Orlando Magic guard Mac McClung committed to compete in the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk contest at All-Sta...

Orlando Magic guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96103" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96103">Mac McClung</a> committed to compete in the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk contest at All-Star Weekend, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1883926714902012100">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.McClung won the last two Slam Dunk contests and will look to become the first player to win three straight. Nate Robinson holds the record for most dunk contest wins at three but didn't earn them consecutively.The 26-year-old joins Milwaukee Bucks wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110242" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110242">Andre Jackson Jr.</a>, Chicago Bulls forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121704" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121704">Matas Buzelis</a>, and San Antonio Spurs rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a> for this year's event.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>McClung stands at 6-foot-2 but recorded a 43.5-inch vertical leap at the 2021 combine. He won the 2024 Slam Dunk contest by jumping over 7-foot-1 Shaquille O'Neal to score a perfect 50.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HE'S DONE IT AGAIN 🤯 Mac McClung is the back-to-back <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATTSlamDunk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATTSlamDunk</a> champion ‼️ Straight 5⃣0⃣'s<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateFarmSaturday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StateFarmSaturday</a> on TNT <a href="https://t.co/p2sBx7h2IM">pic.twitter.com/p2sBx7h2IM</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1759064682789269518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>McClung has appeared in one game for the Magic this season but has played in 10 contests for their G League affiliate, Osceola Magic. He's averaging 24 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists for Osceola in 2024-25.This year's dunk contest is scheduled for Feb. 15 in San Francisco.

PORTLAND, ME - JANUARY 26: Mac McClung #0 of the Osceola Magic celebrates during the game against the Maine Celtics on January 26, 2025 at Portland Expo Center in Portland, Maine. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Report: Magic's McClung commits to Slam Dunk contest, seeking 3-peat

Two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas is rejoining the Utah Jazz's Salt Lake City G League affiliate in...

Two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas is rejoining the Utah Jazz's Salt Lake City G League affiliate in pursuit of another NBA return, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1883892876301791720">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.Thomas played four games with the Salt Lake City Stars last season, averaging 32.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. The Phoenix Suns subsequently called him up.Thomas only appeared in six contests with the Suns. His highest scoring total was five points.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 35-year-old also played three games for the G League's Grand Rapids Gold in 2021-22. He averaged 41.3 points on 52.1% shooting.Thomas became an NBA All-Star with the Boston Celtics. He averaged a career-high 28.9 points in 2016-17 in Boston, earning All-NBA second-team honors and finishing fifth in MVP voting.However, Thomas has bounced around the league amid numerous injuries since being traded from Boston. He's played for eight different franchises since 2017-18, only appearing in 115 regular-season games during that stretch.Thomas holds career averages of 17.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Phoenix Suns stands for the National Anthem before the game against the LA Clippers on April 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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Report: Isaiah Thomas rejoining Jazz's G League affiliate

The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to make a splash this trade deadline.   Khris Middleton, Bobby Po...

The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to make a splash this trade deadline. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30845" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30845">Bobby Portis</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11120" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11120">Pat Connaughton</a> are all expected to be available in potential deals for an impact player, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/43537574/nba-trade-deadline-intel-suns-bucks-most-desperate-make-deal">ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst</a>.Middleton has struggled to stay healthy over the past few seasons. He missed the first 21 games of this campaign recovering from offseason ankle surgeries and has only appeared in 19 games since his return. He was recently removed from the Bucks' starting lineup in favor of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24646" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24646">Taurean Prince</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 33-year-old Middleton is having one of his worst statistical seasons, averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. He holds a $34-million player option for next season.Portis, 29, has been a consistent scorer off the Bucks' bench since joining the team ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. He's averaging 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 24.7 minutes of action this season. Portis could become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his $13.4-million player option.Connaughton has been in and out of the Bucks' rotation all season. He has appeared in 22 games and is producing his lowest averages since joining Milwaukee in 2018, putting up 4.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. The 32-year-old also holds a player option for next season valued at $9.4 million.The Bucks are looking to surround All-Stars <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> with the pieces to compete for a championship. They have reportedly been linked to Phoenix Suns guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11887" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11887">Bradley Beal</a>.Milwaukee only holds its own 2031 first-round pick to include in trades and would need to shed around $6.5 million in a deal to get below the second apron to be able to combine players in a trade.The Bucks sit fourth in the East at 25-17 entering play Friday. The trade deadline is Feb. 6.

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 26: Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks, Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks smile after a game against the Denver Nuggets on November 26, 2021 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 2021 NBAE

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Report: Bucks' Middleton, Portis, Connaughton available for trade

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner recorded 20 points and four rebounds in his team's 101-79 defe...

Orlando Magic forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96086" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96086">Franz Wagner</a> recorded 20 points and four rebounds in his team's 101-79 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday after missing the last 20 games due to a torn right oblique.Wagner was limited to 24 minutes of action. He hasn't played since suffering the injury in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 6.The 23-year-old was enjoying a breakout season before being sidelined, averaging a career-high 24.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 steals in 25 games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Pieces are getting back together," Mosley said Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/Kendra_Melinda/status/1882554026778407173">team reporter Kendra Douglas</a>. "Having him back is going to be big."Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110255" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110255">Jett Howard</a> also returned against the Blazers after missing the last five games with a sprained left ankle.Orlando lost <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102767" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102767">Paolo Banchero</a> to a torn oblique earlier this season, but he returned to the lineup Jan. 10.The Magic are 23-23 after the defeat.

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 23: Franz Wagner #22 and Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic high five during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 23, 2025 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Franz Wagner returns after 20-game absence in loss to Blazers

LeBron James and Bronny James declined the league's invitation to become the first father-son duo...

<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/121726" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121726">Bronny James</a> declined the league's invitation to become the first father-son duo to compete in the Skills Challenge at All-Star Weekend, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1882523063209865383">NBA insider Chris Haynes</a>.Bronny also turned down an invitation to be among the G League players to participate in the Rising Stars game, Haynes reports.LeBron, 40, is a 20-time All-Star and competed in the Skills Challenge in 2006 and 2007. Dwyane Wade won both years.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>LeBron and Bronny became the first father-son duo to play together in NBA history in the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 23.Since then, Bronny has only appeared in 10 other games while splitting time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate. He's averaged 14.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in seven games for South Bay.LeBron is averaging 23.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and nine assists for the 23-18 Lakers.This year's Skills Challenge takes place Feb. 15 in San Francisco.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 3: LeBron James #23 and Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 3, 2025 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 2025 NBAE

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Report: LeBron, Bronny turn down Skills Challenge invite

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra doesn't think his team should have a hard time playing witho...

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra doesn't think his team should have a hard time playing without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> again."The point that I made to our team is you get used to it," Spoelstra said, according to <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/01/23/heats-spoelstra-on-uncertainty-amid-latest-butler-kerfuffle-you-get-used-to-it-herro-we-love-jimmy/">the Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman</a>. "Get over it. This is the NBA life. This is the life we chose. If you think that it's just going to be predictable, you're really mistaken."The Heat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3197692" href="https://thescore.com/news/3197692">suspended</a> Butler for two games on Wednesday due to a "continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct, and conduct detrimental to the team." Miami handed Butler a seven-game suspension Jan. 3 for similar reasons, and he returned for just three games before being penalized again. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We've had this happen all season long," Spoelstra said. "So we know the exercise and what we need to do to make those adjustments."Heat guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69689" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69689">Tyler Herro</a> acknowledged Butler's absences have affected the team's continuity."I mean, what do you think? It's probably not the easiest to work with someone who's in and out, you know, in any job," he said. "So, we love Jimmy. We love for him to be here. And I love Jimmy."Butler has reportedly asked team president Pat Riley to move him on several occasions. The Heat have said they'd listen to trade offers for the 35-year-old.The five-time All-NBA team member averaged 13 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in the three games between his suspensions. He's averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across the entire campaign.Butler will miss Thursday's tilt against the Milwaukee Bucks and Saturday's clash with the Brooklyn Nets because of the suspension. The Heat have gone 8-9 without him this season. Miami sits ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 21-21 record.

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 24: Jimmy Butler #22 and Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat talk during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 24, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Spoelstra to Heat after Butler's 2nd suspension: 'Get over it'

Minnesota Timberwolves wing Anthony Edwards sees a bit of himself in rookie Rob Dillingham.  "His...

Minnesota Timberwolves wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> sees a bit of himself in rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121688" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121688">Rob Dillingham</a>."His confidence reminds me of myself," Edwards said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6072278/2025/01/23/rob-dillingham-nba-spotlight-timberwolves/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Jon </a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/jon-krawczynski/">Krawczynski</a>.Dillingham has struggled to maintain a spot in the rotation. The eighth overall pick in last year's draft has appeared in only 19 of the Timberwolves' first 44 contests and averaged just 9.7 minutes per game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dillingham turned to Edwards, the 2020 first overall pick, to express his frustration."Do you think I'm gonna hurt y'all if I get out there on the court?" Dillingham asked. "You think I'm gonna hurt y'all?"Edwards, who also started his career coming off the bench, recognized the rookie's desire for more minutes."He sounds just like me, and I couldn't understand why I wasn't starting," the All-Star said. "So I can't give him too many answers."But Dillingham is now getting an opportunity to prove his worth: Starting guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45225" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45225">Donte DiVincenzo</a> was recently ruled out indefinitely with a toe injury. Dillingham has been playing 14.4 minutes a night in his absence, averaging nine points, a rebound, and two assists in four contests. The 6-foot-3 guard thinks seeing more action is helping him settle into his game."I feel like before, I was playing more nervous, I'm scared to mess up," Dillingham said. "Now it's just like I'm just playing basketball. If I mess up, I mess up." The Timberwolves sit eighth in the West with a 23-21 record. They next play Saturday against the Denver Nuggets.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony Edwards #5 and Rob Dillingham #4 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on against the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter at Target Center on November 17, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 120-117.

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Ant: Dillingham's confidence 'reminds me of myself'

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt was medically cleared to return from a foot strain a...

Los Angeles Lakers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60415" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60415">Jarred Vanderbilt</a> was medically cleared to return from a foot strain and will be listed as available against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday barring any setbacks, head coach JJ Redick said, according to <a href="https://x.com/jovanbuha/status/1882182858774818897">The Athletic's Jovan Buha</a>.Vanderbilt suffered the injury in February, which forced him to miss the remainder of last season after appearing in only 29 games. He then suffered an effusion in his left knee while rehabbing the foot, which extended his absence.The 25-year-old has appeared in just 55 games with the Lakers across two seasons. He has averaged 6.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 steals with L.A.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Vanderbilt joined the Lakers in a three-team trade with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023. He then inked a four-year, $48-million contract extension during the 2023 offseason.The Kentucky product will provide some help to a Lakers roster that <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/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3197466" href="https://thescore.com/news/3197466">reportedly</a> believe is a piece or two away from contention.The Lakers currently sit sixth in the Western Conference at 23-18.

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a Emirates NBA Cup game on October 22, 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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Lakers' Vanderbilt could make season debut Saturday

Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are growing concerned about the franchise...

Los Angeles Lakers stars <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/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> are growing concerned about the franchise's ability to significantly upgrade the roster with its two tradable first-rounders, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/43520829/shams-charania-pass-trade-buzz-lakers-bulls-rest-nba">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.James and Davis have expressed they want the Lakers to make moves, believing L.A. is a piece or two away from contending for a championship, Charania reports.The Lakers have done their due diligence in measuring trade interest around the league and are willing to part with first-round picks for players who fit alongside James and Davis now and fit for years to come under Redick, Charania adds.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Their tradable first-round picks include their own selections in 2029 and 2031.The Lakers currently sit sixth in the Western Conference, just a game up on the Dallas Mavericks for the final guaranteed playoff spot. James and Lakers coach JJ Redick recently said the team doesn't have much <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3195535" href="https://thescore.com/news/3195535">room for error</a> due to the roster's construction.Davis and the 40-year-old James lead the Lakers in most statistical categories. L.A. only employs two other players averaging double-digit points - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53163" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53163">Rui Hachimura</a>.Los Angeles has already made one trade this season, sending <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D'Angelo Russell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110262" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110262">Maxwell Lewis</a>, and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11858" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11858">Dorian Finney-Smith</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45077">Shake Milton</a>.The Lakers are currently 23-18 and next play Thursday against the Boston Celtics. The trade deadline is Feb. 6.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19: Anthony Davis #3 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers point down court after a turnover in their game against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Golden 1 Center on December 19, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Report: LeBron, AD concerned about Lakers' ability to improve roster

UConn head coach Dan Hurley continues to find himself in the spotlight.  Hurley was not impressed...

UConn head coach Dan Hurley continues to find himself in the spotlight.Hurley was not impressed with the officiating during his team's 80-78 overtime win over Butler on Tuesday and was caught on camera telling an official, "Don't turn your back on me, I'm the best coach in the f-----g sport."The two-time champion coach later claimed he just wanted more "communication" from the referees. However, he did not hesitate to call out the TV cameras for constantly being focused on him.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I just wish they put the camera on the other coach more," said Hurley, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/43514085/hurley-berating-ref-show-other-coaches">ESPN</a>.He added, "I just wish they would show these other coaches losing their minds at the officials in other Big East games that I'm coaching where ... I'm not talking to officials; I see the other coaches as demonstrative as I am."But the camera, obviously ... I've created this for myself. I'm not the victim."The Huskies led by as many as 15 on Tuesday and gave up a nine-point lead with less than seven minutes remaining, allowing Butler to force the extra frame. UConn pulled away in overtime to save itself from falling to an unranked school for a sixth time this season.Hurley has been in the media multiple times just a few months into the season. He said in late November that his Huskies will not compete in multi-team events again after finishing last at the Maui Invitational. A few weeks later, he called out multiple podcasts for saying "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3167000" href="https://thescore.com/news/3167000">stupid shit</a>" about his program.UConn has won 10 of its last 12 games and next play Saturday against Xavier.

STORRS, CONNECTICUT - JANUARY 18: Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley talks to officials during the first half of an NCAA basketball game against the Creighton Bluejays at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on January 18, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut.

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UConn's Hurley tells refs: 'I'm the best coach in the f-----g sport'

Head coach Joe Mazzulla isn't fretting despite his Boston Celtics picking up their fourth defeat ...

Head coach Joe Mazzulla isn't fretting despite his Boston Celtics picking up their fourth defeat in the last seven games following Saturday's overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks."There is zero fear whatsoever," Mazzulla told media after the 119-115 home loss to the Hawks, including <a href="https://x.com/danield1214/status/1880813987736277321">Clutch Points' Daniel Donabedian.</a>"If anything, there's excitement. This is the journey, so sign me up for this."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Celtics led by as much as 12 points in Saturday's contest and were up by eight early in the fourth quarter before the Hawks outscored them 46-36 over the final two frames. Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> scored 23 points in the matchup and had a chance to win the game in the fourth but couldn't convert.Boston's two best centers, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12">Al Horford</a>, didn't play in the contest due to injury. The missing size showed in overtime when Hawks big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93875" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93875">Onyeka Okongwu</a> grabbed an offensive rebound with Atlanta up by one to seal the game.Mazzulla addressed the late-game blunder, saying: "Those are decisions that we've made well at times this season, and the last couple of games, we just haven't," per <a href="https://x.com/BobbyKrivitsky/status/1880817009018970285">team reporter Bobby Krivitsky</a>."And I think that's part of the journey of another season, continuing to hammer those details home, relearn those processes, execute those," he added.Hawks guard Trae Young scored a game-high 28 points to go along with 11 assists. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 24 points.The Celtics will look to bounce back Monday when they visit the Golden State Warriors.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 18: Head Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on January 18, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Mazzulla: 'Zero fear whatsoever' for Celtics amid cold spell

West Virginia stunned No. 2 Iowa State on Saturday, collecting a 64-57 victory and snapping the l...

West Virginia stunned No. 2 Iowa State on Saturday, collecting a 64-57 victory and snapping the latter's national-best 12-game win streak.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95611" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95611">Javon Small</a> powered the Mountaineers with a game-high 27 points to go along with seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals. It was the Cyclones' second loss of the season and their lowest point total of the campaign.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
CUE COUNTRY ROADS 🎶 WE’VE GOT ANOTHER COURT STORM TODAY 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/VIDiDP8b6i">pic.twitter.com/VIDiDP8b6i</a>— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1880769832096018917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96149" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96149">Curtis Jones</a> led the Cyclones in scoring, contributing 18 points on 50% shooting.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Three-point shooting proved to be the difference Saturday: Iowa State shot just 1-of-7 from the beyond the arc, while West Virginia went 9-of-27. The Mountaineers also collected 19 points on fast breaks and forced the Cyclones into 14 turnovers.This is the third time West Virginia has defeated a top-10 team this campaign - the program also beat former No. 3 Gonzaga and No. 7 Kansas earlier this year.Iowa State will look to bounce back against UCF on Tuesday, the same day West Virginia takes on Arizona State.

MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA - JANUARY 18: Dishon Jackson #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones drives to the basket against Eduardo Andre #0 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first half at WVU Coliseum on January 18, 2025 in Morgantown, West Virginia.

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West Virginia upsets No. 2 Iowa State

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler returned to the lineup in Friday's 133-113 loss to the Denver Nugget...

Miami Heat star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> returned to the lineup in Friday's 133-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets following his seven-game suspension.Rumors have surrounded Butler all season, but the six-time All-Star said it's just a lot of speculation."There was a lot said by everybody except for me, to tell you the truth," said Butler, according to <a href="https://x.com/Anthony_Chiang/status/1880468121527689600">The Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang</a>. "So we'll let people keep talking like they know everything, like they have all the answers. And then, sooner or later, the whole truth will come out."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Butler was suspended for numerous instances of "conduct detrimental to the team."During his ban, Butler <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3189604" href="https://thescore.com/news/3189604">reportedly</a> met with Heat president Pat Riley to reiterate the trade request he reportedly made before his suspension. But the 35-year-old said he's "gonna hoop" if he's still in Miami following the Feb. 6 trade deadline, according to <a href="https://x.com/Anthony_Chiang/status/1880462886545551497">Chiang</a>.Some members of the Heat were dreading Butler's return, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43439721/jimmy-butler-pat-riley-nba-feud-miami-heat">ESPN's Ramona Shelburne</a>.Butler started in Friday's contest and put up 18 points in 33 minutes of action. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra didn't address the situation postgame."I'm not feeding into these storylines," he said, according to <a href="https://x.com/BradyHawk305/status/1880456937810325752">5ReasonsSports' Brady Hawk</a>. "We got our asses kicked."Miami has now lost three straight games and sits at 20-20 on the campaign. The Heat will look to end this skid Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs.

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 17: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat smiles before the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 17, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Butler on trade rumors: 'Sooner or later, the whole truth will come out'

Maverick Carter, LeBron James' business manager, has been enlisted as an advisor by a group of in...

Maverick Carter, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a>' business manager, has been enlisted as an advisor by a group of investors looking to form an international basketball league to rival the NBA, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43441356/sources-maverick-carter-advising-5b-effort-start-new-basketball-league">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.James isn't involved in the endeavor despite his ties to Carter, Charania adds.The group includes multiple private equity funds. It's seeking to raise $5 billion for the venture.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The league would comprise six men's teams and six women's teams that'd play games around the world, Charania notes.The investment group may try to tap private equity and sovereign wealth funds to raise the money, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-16/investors-seek-5-billion-to-form-basketball-league-to-rival-nba">Bloomberg</a> reports.The NBA hasn't faced a significant rival since the American Basketball Association in the 1970s. The ABA eventually went under, and the NBA absorbed four of its teams: the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, and San Antonio Spurs.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 8: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers wearing a Liverpool FC jersey and Maverick Carter attends the game between Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks at Crypto.com Arena on March 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Report: LeBron's manager leading possible upstart to rival NBA

New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu says she's cleared to participate in Unrivaled after under...

New York Liberty guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/55066" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/55066">Sabrina Ionescu</a> says she's cleared to participate in Unrivaled after undergoing surgery to repair a torn UCL in her right thumb last month."[My recovery] has been a little sped up," Ionescu said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/43442470/sabrina-ionescu-not-100-cleared-play-unrivaled">ESPN's Kendra Andrews</a>. "If I didn't have this going on, I probably could have taken a little bit more time just rehabbing, letting it heal. But I'm fully cleared by the doctors to be able to play and continue to do my rehab while I'm out here and get live reps."The former No. 1 overall pick suffered the torn UCL during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals but managed to play the rest of the series as the Liberty won their first championship in franchise history.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ionescu was cleared to participate in all basketball activities on Jan. 8, Andrews reports. This past week was the first time she returned to the court. She practiced with a white wrap on her surgically repaired thumb and sported a black splint during media availability."I'm a little rusty, but I'm knocking the rust off," Ionescu said. "Everything's been going really well. ... It's nice to get back out on the court and get live reps in."The 27-year-old was the last player to commit to the new 3-on-3 league, which kicks off Friday. She said her delay was due to her injury and to ensure Unrivaled would be willing to work with her schedule and previous commitments.Ionescu says she will not be participating in the league full-time and that one of her absences will come Feb. 13-16 for NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco.The three-time All-Star averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 2024.

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 20: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty celebrates during the game against the Minnesota Lynx during Game Five of the 2024 WNBA Finals on October 20, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Ionescu cleared to play in Unrivaled

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic has had enough of his team's poor play.   Following Wednesday...

Chicago Bulls center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5094">Nikola Vucevic</a> has had enough of his team's poor play. Following Wednesday's 110-94 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Bulls guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69889">Coby White</a> was asked what head coach Billy Donovan told his team in the locker room. But White made it clear someone else was doing the talking."Vuc said it all postgame," White said, according to <a href="https://www.dailyherald.com/20250115/chicago-bulls/sounding-off-vucevic-vents-after-bulls-drop-third-straight-home-game/">Daily Herald's Mike McGraw</a>. "Stop doing the dumb stuff that we've been doing. Stop doing the stuff that we can control. Stop not boxing out, not rebounding, stop with the switch confusion, stop getting back cut - stuff we've been dealing with all year. Vuc is 100% correct. He spoke up and he dug in us."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This defeat marked Chicago's third straight loss: The team also fell to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday and the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. The Hawks were missing their top three scorers Wednesday - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96072" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96072">Jalen Johnson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53037" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53037">De'Andre Hunter</a> were all sidelined with injuries - but still managed to defeat the Bulls."It was a buildup of things we haven't been doing well, things we can control that coaches keep pointing out to us and we just don't do them," Vucevic said. "We focus on the wrong things. We have to understand it's the details that make a difference at this level."I felt it was a good moment to say it because we needed to understand why we lost."The defeat dropped Chicago to 18-23 on the season, and it's now the third time this campaign the Bulls have fallen five games below .500. They shot a season-worst 22.2% from three in Wednesday's contest and didn't ever take a lead.White knows the team is struggling but said the players need to "stay together.""This right here can define the season," the 24-year-old guard said. "The games are going to keep coming. It's on us to figure it out." The Bulls now sit 10th in the Eastern Conference and will look to end their losing skid Friday against the Charlotte Hornets.

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 15: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 15, 2025 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Vucevic to Bulls after 3rd straight loss: 'Stop doing the dumb stuff'

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein will be sidelined for at least one week due to a ...

Oklahoma City Thunder center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60051" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60051">Isaiah Hartenstein</a> will be sidelined for at least one week due to a left soleus strain in his calf.Hartenstein suffered the injury in Tuesday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers.The 26-year-old has been a great addition to OKC's frontcourt in the first year of a three-year, $87-million contract inked in the offseason. He's averaging a career-high 11.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 2024-25.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hartenstein missed the first 15 games of the campaign due to a fractured left hand he suffered in the preseason. The Thunder have also been without big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102801" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102801">Chet Holmgren</a> since early November because of a pelvic fracture.OKC sits atop the Western Conference at 33-6. The Thunder next play Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the only team with a better record than them.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 7: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder plays against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on December 7, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Hartenstein to miss at least 1 week with calf injury

Things are not going well for the Golden State Warriors.  The Warriors fell 104-101 to the Toront...

Things are not going well for the Golden State Warriors.The Warriors fell 104-101 to the Toronto Raptors on Monday, and head coach Steve Kerr took full responsibility for the defeat after the game."(We) weren't disciplined enough and that's my fault," Kerr said, according to <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1879004551891898450">The Athletic's Anthony Slater</a>. "I'm the coach of the team. I have to find a way to help this team and I'm not doing a good job of that. Down the stretch we're not executing, but that's happening throughout the game at both ends. ... It's on me."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He added, "This is as frustrating a night as we've had all season. This game was right there for us to win, we let them get right back in it. ... I'm the coach, so that's my fault."The Warriors are 7-17 in their last 24 outings after beginning the season 12-3. Monday's loss drops them to 19-20, marking the first time this campaign that they're below .500."It sucks," Kerr said, according to <a href="https://x.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1879006744204210650">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. "I don't like falling below .500."The Raptors had six different players score in double digits Monday, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96044" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96044">Scottie Barnes</a> leading the pack with 23. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46591" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46591">Chris Boucher</a> scored 17 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter alone.The Warriors had a chance to tie the game, getting possession with 3.1 seconds remaining. Kerr made the bold choice to run a play for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy Hield</a>, who was 2-of-9 from three prior to the last play and only managed to put up eight points in the game."I trust him," Kerr said, according to <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1879006076861100535">Slater</a>. "I put him in the last play because I believe he's always gonna make the next shot. ... I'm gonna keep playing him. I'm gonna keep trusting him."The Warriors have now lost two in a row and are 11th in the Western Conference. They'll look to end the skid Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 10: Steve Kerr the head coach of the Golden State Warriors gives instructions to his team against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 10, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Kerr: Warriors' struggles down stretch vs. Raptors 'on me'

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo did not hold back following a 140-106 blowout loss to ...

Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> did not hold back following a 140-106 blowout loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday.The defeat dropped the Bucks to 0-8 this season against the top three teams in the Eastern Conference - the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Knicks."We've gotta get our stuff together," said Antetokounmpo, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43390316/giannis-antetokounmpo-bucks-need-step-vs-top-teams">ESPN's Chris Herring</a>. "It's as simple as that. We did not beat Boston. We did not beat the Cavs. We didn't beat the Knicks. Those are the top three teams, and we've played horribly against them."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Milwaukee has lost three times to the Cavaliers and Celtics and twice to the Knicks. Their other loss to New York came on Nov. 8 and dropped the Bucks to 2-7 to start the season.The Bucks have turned it around since then and now sit at 20-17. They're sixth in the East, but Antetokounmpo still expects more from his team against the league's best."I think we're a way better team than the November team," Antetokounmpo said. "We've proven it by playing good basketball for longer stretches. But at the end of the day, when we're playing the better teams, we've got to do a better job. They're not just going to give it to us - we've got to take it. They're not just going to fold."Milwaukee was unable to contain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> on Sunday. He erupted for 44 points, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> added 30 points and 18 rebounds.Antetokounmpo scored a team-high 24 points, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> put up 22 points to go along with five assists. They were the only two members of the Bucks' starting five to score in double digits.Lillard compared Milwaukee's struggles against the top teams to his time as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. He believes the Bucks will be able to figure things out by the time the playoffs arrive."One year in Portland, we got our asses whupped every game by OKC," Lillard said. "Then in the playoffs, we whupped their ass. So no, we haven't beaten the top teams. But we also have to key in, look at why, figure out the context and move forward."The Bucks next play Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings. They do not meet the Cavaliers, Celtics, or Knicks again until Mar. 9, when they host Cleveland.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 12: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks boxes out Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Madison Square Garden on January 12, 2025 in New York City.

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Giannis: 'We've played horribly' against top 3 teams in East

The Indiana Pacers erased a 15-point deficit Sunday to defeat the Cavaliers 108-93, snapping Clev...

The Indiana Pacers erased a 15-point deficit Sunday to defeat the Cavaliers 108-93, snapping Cleveland's 12-game win streak.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102757" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102757">Andrew Nembhard</a> led all Pacers scorers with 19 points to go along with four assists and two steals. Indiana was without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> for the second half after he exited with hamstring tightness."We were connected (on defense)," Nembhard said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43390143/indiana-pacers-end-cleveland-cavaliers-winning-streak-12">ESPN</a>. "We didn't fool around, even when we made mistakes, we helped out each other, and just made the next play."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Indiana went into the break down 13, but didn't stop fighting. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle was impressed by his team's effort in the closing frames."I just thought our connectivity in the second half was as good as it's been all year," said Carlisle, according to <a href="https://x.com/ScottAgness/status/1878619264871231640">team writer Scott Agness</a>. Cleveland was held to just 40 second-half points and was outscored 37-18 in the third quarter. The Cavs also shot just 39.8% from the field and 26.8% from three. This was the first time this season the Cavaliers were held under 100 points."What disappointed me was, in the first half we were phenomenal defensively, and in the second half we just fell off," said Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6056858/2025/01/12/cavaliers-pacers-result-win-streak-nba/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Joe Vardon</a>. "We couldn't sustain our defense. The shots — we live with days like that, nights like that, but just disappointed (with) our defensive mindset in that third quarter and really the whole second half."The Pacers had six players score in double figures, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> with 18 points.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> contributed a game-high 20 points and seven assists for the Cavaliers."It happens, 82 games in a season is super long," Garland said, according to Vardon. "Some days you have one of these games. I mean, we went an entire month without a loss, we were due for one."This was the Cavaliers' first loss since a 122-113 defeat to the Miami Heat on Dec. 8. It was also just the fifth Cleveland loss and the second at home this season.The Pacers are now winners of six in a row and are 22-18. The Cavaliers remain first in the NBA at 33-5.The Cavaliers and Pacers will have a rematch Tuesday in Indiana.

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 12: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 12, 2025 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 2025 NBAE

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Pacers snap Cavaliers' 12-game win streak

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