The NBA suspended Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder three games for confronting and attempti...

<p>The NBA suspended Sacramento Kings guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30613" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30613">Dennis Schroder</a> three games for confronting and attempting to strike a player following Sacramento's 125-101 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 28.</p><p>The league didn't name the player in question, though Schroder was apparently seeking out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/2010172008995402007">Chris Haynes of Amazon Prime Video</a>. The NBA said that Schroder initiated the confrontation 40 minutes after the game in an arena hallway.</p><p>As a result of the suspension, Schroder will miss Monday's rematch between the teams in Sacramento.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Schroder and Doncic exchanged trash talk on several occasions during the Dec. 28 contest. In one instance, Schroder appeared to have words for Doncic after the two bumped into each other following a free throw.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I’m gonna beat the sh*t out of you”<br><br>Dennis Schroder to Luka 😳 <a href="https://t.co/kBeOLQ1McG">pic.twitter.com/kBeOLQ1McG</a></p>— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) <a href="https://twitter.com/LADEig/status/2005494754923143424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>In another clip captured by a courtside fan, Doncic appeared to mock Schroder for not signing a four-year, $84-million extension supposedly offered by the Lakers in 2021. Schroder later signed a one-year, $5.9-million contract with the Boston Celtics that summer.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Luka let Dennis Schroder know he fumbled the bag during his trash-talk on Sunday 😭😭<br><br>“Shoulda signed that contract baby”<br><br>Via: _MichaelMorales10 on IG <a href="https://t.co/aNMgAielJ7">pic.twitter.com/aNMgAielJ7</a></p>— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/LALMuse/status/2006202292224041025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The two have a long history in the NBA but have also squared off against one another several times with their respective German and Slovenian national teams. Their most recent encounter in international play occurred during the 2025 EuroBasket quarterfinals. Schroder got the better of Doncic on that occasion, as Germany won 99-91 to eliminate Slovenia despite the five-time All-Star scoring 39 points.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 05: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a three-point shot against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Golden 1 Center on November 05, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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Schroder suspended 3 games for reported confrontation with Luka

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant vaulted Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain into seventh-place on th...

<p>Houston Rockets star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> vaulted Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain into seventh-place on the NBA's all-time scoring leaderboard Friday during Houston's 111-105 road loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.</p><p>Durant overtook Chamberlain with a 3-pointer in the third quarter, giving him 17 points in the contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KEVIN DURANT PASSES WILT CHAMBERLAIN FOR 7th ON THE ALL-TIME SCORING LIST 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/rcc0DtcwS2">pic.twitter.com/rcc0DtcwS2</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2009847493107036506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"To be amongst the greats is always an honor," Durant told reporters postgame, including <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-durant-rockets-wilt-chamberlain-53685fd782bd61e2ddefc57c53210f65">Anne M. Peterson of The Associated Press</a>. "Wilt is somebody I studied and tried to look up to as much as I can, a player like that. Like I always say, he set a standard for NBA players and (I'm) grateful to reach that - and inspired by what he produced for the game of basketball."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Rockets star finished Friday with a team-high 30 points, taking him to 31,435 throughout his 18-year career. He also led the Rockets with 12 rebounds and chipped in with four assists and two blocks in over 39 minutes. However, he posted the only positive plus-minus of Houston's starters (plus-five).</p><p>"The fact that we have to rely on a 37-year-old for 40-plus minutes is a problem," Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said after the loss, according to sideline reporter <a href="https://x.com/SportsVanessa/status/2009862540906344799">Vanessa Richardson</a>.</p><p><strong>All-time NBA scoring leaderboard</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>LeBron James*</td>
<td>42575</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</td>
<td>38387</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Karl Malone</td>
<td>36928</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Kobe Bryant</td>
<td>33643</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Michael Jordan</td>
<td>32292</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Dirk Nowitzki</td>
<td>31560</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Kevin Durant*</td>
<td>31435</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Wilt Chamberlain</td>
<td>31419</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Active</em></p><p>The Trail Blazers, who passed on Durant in 2007 when they instead took center Greg Oden first overall, recognized the Rockets forward's milestone as fans in Portland gave Durant a standing ovation during a break in play.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kevin Durant receiving an ovation in Portland for passing Wilt Chamberlain. <a href="https://t.co/P9PM7rrfhB">pic.twitter.com/P9PM7rrfhB</a></p>— Rockets Clips (@Rockets_Clips) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rockets_Clips/status/2009850908725629278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"These milestones always have me reflecting on the people that helped me get to this point - the journey that I've been through, the close calls and the things that could have went left plenty of times in my life," Durant said. "So to be here, very, very grateful, and Portland is such a classy, classy city for recognizing me in that moment and honoring me."</p><p>With only 141 points separating Chamberlain from Dirk Nowitzki in sixth, Durant is a mathematical near-certainty to pass the Dallas Mavericks legend this season, too. Durant, who entered Friday scoring 28.1 points per game over his last 10 contests, could surpass Nowitzki in as soon as six contests if he maintains that production.</p><p>There's also a chance the Rockets vet could also equal Michael Jordan by the end of this season. The Chicago Bulls icon finished his career 837 points clear of Chamberlain; Durant can close that gap by averaging 18.6 points over the remaining 47 regular-season games, though that number would climb every time the 37-year-old misses a contest.</p>

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 09: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets keeps the ball away from Toumani Camara #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Moda Center on January 09, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.

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Durant 'grateful' to pass Wilt Chamberlain for 7th in all-time NBA points

The Atlanta Hawks are trading star guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, sources told ESPN'...

<p>The Atlanta Hawks are trading star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a> to the Washington Wizards, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2009089624363463004">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The Wizards are sending veteran guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">CJ McCollum</a> and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96091" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96091">Corey Kispert</a> to the Hawks in the deal.</p><p>Young, who hasn't played since Dec. 27 due to a quad injury, indicated that he preferred to land in Washington after Atlanta began exploring a trade for the 27-year-old, Charania reported earlier Wednesday. His agents reportedly began working with the Hawks on Monday to find a trade destination for Young.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The four-time All-Star and last year's assists leader has played just 10 games this season due to injuries. Young, who owns career averages of 25.2 points and 9.8 assists over eight NBA seasons, is the Hawks' all-time leader in assists (4,837) and 3-pointers (1,295). His contract contains a $49-million player option for next season.</p><p>Though inactive Wednesday against the New Orlean Pelicans, Young was on the Hawks' bench when reports first surfaced of his pending move to Washington.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trae Young was with his team on the bench mid-game when the trade news went live😳😳 <a href="https://t.co/qQXOsyn5SA">pic.twitter.com/qQXOsyn5SA</a></p>— marcus (@mxrk1ss) <a href="https://twitter.com/mxrk1ss/status/2009098707640438967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>McCollum, meanwhile, departs Washington after playing 35 games for the franchise, which acquired him in July from the New Orleans Pelicans. The 34-year-old is averaging 18.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game in his 13th season.</p><p>"Loved my time in D.C.," McCollum told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/2009104321414058163">Amazon Prime Video's Chris Haynes</a> after learning of the reported trade. "Organization was great to my family and I. (Wizards president) Michael Winger and (general manager) Will (Dawkins) did everything they said they would and kept their word from the very beginning. Love the city, and they're doing things the right way over there.</p><p>"Excited to get to the A and get to work. Very familiar with their style of play. Love the ownership group and front office. Good group of players."</p><p>Kispert was the 15th overall pick by the Wizards in 2021 but has played in just two contests since the start of December due to thumb and hamstring issues.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 7: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks gestures prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at State Farm Arena on January 7, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Report: Hawks trade Young to Wizards for McCollum, Kispert

The Washington Wizards have surfaced as a trade candidate for Trae Young should the Atlanta Hawks...

<p>The Washington Wizards have surfaced as a trade candidate for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a> should the Atlanta Hawks decide to trade the star guard, according to basketball insider <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/2008295939690119625">Marc Stein</a>.</p><p>As part of a potential deal, the Wizards would part with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">C.J. McCollum</a>, whose $30.7-million expiring contract would offset much of the $46 million owed to Young this season, adds Stein.</p><p>Young's agents are working with Atlanta on finding a trade that suits all parties, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2008310091091513666">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's unclear if a third team would be required to facilitate a move for Young. Washington's only other players earning over $10 million this season are 14-year veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a> and former No. 2 pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121720" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121720">Alex Sarr</a>, who appears to be the franchise's next star.</p><p>The Hawks have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3441598" href="https://thescore.com/news/3441598">reportedly</a> grown more open to discussing trades for Young, who the organization drafted fifth overall in 2019. Through eight seasons, the 27-year-old is averaging 25.2 points and 9.8 assists. However, the five-time All-Star has played just 10 games in 2025-26 due to knee and quad injuries, registering 19.3 points and 8.9 assists per game - both career lows since his rookie year. Atlanta is also 2-8 with Young in the lineup this campaign but 15-12 without him.</p><p>Young can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he elects not to exercise a $49-million player option for next season. Although the Hawks could have extended Young before the campaign, the two sides failed to reach an agreement by the October deadline.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates after scoring in the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 08, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Report: Wizards emerge as possible landing spot for Hawks' Young

Arkansas head coach John Calipari took aim at the NCAA following his team's 103-74 win over James...

<p>Arkansas head coach John Calipari took aim at the NCAA following his team's 103-74 win over James Madison, calling out the organization for a lack of clarity over its eligibility rules.</p><p>"Look, I don't blame coaches," he said. "I've got friends that are playing with 27-year-olds and they feel bad. I said, 'Don't feel bad. We don't have any rules. Why should you feel bad?'</p><p>"But let me give you this, real simple: the rules be the rules. So if you put your name in the draft - I don't care if you're from Russia - and you stay in the draft, you can't play college basketball. 'Well that's only for American kids.' What?"</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">John Calipari goes OFF on the NCAA and eligibility 😳<br><br>"THE RULES BE THE RULES. If you put your name in the draft, I don't care if you're from RUSSIA, you can't play college basketball! If your name was in that draft, and you got drafted, YOU CAN'T PLAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL!" <a href="https://t.co/s6p8PoOJID">pic.twitter.com/s6p8PoOJID</a></p>— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFieldOf68/status/2005871559521480826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Calipari is among several Division I coaches who have criticized the NCAA over a perceived lack of eligibility guidance recently in response to multiple players with unofficial NBA experience being permitted to play college basketball this season.</p><p>Baylor made Christmas Eve headlines with its midseason addition of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/182252" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/182252">James Nnaji</a>, a former NBA Summer Leaguer with the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks who was drafted 31st in 2023 by the Detroit Pistons. The 21-year-old was granted four years of college eligibility and will be the first player to play in the NCAA after being drafted by the NBA. He never played collegiately in the U.S., never played in an official NBA game, and was drafted out of Europe.</p><p>Baylor head coach Scott Drew on Monday defended the addition of Nnaji, stating coaches "have got to be ready to adjust and adapt to what's out there" until the NCAA negotiates a collective bargaining agreement, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/47445823/baylor-scott-drew-defends-james-nnaji-signing-amid-criticism">ESPN's Jeff Borzello</a>.</p><p>Purdue's Matt Painter also implored the NCAA on Monday to reach a resolution quickly.</p><p>"We've got a governing body right now that they don't know whether they're on foot or horseback," he said, according to <a href="https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2025/12/29/purdue-coach-matt-painter-college-basketball-adding-nba-draft-picks-g-league-pros-baylor-james-nnaji/87954056007/">Sam King of IndyStar</a>.</p><p>"We've got to get some rules so we can abide by them and go forward and just have some common ground."</p>

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - DECEMBER 29: Head Coach John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks directs his team in the first half during a game against the James Madison Dukes at Bud Walton Arena on December 29, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

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Calipari rips NCAA over unclear eligibility criteria

Steve Kerr expressed regret over an altercation with Draymond Green that went viral during the Go...

<p>Steve Kerr expressed regret over an altercation with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> that went viral during the Golden State Warriors' 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday.</p><p>"Monday night was not my finest hour, and that was a time I needed to be calm in the huddle," the head coach said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/47408205/steve-kerr-laments-beef-draymond-green">ESPN's Tim Bontemps</a>. "I regret my actions in that exchange. I apologized to (Green). He apologized to me. We both apologized to the team.</p><p>"These things, they happen - especially when you get two incredibly competitive people like Dray and me. So, over the 12 years we've been together, this has happened occasionally, and I'm not proud of it."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Green and Kerr were spotted having a heated conversation during a timeout with 8:31 left in the third quarter. The Warriors forward suddenly walked off toward the locker room as Kerr drew up a play for the rest of the team.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oh my: Draymond Green storms into the locker room after a huge argument with Steve Kerr.<br><br>What is going on?!?<a href="https://t.co/hzILqW1HNu">pic.twitter.com/hzILqW1HNu</a></p>— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/2003344489361051763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Green said postgame that he thought "it was best to remove myself" from the situation. Though Green returned to the bench soon after, Kerr said that he deliberately held him out for the final 20-plus minutes.</p><p>Golden State is unlikely to discipline Green for retreating to the locker room, <a href="https://youtu.be/taL0rHc5WAw?t=98">ESPN's Ramona Shelburne</a> reported Tuesday.</p><p>Kerr added Wednesday that he still envisions the two seeing out their respective careers in the Bay Area.</p><p>"My No. 1 goal, honestly, is for him to finish his career as a Warrior with us fighting metaphorically - not literally but fighting and competing together - until we're both gone," Kerr said. "And I believe that's going to happen. Because I believe in Draymond, and I believe in myself, and I believe in everything we've built for 12 years."</p><p>Green, 35, is in his 14th season, all of which have been with Golden State. The four-time NBA champion is averaging 8.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 24 starts.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors talks with his player Draymond Green #23 during a break in the action against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on March 13, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Kerr: Timeout blowup with Draymond 'not my finest hour'

James Nnaji, the 31st overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, is joining Baylor this season, his agen...

<p>James Nnaji, the 31st overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, is joining Baylor this season, his agents told <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/2003904709397192922">DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony</a>.</p><p>The Nigerian 7-footer was granted four years of eligibility by the NCAA, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeTipton/status/2003910985405604092">On3's Joe Tipton</a>.</p><p>Nnaji, 21, was drafted by the Detroit Pistons but never played in an NBA game. He'll be the first athlete to play college basketball after being selected in the NBA draft.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Nnaji is a massive midseason addition for Baylor: 7’0”, 251 pounds with a 7’7” wingspan.<br>The 21-year-old spent three seasons in the EuroLeague with Barcelona and appeared with the Knicks in Summer League last July. Here he is training with Serge Ibaka in 2023. <a href="https://t.co/0hnoOiTV9f">https://t.co/0hnoOiTV9f</a> <a href="https://t.co/QSe3vfe5Vu">pic.twitter.com/QSe3vfe5Vu</a></p>— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/2003905179889086561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Nnaji most recently played for EuroLeague giants Barcelona, who released him from his contract in August. He initially joined the club in 2020. He spent the previous two seasons on loan at fellow Spanish side Girona and Turkish club Merkezefendi.</p><p>In July, he appeared in five Summer League games for the New York Knicks, who still own his draft rights after acquiring them from the Charlotte Hornets in the three-team deal that also brought in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> from the Minnesota Timberwolves.</p><p>Former G Leaguers London Johnson and Thierry Darlan also debuted in the NCAA this year with Louisville and Santa Clara, respectively, though neither had ever declared for the draft. While all three played professionally overseas, neither Nnaji, Johnson, nor Darlan ever signed a standard NBA contract.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 19: James Nnaji #46 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 19, 2025 at the Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Former NBA 2nd-round pick Nnaji joins Baylor with immediate eligibility

Washington Wizards wing Cam Whitmore has been diagnosed with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis...

<p>Washington Wizards wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110270" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110270">Cam Whitmore</a> has been diagnosed with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder and will be out indefinitely, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>Whitmore has missed Washington's last six games. He was re-evaluated after dealing with shoulder soreness during the last two.</p><p>The 21-year-old Maryland native joined the Wizards in an offseason trade from the Houston Rockets, with whom he spent his first two NBA seasons. Rockets general manager Rafael Stone said he dealt Whitmore to Washington "to provide him an opportunity to go home and be in a situation where he could really play" as Houston shifted its focus toward contention with marquee offseason addition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Villanova product is averaging 9.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16.9 minutes across 21 games in Washington. He fared similarly in Houston, posting 10.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while averaging 17.4 minutes in two seasons. However, he hasn't been as effective from 3-point range in D.C., where he's shooting 28.6% on 2.7 attempts per game after hitting 35.7% on 4.1 attempts per contest in Houston.</p><p> </p>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Cam Whitmore #1 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the second half of the NBA basketball game between the Washington Wizards and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Wizards' Whitmore out indefinitely with deep vein thrombosis

The NBA is considering measures to dissuade tanking, including a rule prohibiting teams from havi...

<p>The NBA is considering measures to dissuade tanking, including a rule prohibiting teams from having a top-four pick in consecutive drafts, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47398198/sources-nba-looking-new-ways-prevent-teams-tanking">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>That was reportedly one of several ideas the league presented during a board of governors meeting Friday. The NBA also suggested limiting protections on traded picks so that they can only protect the top four or the entire lottery (top 14) and floated the possibility of locking teams into their lottery positions March 1, according to Charania.</p><p>Combating tanking is reportedly a priority for the league after the federal indictments of Miami Heat guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31126" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31126">Terry Rozier</a>, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, and former player Damon Jones, which alleged that some gamblers used non-public information about players' statuses to their advantage.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In the indictments of Rozier and Jones, an unnamed co-conspirator's description matched Billups, who was simultaneously indicted in a separate mafia-linked poker scheme.<strong> </strong>The unnamed individual allegedly told a man that the Trail Blazers would rest several of their top scorers for a March 2023 game against the Chicago Bulls that Portland intended to lose. Gamblers then allegedly bet over $100,000 on Chicago to win, and the Blazers lost 124-96.</p><p>The NBA instituted new injury reporting policies Monday, according to Charania. Teams now have to submit listings on game day between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. local time and update public injury reports every 15 minutes instead of hourly.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: An overall view of the draft board following the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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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Report: NBA mulls anti-tanking measures including draft tweaks

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac will miss three weeks after sustaining a Grade 2 ankle sp...

<p>Los Angeles Clippers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52287" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52287">Ivica Zubac</a> will miss three weeks after sustaining a Grade 2 ankle sprain, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/2002873761910104357">Chris Haynes of Amazon Prime Video</a>.</p><p>Zubac suffered the injury in the first quarter of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, forcing him to miss the rest of the contest after playing just under 11 minutes.</p><p>The 28-year-old rolled his left ankle after inadvertently stepping on LeBron James' foot with 1:13 left in the first frame. Following a stop in play, Zubac limped to the locker room.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Clippers, who were up 26-12 at the time of the injury, held on to win 103-88.</p><p>Zubac has been one of Los Angeles' most consistent players during a tumultuous campaign for Tyronn Lue's squad. The Croatian international is averaging 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and one block while not missing any of the team's 28 games this season. He was a dependable body last year, too, missing just two games in January after being poked in the eye.</p><p>Though just 7-21 this season, Lue's squad has fared much better with Zubac on the court. His on/off net-rating differential of 10.2 is the second-largest swing involving any player on the team but the largest drop-off by any Clipper with at least 200 minutes played.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CA - APRIL 5: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 5, 2025 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 2025 NBAE

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Report: Zubac out 3 weeks with sprained ankle 

Jaylen Brown is no longer bothered by his hair mishaps.  The Boston Celtics star went viral in Oc...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> is no longer bothered by his hair mishaps.</p><p>The Boston Celtics star went viral in October when a product in his hair appeared to rub off on jerseys of multiple players, with the first such incident involving New York Knicks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46480" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jaylen Brown’s hairline got wiped off by OG Anunoby 😭 <a href="https://t.co/KMp1CtcJMa">pic.twitter.com/KMp1CtcJMa</a></p>— Playoff Sports (@PlayoffSports_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PlayoffSports_/status/1982154408914751643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Brown, 29, admitted that he was initially embarrassed as clips of the stains quickly garnered more and more views, including a marquee appearance on "<a href="https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1988763191967371510">Shaqtin' a Fool</a>." However, the former Finals MVP says now that he's not as bothered by it as he once was.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"After a while, it was like, 'Those dudes should be grateful,'" Brown told <a href="https://people.com/jaylen-brown-talks-hair-thinning-and-viral-on-court-moments-as-he-partners-with-nutrafol-interview-exclusive-11871912">People's Jackie Fields</a>. "They're lucky that I left my mark on them. I should get a thank-you card. You have the residue of a champion on you. You're welcome."</p><p>The four-time All-Star said the hair product that marked opponents' jerseys is a normal "enhancement" that barbers can apply "to make (your hairline) look even or (cover) spots where you're thinning."</p><p>During a livestream in late October soon after the viral incidents, Brown joked that playing in Boston, including "10 years of stress, the media, (and) the championship," was the reason for his hair thinning. A month later, cameras captured Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert telling Brown to go bald, which Gobert later <a href="https://x.com/adukeMN/status/1997358075838119960">described</a> as pushing him "to join the fraternity."</p><p>Brown, who recently partnered with Nutrafol, a hair growth supplement company, said he used humor to deal with the situation but wants to bring awareness to its impact on mental health.</p><p>"In reality, things could be a lot worse," Brown told Fields. "And I like to laugh, I like to joke, so I get it. And I think the world needs more humor to some degree.</p><p>"But you still bring humor, but I'm doing this to also (address) the mental health components of hair loss, just to show the balance. Both things can be true."</p>

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 15: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics smiles during the game against the Toronto Raptors during Preseason on October 15, 2025 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 2025 NBAE

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Celtics' Brown jokes hair incidents left 'residue of a champion' on players

Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said a member of the officiating crew was biased agai...

<p>Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said a member of the officiating crew was biased against him and his players during their 116-114 overtime loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.</p><p>"A referee makes a comment to me about, 'Night by night, this is how our interactions are.' So that says to me that the referee is coming into the game not being objective," Bickerstaff said postgame, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/HunterPatterson/status/2001875977375551558">The Athletic's Hunter Patterson</a>. "You look at the play, that same referee, at halftime I get my technical foul. I don't say anything to him. I go to grab <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96056" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96056">Cade (Cunningham)</a> to get Cade off the floor. He gives me a technical foul.</p><p>"That's my job to get my player away from the referee, get us back to halftime so we can have the conversations that we need to have. So the same referee who comes into the game as not objective, and then he goes out and makes those calls."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bickerstaff did not name the referee in question, but the interactions he mentioned involved John Goble, the crew chief for Thursday's matchup.</p><p>In the halftime incident involving Cunningham, the Pistons star appeared to be finishing a conversation with official Suyash Mehta about a technical foul he received seconds earlier when Bickerstaff began to approach his star. Goble then suddenly assessed Bickerstaff a technical foul, which Cunningham <a href="https://x.com/DowntownDeuce/status/2001848628604997935">initially seemed to believe</a> was his second.</p><p>Goble <a href="https://official.nba.com/pool-report-on-the-ejection-of-ausar-thompson-and-technical-foul-assessed-to-j-b-bickerstaff-in-the-second-quarter-in-tonights-detroit-at-dallas-game/">told</a> a postgame pool report that he gave Bickerstaff a tech for "continuous complaining."</p><p>Minutes earlier in the second quarter, Goble had ejected Pistons wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110235" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110235">Ausar Thompson</a> for "aggressively approaching and making contact with the official."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ausar just got ejected for this?!?!? <br><br>WHAT????? <a href="https://t.co/q21KHZFMHN">pic.twitter.com/q21KHZFMHN</a></p>— Pistons Jack (@pistons_jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/pistons_jack/status/2001842527423578131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bickerstaff said he believes Goble created the contact by stepping toward Thompson.</p><p>"That same referee, if you take a look at the play where he ejects A.T., he steps towards A.T.," Bickerstaff said. "That's where the minimal contact happens, where he steps towards him and initiates it."</p><p>The Pistons coach also took issue with Goble in the final seconds of overtime. Bickerstaff said he tried to call a timeout following an offensive rebound by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102754" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102754">Jalen Duren</a> with 3.5 seconds remaining and Detroit down two but said Goble did not award it despite "standing next" to him.</p><p>"I want to make this clear: This game is not about the referees," Bickerstaff added. "This was a highly contested game by two really competitive teams with guys who laid it out on the line.</p><p>"But the object - it needs to be addressed with what happened on the floor tonight. You have one guy who wanted to make the game about the referees. And that's not what this should've been. ... But anybody who comes into the game and says 'Night by night,' he clearly has an unobjective point of view."</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 12: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons reacts against the Atlanta Hawks at Little Caesars Arena on December 12, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Bickerstaff: Ref wasn't 'objective' in Pistons' loss to Mavs

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and center Karl-Anthony Towns were each named to the 2025 All...

<p>New York Knicks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> and center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> were each named to the 2025 All-Tournament team for the NBA Cup, the league announced Thursday.</p><p>The teammates are joined by Los Angeles Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>, Oklahoma City Thunder guard and reigning MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a>, and San Antonio Spurs ball-handler <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The All-Tournament Team for the <a href="https://twitter.com/emirates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emirates</a> NBA Cup:<br><br>▪️ Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks<br>▪️ Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers<br>▪️ De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs<br>▪️ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder<br>▪️ Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks <a href="https://t.co/J9WZ4Ag4AY">pic.twitter.com/J9WZ4Ag4AY</a></p>— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/2001714307717878156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Brunson scored 25 points with eight assists and four rebounds in Tuesday's NBA Cup win against the Spurs, while Towns contributed a double-double with 16 points and 11 assists. The two were even more instrumental in New York's semifinal victory over the Orlando Magic, with Brunson dropping a season-high 40 points on 16-of-27 shooting with eight assists and Towns registering 29 points and eight rebounds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Knicks guard was the only player selected by all 20 voters on the media panel.</p><p><strong>Voting results</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Votes</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>Jalen Brunson</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thunder</td>
<td>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Knicks</td>
<td>Karl-Anthony Towns</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lakers</td>
<td>Luka Doncic</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spurs</td>
<td>De'Aaron Fox</td>
<td> 11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Gilgeous-Alexander topped the Thunder with 32.5 points per game, adding 6.3 assists and three rebounds. His 48.1% clip from three was the best mark of any player who attempted at least 20 total threes and played in at least six NBA Cup games.</p><p>Doncic finished second behind Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham among all scorers in the tournament. The Slovenian posted 36.2 points per game in five matchups, just shy of the 38.3 points Cunningham averaged in three contests. Doncic had the third- and fourth-highest scoring games in the NBA Cup, dropping 44 points against the Memphis Grizzlies and 43 against the Los Angeles Clippers in two group-stage wins.</p><p>Fox led the Spurs' starters with 16 points in the final, though franchise star Victor Wembanyama and No. 2 pick Dylan Harper scored 18 and 21 off the bench, respectively. Fox led San Antonio in scoring over six NBA Cup games, averaging 22.3 points with 7.7 assists and shooting 39.5% from deep.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 16: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA Emirates Cup Final on December 16, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Knicks' Brunson, Towns named to NBA Cup All-Tournament team

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx are hiring Kevin Garnett as a team ambassador, the Timberwolv...

<p>The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx are hiring Kevin Garnett as a team ambassador, the Timberwolves announced Thursday.</p><p>Garnett will attend "select" home games in his new role while "elevating the fan experience, championing community initiatives across the Twin Cities, and helping shape the teams' stories through exclusive content," the T-Wolves said in a statement.</p><p>Minnesota also confirmed it intends to retire the Hall of Famer's No. 21 jersey, repairing a schism with the retired forward that began during former owner Glen Taylor's reign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The Big Ticket is back! Kevin Garnett is synonymous with the Minnesota Timberwolves," franchise owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez said in a statement. "Bringing Kevin home has been a priority since we acquired the teams. He is the greatest player in Timberwolves history, and his impact on our franchise and community is immeasurable."</p><p>Garnett, 49, spent the first 12 seasons of his NBA career in Minnesota after the franchise drafted him fifth overall in 1995. He led the Timberwolves to the 2004 Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, where they fell in six games.</p><p>"I'm thrilled to be back home," Garnett said. "Minnesota is where it all began, where I was young, hungry, and learning how to compete at the highest level.</p><p>"I'm excited to be back in the Twin Cities at a time when Marc and Alex are setting a bold new vision for this franchise. Their leadership has brought fresh energy to the organization."</p><p>Minnesota traded the 2004 MVP to the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2007-08 season. He formed a Big Three with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen that won a title in their first season together and made another Finals appearance in 2010. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, did not return to the West finals until 2024.</p><p>Garnett returned for a second on-court stint in Minnesota in 2014 where he played his last 43 games as a pro. However, he fell out with Taylor following the death of Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders on Oct. 25, 2015 - days before the start of Garnett's final NBA season.</p><p>Garnett took issue with how the team paid tribute to the late coach. He also suggested Taylor broke promises to Garnett about an off-court role with the organization following his playing career. In response, he refused to have his number retired in Minnesota while Taylor was still owner.</p><p>"At this point, I don't want any dealings with Glen Taylor or Taylor Corp. or anything that has to do with him," Garnett told The Athletic in 2021. "I love my Timberwolves, I'll always love my guys, I'll always love the people who f--- with me there.</p><p>"I'll always have a special place for the city of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota in my heart. But I don't do business with snakes. I don't do business with snake motherf-----s. I try not to do business with openly snakes or people who are snake-like."</p><p>Taylor officially ceded control of the Timberwolves and Lynx following an arbitration hearing in February, ending a four-year ownership dispute with Lore and Rodriguez. The two first entered into a $1.5-billion agreement to purchase the franchises from Taylor in 2021; however, the latter attempted to call off the sale in March 2024, claiming a payment by the partners was made after a scheduled deadline.</p><p>Garnett remains the Timberwolves' all-time leader in nearly all counting stats. He played 970 games for the franchise, during which he accrued 19,201 points, 10,718 rebounds, 4,216 assists, 1,590 blocks, and 1,315 steals.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 2: Kevin Garnett #21 of the Minnesota Timberwolves before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 2, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE

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T-Wolves bring Garnett back as ambassador, will retire his jersey

An NBA Cup banner won't fly at Madison Square Garden.  The New York Knicks are choosing not to ra...

<p>An NBA Cup banner won't fly at Madison Square Garden.</p><p>The New York Knicks are choosing not to raise a banner after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in the midseason tournament final Tuesday, a source told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2001330749908324724">I</a><a href="https://twitter.com/IanBegley/status/2001329107817156658">an Begley of SNY</a>.</p><p>Both previous winners of the NBA Cup, the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, raised banners immediately following their respective victories in 2023 and 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Knicks are instead focused on winning the NBA Finals at the end of the season, according to Begley. However, the organization reportedly doesn't want to minimize the NBA Cup triumph and will celebrate with fans Friday when the team returns home to host the Philadelphia 76ers.</p><p>The most recent Knicks banner to go up at MSG was for the 2012-13 Atlantic Division title. Their 1970 and 1973 NBA championships have also long been commemorated in the arena's rafters.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Banner in honor of New York Knicks 1969-1970 & 1972-1973 World Champion Teams alongside New York Knicks Hall of Fame player Red Holzman's banner photographed before the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE

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Report: Knicks won't raise NBA Cup banner

The Toronto Raptors never stood a chance of retaining Kawhi Leonard after their 2019 championship...

<p>The Toronto Raptors never stood a chance of retaining <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> after their 2019 championship, according to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25275" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25275">Fred VanVleet</a>.</p><p>The current Houston Rockets guard and former Raptor revealed that he was never upset with Leonard's decision to leave after one title-winning season because the forward had always been adamant he wouldn't stay in Toronto.</p><p>"He said it from Day 1: 'I'm not staying here,'" VanVleet told <a href="https://youtu.be/C3zk2-wQYxo?t=2668">William Lou and Alex Wong of the "Hello and Welcome"</a> podcast Monday. "From Day 1: 'I don't know why they traded for me. I don't want to be here. I'm not staying here.'</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Now, Toronto put their best bid in. The city bowed down like we've never seen before. ... Yes, for us regular people, we can look at it and say, 'How could you leave that?' ... But his mind was made up. Kawhi is Kawhi."</p><p>The Raptors acquired Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs ahead of the 2018-19 season. Despite winning his second Finals MVP and leading the Raptors in the 2019 playoffs with 30.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, Leonard opted to return home in free agency that summer, signing a three-year, $103-million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. The NBA is now investigating allegations that the Clippers circumvented the salary cap when Leonard re-signed with them by paying him via a no-show deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt sustainability company.</p><p>VanVleet is currently sidelined after tearing his ACL during the preseason. He remained with Toronto for another four seasons after the championship, becoming a full-time starter and earning his first All-Star selection in 2022. He signed a three-year, $130-million contract with Houston in July 2023, something the undrafted guard credits Leonard for helping make possible.</p><p>"I thank him eternally for helping us win a championship and carrying us to a moment to where I can be solidified and go on to make a ton of money, and we're forever indebted to him for that," VanVleet added. "But yes, you could look back and say, 'Ooh, we wish he would have did this, wish he would've did that,' but I'm just thankful we got the job done. He changed a lot of people's lives."</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 06: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles the ball while defended by Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center on March 06, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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VanVleet: Kawhi said he wouldn't stay with Raptors on Day 1

Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis will miss the next two weeks and undergo further evaluati...

<p>Atlanta Hawks center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a> will miss the next two weeks and undergo further evaluations while dealing with an illness, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2000307665407479999">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Last season, Porzingis, then with the Boston Celtics, battled an illness that he said kept sapping his energy. At the time, the one-time All-Star said doctors couldn't identify the ailment, which also limited him during the postseason.</p><p>In October, Porzingis revealed that he had been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a disorder of the nervous system that causes an increased heart rate and lightheadedness, among other symptoms, when a person stands.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It hit me, and it hit me like a truck," the Hawks big man told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6737266/2025/10/22/atlanta-hawks-kristaps-porzingis-illness-trae-young/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Fred Katz</a> then. "The breathing wasn't good. I did everything I could potentially to feel as good as I could, but my engine wasn't running the way I wanted."</p><p>Porzingis, who's played just once in the Hawks' last seven games, is averaging 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 13 contests this season.</p><p>He played a season-low 20:29 during his last appearance on Dec. 5, a 134-133 loss to the Denver Nuggets in which he came off the bench for the first time this season. The 30-year-old was returning from a four-game absence but said he didn't believe it was due to the same issue that plagued him in Boston.</p><p>"I just wasn't feeling too good, honestly," Porzingis said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/KLChouinard/status/1997153295656272176?s=20">team reporter Kevin Chouinard</a>. "Just not being <em>healthy</em> healthy, you know? But I wouldn't say it's the same stuff from last season, so that's good.</p><p>"I think I kind of put that behind me even this summer playing for the national team, but anyway, just catching whatever, it's frustrating, you know? I want to be healthy. And I will be healthy."</p><p>Porzingis is in the final season of a two-year, $60-million extension he signed with the Celtics. He'll become an unrestricted free agent this summer.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 22: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Atlanta Hawks looks to pass the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 22, 2025 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Porzingis out 2 weeks, will undergo evaluations for illness

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points with eight assists in 27 minutes and the Oklahoma City T...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> scored 28 points with eight assists in 27 minutes and the Oklahoma City Thunder blew out the Phoenix Suns 138-89, to win their NBA Cup quarterfinal Wednesday.</p><p>Oklahoma City will move on to Saturday's semifinal in Las Vegas. It will face the San Antonio Spurs, who eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers in Wednesday's second quarterfinal.</p><p>With their 24th win in 25 games, the Thunder equaled the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors for the best start to a regular season in NBA history. Their 16th straight victory also represents the longest winning streak in franchise history, overtaking the 15 straight games they won between December and January of last season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 49-point difference was also the largest margin of victory in any game this season.</p><p>Gilgeous-Alexander shot 11-of-15 from the floor, including 3-of-4 from deep, while only taking three trips to the line. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102801" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102801">Chet Holmgren</a> was 9-of-13, 4-of-4 on threes, for 24 points and added eight rebounds. The Thunder center was also on the receiving end of an altercation with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37618" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37618">Grayson Allen</a> in the third quarter, during which the Suns guard checked Holmgren to the ground during live play, earning him a flagrant-2 foul and an ejection.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FULL MOMENT: Grayson Allen ejected for bumping Chet Holmgren to ground and they get into it <a href="https://t.co/YHnnNzDGFb">pic.twitter.com/YHnnNzDGFb</a></p>— NBAbzy (@nbabzyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbabzyy/status/1998941997785309603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39256" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39256">Dillon Brooks</a> led the Suns with 16 points but shot just 4-of-16.</p><p>Phoenix ruled out star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a> shortly before the matchup. Booker missed his third straight contest with a groin strain he sustained against the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 1.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns during 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals on December 10, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Thunder rout Suns, match Warriors' record start to reach NBA Cup semis

Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't want the rest of the Milwaukee Bucks preoccupied with his future.  ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> doesn't want the rest of the Milwaukee Bucks preoccupied with his future.</p><p>The Bucks star recently spoke to some of his teammates and told them not to be distracted amid rumors surrounding his future with the franchise, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1998595338492588284">Chris Haynes of Prime Video</a>.</p><p>Antetokounmpo, who's currently out with a strained right calf, reportedly told fellow Bucks players that he intends to return from his injury but can't control whether his name features in rumors before then.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old was injured in the first quarter of the Bucks' 113-109 victory Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons. Hours earlier, it was reported that he and his agent had begun discussions with the franchise about whether the two-time MVP should stay in Milwaukee.</p><p>The Bucks have gone 0-2 without Antetokounmpo in the lineup and are now 1-7 this season when the nine-time All-Star doesn't play. They're currently 10th in the East at 10-15.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WI - NOVEMBER 29: AJ Green #20, Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks high five during the game against the Boston Celtics on November 29, 2025 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE .

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Report: Giannis told teammates to ignore distractions amid trade rumors

Tyronn Lue shot down rumors that he wasn't on speaking terms with Chris Paul before the Los Angel...

<p>Tyronn Lue shot down rumors that he wasn't on speaking terms with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/314" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/314">Chris Paul</a> before the Los Angeles Clippers removed the guard from the team last week.</p><p>"That ain't true. We were talking. How he gonna play and I'm not talking to him?" the Clippers head coach told reporters Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/joeylinn_/status/1998501497928298958">Joey Linn of Sports Illustrated</a>. "There was a stretch when we said he wasn't going to play, he was going to be out of the rotation, and it was tough for him because he's a competitor and what the game means to him and what he brings every single day.</p><p>"After that it wasn't really much."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lue, 48, added that he wasn't present when Clippers president Lawrence Frank told Paul he was being sent home while the team was on the road. He also revealed that Clippers players weren't happy with the decision.</p><p>"It's their teammate, the guy they go to war with every single day. He was part of us," the head coach said. "It's tough. The organization, Lawrence, made the decision to do it. But we got to move on. We got to try to win some games.</p><p>"I don't think the mood changed because Chris is gone. Nobody wanted to see him go like that. Nothing changed, we just got to win games."</p><p>Paul reportedly requested a meeting with Lue to address alleged complaints that he had become a negative presence on the team. Lue apparently refused that request, and the two reportedly didn't speak for weeks. Lue, who said last week that the Clippers weren't a "good fit" for the 12-time All-Star, confirmed Tuesday that he hasn't spoken to Paul since he was cut.</p><p>Paul had allegedly complained about Clippers coaches, players, and the front office this season.</p><p>In one incident involving the coaching staff, assistant Jeff Van Gundy warned Paul on a flight that he didn't have "leeway" to change the team's defensive tactics, <a href="https://x.com/NBAonPrime/status/1997178938691363171">Prime Video's Chris Haynes</a> reported. Van Gundy was reportedly upset that Paul advised <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> to switch off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5334" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5334">Klay Thompson</a> late in Los Angeles' 133-127 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 29. Paul subsequently posted a screenshot of the definition of "leeway" to social media.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chris Paul on Instagram: <a href="https://t.co/sHGDNWPmlk">pic.twitter.com/sHGDNWPmlk</a></p>— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) <a href="https://twitter.com/Farbod_E/status/1995256672810631381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Days after being dismissed, Paul admitted that he was "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3419862" href="https://thescore.com/news/3419862">still scarred</a>" by the sudden decision to end his second stint with the Clippers after four months. However, the 40-year-old, who was widely expected to retire after the campaign, says he's now more relaxed after getting to spend time with his family.</p><p>"I'm actually at peace with everything," Paul told <a href="https://people.com/chris-paul-opens-up-after-getting-cut-from-clippers-exclusive-11864716">People's Jordan Greene</a>. "More than anything, I'm excited about being around and getting a chance to play a small role in whatever anything looks like next. ... The game has been amazing to me and my family."</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome on November 29, 2025 in Inglewood, 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.

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Lue says reports he wasn't speaking with CP3 'ain't true'

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