Head coach Will Hardy publicly criticized his Utah Jazz players' defensive approach in Wednesday'...

<p>Head coach Will Hardy publicly criticized his Utah Jazz players' defensive approach in Wednesday's 124-118 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>Hardy, 36, specifically took issue with how his squad defended Lakers rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121679" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121679">Dalton Knecht</a>. The 17th overall pick in this year's draft torched the Jazz with a career-high 37 points on 9-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc, tying the NBA's single-game record for threes by a rookie.</p><p>"In the second half, it seemed like everybody in the gym knew that Dalton Knecht was going to shoot the next shot, with the exception of a few people," Hardy said postgame, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/andyblarsen/status/1859117380787491078">The Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The problem was that those few people were on our team."</p><p>The 23-year-old did most of his damage in the third quarter, going a perfect 6-of-6 from distance and adding three free throws for 21 points in the frame. He was the only Laker to hit multiple threes in the entire second half; <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> both made a single three in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D'Angelo Russell</a> each missed an attempt in the third.</p><p>Knecht's 37 points tied Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic for the second most by a player against the Jazz this season, trailing only a 49-point outburst by Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox on Saturday. All three performances have come within Utah's last four games.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz looks on while playing the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at Crypto.com Arena on November 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Hardy calls out Jazz's defense during Knecht's hot night

The New Orleans Pelicans are signing free-agent guard Elfrid Payton, his agent told ESPN's Shams ...

<p>The New Orleans Pelicans are signing free-agent guard Elfrid Payton, his agent told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42503275/pelicans-agree-deal-elfrid-payton-agent-says">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.</p><p>Payton last played in the NBA in 2021-22, making 50 regular-season appearances for the Phoenix Suns while averaging three points and two assists. However, the 2014 10th overall pick has more recent familiarity with New Orleans. He signed a training camp deal with the Pelicans this past summer and made two preseason appearances before being waived in mid-October.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>New Orleans is dealing with a litany of injuries and is now 4-11 on the season following Tuesday's 132-91 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.</p><p>Star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a> has been out since Nov. 6 with a left hamstring strain and has yet to be given a return date. The team is also missing starting guards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46143" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46143">Dejounte Murray</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">CJ McCollum</a> due to a broken hand and thigh ailment, respectively. In addition, reserve guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96124" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96124">Jose Alvarado</a> is expected to be sidelined with a strained hamstring until around Christmas.</p><p>The Pelicans have already used 10 different starting lineups in 15 games this season. Tuesday's loss to Dallas was their third game with a starting five of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96095" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96095">Brandon Boston</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12759" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12759">Javonte Green</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44931" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44931">Brandon Ingram</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121684" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121684">Yves Missi</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96120" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96120">Trey Murphy III</a>.</p><p>The team will reportedly waive guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/63234" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/63234">Jaylen Nowell</a> to create a roster spot for Payton.</p><p>Payton, 30, owns career averages of 10.1 points, 5.7 assists, and four rebounds in 500 games across eight seasons. He was teammates with Pelicans head coach Willie Green on the Orlando Magic during his rookie season in 2014-15.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 13: Elfrid Payton #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during a preseason game at Kaseya Center on October 13, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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Injury-hit Pelicans bring back Elfrid Payton

The Los Angeles Lakers are commissioning a statue of Pat Riley, who played for and coached some o...

<p>The Los Angeles Lakers are commissioning a statue of Pat Riley, who played for and coached some of the franchise's greatest squads in the 1970s and '80s.</p><p>"Pat is a Lakers icon," team owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement Monday. "His professionalism, commitment to his craft, and game preparation paved the way for the coaching we see across the league today.</p><p>"My dad (Jerry Buss) recognized Pat's obsession and ability to take talented players and coalesce them into a championship team. The style of basketball Pat and the Lakers created in the '80s is still the blueprint for the organization today: an entertaining and winning team."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The statue is scheduled to be completed in 2026 and will sit in Star Plaza outside the main entrance to Crypto.com Arena. The locale already hosts seven statues of other famous Lakers icons: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Chick Hearn, and Kobe Bryant.</p><p>Riley, now 79 years old and president of the Miami Heat's basketball operations, was behind the bench for the Lakers' Showtime era in the 1980s. He led the organization to four NBA championships in seven seasons and made two other trips to the Finals in that stretch while coaching future Hall of Famers such as Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson, Michael Cooper, and James Worthy.</p><p>He was also an assistant on Paul Westhead's Lakers coaching staff that won the title in 1980.</p><p>In 1988, he became the first coach since Boston Celtics legend Red Auerbach in 1965-66 to win back-to-back titles - fulfilling a guarantee he made a year prior at the Lakers' 1987 championship parade.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XTocQ9obx3o?si=sbmD_ouyGhHuqHDy" 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>Riley also won a championship as a player with L.A. in 1971-72, his second season with the team amid a five-and-a-half-year stint. The shooting guard was the club's most-used reserve in the 1972 Finals against the New York Knicks, playing 16.2 minutes per game and averaging five points in five contests to help the Lakers snap an 18-year championship drought.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 6: Former Laker coach Pat Riley looks on at halftime of a game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 6, 2012 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 2012 NBAE

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Lakers planning Pat Riley statue

The Dallas Wings are the winners of the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery and will select first overall in ...

<p>The Dallas Wings are the winners of the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery and will select first overall in April.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Dallas Wings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Los Angeles Sparks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Chicago Sky</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Washington Mystics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Golden State Valkyries</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Washington Mystics (via ATL)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>New York Liberty (via PHX)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Indiana Fever</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Seattle Storm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Chicago Sky (via CON)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Minnesota Lynx</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Phoenix Mercury (via NYL)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Dallas had the 2nd best odds to win the No. 1 pick. It's just the second time the Wings will kick off the WNBA draft.</p><p>UConn superstar Paige Bueckers is widely expected to go first overall. USC forward Kiki Iriafen and Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles are also anticipated to be picked early.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The odds for landing the No. 1 pick are determined by each team's combined record over the last two seasons. The Los Angeles Sparks had a 44.2% chance at winning the lottery thanks to their 25-55 mark across 2023 and 2024. The Dallas Wings and Chicago Sky were both 31-49 over the last two years, placing each at 22.7%. The Washington Mystics, at 33-47, had a 10.4% chance.</p><p>The Las Vegas Aces would have selected 10th, but the league rescinded their 2025 pick in May 2023. A WNBA investigation determined the franchise promised impermissible player benefits during extension discussions with then Aces player Dearica Hamby.</p><p>The 2025 draft will also be the first involving the Golden State Valkyries, the expansion franchise that will begin play next season. The team was awarded the top non-lottery selection at No. 5 but will get an earlier chance to fill out its roster in an expansion draft Dec. 6.</p>

BRISTOL, CT - DECEMBER 10: Aliyah Boston representing the Indiana Fever, Mat and Jaime Ishbia of the Phoenix Merciury, Curt Miller of the Los Angeles Sparks and Noelle Quinn of the Seattle Storm during the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm on December 10, 2023 at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. 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 2023NBAE

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Wings own No. 1 pick after winning WNBA draft lottery

Warning: Story contains offensive language  The NBA fined Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball $10...

<p><em>Warning: Story contains offensive language</em></p><p>The NBA fined Charlotte Hornets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93879">LaMelo Ball</a> $100,000 for making an offensive and derogatory comment following his team's 115-114 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, the league announced.</p><p>Ball made the remark after being asked about how the Hornets defended Giannis Antetokounmpo when the Bucks star missed a pull-up jumper from the top of the key on the last play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Yeah, we loaded up, no homo, but that's what we wanted," Ball <a href="https://x.com/dphoop2425/status/1858231900290052221">said</a> on the live broadcast. "Put the hand up and just live with the results."</p><p>Hornets head coach Charles Lee told reporters Sunday that he spoke with Ball and that the 23-year-old was "very apologetic," per <a href="https://x.com/rodboone/status/1858268994051924048">Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer</a>.</p><p>"I look forward to seeing him grow from this moment, but I definitely did just want to start off by saying we apologize," Lee added.</p><p>Prior to Antetokounmpo's miss, Ball converted two free throws with 7.1 seconds left to put the Hornets up by a point. However, officiating crew chief Curtis Blair <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3130622" href="https://thescore.com/news/3130622">admitted</a> postgame that the referees incorrectly called illegal leg-to-leg contact against Giannis. Bucks coach Doc Rivers told reporters after the loss that he believed "the final play was the ref blowing a call."</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 16: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts to a call during the first half of a basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center on November 16, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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LaMelo fined $100K for derogatory postgame comment

The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards $35,000 for making an obscene on-court ...

<p>The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> $35,000 for making an obscene on-court gesture during Friday's 130-126 NBA Cup win over the Sacramento Kings, the league announced.</p><p>The 23-year-old raised his middle finger toward what appeared to be someone in the crowd with 3:15 remaining in the first quarter. The incident occurred as he was being replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121688" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121688">Rob Dillingham</a> after Edwards committed an offensive foul.</p><p>Edwards wasn't whistled for a technical foul, though it's unclear if officials noticed the gesture. Washington Wizards forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37799">Kyle Kuzma</a> was fined $15,000 for a similar incident in December 2019 when he flipped off a fan behind him after hitting a corner 3-pointer. Kuzma was also not assessed a technical foul.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's Edwards' first fine of the season but his second in 2024. He was hit with a $40,000 penalty for criticizing officials over a perceived lack of foul calls during a 107-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 29.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 15, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Edwards fined $35K for middle-finger gesture vs. Kings

The Memphis Grizzlies were the only franchise to communicate genuine interest in selecting Zach E...

<p>The Memphis Grizzlies were the only franchise to communicate genuine interest in selecting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121683" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121683">Zach Edey</a> before taking him ninth overall in the 2024 draft, according to the 7-foot-4 center.</p><p>"They were the only team that was really vocal about their interest in me," Edey told <a href="https://athlonsports.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/zach-edey-rookie-potential">Mark Medina of Athlon Sports</a>. "They've been in touch with me for a while. But it was weird with how the whole thing went."</p><p>The 22-year-old rookie also revealed he never worked out for the organization.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Edey was named the national college player of the year in back-to-back seasons, but his draft projections fluctuated due to questions surrounding how his game would translate to the NBA.</p><p>The former Purdue star was an interior force for the Boilermakers, averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks as a senior last season before leading the school to the NCAA Tournament final, where it fell to UConn. However, he was never required to stretch the floor, a near necessity in today's NBA. He attempted just two threes in college, both of which were in his senior year, and made one.</p><p>He acknowledged at the draft combine he needed to "re-establish" himself in the NBA after a successful stint in college. He's acclimated well, averaging 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds while starting in nine of 12 games for the Grizzlies, who are 7-5 after three weeks.</p><p>Edey insists he doesn't pay attention to critics who've doubted he can adapt to the NBA.</p><p>"I'm focusing on trying to do what Coach (Taylor) Jenkins said and am focusing on making an impact. I wasn't worried about how my game would translate or how this and that was going to work."</p><p>Edey leads all rookies in rebounding while ranking third in scoring behind Philadelphia 76ers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121672" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121672">Jared McCain</a> (13.5 points per game) and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/11">Atlanta Hawks</a>' No. 1 selection <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121714" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121714">Zaccharie Risacher</a> (11.7). Despite totaling just 90 field-goal attempts - seventh among rookies - his 56 makes are the most among first-year players.</p>

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 28: Zach Edey #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum on October 28, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Edey: Grizzlies were only team vocal about draft interest

Luka Doncic took onus for a late defensive error that allowed Utah Jazz forward John Collins to s...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> took onus for a late defensive error that allowed Utah Jazz forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45122">John Collins</a> to score a wide-open game-winning dunk with six seconds left Thursday.</p><p>"That was a misunderstanding," the Dallas Mavericks star said after the 115-113 loss Thursday, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/MikeACurtis2/status/1857281821870018823">Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News</a>. "I thought I was gonna go hit and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96039" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96039">(Quentin) Grimes</a> thought he was gonna go hit. ... We misunderstood the bench. That's on me."</p><p>With the game tied at 113, Collins drifted behind Doncic and found himself wide-open under the basket, setting up an easy find for Jazz guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6245" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6245">Jordan Clarkson</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/EhOcCAyPgc">pic.twitter.com/EhOcCAyPgc</a></p>— SendDaVideo (@SendDaVideo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SendDaVideo/status/1857279122994507806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Doncic and Grimes both appeared to be shadowing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60062" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60062">Collin Sexton</a> on the 3-point line. Center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110268" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110268">Dereck Lively</a>, himself watching <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a>, couldn't rotate over in time to stop Collins' go-ahead slam.</p><p>"Communication. There was a lapse there," head coach Jason Kidd <a href="https://x.com/MikeACurtis2/status/1857286359800746041">said</a> when asked about the play. "It happens, and they took full advantage of it. We gotta be better."</p><p>Dallas had one last opportunity to save itself on the final possession. However, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/94259" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/94259">Naji Marshall</a> overshot a 3-point attempt at the buzzer, cementing a four-game skid that puts the Mavs at 5-7 this season. They're now five games back of the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 14: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on November 14, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Luka takes blame for defensive gaffe in Jazz's game-winner over Mavs

Karl-Anthony Towns shouldered responsibility for the New York Knicks' narrow 124-123 defeat to th...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> shouldered responsibility for the New York Knicks' narrow 124-123 defeat to the Chicago Bulls after going 4-of-8 from the free-throw line during a season-high 46-point performance.</p><p>"Today was a disappointing display of free-throw shooting by me," he told reporters postgame, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/1856914468296360216">SNY</a>. "Even if it was in and out, I expect to make them all.</p><p>"You look back at the game, especially when you don't come out with a win in a tough game like this, you look at everything that you could have done in the mirror - you make some of those free throws, at least two or three (of) them, and you put your team in a different position."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Towns returned to the court postgame to put up shots from the line.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KAT, jersey ripped, still on Garden floor shooting free throws<br><br>Scored 46 <br><br>4-8 from line<br><br>Lost game by 1 <a href="https://t.co/Qv18qR8FlD">pic.twitter.com/Qv18qR8FlD</a></p>— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA_NewYork/status/1856900000271192540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Knicks trailed by as many as 22 points in the third quarter Wednesday but went ahead by three early in the fourth when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30695" href="/nba/players/30695">Josh Hart</a> hit a difficult layup over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5094">Nikola Vucevic</a> to make it 97-96 - their first lead since the first quarter.</p><p>Towns was instrumental in keeping New York close down the stretch. He scored 17 of his 46 points in the final frame on 7-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-5 from distance. However, he converted just one of three attempts from the charity stripe in the quarter: a technical free throw immediately after Hart's layup. Towns then missed his only other two attempts in the frame after a shooting foul by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96131" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96131">Josh Giddey</a> with the Knicks down one midway through the quarter.</p><p>New York held a two-point lead with 4.6 seconds left after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> maneuvered inside for a floater over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93861" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93861">Patrick Williams</a>. The home crowd's elation was short-lived, though, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69889">Coby White</a> was fouled by Hart on a subsequent 3-point attempt and buried all three of his free throws, putting the Knicks under .500 on the season at 5-6.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts after his team was defeated by the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2024 in New York City.

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KAT rues poor free-throw shooting despite 46 points in loss to Bulls

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes will be re-evaluated in one-to-two weeks after spraining h...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70968" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70968">Jaxson Hayes</a> will be re-evaluated in one-to-two weeks after spraining his ankle in practice Tuesday.</p><p>His absence is likely to exacerbate the Lakers' thin frontcourt depth. Starting center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> continues to battle a foot issue that bothered him last season, and two-way big <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102748" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102748">Christian Koloko</a> is the only other 7-footer on Los Angeles' roster.</p><p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30890" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30890">Christian Wood</a> has yet to play this season due to recurring soreness in his left knee, which extended his absence Tuesday for at least another four weeks. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60415" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60415">Jarred Vanderbilt</a> is also out indefinitely while recovering from offseason surgeries on both feet.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hayes is averaging 6.3 points and 4.6 rebounds through 10 games this season, his second with the Lakers. He's playing 17.5 minutes per game, the most since 2021-22 when he averaged 20 minutes per game with the New Orleans Pelicans.</p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits in front of the Lakers bench during a 116-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on November 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Lakers' Hayes out at least 1 week with sprained ankle

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado is expected to miss six weeks after suffering a hamstrin...

<p>New Orleans Pelicans guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96124" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96124">Jose Alvarado</a> is expected to miss six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1856380522773225952">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The Pelicans confirmed Alvarado was diagnosed with a hamstring strain following an MRI, adding he will be re-evaluated in approximately three weeks.</p><p>It's yet another brutal blow for Willie Green's squad, which is already without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">CJ McCollum</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96122">Herbert Jones</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46143" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46143">Dejounte Murray</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110274" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110274">Jordan Hawkins</a> due to injuries.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Alvarado sustained the injury during Monday's 107-105 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. The 26-year-old retreated to the locker room after exiting the third quarter with 7:14 remaining with an apparent leg concern. He eventually returned two minutes into the fourth but then left for good with 7:34 still to play.</p><p>Alvarado is averaging a career-high 10.7 points in 11 games this season, seven of them starts. He's also contributing a personal-best 4.5 assists per game, along with 2.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals, while shooting 40% from beyond the arc.</p><p>New Orleans dropped to 3-8 with Monday's loss and is now tied with the Portland Trail Blazers for the second-worst record in the Western Conference. Several of the Pels' injured stars are also unlikely to return until at least late November; New Orleans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125799" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125799">reportedly</a> believes Williamson's hamstring strain will sideline him for four-to-six weeks, pacing him for a mid-December return.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 11: Jose Alvarado #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans brings the ball up court during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on November 11, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Report: Pelicans' Alvarado out 6 weeks with hamstring injury

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis didn't return to Sunday's 123-103 win over the Toronto R...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> didn't return to Sunday's 123-103 win over the Toronto Raptors after getting hit in the eye.</p><p>Davis suffered the injury when Jakob Poeltl attempted to throw down a huge dunk on the Lakers big with just under five-and-a-half minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, an outstretched Davis thoroughly rebuffed the attempt in a potential block-of-the-season candidate.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Davis with the HUGE block<br><br>But gets hit in the eye in the process and is down in pain <a href="https://t.co/LPgccXjDm7">pic.twitter.com/LPgccXjDm7</a></p>— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) <a href="https://twitter.com/LSH_lakeshow/status/1855827509822333220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Davis paid a price, though, as Poeltl's hand caught Davis' left eye as the Raptors center went up. Davis laid on the court in pain for several minutes before heading to the locker room.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lakers head coach JJ Redick said postgame that Davis was "having trouble seeing" but had no other update to provide, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/mcten/status/1855843213904330868">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.</p><p>Davis experienced swelling, which made it difficult to keep his eye open, and will undergo examination by an ophthalmologist on Mondy, <a href="https://twitter.com/mcten/status/1855864274121265639">McMenamin added</a> according to sources. </p><p>Davis suffered a corneal abrasion in the same eye in March of last season. Though he didn't miss any substantial time, he described the pain as if his eye had been torn open.</p><p>The 31-year-old is in the midst of a career year in L.A. He entered Sunday's matchup leading the league in scoring with 32.4 points per game and was also averaging 11.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, two blocks, and 1.4 steals.</p><p>Without Davis for most of the second half, co-star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> took over. The 39-year-old nearly had a triple-double in the final one-and-a-half quarters alone, going for 10 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists following Davis' exit. He registered nine points, eight assists, and three rebounds before the big man's absence to finish with a second straight triple-double - his third in 10 games so far.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Anthony Davis #3 and Head Coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers high five during the game against the Toronto Raptors on November 10, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Davis leaves Lakers' win over Raptors after injuring eye on block

Jaylen Brown didn't find Giannis Antetokounmpo's fake handshake as funny as the Milwaukee Bucks s...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> didn't find <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>'s fake handshake as funny as the Milwaukee Bucks star did.</p><p>The awkward exchange occurred early in Sunday's second quarter after referees whistled Antetokounmpo for an offensive foul for elbowing Brown's head on a post-up. The two players exchanged words while heading up the court when the Bucks forward put out his hand in an apparent apology. However, as Brown reached out to reciprocate, Antetokounmpo pulled his hand back and smiled at the Celtics swingman, who didn't seem amused.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Giannis gets Jaylen Brown with the elbow, and then fakes out a handshake... <br><br>Aggravate JB at your own risk 👀 <a href="https://t.co/2lc9qVg1fi">pic.twitter.com/2lc9qVg1fi</a></p>— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSCeltics/status/1855722519002554495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Brown took issue with the two-time MVP's lack of maturity when asked postgame about the incident.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Giannis is a child," Brown said, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/NBCSCeltics/status/1855762430229680260">NBC Sports Boston</a>. "I'm just focused on helping my team get a win. And that's what we did tonight."</p><p>Antetokounmpo called the moment a joke and was taken aback when told about Brown's response, according to <a href="https://x.com/JamalCollier/status/1855770250282946675">Jamal Collier of ESPN</a>.</p><p>"This is who I am," he said. "I play the game with fun, joy."</p><p>Brown had a relatively off night in his first game back after a strained hip flexor forced him out of the last four contests. He shot 4-of-13 from the field and made just one three in five attempts, finishing with a season-low 14 points. Brown added five rebounds and four assists in Boston's 113-107 win.</p><p>Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, had his best performance of the young season, scoring 43 points on 18-of-29 shooting to go with 13 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. But he received little help elsewhere as no one else on the Bucks scored more than 15 points to drop Doc Rivers' squad to 2-8.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on November 10, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Brown calls Giannis 'a child' over on-court handshake prank

Auburn's flight to Houston reversed course Friday due to an incident between two Tigers players o...

<p>Auburn's flight to Houston reversed course Friday due to an incident between two Tigers players on the plane, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/42277230/auburn-men-basketball-team-flight-forced-turn-back">ESPN's Jeff Borzello</a>.</p><p>Auburn freshman Jahki Howard and senior <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96489" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96489">Ja'Heim Hudson</a> were the two players involved in the altercation. When the plane returned to Alabama, Howard and Hudson were left behind and did not travel with the team for Saturday night's game against No. 4 Houston, according to <a href="https://x.com/MattNorlander/status/1855268291536720093">CBS Sports' Matt Norlander</a>.</p><p>Their status beyond this weekend is yet to be determined, per Norlander.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The flight had been en route for approximately 45 minutes before turning around, reports <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1855040394746089947">Field of 68's Jeff Goodman</a>. The players <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1855048989722239182">reportedly</a> didn't throw punches but got in each others' faces and yelled.</p><p>A pilot believed to be on Auburn's flight told air traffic control that there were "a bunch of basketball players fighting," according to audio obtained by <a href="https://x.com/WBRC6Hardison/status/1855043072968491027">Fox6 WBRC's Jonathan Hardison</a>.</p><p>The <a href="https://x.com/WBRC6Hardison/status/1855075946493063506">audio</a> also includes a pilot saying the threat level had been contained but that police would be responding when the plane landed. The pilot adds: "We had two players that got into a physical altercation, clothes were ripped."</p><p>The No. 11 Tigers are scheduled to play Houston on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET before traveling home to host Kent State on Wednesday.</p>

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 22: Head coach Bruce Pearl of the Auburn Tigers reacts during the second half against the Yale Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 22, 2024 in Spokane, Washington.

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Report: Auburn's Howard, Hudson not with team after fight on plane

The Cleveland Cavaliers' hot start is in double-digit territory.  Kenny Atkinson's squad improved...

<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers' hot start is in double-digit territory.</p><p>Kenny Atkinson's squad improved to 10 straight wins to open the 2024-25 campaign Friday after defeating the Golden State Warriors 136-117.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> led Cleveland with 27 points, going 6-of-11 on threes, along with six assists and three steals, while forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a> scored 23 points, four assists, four rebounds, two blocks, and a steal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"10-0 is something," Atkinson <a href="https://youtu.be/cISEYvVQJgc?t=557">said</a> postgame. "Kind of magic number, 10. We're playing really good basketball. Just really pleased where the group is."</p><p>The Cavaliers shot 47.6% (20-for-42) from distance and were just as effective at keeping the Warriors to a quiet 31% beyond the arc. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> was 1-of-4 from deep, and his 12 points topped Golden State's starters Friday. Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96094">Jonathan Kuminga</a> led the squad off the bench with 21 points, adding six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and a block in the loss.</p><p>Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who had Atkinson serve on his coaching staff for three seasons before he landed in Cleveland in June, commended the Cavs' effort from the opening tip. After the Warriors' first field goal tied the game 2-2, Cleveland responded with a three by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93865" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93865">Isaac Okoro</a> and never surrendered the lead.</p><p>"They were ready to play, obviously, and took it to us," Kerr <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sidsBYl-BM">said</a>. "I think it was 20-2 right out of the gate, so give them credit. They were fantastic."</p><p>Cleveland's 10-game streak is the longest winning stretch to open a campaign since the Warriors pulled off 24 straight victories to begin the 2015-16 season. Prior to that 73-9 Golden State team, no franchise had started the year with at least 10 consecutive wins since the Dallas Mavericks in 2002.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH -NOVEMBER 08: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 08, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Cavs brush aside Warriors to push winning streak to 10 games

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges will miss at least two weeks after an MRI revealed a bone...

<p>Charlotte Hornets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53740" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53740">Miles Bridges</a> will miss at least two weeks after an MRI revealed a bone bruise in his right knee, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Bridges, who had already been ruled out for Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers, sustained the injury when he hyperextended his knee in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's 108-107 win over the Detroit Pistons. He landed awkwardly on his right leg while attempting to defend a layup by Jaden Ivey with 1:08 remaining.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Miles Bridges' right knee hyperextension ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/kaNUNkPhYu">pic.twitter.com/kaNUNkPhYu</a></p>— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) <a href="https://twitter.com/HornetsReddit/status/1854651530756210898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Bridges came out of the game, but he returned with 6.1 seconds to play and Charlotte won on a buzzer-beating tip by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110250" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110250">Brandon Miller</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bridges, 26, is the latest addition to a quickly growing injury report. Charles Lee's squad is already without centers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93878" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93878">Nick Richards</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102765" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102765">Mark Williams</a> due to a fractured rib and sprained foot tendon, respectively. With both 7-footers unavailable, Charlotte is starting 39-year-old forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/66" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/66">Taj Gibson</a> at center, even though the 6-foot-9 vet is traditionally undersized for the position.</p><p>Now in his sixth season with the Hornets, Bridges is scoring 14.6 points per game and averaging 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists. The Michigan State product is struggling with his shot early on, as he's shooting just 39.2% from the field and 26.7% from three, both of which are career-worst marks.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 01: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during their game against the Boston Celtics at Spectrum Center on November 01, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Hornets' Bridges out at least 2 weeks with bone bruise

Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe made his first appearance in 10 months Thursday, comi...

<p>Portland Trail Blazers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102802" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102802">Shaedon Sharpe</a> made his first appearance in 10 months Thursday, coming off the bench in his team's 118-105 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.</p><p>Sharpe checked in for the first time this season with 3:32 remaining in the frame. He netted his first bucket of the year shortly after that, pulling up for an uncontested mid-range jumper at the top of the key.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shae's first bucket of the '24-25 season 🎯 <a href="https://t.co/adG4QkAYfd">pic.twitter.com/adG4QkAYfd</a></p>— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/1854700004763746663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Sharpe finished with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting (1-of-4 from three), playing just over 20 minutes - narrowly trailing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110286" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110286">Scoot Henderson</a> for the most playing time among the Blazers' reserves Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24892" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24892">Jerami Grant</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60079" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60079">Deandre Ayton</a> dropped a game-high 21 points apiece for Portland. However, the Spurs had eight players eclipse double digits, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69690" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69690">Keldon Johnson</a>, who also had 11 rebounds and three assists in over 30 minutes of action.</p><p>Sharpe had yet to play this year after suffering a labral tear in his left shoulder in early October. The 21-year-old last appeared in a game in January before abdominal surgery prematurely ended his 2023-24 campaign.</p><p>Starting in 25 of his 32 games as a sophomore, the Canadian guard averaged 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while playing 33.1 minutes per contest.</p>

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 7: Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 7, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Blazers' Sharpe makes season debut vs. Spurs in 1st game since January

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick cited "certain habits" as part of the reason why D'Angelo...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick cited "certain habits" as part of the reason why <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D'Angelo Russell</a> was limited to a season-low 22 minutes in Wednesday's 131-114 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.</p><p>"Level of compete, attention to detail. Some of the things we've talked with him about (for) a couple of weeks," Redick said when asked postgame about the starting guard's reduced usage, according to <a href="https://x.com/dstarkand/status/1854369659010626000">Lakers Nation's Daniel Starkand</a>.</p><p>"At times he's been really good, other times it's just reverting to certain habits. It wasn't like a punishment, but for us to have a chance to win this game, that was the route we wanted to take. (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38557" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38557">Gabe Vincent</a>) in the first half, especially defensively, was fantastic. I just wanted to see what that looked like."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Russell, who entered Wednesday averaging 31.3 minutes in seven games this season, was replaced by Vincent with 5:54 left in the third quarter and never re-entered the contest. He finished with 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting, including a 2-of-9 mark from downtown. He also had just three assists, his worst single-game tally this season.</p><p>Vincent hit a long step-back two immediately after subbing in that trimmed Memphis' lead to nine, but the Grizzlies responded with a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96090" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96090">Jay Huff</a> three and the Lakers never got within single digits again. Memphis opened up its largest lead a minute into the final frame when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44933" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44933">Luke Kennard</a> - making his season debut after missing the first seven games with a foot muscle strain - hit his only three of the contest to put his team up 22.</p><p>Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> scored a game-high 39 points while shooting 15-of-24 from the field and 6-of-11 from deep. He also chipped in seven rebounds, six assists, and a steal in the defeat.</p><p>"LeBron was terrific - he's almost 40 years old, and he played the hardest on our team," Redick said, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/LakersReporter/status/1854368228656452028">Lakers reporter Mike Trudell</a>.</p>

PALM SPRINGS, CA - OCTOBER 4: Head Coach JJ Redick and D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA preseason game on October 4, 2024 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Redick: Russell's minutes cut due to 'level of compete'

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn't in the lineup for Monday's 116-114 loss to the ...

<p>Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> wasn't in the lineup for Monday's 116-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a right adductor strain.</p><p>The absence was Antetokounmpo's first of the campaign. The 29-year-old is averaging 31 points per game through the season's first six contests, sitting second in the league in scoring to Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis. He's also averaging 12.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists.</p><p>In Milwaukee's previous contest Saturday at home against the Cavs, Antetokounmpo finished an assist shy of a 34-point triple-double with 16 rebounds, shooting 15-of-27 from the field as the Bucks lost by a point.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With Monday's defeat, Milwaukee is 1-6 and sits last in the Eastern Conference. The club is also without veteran wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a>, who has yet to play this season while recovering from offseason ankle surgeries.</p><p>The Bucks had their chances Monday in Cleveland. Doc Rivers' side led briefly in the final frame before Damian Lillard missed a pair of threes late. Jarrett Allen then blocked Lillard at the rim with seconds remaining to cement the result.</p><p>Milwaukee will look to snap a six-game losing skid when it hosts the struggling Utah Jazz on Thursday.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center on October 27, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

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Giannis misses narrow loss to unbeaten Cavs

Forward Bobby Portis revealed on social media Sunday that burglars entered his home and robbed hi...

<p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30845" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30845">Bobby Portis</a> revealed on social media Sunday that burglars entered his home and robbed him of prized possessions while he and the Milwaukee Bucks faced the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.</p><p>Portis also posted surveillance footage of the suspects and provided an email for people to send him tips regarding the crime. The 29-year-old said any pertinent information would be "rewarded handsomely."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I consider Milwaukee my home. Last night, while I was at work, my home was burglarized, and many of my prized possessions were stolen. If you have any tips or info, please send them to info@bobbyportis.com. Rewards for info leading to recovery or arrests! <a href="https://t.co/ORNYHxNC1c">pic.twitter.com/ORNYHxNC1c</a></p>— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) <a href="https://twitter.com/BPortistime/status/1853162557063803023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Portis played 20 minutes in Saturday's home contest against the Cavs, which tipped off at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. in Milwaukee). The Bucks will travel to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers again Monday before hosting the Utah Jazz on Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 10-year vet is in his fifth season with the Bucks following stints with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, and New York Knicks.</p><p>The Bucks have dropped five straight since beating the Philadelphia 76ers in their season opener. Milwaukee's 1-5 record marks its worst start to a campaign through six games in 24 years.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 25: Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks speaks to the fans before the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 25, 2024 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE .

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Bucks' Portis says home was burglarized during Cavs game

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Jonathan Soveta

News Editor

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