Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo isn't sweating his slow start on the offensive end.  "It's human n...

<p>Miami Heat big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53731" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53731">Bam Adebayo</a> isn't sweating his slow start on the offensive end.</p><p>"It's human nature," Adebayo said after the Heat's 108-89 loss to the Boston Celtics, according to <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2024/12/03/heats-adebayo-a-can-miss-proposition-at-the-moment-at-some-point-the-shots-going-to-turn-around/">Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel</a>. "Everybody's not going to have a great game every game. It is what it is. For me, it's not losing confidence. It's not overthinking the game too much, because then you'll start making other mistakes.</p><p>"It's one of those things where it's just missing shots. I don't really look at it no more than that. I feel like at some point, the shot's going to turn around and it's up from there."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Adebayo recorded 15 points on 6-of-18 shooting in the defeat, along with eight rebounds and five assists.</p><p>He's averaging 15.6 points per game across 19 contests this season, his lowest double-digit output since the 2019-20 season. The three-time All-Star is shooting a career-worst 41.9% from the field and <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/advanced?CF=MIN*GE*15&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=EFG_PCT">ranks</a> 392 out of 472 players in true shooting percentage.</p><p>Even with the low shooting percentages, he still leads the team in rebounds per game (9.8) and steals (1.7), and he's tied for first in assists (4.9).</p><p>"This is one of those stretches that you know sometimes you can't explain," Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said. "But I think the beauty of his game is he’s still able to make an impact."</p><p>The Heat rank seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 9-10 record. They host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.</p>

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 2: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on December 2, 2024 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Adebayo 'not losing confidence' amid shooting struggles

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon returned for Sunday's 126-122 loss to the Los Angeles Clipper...

<p>Denver Nuggets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30810" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30810">Aaron Gordon</a> returned for Sunday's 126-122 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers after missing 10 games due to a calf strain.</p><p>Gordon came off the bench, checking in at 4:34 mark of the first quarter. He recorded 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting and three assists in 23 minutes of action.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> led the team in scoring with 28 points. All Nuggets players scored in double figures except for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a>, who finished with nine points.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>James Harden scored 39 points and dished out 11 assists. Norman Powell added 28 in his return from a hamstring injury.</p><p>Gordon averaged 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in seven games before suffering the injury.</p><p>The Nuggets went 6-4 with the 29-year-old out of the lineup and started third-year forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102792" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102792">Peyton Watson</a>, who averaged 12.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in Gordon's absence.</p><p>Gordon is in his fifth season with the club after coming over in a midseason trade from the Orlando Magic in 2021.</p><p>After a 2-3 start to the season, the Nuggets boast a 10-8 record.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 1: Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on December 1, 2024 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Nuggets' Gordon returns in loss to Clippers after 10-game absence

Dallas Mavericks All-Star Luka Doncic recorded 36 points, 13 assists, seven rebounds, and three s...

<p>Dallas Mavericks All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> recorded 36 points, 13 assists, seven rebounds, and three steals in his return from a wrist injury during Sunday's 137-131 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.</p><p>He missed the team's previous five games with the injury.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96039" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96039">Quentin Grimes</a> added 28 points, five rebounds, five steals, and three assists for Dallas. All five starters scored in double figures, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11989" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11989">Spencer Dinwiddie</a> added 20 off the bench.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> missed the victory, his second absence of the season with shoulder soreness. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110268" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110268">Dereck Lively II</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/94259" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/94259">Naji Marshall</a> were also out due to a knee injury and an illness, respectively.</p><p>The Mavericks went 4-1 in Doncic's absence. They extended their winning to streak to four in Doncic's return.</p><p>Doncic has averaged 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in 14 games this season.</p><p>Irving has averaged 24.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds this campaign. </p><p>Dallas has gone 13-8 so far this season. The Mavericks take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.</p>

PORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 1: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 1, 2024 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Luka returns from 5-game absence in win over Blazers

Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy is taking responsibility for calling a timeout that negated Colli...

<p>Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy is taking responsibility for calling a timeout that negated <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60062" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60062">Collin Sexton</a>'s game-winning layup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.</p><p>Sexton advanced the ball into the frontcourt after the Jazz forced a Lakers miss while down one point with eight seconds left in the contest. He attempted to get through the defense by backing up and resetting the possession, but Hardy called a timeout as he reached the basket and made the layup. Utah went on to lose 105-104 after Sexton missed a last-second triple.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WOOOOOOOW, Will Hardy calls a timeout, right as Sexton scores a bucket for the Jazz to give them the lead with 1 second left. <br><br>Sexton face says it all. <a href="https://t.co/vfPkGUeQpG">pic.twitter.com/vfPkGUeQpG</a></p>— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletClubIta/status/1863422976131022894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"We like to let people go in that situation," Hardy said, according to <a href="https://x.com/millerjryan/status/1863428736164720918">Ryan Miller of KSL.com</a>. "When Collin did a retreat dribble backward, I started calling timeout. It's obviously loud. The hope would have been to have a few more seconds than 2.1. But, yeah, it's tough."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hardy <a href="https://x.com/millerjryan/status/1863429653840728269">added</a>: "It's hard because you don't know exactly how it would've ended up had they not blown the whistle and everybody kept playing. Maybe Collin would have finished it. I told (Collin) in the locker room I robbed him of a moment at the end of the game."</p><p>Hardy also said Sexton was gracious after the game for his remarks but was frustrated in the moment, according to <a href="https://x.com/Tjonesonthenba/status/1863428728401141877">The Athletic's Tony Jones</a>.</p><p>The Jazz lost their fourth straight contest, dropping to 4-16 this season.</p><p>Sexton recorded 15 points on 7-of-14 shooting, along with four assists and three rebounds. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a> led the team in scoring with 22 points, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45122">John Collins</a> added 21.</p><p>Utah takes on the Oklahoma City Thunder for its final NBA Cup contest Tuesday.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 31: Collin Sexton #2 and Head Coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz look on during the game on October 31, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Jazz's Hardy: 'I robbed' Sexton of game-winning try vs. Lakers

The second annual in-season tournament resumed Friday with 10 games in group play. For an explana...

<p><em>The second annual in-season tournament resumed Friday with 10 games in group play. For an explanation of how the tourney works, tap <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba-cup-101">here</a>.</em></p><p>To see what happened during Tuesday's action, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125553" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125553">here</a>.</p><h3>Friday's results</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Knicks</strong> 99-98 Hornets</li>
<li>Cavaliers 101-117 <strong>Hawks</strong>
</li>
<li>Pelicans 109-120 <strong>Grizzlies</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Magic</strong> 123-100 Nets</li>
<li>Clippers 92-93 <strong>T-Wolves</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Pistons</strong> 130-106 Pacers</li>
<li>Raptors 111-121 <strong>Heat</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Celtics</strong> 138-129 Bulls</li>
<li>
<strong>Thunder</strong> 101-93 Lakers</li>
<li>Kings 106-115 <strong>Blazers</strong>
</li>
</ul><p>Check out our <a href="thescore:///nba/scores">NBA scores page</a> for box score recaps for each game and the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for group standings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Top performers</h3><p><strong>Franz Wagner (Magic):</strong> Orlando has relied on Wagner during Paolo Banchero's absence, and he's delivered beyond expectations. The Magic wing recorded 29 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists over the Brooklyn Nets, helping the squad improve to 11 wins over their last 12 games. He and Banchero together amount to a formidable threat in the Eastern Conference.</p><p><strong>Payton Pritchard (Celtics): </strong>The reserve guard provided a spark during the fourth quarter, scoring 19 of his 29 points to push Boston past the Bulls. Pritchard <a href="https://x.com/statmuse/status/1862699419352932475">added</a> to an increasingly sizeable league lead in bench points with 296, further cementing his early case for Sixth Man of the Year. He also led the team with four offensive rebounds.</p><p><strong>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): </strong>The Oklahoma City maestro was too much for the Lakers in one of his best all-around games of the season: 36 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals, and a block for good measure. Though his threes weren't falling (3-of-10), he was methodical in putting the defending NBA Cup champs away late, including a <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1862729412531073301">dagger</a> trey with just over a minute-and-a-half left that sucked the life out of the L.A. arena.</p><h3>Highlight of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JAYLEN BROWN POSTER TIME 😱😱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmiratesNBACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmiratesNBACup</a> 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/gH7u1Amy8q">pic.twitter.com/gH7u1Amy8q</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1862691523151732777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Celtics star Jaylen Brown added to his ever-growing collection of memorable posters with a dunk on Bulls big man Jalen Smith, who unfortunately stood no chance in contesting the monstrous one-handed slam.</p><h3>Tweet of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Okay this is too funny Scottie Barnes 💀 <a href="https://t.co/YUXkvLMDEV">pic.twitter.com/YUXkvLMDEV</a></p>— Pensare Basketball (@PensareBBall) <a href="https://twitter.com/PensareBBall/status/1862669113614651769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Forward Scottie Barnes had a comical reaction after earning a technical foul less than five minutes into the Raptors' loss to the Heat, mimicking crew chief Tre Maddox's signal. Barnes clearly didn't agree with the call.</p><h3>Stat of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Pistons are now up to 9 wins for the season.<br><br>It took them until the end of February to get to 9 wins last season. <a href="https://t.co/awZ6M54gbt">pic.twitter.com/awZ6M54gbt</a></p>— StatMuse (@statmuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1862704096261939491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Exactly how much better have the Pistons been compared to last season? With Saturday's trouncing of the Pacers, they're now <em>three</em> months ahead of their winning pace from 2023-24. They didn't get win No. 9 last season until Feb. 27 - their last game of that month.</p><h3>What's next</h3><p>The Atlanta Hawks won East Group C, becoming the first team from the conference to qualify for the quarterfinals following their victory over the Cavaliers and the Bulls' loss to the Celtics. </p><p>Meanwhile, the defending champion Lakers aren't <em>officially</em> eliminated but it's not looking great for JJ Redick &amp; Co. They can no longer finish atop West Group B, and their odds of advancing via the wild card are almost impossible with eight other teams now above them in the pecking order.</p><p><em>Tap the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for the latest group standings.</em></p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during a Emirates NBA Cup game on October 22, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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NBA Cup roundup: Hawks advance, SGA dents Lakers' hopes

The second annual in-season tournament, the NBA Cup, resumed Tuesday with five games in group pla...

<p><em>The second annual in-season tournament, the NBA Cup, resumed Tuesday with five games in group play. For an explanation on how the tourney works, tap <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba-cup-101">here</a>.</em></p><p>To see what happened during last Friday's action, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125552" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125552">here</a>.</p><h3>Tuesday's results</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Bulls</strong> 127-108 Wizards</li>
<li>
<strong>Bucks</strong> 106-103 Heat</li>
<li>
<strong>Rockets</strong> 117-111 T-Wolves</li>
<li>
<strong>Spurs</strong> 128-115 Jazz</li>
<li>Lakers 100-127 <strong>Suns</strong>
</li>
</ul><p>Check out our <a href="thescore:///nba/scores">NBA scores page</a> for boxscore recaps of each game and the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for group standings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Top performers</h3><p><strong>Damian Lillard (Bucks):</strong> Without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, Lillard willed the Bucks to a clutch win over the Heat. Milwaukee's lead guard dropped 37 points, including 25 in the first half, and dished out 12 assists to help the team win its fifth straight contest. After a 2-8 start, the Bucks are .500 and back in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference.</p><p><strong>Alperen Sengun (Rockets): </strong>While point guard Fred VanVleet led the team in scoring, Sengun's all-around performance versus the T-Wolves helped the Rockets clinch a spot in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. The Turkish center recorded 22 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks to keep Houston perfect in the group stage.</p><p><strong>Devin Booker (Suns):</strong> Booker played an instrumental role in the Lakers' first-ever NBA Cup loss, leading the Suns with 26 points and 10 assists. With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal returning to the lineup, Phoenix is poised to make a run in the deep Western Conference.</p><h3>Highlight of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Beal got UP to pin it on the glass 😤💪 <a href="https://t.co/HkaxfyvEPC">pic.twitter.com/HkaxfyvEPC</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1861637548289695781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Suns veteran Bradley Beal gave LeBron James a taste of his own medicine, pinning his layup attempt off the backboard. While it doesn't compare to James' legendary swat on Andre Iguodala in the 2016 Finals, Beal got to enjoy his own standout defensive moment.</p><h3>Tweet of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Inside the NBA roasts Drake for suing Kendrick Lamar <a href="https://t.co/TlSTNphCyk">pic.twitter.com/TlSTNphCyk</a></p>— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/gifdsports/status/1861624973283951005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>NBA on TNT ventured into the world of music, weighing in on Drake's lawsuits against Universal Music Group and Kendrick Lamar. Jalen Rose, while filling in for Kenny Smith, questioned if the show should play Lamar's new music to avoid getting their own legal proceedings from the Canadian artist. Ernie Johnson responded with "lawsuits don't scare us around here."</p><h3>Stat of the night</h3><p>The tanks are out rolling in Washington. The Wizards' loss to the Bulls means the team has now dropped 12 straight contests after starting the season 2-2. While the hope for playoff basketball this campaign is slim, fans are at least getting a glimpse of the team's young core.</p><h3>What's next</h3><p>The Rockets beat the Timberwolves and joined the Warriors as the only teams to clinch a spot in the knockout round.</p><p>Picking up again on Friday, the next edition of the NBA Cup is a 10-game slate spread out over the course of the day. Marquee matchups include the Knicks taking on LaMelo Ball and the Hornets, while the Lakers will travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder.</p><p><em>Tap the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for the latest group standings.</em></p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 26: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves compete for the ball in the first quarter during the Emirates NBA Cup at Target Center on November 26, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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NBA Cup roundup: Rockets move on, Lakers drop 1st game

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Tuesday's 106-103 NBA Cup victory over the Miam...

<p>Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> missed Tuesday's 106-103 NBA Cup victory over the Miami Heat due to a left knee effusion.</p><p>This was Antetokounmpo's second missed game of the season and his first time missing a Cup contest.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> stepped up in his absence, recording 37 points and 12 assists to help the Bucks win their fifth straight contest. No other player scored more than 13 for Milwaukee.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meanwhile, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> scored 23 points for the Heat, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69689" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69689">Tyler Herro</a> added 18.</p><p>The Bucks have won seven of their last eight games. They went 2-8 through their first 10 matchups but now have a 9-9 record.</p><p>Antetokounmpo was enjoying a great start to his season, averaging a career-high 32.4 points per game to go along with 11.9 boards and 6.4 assists. He's also shooting over 60% from the field (60.8%) for the second time in his career.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 23: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter of a game at Fiserv Forum on November 23, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Giannis misses NBA Cup win over Heat with knee injury

The Sacramento Kings have signed veteran forward Jae Crowder, the team announced Wednesday.  Crow...

<p>The Sacramento Kings have signed veteran forward Jae Crowder, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Crowder played 50 games with the Milwaukee Bucks last season, averaging 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.</p><p>The Kings have struggled out of the gate, ranking 12th in the Western Conference with an 8-10 record. Over the past two contests, Sacramento's bench has been outscored 82-31 and ranks 28th in points per game, according to <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1861547199798354354">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Crowder has averaged 9.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and a steal over 12 NBA campaigns. He's made two trips to the Finals - as part of the Miami Heat in 2020 and with the Phoenix Suns in 2021.</p><p>The Kings added veteran players around <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38429" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38429">Domantas Sabonis</a> over the offseason - including six-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/470" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/470">DeMar DeRozan</a> and sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6513" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6513">Doug McDermott</a>. </p><p>DeRozan won't play Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves because of back inflammation, and veteran big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37816" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37816">Trey Lyles</a> will be re-evaluated in three-to-four weeks because of a Grade 1 calf strain, the team announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/BrendenNunesNBA/status/1861545563617140753">Brenden Nunes of Sactown Sports 1140</a>.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: Jae Crowder #99 of the Milwaukee Bucks takes a shot during a game against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Kings sign Jae Crowder

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum recorded 23 points and four rebounds in the team's 114-110...

<p>New Orleans Pelicans guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">CJ McCollum</a> recorded 23 points and four rebounds in the team's 114-110 loss to the Indiana Pacers.</p><p>McCollum had missed 13 games due to an adductor strain.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44931" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44931">Brandon Ingram</a> didn't play in Monday's clash because of calf soreness, while rookie center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121684" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121684">Yves Missi</a> also came back after missing New Orleans' last contest due to shoulder soreness.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pelicans guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11942" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11942">Elfrid Payton</a> added 14 points and an NBA season-high 21 assists in the defeat, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> dropped 34 points and 13 assists for the Pacers.</p><p>McCollum had previously played four games this season, averaging 18.8 points, four assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 34.3 minutes of action.</p><p>The Pelicans acquired the guard from the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022. He's averaged 21 points, 5.3 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and one steal since joining the club.</p><p>New Orleans has been decimated by injuries to start the campaign and is currently without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96122">Herb Jones</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96124" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96124">Jose Alvarado</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46143" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46143">Dejounte Murray</a>, who hasn't played since the team's season opener, will <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3139629" href="https://thescore.com/news/3139629">reportedly</a> return Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors.</p><p>The Pelicans rank last in the Western Conference with a 4-13 record.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 25: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on November 25, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Pelicans' McCollum returns in loss to Pacers

No. 5 UCLA topped No. 1 South Carolina 77-62 on Sunday at the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, sna...

<p>No. 5 UCLA topped No. 1 South Carolina 77-62 on Sunday at the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, snapping the Gamecocks' 43-game winning streak.</p><p>South Carolina hadn't suffered a defeat since its Final Four matchup against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121626" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121626">Caitlin Clark</a> and Iowa in March 2023. The Gamecocks, defending national champions, also hadn't lost on the road since 2021, spanning 33 contests.</p><p>The Gamecocks were held to 22 points in the first half.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This is what we usually do to teams," South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-carolina-loses-top-25-54fa2c427d009cd222a8b1c730104467">Beth Harris of The Associated Press</a>. "We were on the receiving end of it."</p><p>Staley added: "Our kids fought, but we ran into a buzzsaw."</p><p>UCLA guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/104603" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/104603">Londynn Jones</a> led the Bruins in scoring with 15 points, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/163024" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/163024">Elina Aarnisalo</a> added 13. Star center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/104621" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/104621">Lauren Betts</a> was held to 11 points and 14 rebounds.</p><p>South Carolina guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/92157" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/92157">Te-Hina Paopao</a> recorded 18 points in the defeat.</p><p>The Bruins improved to 5-0, earning their first win ever over a No. 1 team in the AP Poll. They had previously beaten No. 2 Oregon in 2019 and No. 2 Stanford in 2008.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Te-Hina Paopao #0 of the South Carolina Gamecocks moves the ball past Kiki Rice #1 of the UCLA Bruins in the second quarter at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on November 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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No. 1 South Carolina's winning streak ends at 43 with loss to No. 5 UCLA

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama recorded 25 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and th...

<p>San Antonio Spurs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> recorded 25 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and three blocks in Saturday's 104-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors.</p><p>Wembanyama was returning from a three-game absence due to a right knee contusion and played 34 minutes.</p><p>The 20-year-old helped ensure the win with a triple that put the Spurs up six with three minutes left, followed by a block on Warriors guard Lindy Waters III on the next possession.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wemby getting it done on both ends 🔥<br><br>His 3 gives SAS a 10-0 run!<br><br>GSW-SAS | 4Q | NBA League Pass<br>📲 <a href="https://t.co/W3qGY5qtwJ">https://t.co/W3qGY5qtwJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/eMIZ4xF1m6">pic.twitter.com/eMIZ4xF1m6</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1860529905303216272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Spurs held Golden State to 13 points in the fourth quarter while scoring 33.</p><p>Veteran Spurs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6285">Harrison Barnes</a> scored 22 points, while rookie guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a> added 19.</p><p>San Antonio limited Warriors star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> to 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting, including a 3-of-10 mark from deep. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31937" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31937">Andrew Wiggins</a> led Golden State in scoring with 20 points.</p><p>Wembanyama was hurt late in a Nov. 15 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers when the reigning Rookie of the Year banged knees with Anthony Davis. He exited briefly but returned to finish the game after receiving medical attention.</p><p>Entering Saturday, the 7-foot-4 Frenchman was averaging 22.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.7 blocks in his sophomore season while shooting 47.2% from the field and 33.9% from beyond the arc.</p><p>The Spurs won two out of three games without Wembanyama. Defeating the Warriors lifted them above .500 with a 9-8 record.</p><p> </p>

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 23, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Wemby scores 25 in return as Spurs sink Warriors

The second annual in-season tournament resumed Friday with eight games in group play. For an expl...

<p><em>The second annual in-season tournament resumed Friday with eight games in group play. For an explanation on how the tourney works, tap <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba-cup-101">here</a>.</em></p><p>To see what happened during Tuesday's action, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125551" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125551">here</a>.</p><h3>Friday's results</h3><ul>
<li>Nets 98-113 <strong>76ers</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Celtics</strong> 108-96 Wizards</li>
<li>Pacers 117-129 <strong>Bucks</strong>
</li>
<li>Hawks 122-136 <strong>Bulls</strong>
</li>
<li>Blazers 88-116 <strong>Rockets</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Warriors</strong> 112-108 Pelicans</li>
<li>
<strong>Mavericks</strong> 123-120 Nuggets</li>
<li>Kings 88-104 <strong>Clippers</strong>
</li>
</ul><p>Check out our <a href="thescore:///nba/scores">NBA scores page</a> for box score recaps for each game, and the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for group standings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Top performers</h3><p><strong>Jared McCain (Sixers):</strong> The Philadelphia 76ers rookie continues to step up in the absence of Joel Embiid and Paul George. McCain poured in a team-high 30 points against the Brooklyn Nets on 11-of-20 shooting. The Duke product was just four points shy of matching a career high and topped 20 points for a seventh straight game. Only one rookie in NBA history has averaged more points as a starter than McCain's 26 per game: Michael Jordan.</p><p><strong>Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): </strong>The Greek Freak recorded his 47th career triple-double in a dominant performance against the Indiana Pacers. The 29-year-old recorded 37 points, 10 assists, 11 rebounds, and two steals while shooting 66.6% from the field. Antetokounmpo is now tied with Larry Bird and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with seven 35-point triple-doubles.</p><p><strong>Nikola Jokic (Nuggets): </strong>The three-time MVP returned with another staggering performance after missing the Denver Nuggets' previous three games due to the birth of his second child. In the Nuggets' loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Jokic recorded his seventh triple-double of the season, tallying 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists.</p><h3>Highlight of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Giannis Antetokounmpo is a MONSTER 😱 <a href="https://t.co/EUoaGHRT5M">pic.twitter.com/EUoaGHRT5M</a></p>— NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1860160972821868946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>While Reed Sheppard had an outstanding behind-the-back <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1860156577178927279">pass</a> to assist Tari Eason's transition dunk, the Greek Freak takes the cake for his hustle on both ends - denying Bennedict Mathurin's layup before running the lane and bringing home an alley-oop pass off the backboard from Gary Trent Jr.</p><h3>Tweet of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You made learning fun thank you for taking a picture with me 🐐 <a href="https://t.co/CWgeEhmhNg">https://t.co/CWgeEhmhNg</a> <a href="https://t.co/EYcvaXOl5J">pic.twitter.com/EYcvaXOl5J</a></p>— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCHWPO/status/1860168494198980817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Jaylen Brown the Science Guy? The Boston Celtics wing was able to meet Bill Nye, the legendary television show host, after his team beat Nye's hometown Washington Wizards. Brown tweeted in November that he wanted to meet Nye, <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1860170161418023014">calling</a> it an "honor" to shake his hand after he influenced his educational journey - which led him to play basketball at Cal.</p><h3>Stat of the night</h3><p>The Houston Rockets have been one of the pleasant surprises of the young NBA season, improving to 12-5 with a dominant 28-point victory over the lowly Portland Trail Blazers. Dillon Brooks recorded 28 points and six rebounds and was plus-13, putting him just <a href="https://x.com/statmuse/status/1860157849722323430">behind</a> fellow Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the NBA's highest plus-minus this season.</p><h3>What's next</h3><p>The Golden State Warriors are the only team to secure a knockout-round spot via Friday's results courtesy of their win over the New Orleans Pelicans and the Nuggets' loss to the Mavericks.</p><p>The NBA Cup picks up again Tuesday with a five-game slate including a matchup between the red-hot Rockets and slumping Minnesota Timberwolves, while LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Phoenix Suns.</p><p><em>Tap the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for the latest group standings.</em></p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 22: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors takes a shot in front of New Orleans Pelicans guard Elfrid Payton #22 during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup game at Smoothie King Center on November 22, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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NBA Cup roundup: Warriors advance to next round, Giannis dominates

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will miss Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers to...

<p>Philadelphia 76ers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> will miss Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers to manage knee swelling, the team announced Friday.</p><p>The Sixers had made Embiid a late scratch ahead of Friday's NBA Cup win against the Brooklyn Nets.</p><p>Embiid missed the team's first nine games of the campaign as he rehabilitated a knee injury and served a suspension for pushing a media member. The 30-year-old is averaging 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a block in four contests while shooting a career-worst 37.9% from the field.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Paul George will also be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3135434" href="https://thescore.com/news/3135434">sidelined</a> for Philly's next two games after he hyperextended his left knee, the same injury that forced him to miss the season's first five contests.</p><p>The Sixers sit second from bottom in the Eastern Conference with a 3-12 record following Friday's 113-98 victory. The shorthanded Sixers were led by rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121672" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121672">Jared McCain</a>, who posted a team-high 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> chipped in with 26 points in just 27 minutes of play.</p>

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks to shoot during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 20, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Embiid out Sunday vs. Clippers to manage knee swelling

The New Orleans Pelicans expect to be without Zion Williamson for a while.   The Pelicans believe...

<p>The New Orleans Pelicans expect to be without <span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left"><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a> for a while. </span></p><p>The Pelicans believe Williamson will be sidelined for at least four-to-six weeks due to a hamstring strain, but the timeline could extend further as he has rehabilitated the same injury before, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42549137/zion-williamson-hamstring-not-close-returning">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> reports.</p><p>Williamson has undergone multiple treatments on his hamstring, but he's still not close to returning to the court.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 24-year-old has played in six of the Pelicans' 16 contests, averaging 22.7 points, eight rebounds, and 5.3 assists. </p><p>Coming into the campaign, team officials believed that Williamson was in the best shape of his career. The 2019 first overall pick has missed 210 out of a possible 400 regular-season contests, including the final 45 games of the 2022-23 campaign - which he missed because of a hamstring issue.</p><p>The Pelicans have dealt with a multitude of injuries to key players - including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46143" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46143">Dejounte Murray</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">CJ McCollum</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96122">Herb Jones</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96120" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96120">Trey Murphy III</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96124" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96124">Jose Alvarado</a>.</p><p>New Orleans sits 14th in the Western Conference with a 4-12 record.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 06: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on November 06, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Report: Pelicans bracing for extended Zion absence

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle offered a blunt assessment of how his team is playing aft...

<p>Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle offered a blunt assessment of how his team is playing after losing 130-113 to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.</p><p>"We're not playing well, that's obvious," Carlisle said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/FanDuelSN_IND/status/1859447404828782749">FanDuel Sports Network Indiana</a>. "Our connectedness is not where it needs to be. Our collective spirit is not where it needs to be. And I'm going to look very closely at the film tonight ... and we've got to come up with answers.</p><p>"At a time like this, there's only one thing that I've ever seen that gets you out of a hole in a difficult period, and that is unbridled, collective hard play and consistent hard play ... We have not had enough of it, and so that's gotta change. We've got a significant amount of work to do. There's no switch that we can flip here and change everything."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Pacers fell to 6-9 with the defeat. Indiana has played a road-heavy schedule, only winning two out of nine contests as a visitor.</p><p>Third-year guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/103180" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/103180">Quenton Jackson</a> led the Pacers in scoring with 24 points, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> added 21. All-Star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> struggled, scoring eight points on 3-of-8 shooting. The 24-year-old has a career-worst 46.3% effective field-goal percentage this campaign.</p><p>Indiana has dealt with injury issues, losing centers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93886" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93886">James Wiseman</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96062" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96062">Isaiah Jackson</a> for the rest of the year due to Achilles ailments. The team has also been without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102757" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102757">Andrew Nembhard</a> for the last six games and will be without wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93847" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93847">Aaron Nesmith</a> until December.</p><p>The Pacers are coming off a 47-35 campaign in which they reached the conference finals for the first time since 2014.</p><p>Indiana takes on the Milwaukee Bucks in an NBA Cup contest Friday.</p>

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers reacts during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on November 04, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

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Pacers' Carlisle: It's obvious we're not playing well

Philadelphia 76ers wing Paul George hyperextended his left knee in Wednesday's 117-111 defeat to ...

<p>Philadelphia 76ers wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> hyperextended his left knee in Wednesday's 117-111 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies.</p><p>George will undergo further testing on his knee Thursday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42516917/paul-george-injures-knee-latest-setback-sixers-big-3">ESPN</a>. He previously hyperextended his knee during the preseason, which sidelined him for the season's first five games.</p><p>Wednesday's matchup was the first time George, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> were active together. Embiid missed the opening nine contests of the campaign as he rehabilitated a knee injury and served a suspension for pushing a media member. Maxey returned from a six-game absence stemming from a hamstring injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>George recorded two points on 1-of-6 shooting from the field in 17 minutes against the Grizzlies. The nine-time All-Star signed to a four-year, $212-million maximum contract with the franchise over the offseason.</p><p>The Sixers' defeat dropped them to 2-12, further cementing the club as the 15th seed in the Eastern Conference.</p>

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 20: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket against Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at FedExForum on November 20, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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PG suffers same knee injury, exits loss to Grizzlies

UConn's Geno Auriemma became the winningest basketball coach in NCAA history with 1,217 victories...

<p>UConn's Geno Auriemma became the winningest basketball coach in NCAA history with 1,217 victories after his squad defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 85-41 Wednesday night.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The moment as Geno Auriemma gets historic win 1,217 <a href="https://t.co/IpNP2XbJvg">pic.twitter.com/IpNP2XbJvg</a></p>— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYUConn/status/1859412866505294087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Auriemma, 70, was honored postgame alongside longtime associate head coach Chris Dailey amid their 40th season with the program.</p><p>Auriemma started at UConn in 1985. He's had one losing season ever with the Huskies, his first with the program. Over 40 seasons, his Huskies have won 11 national championships and produced legendary players, such as Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Maya Moore - who were in attendance Wednesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"No amount of championships and no amount of numbers or awards can take the place of the lives that we've impacted, that they've allowed us to impact," Auriemma said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/42514183/uconn-huskies-women-basketball-coach-geno-auriemma-sets-ncaa-wins-record">ESPN's Alexa Philippou</a>. "That, to me, is the strongest part.</p><p>"When it's over, whenever it is, what we'll remember is tonight, and I'll remember each and (every) one of my players that I've ever coached ... I don't know how much I helped them get what they wanted, but they helped me get everything I wanted."</p><p>The record previously belonged to longtime Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer, who retired months after setting the benchmark. Former Duke bench boss Mike Krzyzewski holds the men's record with 1,202 victories.</p><p>"This is yet another outstanding milestone in a career filled with them for Geno Auriemma," VanDerveer said, according to Philippou. "The level of success he has maintained at UConn over four decades will never be duplicated. But his tremendous legacy extends far beyond any number of wins. It lives in the lives of the countless young women he has positively influenced throughout his career."</p><p>In total, over 60 former players returned to Storrs to celebrate Auriemma's accomplishment.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="cy" dir="ltr">UCONN. HUSKIES. <a href="https://t.co/T90SWFuF8u">pic.twitter.com/T90SWFuF8u</a></p>— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYUConn/status/1859422823166472307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/92277" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/92277">Paige Bueckers</a>, UConn's current star, had 16 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in the victory. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97669" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97669">Azzi Fudd</a> returned from an ACL injury suffered last season, scoring four points. The Huskies are undefeated to begin the season.</p><p>Auriemma has also served as the head coach of the United States women's Olympic basketball team - winning gold in 2000, 2012, and 2016.</p>

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at First Horizon Coliseum on November 15, 2024 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

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Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has been medically cleared to return from double ankle su...

<p>Milwaukee Bucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a> has been medically cleared to return from double ankle surgeries but is still working to feel physically ready to make his season debut, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42512464/bucks-khris-middleton-cleared-ramping-up">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Middleton has participated in three-on-three drills at practices over the past several weeks, Charania adds. The Bucks are reportedly hopeful that he'll do five-on-five scrimmages prior to his season debut.</p><p>"(Middleton) has looked good," Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Wednesday. "He's working his butt off. Listen, I think he's close. And he's just going to keep working. This is the best I've seen him, I will say that."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rivers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3120288" href="https://thescore.com/news/3120288">said</a> earlier in November that he wasn't frustrated with Middleton's prolonged absence as the 33-year-old continued to ramp up.</p><p>Middleton underwent his ankle procedures in July. He's played 88 total contests over the past two seasons due to injuries but has averaged 15.1 points per game during that time.</p><p>The Bucks have struggled since hiring Rivers in January, compiling a 23-28 record. Middleton has been available to Rivers for only 15 regular-season games, while the trio of Middleton, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> have played seven contests together under the veteran bench boss.</p><p>Middleton, a three-time All-Star, helped Milwaukee win a championship in 2021.</p><p>The Bucks rank 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 5-9 record.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 30: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks poses for a portrait during media day at the Fiserv Forum on September 30, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Report: Middleton cleared to return, ramping up physically 

The second annual in-season tournament, the NBA Cup, resumed Tuesday with six games in group play...

<p><em>The second annual in-season tournament, the NBA Cup, resumed Tuesday with six games in group play. For an explanation of how the tourney works, including the breakdown of the groups, tap <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba-cup-101">here</a>.</em></p><p>To see what happened during last Friday's action, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125531" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125531">here</a>.</p><h3>Tuesday's results</h3><ul>
<li>Cavaliers 117-120 <strong>Celtics</strong>
</li>
<li>Hornets 115-116 <strong>Nets</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Nuggets</strong> 122-110 Grizzlies</li>
<li>Pelicans 91-132 <strong>Mavericks</strong>
</li>
<li>Thunder 104-110 <strong>Spurs</strong>
</li>
<li>Jazz 118-124 <strong>Lakers</strong>
</li>
</ul><p>Check out our <a href="thescore:///nba/scores">NBA scores page</a> for box score recaps for each game and the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for group standings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Top performers</h3><p><strong>Jayson Tatum (Celtics):</strong> Tatum led the charge for the Boston Celtics as they delivered the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old scored 33 points, topping 30 for the ninth time this year. Tatum added 12 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals while going 6-of-10 from downtown. It was also the ninth time Tatum has hit five or more 3-pointers in a game this season, the most by any player in the Association.</p><p><strong>Cameron Johnson (Nets): </strong>Johnson erupted Tuesday for his highest-scoring outburst of the season as the Brooklyn Nets came out on top in a dogfight with the Charlotte Hornets. The North Carolina product poured in 34 points, four assists, five rebounds, and two blocks while shooting an efficient 11-for-20 from the field. The performance was Johnson's first scoring 30-plus points this season and third time as a member of the Nets. The 28-year-old also added six 3-pointers.</p><p><strong>Dalton Knecht (Lakers): </strong>On a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the rookie wing from Tennessee shined the brightest. Knecht scored a career-high 37 points on 9-of-12 shooting from deep, including 21 points in the third quarter. He led the Lakers in scoring, helping L.A. extend its winning streak to six games with a victory over the Jazz. The 23-year-old is quickly establishing himself as one of the important cogs on a veteran team.</p><h3>Highlight of the night</h3><p>Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann was cleared for takeoff when he entered the lane against Brooklyn Nets big man Noah Clowney. One small step from Mann led to one giant leap over the Nets center. The aftermath from the dunk was so vicious that the 23-year-old was assessed a technical foul.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TRE MANN. PUT IT ON A POSTER. 😱 <a href="https://t.co/8sbmWdFIIz">pic.twitter.com/8sbmWdFIIz</a></p>— NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1859063257304093013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Tweet of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reporter: "Joe, why does the NBA Cup matter?"<br><br>Joe Mazzulla: "Who said that?"</p>— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) <a href="https://twitter.com/Marc_DAmico/status/1858998772300407274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Well-known for his pointed quotes, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla can be effortlessly hilarious without even trying. Prior to his team's victory over the Cavaliers, Boston's bench boss questioned a reporter for asking why the NBA Cup matters. Is Mazzulla being serious or having a laugh? We'll never know.</p><h3>Stat of the night</h3><p>Russell Westbrook will go down as the best triple-double getter in NBA history. On Tuesday, he became the first player to record 200 triple-doubles, putting up 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists in the Denver Nuggets' win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Westbrook is 19 triple-doubles ahead of Oscar Robertson, who's No. 2 on the all-time list. The 36-year-old also has 64 more triple-doubles than Nikola Jokic - the closest active player to him in the top 10.</p><h3>What's next</h3><p>The NBA Cup resumes Friday with eight games. Among the most notable is a playoff rematch between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, while Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks visit Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.</p><p><em>Tap the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for the latest group standings.</em></p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass against Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at TD Garden on November 19, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to record 200 caree...

<p>Denver Nuggets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a> became the first player in NBA history to record 200 career triple-doubles, putting up 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists in a 122-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.</p><p>It's his first triple-double of the season. He received the game ball to mark the feat.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Russ kept his 200th triple-double game ball ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/xUxcwkXpBZ">pic.twitter.com/xUxcwkXpBZ</a></p>— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1859087324430152172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's a blessing," Westbrook said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/westbrook-tripledouble-nba-nuggets-4a18cefe5947c1a95a28257d36f4fdf6">Clay Bailey of The Associated Press</a>. "I'm truly grateful to be able to play the game (well enough) to do that. But I'm also appreciative of the ones who came before me."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The veteran guard became the all-time leader in triple-doubles in 2021, passing Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson's 181 while a member of the Washington Wizards. Only five players have eclipsed 100 career triple-doubles.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Amount</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Russell Westbrook*</td>
<td> 200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oscar Robertson</td>
<td> 181</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Magic Johnson</td>
<td> 138</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nikola Jokic*</td>
<td> 136</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LeBron James*</td>
<td> 117</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* denotes active player</em></p><p>Westbrook joined Robertson as one of two players to average a triple-double over an entire season in 2016-17, averaging a league-leading 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists en route to claiming league MVP with the Oklahoma City Thunder. </p><p>He accomplished the feat twice more with Oklahoma City and once with the Wizards. Westbrook recorded the majority of his triple-doubles as a member of the Thunder, with 130 coming between 2014-19.</p><p>The 36-year-old joined the Nuggets during the offseason and is averaging 10.7 points, 5.3 assists, and four rebounds this campaign.</p>

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 19: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets brings the ball upcourt during the first half of the Emirates NBA Cup against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 19, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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