SEATTLE — They tried going back to the zone defense. They tried moving Tyler Bilodeau back to center.

Nothing the UCLA Bruins did to combat their lack of rim protection worked for more than a couple of possessions at a time.

And so a coach known for defense had to watch his team get bludgeoned inside once again while giving up an unusually ...Read more

This isn’t the banner the Knicks envisioned chasing this season — but after a 132-120 quarterfinal victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, the NBA Cup is within reach. And recent, limited history says competing for the in-season tournament banner gives you a head start in chasing the real thing later down the line.

In 2023, the first ...Read more

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats needed a win Saturday night.

It wasn’t pretty — and, for a long while, it looked like it wasn’t coming at all — but the Cats earned that victory in the end.

Kentucky beat Indiana 72-60 in a renewal of the border-state rivalry, the Wildcats’ first win over a high-major opponent ...Read more

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — All good things must come to an end, even Michigan basketball’s ridiculous streak of six consecutive wins by at least 25 points. That’s the bad news.

The good news? The second-ranked Wolverines remained unbeaten and swept their early pair of Big Ten contests by besting Maryland, 101-83, Saturday at Xfinity Center.

...Read more

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina had nearly stretched its early lead to double digits Saturday over South Carolina Upstate when, a few minutes before halftime, Caleb Wilson stole the ball and passed it ahead to Luka Bogavac. Wilson didn’t record a dunk in UNC’s last game — a win over Georgetown on Sunday — and that might as well have...Read more

ATLANTA — Nearly two months after Shaquille O’Neal’s new Range Rover made a pit stop near Dahlonega for customizations and then vanished in Atlanta while being transported to the NBA legend, a man linked to a phishing tactic has been charged.

The arrest in New York came after the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office executed 19 search ...Read more

ATLANTA — The Hawks are a little closer to seeing the return of four-time All-Star guard Trae Young.

The Hawks announced Saturday that Young has continued to increase his reconditioning activities. The Hawks expect him to return to practice next week and will update his status as appropriate.

Young sustained a right knee MCL sprain Oct. 29 ...Read more

Tom Izzo won’t be happy about that one.

In its first road game of the season Saturday against Penn State, No. 9 Michigan State trailed in the first half and at various points throughout the second in a turnover-marred outing. Though Penn State nearly pulled off the upset at its own Bryce Jordan Center, the Spartans clawed back for a 76-72 win...Read more

NEW YORK — While there’s plenty of season left, the Nets‘ odds at a top-three selection in the 2026 NBA draft have slipped a bit after a recent hot streak. Entering Friday, Tankathon had them picking sixth in a loaded draft class, with a 37.2% chance at a top-four selection and a 9% chance at the No. 1 overall pick.

Brooklyn took an NBA-...Read more

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors have spent the first portion of the season wandering through a congested schedule packed with back-to-backs and travel days.

So taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves with four days of rest buffering the Friday night matchup at Chase Center with Golden State’s Sunday victory in Chicago? That was ...Read more

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — During both phases of the $245 million renovation of Spectrum Center, the two-decade-old arena underwent several upgrades to enhance the experience.

Instead of adding sparkling new entryways, allowing patrons to be ushered into the festivities in a streamlined, expedited process, perhaps they should also have installed a ...Read more

PHILADELPHIA — Paul George is starting to live up to the hype.

Joel Embiid can still have lethal scoring nights.

VJ Edgecombe is back to playing at a high level, and he could do more if the 76ers keep him involved throughout.

Those three things stood out in the Sixers’ 115-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

George shows his worth

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HARTFORD, Conn. — The UConn men’s basketball team held off Texas to complete its nonconference schedule with a 71-63 win at PeoplesBank Arena Friday night.

Alex Karaban led the way with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting, sending the fifth-ranked Huskies into Big East play with a 10-1 record. Tarris Reed Jr. scored 12 points with six rebounds, ...Read more

DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons played their first game in five days and proved that the mini-break was much needed. On Friday night at Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons won their third consecutive game in a 142-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

It was a collective effort for Detroit (20-5) as eight players scored in double figures. Isaiah ...Read more

LOS ANGELES — Lakers star Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and will be re-evaluated in approximately one week, the team said after practice Friday.

The guard is averaging 27.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists and has led the Lakers in total minutes played this season as the team weathered stretches without ...Read more

DURHAM, N.C. — Caitlin Clark caught an inbound pass on the K Center court and pointed to her defender. Kiki Iriafen stepped in with a screen and Clark burst past it, streaking upcourt in a five-on-five against a squad of male practice players. A defender finally matched her stride near the 3-point line. Clark pounded the dribble, slid sideways...Read more

MIAMI — For the first time since Terry Rozier was arrested in Orlando on Oct. 23 as part of a federal gambling probe, the Miami Heat will have a seat at a hearing regarding what comes next for the banished guard.

According to a source directly familiar with the process, the Heat will have representation at a Wednesday arbitration hearing in ...Read more