New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a historic stat line as he led his team to a 1...

New York Knicks center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> recorded a historic stat line as he led his team to a 133-107 victory against the Timberwolves in his return to Minnesota. Towns became the first player in NBA history to record 30-plus points, 20-plus rebounds, and five-plus threes on 100% 3-point shooting in a game, recording 32 points, 20 rebounds, and six assists while going 5-of-5 from beyond the arc.What made the feat even more special for Towns was that he did it in the city in which he spent the first nine seasons of his career.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"This place means a lot to me and my family," Towns told <a href="https://x.com/NBAonTNT/status/1869971159581601840">TNT's Jared Greenberg</a> postgame. "Everyone was trying to make it seem like it was just another game, I knew it wasn't. ... I just didn't want to let my emotions overcome the game, and I wanted to play for the win. I wasn't playing for myself, I was playing for the win."Towns was traded from Minnesota to the Knicks in the offseason for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31118" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31118">Julius Randle</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45225" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45225">Donte DiVincenzo</a>. He'd helped the Timberwolves reach the Western Conference finals a season prior and had expressed his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2920906" href="https://thescore.com/news/2920906">desire</a> to remain with Minnesota following the team's postseason elimination.Towns declined to answer whether his performance Thursday meant more coming against his former club."I'm just happy that I was able to have the game I had today," Towns said. "I have something on my mind (that) I won't say."Towns was averaging 24.8 points and a career-high 13.9 rebounds while shooting a career-best 43.9% from three heading into Thursday.The 17-10 Knicks sit third in the Eastern Conference. They next play Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 19: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks smiles during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 19, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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KAT thrills with historic stat line in Minnesota homecoming

Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown was not happy with the referees following Thursday's 117-108 los...

Boston Celtics wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> was not happy with the referees following Thursday's 117-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls.Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was assessed a technical foul by referee Justin Van Duyne in the fourth quarter for arguing a jump ball call. Brown defended his coach and, as a result, picked up a technical foul of his own."You wanna fine people for gestures and all this stuff, fine that," Brown said, according to the <a href="https://x.com/GwashburnGlobe/status/1869946110149837073">Boston Globe's Gary Washburn</a>. "That's some bullshit ... that affects the game. That could have been avoided, Joe didn't say anything to deserve a tech."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Brown said he told an official that he called a tech for no reason before the official threatened the 28-year-old with a technical if he said that again. Brown then repeated himself and, sure enough, received a technical foul."You can't threaten guys with a technical foul," Brown said. "That's not part of the game either." The Bulls turned a three-point lead into an eight-point lead with less than five minutes remaining as a result of the two technical free throws and a 3-pointer from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a>.Following the loss, an irate Mazzulla stormed the court with some choice words for Van Duyne.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Joe Mazzulla to referee Justin Van Duyne after the game: “F—k you. Come here! F—k you” <a href="https://t.co/wyzqoZTf9X">pic.twitter.com/wyzqoZTf9X</a>— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) <a href="https://twitter.com/CelticsUnite18/status/1869938740241522776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>LaVine's season-high 36 points, six rebounds, and four assists led Chicago in the victory.Brown contributed 19 points, three rebounds, and four assists for the Celtics, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> led his team with 31 points.Boston now sits at 21-6 following the loss. They return to action Saturday in a rematch against the Bulls.

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 19: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the game against the Chicago Bulls on December 19, 2024 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 2024 NBAE

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Celtics' Brown: Refs threatening techs is 'bullshit'

Detroit Pistons forward Ron Holland and Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson's nights ended early afte...

Detroit Pistons forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121707" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121707">Ron Holland</a> and Utah Jazz guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6245" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6245">Jordan Clarkson</a>'s nights ended early after they squared up to fight during the third quarter of Thursday's contest.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ron Holland squared up in the middle of the court😭 <a href="https://t.co/CNCkbKE711">pic.twitter.com/CNCkbKE711</a>— Hamz Talks Hoops (@hamztalkshoops_) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamztalkshoops_/status/1869923190895452364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Both players were ejected as a result of the confrontation. Pistons big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102754" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102754">Jalen Duren</a> and Clarkson initially traded shoves, but Holland escalated the situation, which led to referee intervention. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Clarkson had logged three points in the contest and Holland contributed four for the Pistons.Utah went on to defeat Detroit 126-119, powered by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60062" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60062">Collin Sexton</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110288" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110288">Keyonte George</a> combining for 85 points. The Jazz will next visit the Pistons on March 3.

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 19: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on December 19, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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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Pistons' Holland, Jazz's Clarkson ejected for squaring up

Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham is still questioning why he didn't get an extension to...

Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham is still questioning why he didn't get an extension to stay on as the Los Angeles Lakers head coach."To do as well as I did, I swear to God, anywhere else I'm probably looking at an extension with what I did," Ham told <a href="https://andscape.com/features/milwaukee-bucks-assistant-coach-darvin-ham-in-a-great-space-in-return-to-coaching/">Andscape's Marc J. Spears</a>. "I'm not talking about feelings. I'm talking actual facts. They go from not making it to the playoffs to the final four in the NBA, the conference finals. And then you win the in-season tournament, navigate through all the injuries, and win both of your play-in games to get to the playoffs."Ham added: "People always talk about us losing to Denver, but they never talk about how we got to Denver. We beat a kick-ass young squad in Memphis, and we beat Golden State."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Los Angeles dismissed Ham after he compiled a 90-74 record as the team's head coach over two seasons.The 51-year-old guided the Lakers to a Western Conference finals appearance in the 2022-23 season before getting swept by the Denver Nuggets, who won the NBA championship that year.L.A. improved its record and won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023-24, but the Nuggets again defeated the Lakers in the first round of the postseason.Despite the on-court success, Ham received plenty of criticism from social media about his Xs and Os and rotations and even felt some heat inside the Lakers' locker room. Big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> questioned Ham's coaching during the 2024 Nuggets series, saying the team had "stretches where we don't know what we're doing on both ends of the floor."However, Ham said he believes he did enough to deserve an extension and that "the expectations can be unrealistic at certain points in time.""It's being reported like I'm just throwing some lineups up against the wall to see what sticks," said Ham. "No, man, we were really navigating a lot from guys being hurt to having the oldest player in the league (James) to navigating A.D.'s injury history. It was a lot."Some of the shit that was coming out? Wow, bro, I don't know Xs and Os? I was winging it. Dude, that was the most disappointing stuff, how mean and so much stuff people are saying online. The best thing I could do was block out the outside noise."The Lakers replaced Ham with first-time coach JJ Redick. L.A. is off to a 14-12 start to the campaign, which is one less win than the club put up through 26 games last season.Ham joined Doc Rivers' coaching staff in Milwaukee in the offseason, and the team is sitting at 14-11 after winning 12 of its last 15 contests.The Bucks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas on Tuesday to win the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3163214" href="https://thescore.com/news/3163214">NBA Cup</a>. The victory made Ham a two-time NBA Cup champion and 16-0 in the tournament between the Lakers and Bucks.Milwaukee hosts the Lakers on March 13. Ham returns to L.A. on March 18. The Bucks, who sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, return to action Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 14: Assistant coach Darvin Ham of the Milwaukee Bucks talks to a player during a break in the second half of a semifinal game of the Emirates NBA Cup against the Atlanta Hawks at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bucks defeated the Hawks 110-102.

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Bucks' Ham perplexed by not getting HC extension from Lakers

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league's TV ratings being down isn't due to a lack of inter...

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league's TV ratings being down isn't due to a lack of interest in the sport."If you look at other data points, in terms of our business, for example, we've just come off the last two years of the highest attendance in the history of this league," Silver told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6002603/2024/12/17/adam-silver-nba-tv-ratings/">The Athletic's Joe Vardon and Sam Amick</a>. "We're at a point where our social media audience is at the highest of any league and continuing to grow exponentially. So, it's not a lack of interest in this game."NBA viewership was down 19% year-over-year as of the NBA Cup semifinal Saturday, according to <a href="https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2024/12/nba-ratings-decline-examining-early-season-viewership/">Sports Media Watch</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Silver said he doesn't see this as an NBA issue and instead a common trend among all cable television. Men's NCAA basketball is down 21%, women's NCAA basketball is down 38%, and the NHL is down 28%, Sports Media Watch reported.The commissioner said the league is at the "inflection point where people are watching more programming on streaming than they are in traditional television."The NBA's new TV deal, which begins next year, includes streaming-only service Amazon Prime, ESPN, ABC, and NBC. Prime gives the NBA the chance to try new things to appeal to its audience."As we move to streaming service, putting aside how the actual game is played on the floor, it's going to allow us from a production standpoint to do all kinds of things that you can't do through traditional television," said Silver. "All kinds of new functionality, all kinds of new options and screens that are available."He added, "The vast majority of people consume us through media, not in person. So we have to pay a lot of attention."

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the media during a press conference after the Board of Governors Meeting on September 10, 2024 at the St. Regis Hotel in 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Silver: Interest in NBA not lacking despite bad TV numbers

Milwaukee Bucks wing Khris Middleton wasn't in the lineup for the NBA Cup final against the Oklah...

Milwaukee Bucks wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a> wasn't in the lineup for the NBA Cup final against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to illness."He did a walkthrough today, came down (for it), and we sent him back up," head coach Doc Rivers told <a href="https://x.com/eric_nehm/status/1869169286612406696">The Athletic's Eric Nehm</a>. "Just didn't feel good. And we didn't want to take the chance of him being around the guys. We come out of this, we have a back-to-back game. It just wasn't worth the chance."Middleton missed practice Monday and has appeared in just four games this campaign. He missed the Bucks' first 21 contests while recovering from offseason surgeries on both ankles.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 33-year-old has come off the bench in all of his appearances and has been playing 21.3 minutes per night. He's averaging seven points, three rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in 2024-25.Middleton's health has been an issue throughout his career: He's played in just 76 regular-season games over the last two campaigns.The Bucks had won 12 of their last 15 contests heading into Tuesday and sit 14-11 on the season. They're currently fifth in the Eastern Conference.

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 14: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the Emirates NBA Cup Semifinal game on December 14, 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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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Bucks' Middleton misses NBA Cup final vs. Thunder

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez ripped his club's effort Monday following a 130-101 blow...

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez ripped his club's effort Monday following a 130-101 blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers."We got punched in the face, and we didn't have the togetherness, the fight, to get back and keep punching," Fernandez told reporters postgame, including <a href="https://x.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1868855805887627516">NetsDaily's Lucas Kaplan</a>.He added, "It is extremely disappointing because whoever wears our jersey will fight more than that, and if not, you will not be part of this club."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Nets shot just 42% from the field in the contest and committed a season-high 22 turnovers. They were down 72-40 at halftime, and the final margin of defeat was their largest of the season.Brooklyn traded veteran guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30613" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30613">Dennis Schroder</a> to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, and this was the team's first game without him. Fernandez was asked if being without Schroder's leadership may have caused Monday's result, but he didn't want to focus on departed players."That's not in my mind; I don't care," Fernandez said, according to the <a href="https://x.com/NYPost_Lewis/status/1868857406241095900">New York Post's Brian Lewis</a>. "I love him, I'm happy for him, but he's not here. So right now I'm fighting with my guys, and the ones that are here have to fight. And if they don't fight, there's going to be consequences."The Nets have been unable to get into a rhythm this season and have used a league-high 14 different starting lineups. They've also struggled with injuries: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96032" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96032">Cam Thomas</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11056" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11056">Bojan Bogdanovic</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96117" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96117">Ziaire Williams</a> are all currently sidelined.Brooklyn has lost six of its last seven contests and may look to trade more veterans as the trade deadline approaches. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11858" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11858">Dorian Finney-Smith</a> is on an expiring contract, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37658" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37658">Cam Johnson</a> is having a career year; both should draw some interest from contenders.The Nets now sit at 10-16 on the season and 11th in the Eastern Conference.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Jordi Fernández of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Barclays Center on December 16, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

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Fernandez: Nets must 'fight more than that' after 29-point loss to Cavs

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball returned to the lineup Monday in a 121-108 loss to the Philade...

Charlotte Hornets star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93879">LaMelo Ball</a> returned to the lineup Monday in a 121-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers after missing the last seven contests with a strained calf.Ball contributed 15 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, and four steals while shooting 5-of-15 from the field in 26 minutes of action. The Hornets' leading scorer was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53740" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53740">Miles Bridges</a>, who put up 24.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> led the Sixers, combining for 73 points. Maxey had a game-high 40 points, while George surpassed 30 for the first time with Philadelphia.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Despite Charlotte getting Ball back, the team lost <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110250" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110250">Brandon Miller</a> early in the fourth quarter with a sprained left ankle.The former All-Star was in the midst of a breakout year prior to the injury, averaging a career-best 31.1 points while adding 5.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists on 43% shooting ahead of Monday's action.The 23-year-old was sitting third in the NBA in scoring prior to Monday's contest. He dropped a career-high 50 points on Nov. 23 in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, which he followed just two days later with 44 points in a defeat to the Orlando Magic.The Hornets went 1-6 without the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year. They now sit 7-19 following Monday's loss and 13th in the Eastern Conference.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 16: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during the second half of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Spectrum Center on December 16, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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LaMelo returns from 7-game absence in loss to 76ers

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James returned to the lineup for Sunday's 116-110 win over the Mem...

Los Angeles Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> returned to the lineup for Sunday's 116-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.James started the contest after missing the previous two games with foot soreness, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Lakers big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> dropped a game-high 40 points to go along with 16 rebounds.Head coach JJ Redick said Friday he was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3158932" href="https://thescore.com/news/3158932">unsure</a> when the 39-year-old would be back.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>James was absent from the Lakers’ facilities all week with an "excused absence." Redick said before Sunday's game that it was important for James to get over a week off to rest, according to <a href="https://x.com/DStarkand/status/1868465500172550198">Lakers Nation's Daniel Starkand</a>."When I talked to him earlier this week, I think I said something along those lines, just hoping that he was getting the mind and body reset, and he said he felt like he was,” Redick said.The first-year coach <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3157079" href="https://thescore.com/news/3157079">said</a> earlier in the week that L.A. will be more mindful of the four-time MVP’s health and durability for the remainder of the season due to James feeling the effects of playing a lot of minutes.The NBA's all-time leading scorer is in Year 22 and was averaging 23 points, eight rebounds, and 9.1 assists while still logging 35 minutes a night through 23 games ahead of Sunday's action."For guys like him and (Chris Paul), the Tom Bradys of the world, the Roger Federers of the world, it’s hard to comprehend having that level of sustained excellence for so long because of the toll that it takes on all of you," Redick said pregame Sunday, per Starkand. "Not just your body."The Lakers went 1-1 without James. They improved to 14-12 with Sunday's win and sit 10th in the West.Los Angeles will travel to Sacramento to face the Kings on Thursday.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 6: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 6, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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LeBron returns from 2-game absence in win over Grizzlies

Center Joel Embiid exited the Philadelphia 76ers' 121-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers early after ...

Center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> exited the Philadelphia 76ers' 121-107 loss to the Indiana Pacers early after he was struck in the face.Embiid was diagnosed with a sinus fracture postgame, he will be further evaluated this weekend, and his status will be updated as appropriate, according to <a href="https://x.com/PompeyOnSixers/status/1867781887671828553">The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey</a>.He suffered the injury late in the second quarter Friday when Pacers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102759" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102759">Bennedict Mathurin</a> hit the right side of Embiid's face while leaping for a rebound. The former MVP left the game and did not return after halftime. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Joel Embiid got up and walked to the locker room with a few seconds left to play in the first half, was hit in the face by the arm of Bennedict Mathurin here. <a href="https://t.co/2gLajNwgny">pic.twitter.com/2gLajNwgny</a>— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) <a href="https://twitter.com/eringrugan/status/1867739086225911819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Embiid returned to the Sixers' lineup Sunday after missing seven games with swelling in his left knee, which was surgically repaired in February because of a torn meniscus.He was also sidelined for the first nine games of the season while recovering from recurring swelling in his left knee and serving a three-game suspension for pushing a member of the media.The 7-footer had 12 points, four rebounds, and five assists when he left Friday's contest. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> scored a team-high 22 points for the Sixers and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37666" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37666">Kelly Oubre Jr.</a> put up his third consecutive double-double (12 points and 13 rebounds).The Pacers were led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> who contributed a game-high 32 points and 11 assists, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> had 23 points, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93853" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93853">Obi Toppin</a> dropped 20 off the bench.This was just the third time this campaign that the Sixers' new Big Three of Embiid, Maxey, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> took the court together.Embiid was averaging 22 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 40.7% shooting through his first five games of the campaign.Philadelphia recently began to turn things around by winning four of its past five games prior to Friday's loss. The 76ers now sit at 7-16.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 13: Trainers tend to Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 13, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Embiid suffers sinus fracture in loss to Pacers

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick is unsure when LeBron James will rejoin the team, according to...

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick is unsure when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> will rejoin the team, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonKrawczynski/status/1867714668237619709">The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski</a>.James has been ruled out Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves because of left foot soreness.The NBA's all-time leading scorer has been absent from the Lakers' facilities since missing his first game of the season Sunday in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Redick described it as an “excused absence.”<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He was ruled out of that game with foot soreness also, but Redick said it was a good chance for James to get some extra rest.Redick said earlier this week that James has been feeling the effects of "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3157079" href="https://thescore.com/news/3157079">playing a lot of minutes</a>." He added that the Lakers will be more cognizant of the 39-year-old's health and durability for the remainder of the campaign.James is in Year 22 in the Association and is averaging 23 points, eight rebounds, and 9.1 assists while still logging 35 minutes a night through 23 games.The four-time MVP's next chance to return will be Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 8, 2024: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sits in street clothes next to his son Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) during the game against the Portland Trailblazers at Crypto.com Arena on December 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Redick doesn't know when LeBron will rejoin Lakers

Sheila Johnson, a co-owner of the Washington Mystics, believes Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark d...

Sheila Johnson, a co-owner of the Washington Mystics, believes Indiana Fever star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121626" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121626">Caitlin Clark</a> doesn't deserve sole credit for the recent growth of the WNBA."It has taken the WNBA almost 28 years to get to the point where we are now. And this year something clicked with the WNBA, and it's because of the draft or the players that came in," Johnson said to <a href="https://x.com/cnnsport/status/1867574826681897140">CNN's Amanda Davies</a>. "It's just not Caitlin Clark, it's (Angel) <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121629" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121629">Reese</a>. We have so much talent out there that has been unrecognized, and I don't think we can just pin it on one player."Johnson, who is vice chairwoman and partner of Mystics parent company Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment, said she believes Clark has been getting all the attention because of "the structure or the way the media plays out race." She said many WNBA players of color have been equally talented, but they never got the recognition they deserved.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Clark was named Time magazine Athlete of the Year on Tuesday, an award Johnson believes the Fever guard should have shared."Why couldn't they have put the whole WNBA on that cover and said, 'The WNBA is the league of the year' because of all the talent that we have," Johnson said. "When you just keep singling out one player, it creates hard feelings."Clark is undeniably popular. Her Fever visited the Mystics twice in 2024, and those two games totaled 31% of Washington's home attendance for the entire season.The Iowa product was also named 2024 Rookie of the Year after averaging 19.2 points and a league-high 8.4 assists per game. She became the first rookie in WNBA history with multiple triple-doubles and set a record for most points by a guard in a single season.Clark was also an All-Star, an All-Rookie selection, and a first-team All-WNBA member.The Fever tip off their 2025 season May 17 against Reese's Chicago Sky. Clark will play the Mystics at home May 28, and the Fever will visit Washington on June 3 for a WNBA Commissioner's Cup game.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 19: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever handles the ball against Jade Melbourne #5 of the Washington Mystics at Capital One Arena on September 19, 2024 in Washington, DC.

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Mystics co-owner: We can't pin the WNBA's success on Caitlin Clark alone

Trae Young will forever be the villain at Madison Square Garden, but New York Knicks All-Star Jal...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a> will forever be the villain at Madison Square Garden, but New York Knicks All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> is shrugging off the Atlanta Hawks guard's antics.Following the Hawks' 108-100 victory over New York in the NBA Cup quarterfinals Wednesday, Young pretended to roll dice over the Knicks logo as the buzzer sounded.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Trae's ready for Vegas 😅🎲 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/ATLHawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATLHawks</a>)<a href="https://t.co/9abulDS7q2">pic.twitter.com/9abulDS7q2</a>— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1867036193872826726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Brunson</a> was asked about Young's actions postgame but could only think about the game's result.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We should win the game if we don't want him to do that," Brunson told <a href="https://x.com/IanBegley/status/1867042247713157379">SNY's Ian Begley</a>.Young said he planned the celebration with his brother a few days ago, according to <a href="https://x.com/WilliamsLaurenL/status/1867042963509088726">The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Lauren L. Williams</a>."I rolled an eight, and I picked it up, and then I rolled it again," Young <a href="https://x.com/WilliamsLaurenL/status/1867044087305515037">added</a>. "So, I picked up the money, after that we left. So that's what I rolled."The 26-year-old finished the game with 22 points and 11 assists in 36 minutes.Young's rivalry with the Knicks faithful can be traced back to the 2021 playoffs. The Hawks and Knicks met in the first round, and he had an extraordinary series-clinching Game 5 at MSG. He taunted the fans during the contest by bowing after a go-ahead bucket and holding his finger over his mouth.Atlanta now moves on to the NBA Cup semifinals to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday in Las Vegas.Young and the Hawks return to MSG on Jan. 20.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 15: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives against Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on February 15, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Brunson unfazed by Trae's dice roll over Knicks logo

Time may finally be catching up with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.  The 39-year-old misse...

Time may finally be catching up with Los Angeles Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>.The 39-year-old missed his first game of the season Sunday because of foot soreness, and head coach JJ Redick said the win against the Portland Trail Blazers was a good opportunity for James to get some rest.This might become a recurring theme as the season progresses. Redick said Wednesday that James is feeling the "accumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes," according to <a href="https://x.com/MarkG_Medina/status/1866948817737879699">NBA reporter Mark Medina</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"In game, he's asked for a sub a couple of times because he's gassed," said Redick. "I think for us, we have to be cognizant as we play more and more games."He added, "The communication has to be there," as the Lakers manage James' health for the rest of the campaign. James is in Year 22 and putting up 23 points, eight rebounds, and 9.1 assists while still logging 35 minutes a night.He recently hit a slight slump, but he bounced back well Dec. 4 by scoring 29 against the Miami Heat and logging a triple-double (39 points, 10 boards, and 11 assists) Dec. 6 versus the Atlanta Hawks.The top scorer in NBA history has been absent from the Lakers' practice facility all week, but Redick described it as an “excused absence.”James is day-to-day according to Redick, and it's still undetermined if he will play Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 1: LeBron James #23 and Head Coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the game against the Utah Jazz on December 1, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Redick: LeBron feeling effects of 'playing a lot of minutes'

FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis says he and his staff remain in "serious conversation" wit...

FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis says he and his staff remain in "serious conversation" with NBA commissioner Adam Silver and his office about starting an NBA-owned league in Europe, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5981348/2024/12/09/fiba-nba-european-league-andreas-zagklis/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Joe Vardon</a>.An NBA-owned league would be direct competition for the EuroLeague and other top pro leagues in individual European countries. Silver has previously mentioned the NBA's desire to expand into Europe, and Zagklis says the NBA has a "clear interest" in the expansion. FIBA also remains in discussions with the company operating the EuroLeague.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We tried to bring everyone together," Zagklis said. "This was not possible. So our job is to continue having serious conversations with our partners at the NBA."Zagklis added: "We want the growth of our sport, but at the same time we want to protect what are the fundamentals of our ecosystem. We have a very well-developed ecosystem of national leagues and certainly (want to) protect the work not only of a few clubs but of almost 500 or 600 clubs that are the pyramid that produces players and that has brought the sport of basketball where it is today."The EuroLeague consists of 18 teams, including 13 permanent members and five that must qualify. The permanent members are given long-term licenses and are shareholders in the league. However, their current licenses expire following the 2025-26 season, and those clubs have yet to sign agreements to remain with the league.Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul are among the shareholder teams with academy systems being studied by the NBA. Silver has previously said European clubs have developed youth training programs that better prepare young athletes to play professionally than the current AAU system in the U.S.Silver will be present in Europe next month when the NBA holds two games in Paris between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 11: Adam Silver, Commissioner, National Basketball Association speaks onstage during the Growing the Game panel, at the Fortune Global Forum on November 11, 2024 in New York City.

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FIBA, Adam Silver discussing NBA-owned league in Europe

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid made his return to the lineup Sunday in a 108-100 victory ove...

Philadelphia 76ers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> made his return to the lineup Sunday in a 108-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls.Embiid led all scorers with 31 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks on 13-of-28 shooting in 33 minutes of action. He erupted for 19 points in the second quarter after being held scoreless on 0-of-6 shooting in the opening frame. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Embiid had an INSTANT impact in his return! 🔥 31 PTS 🔥 12 REB 🔥 4 AST 🔥 2 BLK <a href="https://t.co/LwRnU9WIAd">pic.twitter.com/LwRnU9WIAd</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1865859117623246905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Head coach Nick Nurse had previously said Embiid's minutes would be limited. The 7-footer missed the last seven games because of swelling in his left knee.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He was also sidelined for the first nine games of the season while recovering from recurring swelling due to meniscus surgery last season and serving a suspension for pushing a media member.This was the second time the Sixers' new Big Three of Embiid, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> took the court together in the 2024-25 campaign. George missed 10 games with his own knee injury, and a hamstring strain kept Maxey out of six contests.Maxey contributed his first career triple-double against the Bulls with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high 14 assists, while George added 12 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach Lavine</a> led Chicago with 30 points, four rebounds, and three assists.Embiid was averaging 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a block while shooting a career-worst 37.9% from the field through his first four games before Sunday's contest.The 76ers have now won four of their last five, sitting at 7-15, with their next game being Friday against the Indiana Pacers. The Bulls have lost two straight after Sunday and are 10-15 on the year. They'll attempt to get back in the win column Friday versus the Charlotte Hornets.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 20, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Embiid returns in win over Bulls after 7-game absence

Missouri upset No. 1-ranked Kansas 76-67 in the "Border War" on Sunday, powered by guard Tamar Ba...

Missouri upset No. 1-ranked Kansas 76-67 in the "Border War" on Sunday, powered by guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95501" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95501">Tamar Bates</a>' 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting.It's the Tigers' first win over Kansas since February 2012. Missouri has now matched its win total from last season with its eighth victory of the campaign.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER COURT STORM ☔️ MISSOURI STUNS NO. 1 KANSAS 🤯 <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MizzouHoops</a> <a href="https://t.co/FrhxGEhSJ9">pic.twitter.com/FrhxGEhSJ9</a>— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1865859975530103046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Kansas has lost back-to-back games to unranked schools after winning its first seven games of the season. Creighton handed Kansas its first defeat of the campaign Wednesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Jayhawks' shooting troubles from their previous loss continued. They shot 39.7% from the field and 34.8% from deep Sunday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/86939" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/86939">Hunter Dickinson</a> led Kansas with 19 points on 5-of-11 shooting.Tigers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103277" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103277">Mark Mitchell</a> added 17 points, while guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110906" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110906">Anthony Robinson II</a> dropped 11.The Border War rivalry between the schools began in 1907, and Kansas leads the all-time series 176-96 while winning 14 of the last 17 contests.Both teams return to action Saturday, with Missouri playing Long Island and Kansas taking on NC State.

LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 09: Missouri Tigers guard Tamar Bates (2) in a game between the Missouri Tigers and the Kentucky Wildcats on January 9, 2024, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY.

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Missouri hands No. 1 Kansas 2nd consecutive loss in 'Border War'

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram will be sidelined indefinitely with a high-grade low ...

New Orleans Pelicans forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44931" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44931">Brandon Ingram</a> will be sidelined indefinitely with a high-grade low left ankle sprain, the team announced Sunday.Ingram's return to play timeline will be determined based on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation. He suffered the injury by landing awkwardly on the foot of Oklahoma City Thunder guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70382" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70382">Lu Dort</a> early in the third quarter of Saturday's 119-109 loss.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 27-year-old has already missed six games this campaign with different injuries, most recently due to tendonitis in his right foot.Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 46.5% shooting through 18 games of action.The Pelicans have struggled with injuries all season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a> has been out 18 games with a pulled hamstring, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96124" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96124">Jose Alvarado</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110274" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110274">Jordan Hawkins</a> have each missed 13 games with hamstring and back injuries, respectively.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96122">Herb 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/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">CJ McCollum</a> all recently returned after all missing double-digit games.New Orleans has struggled this campaign, sitting last place in the Western Conference with a 5-19 record. The Pelicans take on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 7: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a regular season game on December 7, 2024 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Pelicans' Ingram out indefinitely with sprained ankle

Orlando Magic star Franz Wagner will be sidelined indefinitely with a torn right oblique muscle, ...

Orlando Magic star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96086" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96086">Franz Wagner</a> will be sidelined indefinitely with a torn right oblique muscle, the team <a href="https://x.com/Magic_PR/status/1865500316822560986">announced</a> Saturday.Wagner will be re-evaluated in four weeks. His return to play will be determined based on how he responds to treatment. The 23-year-old is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging a career-high 24.4 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds while leading the Magic to the three seed in the East with a 16-9 record.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It is believed he suffered the injury in Friday's 102-94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Wagner played 38 minutes, dropping 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists.He's the second player on Orlando to go down with a torn oblique this season. Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102767" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102767">Paolo Banchero</a> has been out since Oct. 31 with the same injury.The Magic will take the court without Wagner for the first time this campaign Sunday against the Phoenix Suns.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic in action against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2024 in New York City. 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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Franz Wagner out indefinitely with torn oblique

All is not well in Portland.  Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups ripped his team's effort ...

All is not well in Portland.Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups ripped his team's effort postgame for the second time this season following Friday's 141-99 blowout loss to the 5-17 Utah Jazz.Billups called the contest an "<a href="https://www.nba.com/blazers/videos/chauncey-billups-postgame-interview-portland-trail-blazers-99-utah-jazz-141">ugly game</a>" and specifically pointed out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60079" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60079">Deandre Ayton</a>'s lack of effort.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ayton was benched for the majority of the second half after playing the first two minutes of the third quarter. Billups said he made that decision because he "didn't like his spirit in the game."Ayton tallied just six points on 3-of-7 shooting in 17 minutes of action.Billups said his team was overconfident heading into the contest against a Utah team without forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a>, who was a late scratch due to a back injury."Those are dangerous games, letdown games," said Billups. "Anybody that puts their jersey on in the NBA is a great player ... You gotta respect every single person that puts on a jersey ... We just didn't do that. For some strange reason, we felt like we were the better team in this game, and they showed us that we weren't."The Blazers had a similar loss to the Grizzlies on Nov. 10, falling 134-89 to a Memphis team without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93901" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93901">Desmond Bane</a>. Billups called that loss "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125752" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125752">f-----g embarrassing</a>."The Jazz had nine different players score in double-digits, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102745" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102745">Johnny Juzang</a> led the way with 22 points. They also scored 76 points in the paint and outrebounded the Blazers 61-34.Portland now sits 13th in the Western Conference at 8-15. The Blazers have dropped seven of their last nine contests heading into their matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Chauncey Billups of the Portland Trail Blazers calls out a play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter in the Emirates NBA Cup at Intuit Dome on December 03, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

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Billups on benching Ayton in 42-point loss to Jazz: 'Didn't like his spirit'

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