NBA veteran Marcus Morris Sr. signed an Exhibit 9 contract with the New York Knicks, the team ann...

<p>NBA veteran Marcus Morris Sr. signed an Exhibit 9 contract with the New York Knicks, the team <a href="https://x.com/NY_KnicksPR/status/1835447362623353098">announced</a> Sunday.</p><p>This contract is a non-guaranteed training camp deal. If Morris were to make the Knicks' roster, his deal would convert to a one-year non-guaranteed agreement. The Knicks would then have until the January deadline to decide if they want to keep or waive the veteran forward.</p><p>This will be the second stint in New York for Morris. He played 43 games with the Knicks before being traded to the Clippers during the 2019-20 season. Last season, Morris played in 49 games with the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 6.4 points and 2.7 rebounds. He appeared in nine postseason contests with Cleveland, which included one start in the first round against the Orlando Magic.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Morris, 35, has also played for the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, and Boston Celtics during his 13-year NBA career. He's averaged 12 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 37.7% from three across 832 NBA games.</p><p>Morris' twin brother, Markieff, recently inked a contract with the Dallas Mavericks.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 07: Marcus Morris Sr. #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first quarter in Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 07, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28360812/related

Marcus Morris signs training camp deal with Knicks

Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets have agreed to a max contract extension valued at $208 millio...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44995" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44995">Jamal Murray</a> and the Denver Nuggets have agreed to a max contract extension valued at $208 million over four years, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1832489850450448513">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>The extension guarantees Murray will receive $244 million over the next five seasons and locks up the talented point guard through the 2028-29 season.</p><p>After missing the 2021-22 season with a torn ACL, Murray has been Denver's second-leading scorer the past two years, averaging 20 and 21.2 points in 2023 and 2024, respectively.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Although Murray has never made an All-Star squad, the former lottery pick has formed a lethal pick-and-roll partnership with three-time MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a>, as the pair captured the 2023 NBA title together. Murray is one of only eight players with multiple 50-point playoff games in NBA history.</p><p>The past six months haven't been ideal for the native of Kitchener, Canada. Murray struggled to find his postseason shooting touch in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, averaging 20.6 points but shooting just 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from three in Denver's 12 postseason contests. Murray then traveled to Paris to play in the 2024 Olympics. His poor shooting continued in Europe as he averaged just six points and 3.8 assists while shooting 29% from the field and 14.3% from deep. Canada was upset by hosts France in the quarterfinals.</p><p>Murray will need to continue to play a prominent ball-handling role for the Nuggets this upcoming season. Backup point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/874" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/874">Reggie Jackson</a> left the team to join the Philadelphia 76ers, while Denver's starting shooting guard over the past two seasons, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11367" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11367">Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</a>, signed a $66-million deal with the Orlando Magic.</p><p>The Nuggets open their season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 24.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 12: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28271659/related

Nuggets, Murray agree to 4-year, $208M max extension

Veteran big man Tristan Thompson agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his agen...

<p>Veteran big man Tristan Thompson agreed to a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his agent told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41149947/thompson-back-cavaliers-agreeing-one-year-deal">ESPN</a> on Friday.</p><p>Thompson has spent 10 of his 13 NBA seasons with the Cavaliers after the organization drafted him fourth overall in 2011. The 6-foot-9 big man was a key contributor to Cleveland's 2016 NBA title, averaging 10.3 points and 10.1 rebounds in the Finals.</p><p>The 33-year-old played in 49 games off the bench for the Cavs last year, accumulating 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per contest. He averaged 1.5 points and two rebounds in 8.7 minutes in last season's playoffs, appearing in 10 of the Cavs' 12 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The former Texas standout has also spent time with the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls.</p><p>Re-signing Thompson gives newly hired head coach Kenny Atkinson a veteran off the bench behind the duo of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53393" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a>, both of whom inked max extensions this offseason.</p><p>Cleveland will begin its season away to the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 23.</p><p> </p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 05: Tristan Thompson #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 05, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28253906/related

Cavaliers reunite with Thompson on 1-year deal

Top-15 recruit Jasper Johnson committed to attend Kentucky and play for Mark Pope next season, he...

<p>Top-15 recruit Jasper Johnson committed to attend Kentucky and play for Mark Pope next season, he announced Thursday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT’S OFFICIAL. Jasper Johnson is staying home!! The Woodford County native is ranked No. 13 in the country, according to ESPN. Mark Pope lands his second big recruit in the 2025 class. <br><br>I’ll have all the coverage coming up at 5 on <a href="https://twitter.com/LEX18News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LEX18News</a> <a href="https://t.co/fbeGCC5E9S">pic.twitter.com/fbeGCC5E9S</a></p>— Kinsey Lee (@kinseyleetv) <a href="https://twitter.com/kinseyleetv/status/1831766240156639697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Jasper is the No. 13 prospect and fourth-highest-ranked point guard on the <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings">2025 ESPN 100</a>.</p><p>A native of Lexington, Johnson chose the Wildcats over Arkansas, Alabama, Louisville, and North Carolina. Johnson's father, Dennis, was an all-SEC defensive end at Kentucky before playing three seasons in the NFL.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Being from Lexington, Kentucky, I feel like that was an easy decision right there," Johnson said to a crowd after committing, according to <a href="https://www.zagsblog.com/2024/09/05/five-star-guard-jasper-johnson-stays-home-commits-to-mark-pope-and-kentucky/">Sam Lance of Zagsblog.com.</a> "I feel like I'm KY 'til I die.</p><p>"There's a lot of pride on the line with the name on the front of the jersey," Johnson added. "I'm really excited about my decision, and I'm ready to get started and represent Kentucky."</p><p>The 6-foot-4 point guard, who will spend his senior year of high school playing at Overtime Elite, joins big man Malachi Moreno as the second high-end prospect from the 2025 class to commit to Kentucky in the past few weeks.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 8: Jasper Johnson #2 of the Link Academy looks on during the game against the Montverde Academy during the 2023 EYBL Scholastic Showcase on December 8, 2023 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28246906/related

2025 5-star guard Jasper Johnson commits to Kentucky

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram opted not to attend a voluntary minicamp held by Peli...

<p>New Orleans Pelicans forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44931" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44931">Brandon Ingram</a> opted not to attend a voluntary minicamp held by Pelicans players in California last week, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5746615/2024/09/05/brandon-ingram-pelicans-rumors-trade-future/">The Athletic's William Guillory</a>.</p><p>Ingram and the recently signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60058" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60058">Daniel Theis</a> were the only players who reportedly didn't attend the camp. Pelicans officials believed Ingram would be at the event and that it would be an opportunity for him to get on the court with newly acquired point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46143" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46143">Dejounte Murray</a>, per Guillory.</p><p>Ingram posted a clip on Instagram last week of a Houston-area pastor promoting the importance of not staying in "environments where people don't know the true value of you."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ah… the NBA is real quiet, literally nothing happening… All the trades seem to be done…<br><br>Oh hey Brandon Ingram Just posted this! <a href="https://t.co/kXfNpndGZV">pic.twitter.com/kXfNpndGZV</a></p>— Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickVanExit/status/1829637885890322782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ingram, 27, is heading into the final season of a five-year deal with the club. </p><p>After New Orleans was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2024 postseason, Ingram took accountability for his poor play throughout the campaign.</p><p>He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2904302" href="https://thescore.com/news/2904302">vowed</a> to improve after his worst statistical season as a member of the Pelicans. The Duke product averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 49% from the field and 35% from deep.</p><p>Ingram and the Pelicans want to keep the former All-Star in New Orleans, NBA insider Shams Charania previously reported on "<a href="https://x.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1820866952207765987">The Pat McAfee Show</a>" in early August.</p><p>However, the Pelicans are wary of paying another player near-max money, and Ingram is looking for $45 million to $50 million per year in an extension, Charania added.</p><p>New Orleans already has Murray, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">CJ McCollum</a> inked to long-term extensions worth at least $30 million per season. Sharpshooter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96120" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96120">Trey Murphy</a> will also be looking to sign an extension as he only has one year left on his rookie deal and will become a restricted free agent next summer.</p><p>The Pelicans are scheduled to have their team training camp from Oct. 1-6 in Nashville. New Orleans' season starts on Oct. 23 against the Chicago Bulls.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 21: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at the Paycom Center on April 21, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28246443/related

Report: Pels' Ingram skips minicamp heading into final year of deal

Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson will be sidelined for at least three months after he underwe...

<p>Memphis Grizzlies forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110272" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110272">GG Jackson</a> will be sidelined for at least three months after he underwent surgery to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>The 6-foot-9 forward will be re-evaluated in early December.</p><p>Jackson suffered the injury last week while playing basketball in Dallas.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 19-year-old was the youngest player in the NBA last season and was selected to the All-Rookie second team after he averaged 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 48 games.</p><p>Jackson played in six Las Vegas Summer League games for Memphis this offseason, averaging 22 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 44.8% shooting from the field and 37.5% from three.</p><p>Jackson was the 45th selection in the 2023 NBA Draft after he spent one year at South Carolina.</p><p>Memphis was plagued by injuries last season and missed the 2024 postseason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a> only played in nine games due to suspension and injury, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93901" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93901">Desmond Bane</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24740" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24740">Marcus Smart</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45655" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45655">Brandon Clarke</a> missed large portions of the season.</p><p>The Grizzlies will begin their 2024-25 campaign against the Utah Jazz on Oct. 23.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: GG Jackson II #45 of the Memphis Grizzlies prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Orlando Magic on July 17, 2024 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28240080/related

Grizzlies' GG Jackson out 3 months after foot surgery

Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway announced Wednesday he has fired four members of his coac...

<p>Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway announced Wednesday he has fired four members of his coaching staff just two months before the 2024-25 season.</p><p>"I want to thank Rick (Stansbury), Faragi (Phillips), Jamie (Rosser), and Demetrius (Dyson) for their service to the University of Memphis and our basketball program," Hardaway said in a statement, per <a href="https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/2024/09/04/penny-hardaway-statement-on-memphis-basketball-coaching-staff-shakeup/75068251007/">Jason Munz of the Memphis Commercial Appeal</a>. "These are good coaches that I've worked with closely over the past few seasons, but I made the difficult decision to go in a new direction with our staff."</p><p>Hardaway added "the timing is not ideal," but the program will "move quickly to complete the staff." The Tigers will host Missouri on Nov. 4 and are scheduled to take part in the 2024 Maui Invitational.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Neither Hardaway nor the school provided a reason for the firings.</p><p>Memphis athletic director Ed Scott was hired in June and took office in late July.</p><p>Hardaway's staff is now down to just seven individuals: assistant Mike Davis, director of basketball operations Jordan VerHulst, director of player relations Andre Turner, scouting director Marcus Nunnally, equipment manager Cedric Prowell, strength coach Todd Forcier, and chief of staff Dwight Boyd.</p><p>The Tigers' roster will also look noticeably different next season. Hardaway brought in eight Division I transfers in an attempt to replace his five leading scorers from last season, all of whom either graduated or declared for the NBA draft.</p><p>Hardaway has spent six seasons at Memphis. The 53-year-old has never won an AAC regular-season title and has only qualified for the NCAA tourney twice, winning a single first-round contest in 2022.</p><p>The Tigers have also faced numerous off-court issues since Hardaway's arrival. Highly touted freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93886" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93886">James Wiseman</a> only played in three college games during the 2019-2020 campaign due to an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations; Wiseman declared for the NBA after his lone season in Memphis. Last offseason, Hardaway received a three-game suspension for violating head-coaching responsibilities and recruiting violations in an investigation unrelated to Wiseman.</p><p>In February, fifth-year senior Malcolm Dandridge missed the Tigers' final five contests while the school looked into his eligibility. A day before Dandridge's suspension, Memphis announced they had fired their men's basketball academic adviser Leslie Brooks.</p>

DENTON, TX - FEBRUARY 15: Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway yells from the sideline during a college basketball game between Memphis Tigers and the North Texas Mean Green on February 15, 2024 at The Super Pit in Denton, TX.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28239946/related

Hardaway fires 4 members of Memphis' coaching staff

NBA legend Magic Johnson didn't enjoy Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards' recent claim a...

<p>NBA legend Magic Johnson didn't enjoy Minnesota Timberwolves star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a>' recent claim about Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan being the only skilled player from past eras.</p><p>"I never respond to a guy who's never won a championship," Johnson said in an interview with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.</p><p>"(Edwards) didn't win a college championship. I don't know if he even won a high school championship."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I never respond to a guy who's never won a championship... He didn't win a college championship, I don't even know if he won a high school championship."<br><br>Magic Johnson didn't hold back while responding to Anthony Edwards' comments 👀😳<br><br>(via <a href="https://t.co/gnCFAy8D5B">https://t.co/gnCFAy8D5B</a> / IG) <a href="https://t.co/8KUrvm4vZw">pic.twitter.com/8KUrvm4vZw</a></p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1827797973985620121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The NBA Hall of Famer was responding to comments made by Edwards when the 23-year-old told the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/sports/basketball/anthony-edwards-nba-olympics-2024-basketball-cb0d8124?mod=sports_lead_pos1">Wall Street Journal's Lane Florsheim</a>: "They say it was tougher back then than it is now, but I don't think anybody had skill back then. (Michael Jordan) was the only one that really had skill."</p><p>Edwards won a Georgia state title in 2018 while attending Holy Spirit Preparatory School. He also won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Games.</p><p>However, the Timberwolves star hasn't replicated that success in his NBA career. Edwards has made it past the opening round of the playoffs just once in his four seasons in Minnesota.</p><p>Johnson, who played in the NBA from 1979-91 and briefly returned for 32 games in the 1995-96 season, is a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6-foot-9 guard was named Finals MVP for three of those championships. Johnson also won the 1979 NCAA title with Michigan State, beating the Indiana State and NBA legend Larry Bird in the championship game.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 5: ESPN Analyst, Magic Johnson looks on before the game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers on March 5, 2022 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 2022 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28154106/related

Magic roasts Edwards for saying previous eras lacked skill

Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss says the organization wanted to hire JJ Redick as head coach...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss says the organization wanted to hire JJ Redick as head coach because he would focus on player development.</p><p>"We wanted to kind of think a different way," Buss said, according to <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/lakers-jeanie-buss-explains-decision-to-hire-jj-redick-we-wanted-to-kind-of-think-a-different-way/">CBS Sports' Jack Maloney</a>. "I'm not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different and really invest in developing young players. JJ is the right person for us."</p><p>Lakers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> will turn 40 during the 2024-25 season and has had a busy offseason, winning the gold medal - and tournament MVP - at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Since James arrived in Los Angeles ahead of the 2018-19 season, the Lakers have surrounded him with veteran players on cheap contracts. The results have been mixed.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>L.A. won the title in the 2019-2020 season with veterans such as Danny Green, Dwight Howard, and Rajon Rondo, but the organization sputtered over the previous two years. They were swept in the conference finals against the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 postseason and only managed to win one playoff contest in 2024, losing to the Nuggets in the opening round.</p><p>"I think part of being a coach, right, is, like, 'Can I maximize each player?' That helps maximize the group," Redick told reporters in his introductory press conference.</p><p>L.A. struggled to get contributions from its rookie class last season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110263" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110263">Jalen Hood-Schifino</a> (17th pick), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110262" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110262">Maxwell Lewis</a> (40th pick), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110299" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110299">Colin Castleton</a> (undrafted two-way) only played in a combined 71 games with the club.</p><p>The Lakers drafted 23-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121679" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121679">Dalton Knecht</a> with the 17th selection in this year's draft, and LeBron's son, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121726" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121726">Bronny James</a>, with the 55th pick.</p><p>The team also invested in third-year player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102775" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102775">Max Christie</a>, inking the former Michigan State guard to a four-year, $32-million deal.</p><p>To help shepherd the young players, Redick brought in former head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks, who have 23 and 20 years of coaching experience, respectively.</p><p>"I'm really impressed with (Redick's) staff," Buss said, per Maloney. "There's a lot of experience that will be there for him to make that adjustment to being a head coach."</p><p>The Lakers will kick off their preseason campaign on Oct. 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. L.A. will then host the Timberwolves on Oct. 22 for its season opener.</p>

El Segundo, CA, Monday, June 24, 2024 - JJ Redick fields questions as the new head coach of the LA Lakers at the UCLA Health Training Center. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28143338/related

Buss: Lakers wanted Redick because he would focus on developing players

The NBA will have the New York Knicks travel to Boston to take on the Celtics and the Minnesota T...

<p>The NBA will have the New York Knicks travel to Boston to take on the Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves play the Lakers in L.A. on the opening day of the 2024-25 NBA season, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1823031771702661371">The Athletic's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The two games will be played on Tuesday, Oct. 22, and are set to be broadcast on TNT.</p><p>The Celtics will also receive their championship rings from the 2023-24 season, Charania adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Boston is coming off a dominant title-winning year in which the team finished first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 64-18. Meanwhile, New York won 50 games for the first time since the 2012-13 campaign, placing second in the East.</p><p>The Celtics are returning their entire core after they re-signed point <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/32925" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/32925">Derrick White</a> and gave star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> the biggest extension in league history. Tatum, White, and point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/383" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/383">Jrue Holiday</a> were members of the U.S. Olympic squad that won the gold medal in Paris.</p><p>The Knicks acquired former Villanova star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</a> from the Brooklyn Nets this offseason, sending four first-round selections and veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11056" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11056">Bojan Bogdanovic</a> to their crosstown rival.</p><p>The Celtics went 4-1 against the Knicks last year.</p><p>In the West Coast matchup, conference finalist Minnesota will go to L.A. to take on the Lakers. Last year was the first time the Timberwolves won a playoff series since the 2003-04 season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/72">LeBron James</a> is fresh off his Olympic tournament MVP performance after he led the Americans to gold. After going 47-35 in 2023-24, the Lakers lost in the first round of the postseason to the Denver Nuggets for a second consecutive year.</p><p> Los Angeles lost three of their four matchups against Minnesota in the 2023-24 regular season. </p><p>Golden State Warriors legend <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5334" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5334">Klay Thompson</a> will make his first appearance in the Bay Area as a member of the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 12, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1823032691018666107">Charania</a>.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 25: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on October 25, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28064547/related

Report: Knicks vs. Celtics headlines NBA's opening day

The U.S. women's basketball team is on upset alert as they have a slight lead over host nation Fr...

<p>The U.S. women's basketball team is on upset alert as they have a slight lead over host nation France 45-43 entering the fourth quarter of the gold-medal game in Paris.</p><p>16 turnovers and a difficult shooting night have helped the French keep this a one-possession game</p><p>French star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbw/players/40631" href="https://thescore.com/olybbw/players/40631">Gabby Williams</a> leads Les Bleus with eight points and has been a terror on the defensive end of the floor, accumulating three<em> </em>steals through the first 30 minutes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Americans have not lost a match at the Olympics since 1992, winning 60 consecutive basketball games over the past 12 years. The USA is seeking its eighth straight gold at the Olympics.</p>

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 11: A'Ja Wilson #9 of Team United States makes a move towards the basket while defended by Marieme Badiane #22 of Team France during the Women's Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 11, 2024 in Paris, France.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28057792/related

France has U.S women on ropes entering 4th quarter of gold-medal game

The Utah Jazz and sharpshooter Svi Mykhailiuk have agreed on a four-year, $15-million deal, his a...

<p>The Utah Jazz and sharpshooter Svi Mykhailiuk have agreed on a four-year, $15-million deal, his agent told <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1821996295688745085">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>The Ukrainian has spent six years in the NBA and played for seven organizations. He won an NBA title with the Boston Celtics last season, appearing in 41 games and averaging four points and 1.2 rebounds while knocking down 38.9% of his threes.</p><p>A former second-round selection out of Kansas, Mykhailiuk's most successful campaign was with the Detroit Pistons in 2019-2020, during which he averaged nine points and nailed over 40% of his triples.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Jazz add another potential shotmaker next to star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a>, who recently inked a monster five-year, $238-million extension with Utah.</p><p>In their third season under head coach Will Hardy, the Jazz will attempt to return to the playoffs for the first time since trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/30615" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/30615">Rudy Gobert</a> to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the summer of 2022. Last year, the team went 31-51 and finished 12th in the Western Conference.</p>

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 14: Svi Mykhailiuk #50 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on April 14, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28044079/related

Jazz, Mykhailiuk agree to 4-year, $15M deal

U.S. men's national team center Joel Embiid hasn't given up representing his birth nation Cameroo...

<p>U.S. men's national team center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> hasn't given up representing his birth nation Cameroon at the Olympics.</p><p>"Paris is a great city, and the next one is L.A. It might not be with Team USA, it might be with Cameroon," Embiid said, according to <a href="https://x.com/ronkroichick/status/1821861606277439676">Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle</a>.</p><p>Embiid has been on the receiving end of a hostile French crowd the entire tournament after he snubbed Les Bleus and committed to play for the United States last October. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 30-year-old has French and Cameroonian citizenship but opted to play for USA to represent his son, who was born in America. Embiid became an American citizen in 2022 and has lived in the U.S. since he was 16 years old.</p><p>Making the switch to Cameroon might not be an easy task for Embiid. FIBA rules stipulate that once a player is 17 and has represented a country in a FIBA-sanctioned event, that player isn't allowed to play for another nation. </p><p>However, there's a loophole that would allow Embiid to represent Cameroon. A player can swap nationalities if both federations - in this case, the United States and Cameroon - agree and if FIBA believes the change is in the interest of basketball development in the country.</p><p>Ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Games, FIBA denied WNBA players <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/18642" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/18642">Nneka Ogwumike</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/21377" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/21377">Elizabeth Williams</a> their requests to represent Nigeria since they had "substantial involvement" in the U.S. women's national team.</p><p>Embiid will be 34 years old when the 2028 L.A. Olympics take place, and Cameroon has never qualified for an Olympic tournament in men's basketball.</p><p>Embiid made his official debut for the United States in Paris and has played in four of the Americans' five games. The seven-time All-Star is averaging 13 points, four rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 18 minutes per game.</p><p>The U.S. takes on France in the gold-medal game on Saturday.</p>

Joel Embiid of USA gestures, cheer during the Men's Basketball semi-final match between USA and Serbia on Day 13 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 8, 2024 in Paris, France.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28042108/related

Embiid toys with representing Cameroon at 2028 L.A. Olympics

The U.S. 3x3 women's basketball team captured a bronze medal by defeating Canada 16-13 in the thi...

<p>The U.S. 3x3 women's basketball team captured a bronze medal by defeating Canada 16-13 in the third-place contest Monday.</p><p>The American team of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/91688" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/91688">Hailey Van Lith</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/102686" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/102686">Rhyne Howard</a>, Cierra Burdick, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/22143" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/22143">Dearica Hamby</a> made the podium but was unable to defend its gold medal from the 2020 Tokyo Games.</p><p>Despite a talented roster, the Americans had an up-and-down tournament, going 4-3 in pool play after losing their opening three contests. Once the U.S. escaped the group stages, the team was dominant in the quarterfinals against China before losing to Spain in the semifinals earlier on Monday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Led by the Plouffe twins, Michelle and Katherine, the Canadians went 4-3 in the group phase before sweeping aside Australia in the first knockout round. Canada then lost to Germany in the semifinals 16-15.</p><p>The fourth-place finish from Canada is its best-ever result - men's or women's - in 3x3 Olympic hoops since the event was added at the 2020 Tokyo Games.</p><p>Germany defeated Spain 17-16 in the finals to capture its first-ever gold medal in the event.</p>

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 05: Hailey van Lith #9 of Team United States drives past cduring a Women's 3x3 basketball Bronze medal game between the United States and Canada on day ten of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Esplanade Des Invalides on August 05, 2024 in Paris, France.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28015197/related

U.S. can't defend gold in women's 3x3, beats Canada for bronze

With the conclusion of the group stage, the championship bracket for women's basketball at the 20...

<p>With the conclusion of the group stage, the championship bracket for women's basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been set.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ROAD TO GOLD 🥇<br><br>Women’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basketball</a> Quarter-Finals are here 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/fRJCaPeLRI">pic.twitter.com/fRJCaPeLRI</a></p>— FIBA (@FIBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1820213878132772893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The quarterfinals are scheduled to take place Wednesday. Countries have been seeded based on how they finished in the group phase.</p><h3>Side A</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Spain</td>
<td>Belgium</td>
<td>Aug. 7</td>
<td>8:30 a.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France</td>
<td>Germany</td>
<td>Aug. 7</td>
<td>12:00 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Winner Game 1</td>
<td> Winner Game 2</td>
<td> Aug. 9</td>
<td> 11:30 a.m.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Side B</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Serbia</td>
<td>Australia</td>
<td>Aug. 7</td>
<td>5:00 a.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>USA</td>
<td>Nigeria</td>
<td>Aug. 7</td>
<td>3:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Winner Game 1</td>
<td>Winner Game 2</td>
<td>Aug. 9</td>
<td>3:00 p.m.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The United States, led by two-time WNBA MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbw/players/41039" href="https://thescore.com/olybbw/players/41039">A'ja Wilson</a>, secured the No. 1 seed, going 3-0 in Group C. USA's point differential of plus-58 is nearly double the second-highest margin in the field.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Americans will be joined by Germany and Belgium, which finished second and third in Group C, respectively. The Belgians dominated Japan on the final day of the group stage, winning by 27 to surpass China's point differential of minus-1 by a single point.</p><p>Group B will also have three nations in the quarterfinals. France topped the group despite losing to runner-up Australia on the final day of the stage. Nigeria finished third and will be the first African country - in men's or women's competition - to take part in an Olympic basketball quarterfinals after it defeated Canada on Sunday.</p><p>Group A has an undefeated Spain and runner-up Serbia advancing to the knockout stages.</p><p>Canada, China, Japan, and Puerto Rico were the four countries eliminated from the tournament.</p><p>The final is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 11 at 9:30 a.m. ET between the winners of the two brackets. The bronze-medal match will be played on the same day at 5:30 a.m. ET. The Americans are riding a 58-game winning streak and are seeking an eighth straight gold medal in women's basketball.</p>

LILLE, FRANCE - AUGUST 4: Alyssa Thomas #14 of Team USA Brittney Griner #15 of Team USA and A'ja Wilson #9 of Team USA looks on during the game at the Stade Pierre Mauroy on August 4, 2024 in Lille, France. 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/28011323/related

USA gets top seed for women's basketball quarterfinals

The New York Knicks re-signed forward Precious Achiuwa on a one-year, $6-million deal, his repres...

<p>The New York Knicks re-signed forward Precious Achiuwa on a one-year, $6-million deal, his representative told <a href="https://x.com/wojespn/status/1818398396824031431">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski</a>.</p><p>Achiuwa is waiving his implied no-trade clause, which is granted to any free agent signing a one-year contract, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1818472288133493017">Spotrac's Keith Smith</a>.</p><p>Achiuwa, 24, averaged 7.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 49 games with the Knicks last season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The former first-round selection previously spent time with the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat.</p><p>Achiuwa and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46480" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a> were acquired by the Knicks in the trade that sent young guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93852" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93852">Immanuel Quickley</a> and Canadian wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/69533" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/69533">RJ Barrett</a> to the Raptors.</p><p>New York is having a busy offseason. Beyond inking Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5-million contract, the Knicks traded four unprotected first-round picks and veteran wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11056" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11056">Bojan Bogdanovic</a> to the Brooklyn Nets for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37879">Mikal Bridges</a>, and they agreed to a bargain extension with point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a>.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60051" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60051">Isaiah Hartenstein</a> agreed to join the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier this summer.</p><p>The Knicks are coming off a 50-win season and a second consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals in which they lost to the Indiana Pacers in seven games.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 19: Precious Achiuwa #5 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 2 Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27976324/related

Knicks bring back Achiuwa on 1-year, $6M deal

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart combined for 46 po...

<p>Las Vegas Aces center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbw/players/41039" href="https://thescore.com/olybbw/players/41039">A'ja Wilson</a> and New York Liberty forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbw/players/27502" href="https://thescore.com/olybbw/players/27502">Breanna Stewart</a> combined for 46 points as the U.S. women's basketball team beat Japan 102-76 on Monday in a rematch of the gold-medal game three years ago.</p><p>Japan hit 11 more threes than the Americans in the contest - Team USA shot an abysmal 20% from downtown - but was bullied in the paint on both ends of the court.</p><p>Wilson and Olympic veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbw/players/16585" href="https://thescore.com/olybbw/players/16585">Brittney Griner</a> combined for 10 of the American's 19 offensive rebounds. Griner, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbw/players/55066" href="https://thescore.com/olybbw/players/55066">Sabrina Ionescu</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbw/players/33404" href="https://thescore.com/olybbw/players/33404">Kesley Plum</a> each had 11 points off the bench.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Japanese were led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbw/players/122043" href="https://thescore.com/olybbw/players/122043">Maki Takada</a>, who recorded 24 points. Mai Yamamoto added 17 points and five assists.</p><p>Team USA will take on Belgium in its second game of the round robin on Thursday. Japan is set to play Germany on the same day.</p><p>The U.S. is seeking an eighth straight gold medal in the event. </p>

USA's #09 A'ja Wilson celebrates after scoring in the women's preliminary round group C basketball match between USA and Japan during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on July 29, 2024.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27968439/related

Wilson, Stewart help U.S. women pull away from Japan in Olympic opener

United States men's national team head coach Steve Kerr admits that it felt foolish to omit Bosto...

<p>United States men's national team head coach Steve Kerr admits that it felt foolish to omit Boston Celtics star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> from the Americans' 110-84 rout of Serbia in the team's opening contest of the 2024 Paris Games.</p><p>"I felt like an idiot not playing (Tatum)," Kerr said in an interview with <a href="https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/40667318">ESPN's Brian Windhorst</a>. "But, in a 40-minute game, you can't play more than 10 (guys)."</p><p>Tatum, 26, is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. He averaged 26.9 points per game, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, and he led the Celtics in points, rebounds, and assists as they captured their first NBA title since 2008.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kerr revealed he had informed Tatum ahead of time that he might not see the court. This was mostly due to the return of Phoenix Suns forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> - the USA's all-time leading Olympic scorer - from his pre-tournament calf injury.</p><p>Indiana Pacers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a> was the only other member of Team USA that did not see the floor.</p><p>"Jayson handled it really well. I talked to him today before the game that it might play out this way. Just with Kevin coming back and the lineups that I wanted to get to. But that'll change, Jayson is going to play," Kerr said. "Every game is going to be different, based on matchups. He's a total pro."</p><p>Durant scored a game-high 23 points in 17 minutes off the bench and provided Team USA with a much-needed scoring boost after a sluggish start. The Americans were down 19-14 when the 14-time All-Star checked in, and he went on to knock down eight of his nine field goals in the game, including all five of his 3-point attempts.</p><p>"I mean, (Durant) is so skilled and he just looked like he was in midseason form after not playing in a real basketball game for a couple of months. Pretty incredible," Kerr said, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/40664909/kevin-durant-lebron-james-key-us-rout-olympics-opener">Windhorst</a>.</p><p>Los Angeles Lakers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olybbm/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/olybbm/players/72">LeBron James</a> added 21 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in the win.</p><p>The United States is set to play South Sudan on Wednesday. This will be a rematch of last week's exhibition match in which the Americans needed a last-second layup from James to secure a one-point victory.</p>

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 27: Jayson Tatum #10 of the USA Men's National Team looks on during the USA Men's National Team practice at Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan on July 27, 2024 in Paris, France. 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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27963349/related

Kerr: 'I felt like an idiot' for not playing Tatum in Olympic opener

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid said he receives more hate online than any other NBA player. ...

<p>Philadelphia 76ers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> said he receives more hate online than any other NBA player.</p><p>"I'm probably the most hated guy in the league," Embiid said on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGC-IQOC4fo&amp;t=1s&amp;ab_channel=TheCheckBallShow">The Check Ball Show</a>" with Drew Hanlen. "I don't know why ... I'm just cool. I don't know what's there to hate about me."</p><p>Embiid, 30, had the best statistical year of his career, averaging a personal-best 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 11 rebounds. It was the third consecutive season that Embiid averaged at least 30 points per game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, injuries once again hampered his campaign. The 7-footer only played in 39 games and had to undergo surgery to clean up the cartilage in his knee - the second arthroscopic surgery on his left meniscus in his career. He wasn't eligible to win the league's scoring title since he missed the NBA's 65-game threshold.</p><p>The former MVP acknowledged that he sees people's posts and comments on social media criticizing him, and it motivates him to be a better player.</p><p>"I pay attention to it because I like it. Because that's the motivation that I need. When you get to a certain level when you've accomplished a lot ... you need something else to keep motivating you, and that's one of the things."</p><p>The New York Knicks bounced the Sixers in the opening round of the postseason. Embiid averaged 33 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the six-game series.</p><p>Embiid is set to make his Olympic debut after he chose to represent the USA over Cameroon or France at the upcoming Paris Games.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after he turned the ball over to the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2024 in New York City. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 112-106 in overtime.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27935908/related

Embiid: 'I'm probably the most hated' NBA player

2024 continues to be a banner year for the WNBA, as last weekend's All-Star festivities in Phoeni...

<p>2024 continues to be a banner year for the WNBA, as last weekend's All-Star festivities in Phoenix was the most viewed All-Star Game in league history, <a href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/07/abcs-presentation-of-the-att-2024-wnba-all-star-game-delivers-record-audience-with-3442000-average-viewers/">ESPN</a> announced Tuesday.</p><p>The 2024 exhibition contest between the WNBA All-Stars and the U.S. Olympic Team had an average audience of 3.44 million viewers - a 305% growth year-over-year - becoming the third-most watched WNBA event and most since the league's first two nationally televised games in 1997.</p><p>The previous audience record for an All-Star Game was 1.441 million viewers, set in 2003 on ABC, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5652893/2024/07/23/wnba-all-star-game-ratings-viewership/">The Athletic's Richard Deitsch</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dallas Wings star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/48510" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/48510">Arike Ogunbowale</a> scored an All-Star Game-record 34 points, leading the WNBA squad to a 117-109 win over Team USA.</p><p>It was a benchmark moment for ESPN, as the contest became the most-viewed WNBA event ever on ESPN Networks, surpassing the 2024 WNBA Draft, which accrued 2.45 million viewers.</p><p>"This weekend's extraordinary viewership underscores women's sports' exponential growth and ESPN is proud to showcase this incredible league and its exceptional athletes on such a grand stage," ESPN senior vice president of league programming and acquisitions Julie Sobieski said, according to Deitsch.</p><p>This was the 17th WNBA game this season that has had more than 1 million viewers, with rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121626" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121626">Caitlin Clark</a> appearing in 15, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-allstar-viewership-0ca6f3afded877b470e093dcc1bf699d">The Associated Press</a>.</p><p>ESPN also announced All-Star Friday Night, which included the Three-Point Contest and Skills Challenge, also broke WNBA records. It's the most watched pre-WNBA All-Star event ever, grabbing 695,000 watchers.</p><p>The league has yet to announce a date and location for the 2025 festivities.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 20: Caitlin Clark #22 of Team WNBA dribbles the ball during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game on July 20, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27928599/related

2024 WNBA All-Star Game shatters viewership record

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/thomas-tittley/content_cards