The Denver Nuggets announced Tuesday that they fired head coach Michael Malone and won't be exten...

<p>The Denver Nuggets announced Tuesday that they fired head coach Michael Malone and won't be extending general manager Calvin Booth's contract after the season.</p><p>Assistant coach David Adelman will take over the Nuggets' bench on an interim basis.</p><p>"This decision (to relieve Malone) was not made lightly and was evaluated very carefully, and we do it only with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA championship and delivering another title to Denver and our fans everywhere," Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment said in a statement.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Malone guided the Nuggets to their only championship title in 2023 and is the franchise's winningest coach, collecting 471 victories since taking the helm in 2015.</p><p>"While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, as Coach Malone helped build the foundation of our now championship level program, it is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now," Kroenke added. "Championship-level standards and expectations remain in place for the current season, and as we look to the future, we look forward to building on the foundations laid by Coach Malone over his record-breaking 10-year career in Denver."</p><p>Malone's dismissal is tied for the latest coaching change in a season in NBA history, matching Hubie Brown's departure from the Atlanta Hawks in 1980-81, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1909664499138769016">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The Memphis Grizzlies also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3252646" href="https://thescore.com/news/3252646">parted ways</a> with head coach Taylor Jenkins late this season, firing him at the end of March.</p><p>Malone previously served as head coach of the Sacramento Kings. He was fired 24 games into the 2014-15 season, paving the way for him to join Denver the following offseason.</p><p>The Nuggets promoted Booth to general manager in 2020 after he joined the club as an assistant GM in 2017.</p><p>"We are grateful to Calvin for his eight years with the Nuggets and know his place in Nuggets history as our first championship-winning GM will be honored for years to come," Kroenke said.</p><p>Denver ranks fourth in the Western Conference with a 47-32 record. The Nuggets are on a four-game losing streak and are 11-13 since the All-Star break. The team has three contests remaining against the Grizzlies, Kings, and Houston Rockets.</p>

DENVER, CO - APRIL 6: Head Coach Michael Malone claps on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena on April 6, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Nuggets fire coach Malone, won't retain GM Booth

Notre Dame star Olivia Miles is transferring to TCU, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.  Miles s...

<p>Notre Dame star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97805" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97805">Olivia Miles</a> is transferring to TCU, sources told <a href="https://x.com/espn/status/1909650604256797154">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Miles spent the last four seasons with Notre Dame. She averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals this past campaign to earn an All-American second-team nod.</p><p>No. 3 Notre Dame recently fell to TCU in the Sweet 16, marking the fourth straight year the program's season ended in that round.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>TCU went on to lose in the Elite Eight, capping off its most successful campaign after adding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91688" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/91688">Hailey Van Lith</a> from the transfer portal last offseason. Van Lith is expected to be drafted into the WNBA later in April.</p><p>The Horned Frogs finished first in the Big 12 with a 34-3 record in coach Mark Campbell's second season.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Olivia Miles (5) dribbles up the court during the women's college basketball game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the USC Trojans on November 23, 2024 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA.

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Report: Olivia Miles transfers to TCU

Michigan State freshman guard Jase Richardson is entering the NBA draft, he told ESPN's Jonathan ...

<p>Michigan State freshman guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/163573" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/163573">Jase Richardson</a> is entering the NBA draft, he told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44587989/michigan-state-freshman-jase-richardson-enter-2025-nba-draft">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>.</p><p>Richardson, a projected lottery pick, averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in his lone season with Michigan State, shooting 41% from three. He earned Big Ten All-Freshman team and third-team all-conference honors.</p><p>"I'm incredibly grateful to my teammates and coaches for the season we had," Richardson said. "After evaluating everything with my family, this was the best decision for me. We had so many incredible moments as a team. Even though we didn't go as far as I had hoped in the NCAA tournament, this is exactly how I wanted my freshman year to go."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Michigan State won the Big Ten regular-season championship with a 17-3 conference record this past campaign. The Spartans reached the Elite Eight of March Madness for the first time since 2019.</p><p>Richardson is the son of 14-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson, a former second-team All-American at Michigan State who won a national title with the Spartans in 2000.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 28: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans talks with Jase Richardson #11 during the Sweet Sixteen round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at State Farm Arena on March 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Michigan State's Richardson declaring for NBA draft

Arizona State forward Jayden Quaintance has committed to Kentucky, his father told ESPN's Jonatha...

<p>Arizona State forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121786" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121786">Jayden Quaintance</a> has committed to Kentucky, his father told <a href="https://www.espn.com/espngamer/ncb/story/_/id/44586018/ex-arizona-state-star-jayden-quaintance-re-commits-kentucky">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>. </p><p>Quaintance, the No. 17 prospect in the 2024 ESPN 100, originally committed to Kentucky last year but re-opened his recruitment after Wildcats head coach John Calipari joined Arkansas. </p><p>"We always liked Kentucky," Haminn Quaintance said. "He was committed there before John Calipari left for Arkansas, which is the reason we ended up at Arizona State. We were always hoping they'd come back around and recruit him. It didn't make sense for Coach Pope last time, trying to take on one of Cal's guys, but this time it really felt like he wanted him to be there."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Quaintance favored Kentucky over multiple other schools, including Auburn and Kansas.</p><p>In his freshman season, he averaged 9.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks for Arizona State. The 6-foot-9 forward was selected to the Big 12 All-Freshman and All-Defensive teams. </p><p>Quaintance was the youngest player in college basketball last season, as the 17-year-old graduated high school early. He tore his ACL during a game in February and is expected to be ready for the start of next season.</p><p>Quaintance is projected to be a top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. </p><p>The Wildcats went 24-12 in Mark Pope's first season as head coach. They lost to Tennessee in the Sweet 16.</p>

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: Arizona State Sun Devils forward Jayden Quaintance (21) makes a move on Arizona Wildcats forward Henri Veesaar (13) during the college basketball game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona State Sun Devils on February 1, 2025 at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona.

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Arizona State forward Quaintance commits to Kentucky

North Carolina guard and former five-star prospect Ian Jackson entered the transfer portal, sourc...

<p>North Carolina guard and former five-star prospect Ian Jackson entered the transfer portal, sources told <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/1909331186578551133">ESPN's Jeff Borzello</a>.</p><p>Jackson was the Tar Heels' premier prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, ranking seventh on the ESPN 100. The 6-foot-4 guard also received offers from Bryant, Kansas State, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall, St. John's, and UConn.</p><p>Jackson finished second on North Carolina in scoring with 11.9 points per game while adding 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and a steal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Tar Heels ended the season with a 23-14 record, ranking fourth in the ACC. They lost in the first round to No. 6 Ole Miss.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 21: Ian Jackson #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles the ball against the Ole Miss Rebels during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Fiserv Forum on March 21, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Report: North Carolina's Jackson enters transfer portal

The Portland Trail Blazers signed general manager Joe Cronin to a multi-year contract extension, ...

<p>The Portland Trail Blazers signed general manager Joe Cronin to a multi-year contract extension, the franchise announced Monday.</p><p>The Blazers have won 14 more games this season than last and still have three regular-season contests left in 2024-25. The club sits 12th in the Western Conference with a 35-44 record but is 22-16 since Jan. 19.</p><p>"Joe has demonstrated leadership and vision during his time as general manager, and I'm excited to see him continue building the foundation for a long-term, winning team," Blazers chairperson Jody Allen said in a statement. "We are all thrilled with the team's forward momentum and excited for the future of Trail Blazers basketball."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Portland has also built a steady rotation this campaign, with seven players averaging more than 10 points per game.</p><p>The Blazers initially promoted Cronin to interim general manager in 2021 before signing him to a four-year deal to become the full-time GM in 2022. Cronin started as an intern and worked his way up through the organization.</p>

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 19: General manager Joe Cronin of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Moda Center on December 19, 2024 in Portland, Oregon.

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Blazers extend general manager Cronin

St. John's bench boss Rick Pitino won the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year award Sunday.  Pitino r...

<p>St. John's bench boss Rick Pitino won the 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year award Sunday.</p><p>Pitino received the honor over Bruce Pearl of Auburn, Kelvin Sampson of Houston, and Jon Scheyer of Duke.</p><p>In his second season with the Red Storm, Pitino guided the program to a 31-5 record - winning the Big East regular season and tournament championships.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>St. John's made its first March Madness since 2015 under Pitino. The Red Storm lost to Arkansas in the second round of March Madness.</p><p>This is the first Naismith award for Pitino and St. John's. He was named co-AP Coach of the Year with Pearl this season, the first tie in the history of the award.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Rick Pitino of the St. John's Red Storm before the game against the Connecticut Huskies at Madison Square Garden on February 23, 2025 in New York City.

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Pitino named 2025 Naismith Coach of the Year

Duke forward Cooper Flagg was named the 2025 Naismith Player of the Year on Sunday.  Flagg beat o...

<p>Duke forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> was named the 2025 Naismith Player of the Year on Sunday.</p><p>Flagg beat out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87250">Johni Broome</a> of Auburn, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96362" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96362">Walter Clayton Jr.</a> of Florida, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102884" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102884">Braden Smith</a> of Purdue for the award.</p><p>The freshman phenom averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals for the Blue Devils.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's an incredible honor for me," Flagg <a href="https://x.com/NaismithTrophy/status/1908916476758638610">said</a> at the Naismith Awards brunch. "I appreciate everybody for giving me this type of recognition. It's a surreal feeling, this whole year, this tournament, it's all gone by so fast. It's been a blur. It's been an incredible year. ... with an incredible group of people."</p><p>Flagg is the first Duke player to win the award since Zion Williamson in 2019.</p><p>Flagg averaged 21 points, 7.6 assists, five assists, and two blocks over four March Madness contests. Duke's season ended after a Final Four <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3259601" href="https://thescore.com/news/3259601">defeat</a> to Houston on Saturday.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 05: Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils drives the ball during the first half in the Final Four Game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.

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Duke's Flagg wins 2025 Naismith Player of the Year

USC star JuJu Watkins was named the winner of the 2025 Wooden Award on Saturday, given to the mos...

<p>USC star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/110970" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/110970">JuJu Watkins</a> was named the winner of the 2025 Wooden Award on Saturday, given to the most outstanding player in women's college basketball.</p><p>The Trojans guard won the award over finalists <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/92277" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/92277">Paige Bueckers</a> of UConn, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/104621" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/104621">Lauren Betts</a> of UCLA, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/111974" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/111974">Hannah Hidalgo</a> of Notre Dame, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/111856" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/111856">Madison Booker</a> of Texas</p><p>Watkins has also won AP Player of the Year and the Naismith College Player of the Year this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 19-year-old was fourth in the nation in scoring, dropping 23.9 points per game while adding 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks. She joins Maya Moore as the only sophomore player to win a Wooden since the award's creation in the 2003-04 season.</p><p>Watkins suffered a season-ending ACL injury in USC's win over Mississippi State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans were able to make it to the Elite Eight of March Madness without her, losing to UConn. </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 12: USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) reacts to a call during the women's college basketball game between the Penn State Nitty Lions and the USC Trojans on January 12, 2025 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA.

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JuJu Watkins wins 2025 Wooden Award

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson will return Sunday against the Phoenix Suns after missing alm...

<p>New York Knicks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> will return Sunday against the Phoenix Suns after missing almost a month due to an ankle sprain.</p><p>Brunson missed Saturday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks. The Knicks are 8-6 without the All-Star guard in the lineup.</p><p>The 28-year-old is averaging 26.3 points, 7.4 assists, three rebounds, and a steal this season for the Knicks. He's played 61 games this season, meaning he'll qualify for end-of-season awards - which have a 65-game threshold - if he plays in at least 20 minutes in four more games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Knicks rank third in the Eastern Conference with a 48-28 record. </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 6: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6, 2025 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 2025 NBAE

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Brunson to return Sunday vs. Suns

Longtime NBA veterans Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard are among the class of 2025 who will be e...

<p>Longtime NBA veterans Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard are among the class of 2025 who will be enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.</p><p>Anthony and Howard are joined by Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, the 2008 U.S. Olympic men's team, Billy Donovan, Micky Arison, and Danny Crawford. </p><p>Here's a brief look at the eight individuals and one team set to join the Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Carmelo Anthony: </strong>A 10-time All-Star over his NBA career, Anthony was one of the best scorers of his generation - ranking 10th on the NBA leaderboard for points (28,289) during a notable 19-season career. Prior to his professional career, Anthony led Syracuse to its lone NCAA championship in 2003 during his standout freshman season. He also won three gold medals and was once the all-time leader in total points scored at the Olympics for Team USA.</p><p><strong>Dwight Howard: </strong>The only player to win three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards, Howard brought the Orlando Magic back to prominence - peaking with a Finals appearance in 2009. D12 also won a title in his second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. Howard ranks 10th in total rebounds (14,627) and 13th in blocks (2,228) in NBA history.</p><p><strong>Sue Bird: </strong>One of the most decorated players in WNBA history, Bird won four championships with the Seattle Storm between 2004-20, the only player to win titles in three different decades. She made 13 All-Star teams and led the WNBA in assists on three occasions. Bird also won two NCAA championships with UConn in 2000 and 2002 and five Olympic gold medals with Team USA.</p><p><strong>Maya Moore: </strong>Another UConn great, Moore led the Huskies to back-to-back championships in 2009-10. The Minnesota Lynx drafted her first in 2011, and in eight short seasons she guided the franchise to four championships. Moore was also named WNBA MVP in 2014, and she reached five consecutive All-WNBA first-team nods.</p><p><strong>Sylvia Fowles: </strong>One of Moore's teammates on the Lynx, Fowles played a crucial part on two championship-winning squads in 2015 and 2017 - winning Finals MVP on both occasions. The one-time MVP also made eight All-Star teams and won four Defensive Player of the Year awards, two of them coming with the Chicago Sky.</p><p><strong>2008 U.S. Olympic men's team: </strong>Known as "The Redeem Team," the United States dominated the Beijing Olympics behind stellar play from Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant to avenge a disappointing bronze medal in 2004. Team USA went 8-0 and beat opponents by an average of 27.9 points. Anthony and Howard were also on the team, and both averaged double-digit points. </p><p><strong>Billy Donovan: </strong>While at Florida, Donovan guided the Gators to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006-07 and four Final Four appearances. His 467 victories between 1996-2015 are the most in school history. Donovan has also won 434 games in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls - leading the Thunder to the Western Conference finals in 2016.</p><p><strong>Micky Arison: </strong>The owner of the Miami Heat, Arison has presided over one of the most successful NBA franchises of the 21st century. The Heat won championships in 2006, 2011, and 2012, and they've had only six seasons under .500 since Arison bought the franchise in 1995.</p><p><strong>Danny Crawford: </strong>Crawford spent 31 years working as a game official in the NBA. He served as a referee in more than 2,000 regular season games and 30 NBA Finals games. Crawford retired in 2017.</p><p>Enshrinement weekend takes place Sept. 5-6. </p>

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 16: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks talks with Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Magic defeated the Knicks 102-93. 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.

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Carmelo, Howard highlight 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame class

Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry is feeling the pressure of performing as the team get...

<p>Golden State Warriors superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph Curry</a> is feeling the pressure of performing as the team gets closer to the playoffs</p><p>"(There's a) sense of urgency down the stretch," Curry said Friday night after the Warriors' 118-104 victory over the Denver Nuggets, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44541829/stephen-curry-warriors-level-stakes-get-higher">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. "The feeling of where you are in the standings, every game mattering. And the idea that the chess match of 'how do we win this particular game' becomes a little bit more important."</p><p>Curry added: "We thrive off of that. That's why we've been so successful for this many years. Because as the stakes rise, the lights get brighter, we tend to level up."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 37-year-old finished with 36 points, five assists, two rebounds, and two steals in the Warriors victory - their fifth in a row. He joins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> as the only players at that age to score at least 125 points in a three-game span.</p><p>Since acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> in February, the Warriors have gone 21-5 and jumped from ninth to fifth in the Western Conference.</p><p>Curry believes Golden State is playing at a championship level, but it still has work to do to ensure a strong finish to the season.</p><p>"You are seeing an identity on a night-to-night that we understand how to win games. Whether it's games where tempo is a lot faster, you got to score or if it's a grind-out defensive game. We've played better in fourth quarters with leads. All the things that championship-caliber teams do, we've been doing, and it's clearly different than two months ago."</p><p>The Warriors play host to the Houston Rockets on Sunday.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Chase Center on April 04, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Curry amid 5-game win streak: Warriors 'level up' as stakes rise

UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg has committed to Michigan, he told ESPN's Jonathan Givony.  "I love t...

<p>UAB forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110337" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110337">Yaxel Lendeborg</a> has committed to Michigan, he told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44544277/uab-star-big-man-yaxel-lendeborg-commits-michigan">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>.</p><p>"I love the culture Dusty May has brought to every team that he's coached," Lendeborg said. "When I first started watching college basketball, it was FAU."</p><p>Lendeborg is regarded as the top big man in the transfer portal. He plans to declare for the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, as his sights are set on his future.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm focused on the draft process and making the NBA right now," Lendeborg said. "I want a guaranteed contract. That's the biggest thing. Make sure I am in a good spot. I would prefer to play college basketball in Ann Arbor than be in and out of the G League on a two-way. I want to find a safe spot."</p><p>Lendeborg averaged 17.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.6 steals this season for UAB, shooting 55% from the field and 36% from three. He was named a first-team All-AAC member and the conference's Defensive Player of the Year.</p><p>The 22-year-old helped lead UAB to the quarterfinals of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) before they lost to UC Irvine. </p><p>Michigan reached the Sweet 16 in May's first season as coach, finishing with a 27-10 record. The Wolverines lost to No. 1 Auburn.</p>

BIRMINGHAM, AL - NOVEMBER 07: UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) during the game between the UAB Blazers and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles on November 7, 2024 at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

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Lendeborg commits to Michigan, declares for draft

Former Maryland guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie announced Friday that he's transferring to Tennessee.  Af...

<p>Former Maryland guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102898" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102898">Ja'Kobi Gillespie</a> announced Friday that he's transferring to Tennessee.</p><p>After two years at Belmont, Gillespie joined the Terrapins this season. He was named to the All-Big Ten third team with averages of 14.7 points, 4.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals.</p><p>Maryland reached the Sweet 16 before losing to No. 1 Florida - the school's best showing since 2016. Head coach Kevin Willard left to fill Villanova's vacancy, while the school replaced him with Texas A&amp;M bench boss Buzz Williams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tennessee made the Elite Eight for the second straight season. </p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 23: Ja'Kobi Gillespie #0 of the Maryland Terrapins dribbles during the the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Colorado State Rams at Climate Pledge Arena on March 23, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Maryland Terrapins won 72-71.

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Ex-Maryland guard Gillespie transfers to Tennessee

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was fined $75,000 for twice making an inappropriate gesture on t...

<p>Memphis Grizzlies star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a> was fined $75,000 for twice making an inappropriate gesture on the court, the NBA announced Friday.</p><p>Morant made a gun gesture in a game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3257966" href="https://thescore.com/news/3257966">repeated it</a> during Thursday's win over the Miami Heat.</p><p>In the first instance, the Grizzlies guard and Warriors veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy Hield </a>were handed offsetting technical fouls for the incident. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The NBA then warned Morant that the action could be interpreted in a negative and inappropriate light, but the league ruled the celebration wasn't intended to be violent.</p><p>Morant again made the gesture after knocking down a 3-pointer in the 1st quarter Thursday. He said postgame that he's been painted as a villain for the past two years. When asked if he enjoys being one, Morant added, "I love it."</p><p>The 25-year-old has been suspended twice in his career for showing a gun on social media.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 03: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the 4th quarter against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on April 03, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Morant fined $75K for making 2nd 'inappropriate gesture'

San Antonio Spurs veteran Chris Paul believes he'll keep playing in the NBA next season.  "I’ll b...

<p>San Antonio Spurs veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/314" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/314">Chris Paul</a> believes he'll keep playing in the NBA next season.</p><p>"I’ll be 40 in May. So, yeah man, I'm going to keep playing, I think," Paul told <a href="https://andscape.com/features/my-love-for-the-game-is-even-higher-now-chris-paul-set-to-evaluate-his-nba-future/">Andscape's Marc J. Spears</a>. "At the end of every season, I evaluate everything. Evaluate playing. Evaluate how my body feels. But the more years that go by, it's more conversations with my family, with my kids. They have a lot of say so. They got a lot of input."</p><p>In his 20th season, Paul is averaging 8.8 points, 7.6 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game for the Spurs. He is one of 11 players to appear in 20 NBA campaigns, with Paul and LeBron James as the only active players to meet that threshold.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Paul has made 12 All-Star teams, along with four first-team All-NBA selections. He led the league in steals six times and assists on five occasions.</p><p>"I'm proud. Grateful. I don’t think about it too much," Paul said about his career. "I always tell these guys on my team, 'I couldn't imagine being done at 25. I couldn't imagine being done at 35.' I still can’t even imagine at some point being done. I've been in the league half of my life."</p><p>The veteran guard, who signed a one-year, $10.5-million deal with San Antonio last offseason, will enter free agency this summer.</p><p>The Spurs sit 13th in the Western Conference with a 32-44 record. The franchise lost center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> for the rest of the campaign in February because of deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder.</p>

DENVER, CO - APRIL 2: Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 2, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 2025 NBAE

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Two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne announced her retirement Friday.  Delle Donne made seven All-...

<p>Two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne announced her retirement Friday.</p><p>Delle Donne made seven All-Star teams and led the Washington Mystics to their first and only championship in 2019.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIBwmc_M9rZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIBwmc_M9rZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIBwmc_M9rZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Elena Delle Donne (@de11edonne)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>The 35-year-old will transition to an advisory role in the Mystics' front office, the team <a href="https://x.com/WashMystics/status/1908193057897341311">announced</a> shortly after.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Delle Donne was picked second in the 2013 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. She played four seasons with the franchise, making three All-Star teams and winning her first MVP in 2015. </p><p>The Sky made the playoffs all four years, peaking with a Finals appearance in 2014.</p><p>Chicago traded Delle Donne to the Mystics in 2017 for a package that included <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/18433" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/18433">Stefanie Dolson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/27523" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/27523">Kahleah Copper</a>. She made an instant impact, leading Washington back to the playoffs and eventually winning her second MVP and first championship in 2019. </p><p>Delle Donne played 51 games across four seasons after winning a title, sitting out the 2020 campaign and playing just three games in 2021 because of back issues that required surgery. She sat out last season, <a href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/39480631/mystics-elena-delle-donne-stepping-away-basketball">reportedly</a> declining to sign a one-year super-max offer with the Mystics.</p><p>Delle Donne holds career averages of 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 blocks.</p>

BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 19: Elena Delle Donne #11 of the Washington Mystics boxes out against the New York Liberty during the 2023 WNBA Playoffs on September 19, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

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Princeton guard Xaivian Lee is entering the transfer portal, his agent told ESPN's Jonathan Givon...

<p>Princeton guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/105711" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/105711">Xaivian Lee</a> is entering the transfer portal, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1908130964397601162">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>.</p><p>Lee will also test the NBA draft process while maintaining his college eligibility. </p><p>The 21-year-old has played three seasons with Princeton, making first-team All-Ivy League the past two campaigns. He averaged 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in his junior year with the Tigers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Princeton reached the Sweet 16 as a No. 15 seed in 2023 but hasn't returned to March Madness since. This year, the Tigers finished with a 19-11 record in the regular season and narrowly lost to Yale in the Ivy League Tournament.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 21: Xaivian Lee #1 of the Princeton Tigers warms up prior to the Never Forget Tribute Classic game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on December 21, 2024 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Luka Doncic took responsibility for his output in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-116 loss Thursday n...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> took responsibility for his output in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-116 loss Thursday night to the Golden State Warriors.</p><p>"That performance from me was unacceptable," Doncic said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44528063/luka-doncic-takes-blame-unacceptable-night-lakers-fall">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>. "When I play like that, that makes (it) harder (for the team) to win, so just got to figure that out."</p><p>Doncic recorded 19 points in the defeat but struggled shooting the ball efficiently, going 6-of-17 from the field. He missed all six of his attempts from deep, breaking a streak of making at least one 3-pointer per game over the past 114 contests since April 2023.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The five-time All-Star is shooting 41% from the field in 23 contests with the Lakers.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> led the team in scoring with 33 points, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> contributed 31. L.A.'s starters were responsible for 109 of 116 points in the contest.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph Curry</a> scored 37 points for the Warriors, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110258" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110258">Brandin Podziemski</a> added 28.</p><p>"It obviously felt like a playoff game," Doncic said. "Obviously, the Warriors, since they acquired Jimmy (Butler), they've been playing unbelievably. So it was kind of (a) playoff game, and now we see what kind of team they are. Maybe we can meet them, maybe not, in the playoffs. So, we just need to be more ready."</p><p>The defeat dropped Los Angeles to fourth in the Western Conference. The Lakers are one game ahead of the fifth-place Warriors and hold the tiebreaker after winning the season series 3-1. Both teams have six contests remaining.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 3: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 3, 2025 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 2025 NBAE

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Doncic owns 'unacceptable' showing in Lakers' loss to Warriors

The NBA announced Thursday that Houston Rockets wing Dillon Brooks will be suspended one game aft...

<p>The NBA announced Thursday that Houston Rockets wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39256" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39256">Dillon Brooks</a> will be suspended one game after receiving his 16th technical foul of the season.</p><p>Brooks picked up the foul in the first quarter of Wednesday's 143-105 victory over the Utah Jazz after kicking <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60062" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60062">Collin Sexton</a> near the groin.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bTqWRgNw3RE?si=zGsc9-ZdRmxmc6Nv" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Brooks will serve the suspension Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>An NBA player or coach who accumulates 16 technical fouls during the regular season is automatically suspended for one contest. For every two additional technical fouls, the party is banned for an additional contest.</p><p>Brooks said postgame he hoped the league would rescind the technical foul so he could play against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a>, his teammate on the Canadian men's national team, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44511666/rockets-brooks-gets-16th-tech-kick-sexton-groin">ESPN's Michael C. Wright</a>.</p><p>"Usually, those things are (considered) flagrants, and I guess (referee Tony Brothers) misspoke," Brooks added.</p><p>Brooks recorded 21 points in 28 minutes. The Rockets clinched a playoff spot as they improved to 50-27.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 02: Dillon Brooks #9 of the Houston Rockets kicks Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz during the first period at Toyota Center on April 02, 2025 in Houston, Texas. 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.

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