the opening game of the Western Conference...
When the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City last met, Metta World Peace delivered an elbow that sent the Thunder's James Harden home with a concussion.
City leaders in San Francisco are courting the Golden State Warriors, trying to woo the NBA team back to the City by the Bay within five years
City leaders in San Francisco are courting the Golden State Warriors, trying to woo the NBA team back to the City by the Bay within five years
Evan Turner made the go-ahead layup with 40.4 seconds left and Philadelphia held off Boston the rest of the way with six straight free throws as the 76ers evened the second-round Eastern Conference series with an 82-81...
Evan Turner made the go-ahead layup with 40.4 seconds left and Philadelphia held off Boston the rest of the way with six straight free throws as the 76ers evened the second-round Eastern Conference series with an 82-81...
Blake Griffin woke up Monday with his sprained left knee not feeling worse, but not really much better. Rest is the only remedy, a luxury the Los Angeles Clippers don't have, and doctors guess he might miss two weeks if...
Blake Griffin woke up Monday with his sprained left knee not feeling worse, but not really much better. Rest is the only remedy, a luxury the Los Angeles Clippers don't have, and doctors guess he might miss two weeks if...
Chris Bosh will be out indefinitely, so the Miami Heat have to adjust. So do the Indiana Pacers.
Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat were relieved by the diagnosis. It's the prognosis - or lack of one - that's a source of worry now.
The Miami Heat say Chris Bosh will be sidelined indefinitely because of a strained abdominal muscle.
The Miami Heat say Chris Bosh will be sidelined indefinitely because of a strained abdominal muscle.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade carried the Miami Heat offense in the second half. With Chris Bosh gone, they had no other choice.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade carried the Miami Heat offense in the second half. With Chris Bosh gone, they had no other choice.
Chris Paul played with an aching right hip and Blake Griffin's sprained left knee stiffened up during the game. If the Clippers were truly a two-man team, then they would have been in trouble facing elimination by the...
Chris Paul played with an aching right hip and Blake Griffin's sprained left knee stiffened up during the game. If the Clippers were truly a two-man team, then they would have been in trouble facing elimination by the...
A person familiar with the voting says Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving has been chosen the NBA's Rookie of the Year.
Kyrie Irving began his first pro season as the top pick and ended it as the top rookie.
LeBron James got his trophy, and then he and Dwyane Wade made sure the Miami Heat got a win in Game 1.
LeBron James was promised some rest. It never came.
Heat center Chris Bosh was ruled out of the second half of the opening game of Miami's Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday because of what the team called a lower abdominal injury.
Heat center Chris Bosh missed the second half of the opening game of Miami's Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday because of what the team called a lower abdominal injury.
By TIM DAHLBERG AP Sports Columnist Kobe Bryant hit his only shot that really mattered, then celebrated by slapping hands with Justin Timberlake. In the closing seconds of a Game 7 playoff win, the stars were aligning in Los...
By TIM DAHLBERG AP Sports Columnist Kobe Bryant hit his only shot that really mattered, then celebrated by slapping hands with Justin Timberlake. In the closing seconds of a Game 7 playoff win, the stars...
Kenyon Martin scored seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Clippers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with an 82-72 win Sunday over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 7.
The Los Angeles Clippers refused to let a third chance to knock the Memphis Grizzlies out of the playoffs slip away.
Pau Gasol had 23 points, 17 rebounds and six assists, Metta World Peace scored 15 points in his return from a seven-game suspension, and the Los Angeles Lakers outlasted the Denver Nuggets for a thrilling 96-87 victory in...
Pau Gasol was consumed by determination, holding off Kenneth Faried with one arm and relentlessly tipping the ball at the hoop with the other in the fourth quarter of Game 7. One, two, three, four - five! - offensive...
Kevin Garnett scored 29 points - his most in the regular- or postseason this year - and added 11 rebounds on Saturday night to give the Boston Celtics a 92-91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the opener of their...
Rajon Rondo has made dozens of last-second dashes to the basket.
The Lakers have issued a statement publicly backing Mike Brown after Magic Johnson declared the first-year head coach would be fired if Los Angeles lost Game 7 of its first-round playoff series with Denver.
The Lakers issued a statement publicly backing Mike Brown on Saturday after Magic Johnson declared the first-year head coach would be fired if Los Angeles lost Game 7 of its first-round playoff series with Denver.
Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose had surgery Saturday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Derrick Rose had surgery Saturday on a torn knee ligament, and the Chicago Bulls said they will give an update early next week on the recovery of their star point guard.
LeBron James loves telling the story about his first MVP award.
LeBron James spent two days trying to figure out the right words. An assistant jotted some ideas on notecards, which were ignored. So when the moment came to deliver his MVP acceptance speech, James spoke emotionally about...
After finishing second in the MVP voting for the second time in his career, Kevin Durant says he doesn't get any extra motivation from coming so close to winning the NBA's top individual honor.
When the NBA's MVP results were announced Saturday, Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant found himself in a familiar spot: second.
Hall of Fame basketball coach Don Nelson returned to the University of Iowa on Saturday to receive his bachelor's degree in physical education, 50 years after leaving school for the NBA.
By LUKE MEREDITH AP Sports Writer IOWA CITY, Iowa - Fifty years ago, Don Nelson left the University of Iowa eight credits and a student-teaching requirement shy of a degree. Nelson took correspondence classes to complete the...
Although George Karl has spent nearly a quarter-century on NBA benches, the Denver coach can't beat down the butterflies when he thinks about the Nuggets' next game.
Although George Karl has spent nearly a quarter-century on NBA benches, the Denver coach can't beat down the butterflies when he thinks about the Nuggets' next game.
The Los Angeles Clippers are 0 for 2 in closeout games, and now their playoff future comes down to a decisive Game 7.
The Los Angeles Clippers are 0 for 2 in closeout games, and now their playoff future comes down to a decisive Game 7.
Marc Gasol scored 23 points, Zach Randolph had 18 points and 16 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzles rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 90-88 Friday night, forcing a decisive seventh game in the...
This time, the fourth quarter belonged to the Memphis Grizzlies.
