Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever win 1st game of season, beat LA Sparks 78-73 in front of 19,103
Caitlin Clark had 11 points and 10 rebounds for her first WNBA double-double and the Indiana Fever beat the Los Angeles Sparks 78-73 to snap a season-opening five-game skid in front of a Sparks record crowd of 19,103 sprinkled with celebrities.
The Heat are headed to Boston after ousting the Bulls 112-91 in East play-in finale
Tyler Herro scored 24 points and was an assist shy of a triple-double, rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 21 points and the Miami Heat grabbed the last spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, running away from the Chicago Bulls 112-91 in a play-in tournament elimination game.
Brunson carries Knicks into No. 2 seed in Eastern Conference, scores 40 points in OT win over Bulls
Jalen Brunson capped one of the best regular seasons in franchise history with his 11th 40-point game, carrying the New York Knicks into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 120-119 overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.
DeRozan delivers in final minute, Curry goes down as Bulls beat Warriors 125-122
DeMar DeRozan converted a three-point play with 26 seconds left after hitting a key jumper at the 43-second mark on his way to 33 points, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Golden State Warriors 125-122 after Stephen Curry limped off and went to the locker room in the closing minutes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has 46 points, 16 rebounds in Bucks' 113-97 victory over Bulls
Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated with 46 points and 16 rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Chicago Bulls 113-97 on Friday night.
Joel Embiid returns with seventh career triple-double in 76ers' rout of Chicago Bulls
Joel Embiid had 31 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in his return from a sprained right ankle and Tyrese Maxey scored 21 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers past the Chicago Bulls 110-97 on Tuesday night.
NBA gets help from 'Sopranos' actor to promote in-season tournament
The NBA enlisted an actor from โThe Sopranosโ and borrowed the central theme of the film โOceanโs Eleven," that being a Las Vegas heist, to hype the inaugural In-Season Tournament that begins Nov. 3.
Heat eliminate Bulls 102-91, will face Bucks in Round 1
Max Strus and Jimmy Butler scored 31 points apiece, and the Miami Heat got into the playoffs by rallying in the final minutes to beat the Chicago Bulls 102-91 in an Eastern Conference play-in game Friday night.
LaVine scores 39, Bulls beat Raptors 109-105 in play-in game
Zach LaVine scored 39 points, DeMar DeRozan had 23 against his former team and the Chicago Bulls overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 109-105 in a play-in tournament game.
Bulls spoil LeBron's return with 118-108 win over Lakers
LeBron James scored 19 points off the bench in his return from a monthlong injury absence, but Zach LaVine scored 32 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 118-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Devin Booker scores 51 points in 3 quarters, Suns rout Bulls
Devin Booker scored a season-high 51 points in just three quarters, Deandre Ayton had 30 points and 14 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns stretched their winning streak to six games with a 132-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
Bucks rout Bulls 116-100 in Game 5, advance to face Celtics
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 points and nine rebounds and the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks routed the Chicago Bulls 116-100 on Wednesday night to finish off the first-round series in five games.
Allen scores 27, Bucks beat Bulls 119-95 to take 3-1 lead
Grayson Allen set playoff career highs with 27 points and six 3-pointers, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points and 17 rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Chicago Bulls 119-95 to take a 3-1 lead in their first-round series.
Bucks rout Bulls 111-81, take 2-1 lead without Middleton
Grayson Allen made five 3-pointers and scored 22 points and the Milwaukee Bucks dominated the Chicago Bulls 111-81 on Friday night to take a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series without the injured Khris Middleton.
Bucks' Middleton out at least 2 weeks with knee injury
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is expected to miss at least two weeks after injuring his left knee Wednesday night in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series with the Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan scores 41 as Bulls beat Bucks 114-110 to tie series
DeMar DeRozan scored 41 points for his career playoff high and the Chicago Bulls outlasted the Milwaukee Bucks 114-110 on Wednesday to tie their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece.
Bucks bounce back after blowing big lead to beat Bulls 93-86
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points and 16 rebounds and the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks recovered after blowing a 16-point lead to beat the Chicago Bulls 93-86 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Sunday.
Lopez scores 28, Bucks beat Bulls 127-106 to clinch Central
Brook Lopez scored a season-high 28 points and the Milwaukee Bucks overcame a rather quiet performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo to clinch their fourth straight Central Division championship with a 127-106 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Suns rout Bulls, move closer to wrapping up top spot in NBA
Devin Booker scored 28 points and the Phoenix Suns moved closer to wrapping up the NBAโs best regular-season record, routing the Chicago Bulls 129-102 on Friday night.
Embiid has 43 points, 14 rebounds; 76ers thump Bulls 121-106
Joel Embiid had 43 points and 14 rebounds, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Chicago Bulls 121-106 in a showdown between two of the Eastern Conferenceโs top teams headed in opposite directions.
Joel Embiid scores 40 points, 76ers hold off DeRozan, Bulls
Joel Embiid dominated with 40 points and 10 rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers overcame DeMar DeRozanโs season-high, 45-point game for Chicago to beat the Bulls 119-108 on Sunday.
Durant, Harden lead Nets to 138-112 romp over Bulls
Kevin Durant scored 27 points, James Harden added 25 points and season-high 16 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets rolled to an easy win over Chicago, beating the Bulls 138-112 in a matchup between the Eastern Conferenceโs top two teams.
DeRozan leads Bulls over Lakers 115-110 in team's return
DeMar DeRozan scored 38 points after missing two weeks in the NBAโs health and safety protocols to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 115-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Stephen Curry scores 40 points as Warriors beat Bulls 119-93
Stephen Curry scored 40 points with nine 3-pointers as his old college coach from Davidson cheered him on, Draymond Green delivered another all-around effort, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Chicago Bulls 119-93 for their seventh straight win.
![Grizzlies end Spurs' season, advance to face Warriors](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/IG4d8W1NWT_RlG8jmhUXhq86S_0=/800x532/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/IM7IM3JO6VCFFPEBQMU5AYWGU4.jpg)
Grizzlies end Spurs' season, advance to face Warriors
Dillon Brooks scored eight of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to help put Memphis ahead to stay and the Grizzlies eliminated the San Antonio Spurs 100-96 on Wednesday night in the first Western Conference play-in game.
![Burks scores 30, rallies Knicks past Spurs, 102-98](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/so1WcT6FdjA2hcCiaBtOiREe0WE=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WDIX555SZFB2FNNYZQCSLYYDXA.jpg)
Burks scores 30, rallies Knicks past Spurs, 102-98
Alec Burks scored a season-high 30 points in his return from a three-game absence and the New York Knicks kept up their chase of home-court advantage in the playoffs by rallying to beat the San Antonio Spurs 102-98.
![Spurs' record-setting 1st half ends Bucks' streak, 146-125](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/f5d0QgjUzVcJYme73yG7wep76hc=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WS6NALHDVRFS3H7FBFSM43GZXQ.jpg)
Spurs' record-setting 1st half ends Bucks' streak, 146-125
DeMar DeRozan had 23 points and the San Antonio Spurs set a franchise record for points in the first half while rolling to a 146-125 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
![Celtics rally from 32-point deficit, top Spurs 143-140 in OT](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/rDk6yHEc0TaYQ70omP_0CwyUmoE=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/Y3N46X3U7NHRTGMOGW6BK2OFNM.jpg)
Celtics rally from 32-point deficit, top Spurs 143-140 in OT
Jaylen Brown hit a 3-pointer with 16.7 seconds remaining in overtime, Jayson Tatum scored a career-high 60 points and the Boston Celtics rallied from a 32-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 143-140.
![Jokic leads Nuggets to 8th straight win by beating Spurs](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/M9FMqBKEdIYHDK2iV5SjHAy5VsI=/1600x1125/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RJJTDQK7SVBUXBXUMXVE3TOP74.jpg)
Jokic leads Nuggets to 8th straight win by beating Spurs
Nikola Jokic had 26 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets held off the San Antonio Spurs for a 121-119 win when DeMar DeRozanโs shot attempt at the buzzer rolled out.
![Harden's triple-double helps Nets escape in OT against Spurs](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/SotRb86K5Ab8r-qCuK4iiCe5EnM=/1600x1100/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/B6CJOX2YI5B23IMYVBM2BBPOOI.jpg)
Harden's triple-double helps Nets escape in OT against Spurs
Brooklyn Nets' James Harden, left, and San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills chase the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 1, 2021, in San Antonio. โI thought they were great,โ San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. All five starters scored in double figures for San Antonio. San Antonio is still without Rudy Gay, Keldon Johnson, Derrick White, Devin Vassell and Quinndary Weatherspoon, who are sidelined due to the leagueโs health and safety protocols. Spurs: The Spurs announced fans can return to the AT&T Center beginning March 12 against Orlando.
![Spurs, short-handed and reeling, get back on practice floor](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/iuTd242Azgazmux0w8hOlCGu8fg=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XLGRNV22RNB4HMIPVTFDGACQQQ.jpg)
Spurs, short-handed and reeling, get back on practice floor
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks to San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)The San Antonio Spurs are still dealing with a coronavirus outbreak, their state is reeling from the aftereffects of a deadly icy blast that has affected millions of Texans, and one of their best players is mourning the death of a parent. Given all that, basketball seems secondary to the Spurs right now. They will be without at least six players when they return to the court Wednesday at Oklahoma City. The NBA initially said last week that four Spurs players had tested positive for COVID-19, without identifying any by name.
![They love LA: Spurs snap Lakers 4-game winning streak](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/0jWfIdEH2wtS_89Z4RsbY9JVm3I=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WRGZWL3LI5GCZIMCC6IRWHMQFY.jpg)
They love LA: Spurs snap Lakers 4-game winning streak
San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge, left, defends against Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES โ A trip to Los Angeles proved to be just what the San Antonio Spurs needed to snap out of an early-season slump. Two nights after beating the Clippers to snap a four-game losing streak, the Spurs picked up another win at Staples Center on Thursday, this time defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 118-109. ... Los Angeles was 43 of 86 from the floor, marking the first time in 36 games it has lost when shooting at least 50%. The Lakers scored 66 points in the paint, marking the second time this season they have scored at least 60 points inside.
![NBA updates mental health policies amid ongoing pandemic](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/1plVJ4ENwoKrLXAQqSnM81TvziA=/1600x1064/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/CZKTVMDBRNAADMTGAHKDFBUL5U.jpg)
NBA updates mental health policies amid ongoing pandemic
The NBA is urging teams to make increased commitments toward providing mental health resources to players and staff, releasing updated guidelines Wednesday to reflect the challenge of playing amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The NBA has mandated that teams offer access to mental health professionals in recent seasons โ a program the league calls Mind Health was launched nearly three years ago โ but that obviously predates the pandemic and how countless aspects of day-to-day life has changed in recent months. Those are a few of the ways the NBA has changed amid the virus. โAll this is a little bit like the Twilight Zone,โ Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said when asked about the mental strain of playing amid a pandemic. โThe usage of mental health tools and support platforms has increased as have the modalities to assist those in need.
![Davis, James lead Lakers' late rally over Spurs, 109-103](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/fRjKk-uUnKwM4BfxAoBgX03kGHs=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PD74RFFZKFFP5D4DOLVBF6TR7E.jpg)
Davis, James lead Lakers' late rally over Spurs, 109-103
Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis, right, keeps the ball from San Antonio Spurs' Rudy Gay, left rear, and Drew Eubanks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)SAN ANTONIO โ Anthony Davis had 35 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James added 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to beat the San Antonio Spurs 109-103 on Friday night. The Lakers closed the game with a 9-0 run for their second win against the Spurs in three days. Keldon Johnson had a career-high 26 points and added 10 rebounds and DeMar DeRozan had 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for San Antonio. Johnson blocked Jamesโ layup attempt, but Kyle Kuzma tipped in the follow to give the Lakers a 105-103 lead with 53.9 seconds remaining.
![Hammon first woman to direct NBA team; Lakers beat Spurs](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/R2AI3YPc8uM3NNahdQfyT-CB8_g=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/JJ7GIJ66TRBU3FNVNCZFIIMV4Y.jpg)
Hammon first woman to direct NBA team; Lakers beat Spurs
Hammon became the first woman to direct an NBA team, taking over the Spurs after coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in a 121-107 loss to the Lakers. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO โ Becky Hammon would have preferred a victory over history after becoming the first woman to direct an NBA team. The Lakers took their first double-digit lead at 35-25 on Kyle Kuzmaโs 3-pointer with 1:14 remaining in the first quarter. Lakers coach Frank Vogel did not elaborate on Carusoโs status. Spurs: Popovich said the Spurs will monitor Aldridgeโs knee soreness on a day-to-day basis.
![Spurs help playoff chances, top Pelicans, Zion 122-113](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/nmf-ckPA4Bh2YCB9as5_3-mW7eY=/1600x2126/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SMCMVWMSVJG35CPQGP7RHBKCRU.jpg)
Spurs help playoff chances, top Pelicans, Zion 122-113
A win by the Trail Blazers over Philadelphia would eliminate New Orleans from postseason consideration. Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry called it a Game 7-type game beforehand but stayed with the plan of playing Williamson in short bursts. In the fourth, Gentry took Williamson out with 6:53 left, putting him back in for the last-ditch try about two minutes later. Williamson scored the next eight points by himself, kick-starting what became a 28-12 run by the Pelicans to end the quarter. DeRozan scored inside on the next San Antonio possession, and a late 8-0 spurt by the Spurs sealed the deal.
![In the NBA bubble, the race for No. 8 out West is quite wild](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/0v_dszr0PVszUGQ1qm5U94HnhEs=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ODR4ZZ6OXJATPETBGUMUFU2E3U.jpg)
In the NBA bubble, the race for No. 8 out West is quite wild
The best race in the bubble is the race for the No. 8 seed in the West:Memphis Utah (Wednesday), Oklahoma City (Friday), Toronto (Sunday), Boston (Aug. 11), Milwaukee (Aug. 13). Portland Denver (Thursday), L.A. Clippers (Saturday), Philadelphia (Sunday), Dallas (Aug. 11), Brooklyn (Aug. 13). Phoenix Indiana (Thursday), Miami (Saturday), Oklahoma City (Monday), Philadelphia (Aug. 11), Dallas (Aug. 13). Sacramento New Orleans (Thursday), Brooklyn (Friday), Houston (Sunday), New Orleans (Aug. 11), L.A. Lakers (Aug. 13).
![James' layup late lifts Lakers past Clippers, 103-101](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/POkz_kEjSc9xAxbcrI-rlZKXQ2w=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7LWR2ADLXJFMVHC6NSYCEG3HUY.jpg)
James' layup late lifts Lakers past Clippers, 103-101
Anthony Davis scored 34 points, James had the go-ahead basket with 12.8 seconds left and the Lakers moved closer to clinching the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs by topping the Los Angeles Clippers 103-101 on Thursday night in the second game of the NBAs re-opening doubleheader. James had 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to help the Lakers move 6 1/2 games ahead of the Clippers in the West with seven games remaining. The Clippers got that lead after a 26-5 run; the Lakers immediately rebutted with a 36-14 run to reclaim control. It was a good game," Leonard said.
![As Florida virus numbers rise, NBA arrivals draw closer](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/kcn_XzzJSEtuMoQtvQ9yNkx2zdo=/1600x1083/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/57SHOU3AVVGPZGIEGBBOIYKJQI.jpg)
As Florida virus numbers rise, NBA arrivals draw closer
A person with knowledge of the situation says Jokic has tested positive for the coronavirus and is quarantining in his native Serbia. With 351 players tested through June 29, the league had 25 positives for a 7.1% rate. Among 884 team staff tested between June 23 and June 29, the rate was minuscule the 10 positives equate to a mere 1.1% positive rate. The arenas that will play host to games are being set up for NBA needs, and some staff were getting set to arrive to begin their quarantines. I know the NBA and Adam Silver talked about doing as much as they can to keep the bubble as safe as possible.