MORE FROM Fran Blinebury

Green: ‘I’m never going to be careful’

Warriors' emotional barometer starts with Green

Once denigrated Thunder coming into their own

Ibaka: Thunder ‘soft, weak’ in Game 2

Report: Van Gundy out of Rockets’ coaching search; D’Antoni now favourite

Report: Blazers give Stotts contract extension

His season suddenly over, a decision looms for Duncan

Suddenly, the Thunder are closers

Westbrook wills Thunder to pivotal Game 5 road win

Not-so-little Adams makes big difference

Durant: ‘Money isn’t everything’

Taken at face value, Kevin Durant was just complimenting veteran forward David West for his decision to value professional goals over financial ones by joining the Spurs.

After 15 seasons, Parker remains a steady hand

Spurs need Leonard to show MVP chops in Game 3

San Antonio's star must bounce back from a dismal Game 2.

NBA finds five officiating errors in last 13.5 seconds of Spurs-Thunder

Everything comes together for Spurs in Game 1 beatdown

Aldridge, Leonard pace San Antonio's 32-point rout of OKC

Westbrook likes ties that bind with K.D.

Kerr on review of Harden shot: ‘It doesn’t matter’

Warriors 'expecting' Curry to play Sunday in Game 4

Though officially listed as probable, Golden State's superstar gets through Saturday's workout without any issues

Curry looking good for return to action in Sunday's Game 4

Kerr: "Not worth risk" to play Curry

Grizzlies GM vows to re-sign Conley

Mills, Leonard lead Spurs past short-handed Grizzlies

Grizzlies’ Randolph not laughing at Reggie Miller’s joke

Leonard developing into next 'face of the franchise'

A second straight Kia Defensive Player of the Year award appears to be just the beginning for the 24-year-old forward.

After slow start, Spurs defence stifles punchless Grizzlies

Spurs won’t take Grizzlies lightly

Harden helps Houston to finally snag last playoff spot

Warriors ready to embrace history

After a gritty win in San Antonio, Golden State can get their 73rd regular-season victory Wednesday against Memphis.

Hall of Fame is Iverson's greatest achievement

On the brink of missing playoffs, Rockets dig deep

Hoiberg shoots down Butler issues

No magic words can fix what's ailed Pelicans all season

After 16 years, hoops lifer Crawford is still kicking

Young Jazz growing up with tough play during stretch run

Favors' late dunk helps Utah overtake Houston for final playoff spot.

Stats aside, Duncan may be having his best season yet

Report: No punishment for Dwight Howard

Spurs' win vs. champs could lay path for similar successes

West sacrificing numbers for chance to learn and win

Veteran David West gave up a lot of money and impressive stats to play for the Spurs and he's never been happier

Players union, NBA agree to shorter free agent moratorium

Resilient Clippers hit Howard, Rockets hard

Thunder searching for answers since All-Star break

Even as they evolve, steady Spurs just keep winning

Grizzlies’ woes grow as Chalmers hurt

Deadline deals give Grizzlies some newfound versatility

New additions like Lance Stephenson and P.J. Hairston are adding a new dimension to Memphis' usual grit-and-grind formula.

Beal leaves game with pelvis injury

Can disappointing Rockets salvage season on road trip?

Houston has perhaps one last shot to save face and solidify its standing as a playoff team.

Warriors refuse to lose focus amid historic season

Question marks cloud Thunder's title hopes

Talkin' 'bout Steph

Neither Draymond Green's halftime meltdown nor Oklahoma City's defence had any effect on Steph Curry.

Record aside, Thunder must prove contending chops

With no trade, Howard, Harden must get along

Rockets duo must find way to co-exist to save season

Marc Gasol breaks foot, out indefinitely

As is now custom, Spurs ready to hit road for Rodeo Trip

Popovich sets 'gold standard of consistency' in volatile era

Kobe's final visit to San Antonio brings reflection

A study in contrasts, the Lakers' epic rivalry with the Spurs came to define their retiring star's career

Howard's act as off-putting as Rockets' play

Spurs' Marjanovic goes from curiosity to contributor

Serbian big man just the latest international prospect that is paying off for San Antonio, all while becoming a social media sensation.

Pachulia invaluable for surprising Mavs

In midst of career season while fitting perfectly into Dallas' lineup, the big man may be the steal of the 2015 offseason

Spurs view matchup with Warriors as just another game

Cavs quietly hitting stride

While the Warriors and Spurs grab headlines in the West, Cleveland has established itself as East's team to beat

Spurs show their smothering skills in snuffing out Cavs

San Antonio turns up the defense after the first quarter to keep rolling at home and rack up another statement win.

James, Popovich could have meshed nicely together

How would a relationship between the Cleveland Cavaliers' star and the San Antonio Spurs' legendary coach play out on the court?

Pondexter needs season-ending surgery

As injuries mount, young Jazz squad keeps on pushing

Gobert returns to lineup, but Utah loses guard Hood to foot injury.

Sarver blames generation gap for Suns’ ills

Spurs' 'Next Three' ushering in next era in San Antonio

Warriors keep watchful eye on Kerr as they roll along

Can you imagine Kobe as a Celtic?

Curry out Wednesday with leg injury

Rockets' inconsistency falls on Harden, Howard

Work ethic morphs Leonard into one of NBA's best

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year continues to improve and now finds himself in MVP conversations.

Big decision on Howard's future lingers for Rockets

Dwight Howard and the Rockets continue to deny rumours of Howard's unhappiness in Houston.

Fits and starts marring season of promise for Wizards

Aldridge gets down to business

Pelicans in need of changes

It is one thing to have trouble competing because injuries have piled and healthy bodies are in short supply.

Davis expected to start for Pelicans

In an already injury-plagued season for the Pelicans, it was a hold-your-breath moment when Anthony Davis had to be helped off the floor with a knee injury Friday night against the Clippers in Los Angeles.

Grizzlies running with their chance

Unlike the Rockets, Memphis has made the most of its opportunity to turn things around -- and find its familiar swagger.

Slowly but surely, Rockets rebuilding their confidence

Houston sees progress in itself in wake of Kevin McHale's ouster.

Rockets turn back page for Bickerstaff

HOUSTON — The situation was unpleasantly familiar. Late in the third quarter and the Rockets down by 17 points.

McHale takes the fall for team lacking cohesion and trust

No place to run. No place to hide.

Kobe in no big hurry to embrace his end of the road

Endings are usually messy.

Jordan readies for 'hostile' Dallas game

Clippers center faces Mavs in Dallas after spurning the free agent offer he initially accepted from the Mavs.

Reshaped bench providing big lift for Rivers, Clippers

A trouble area a season ago, L.A.'s bench turning into strong point.

Lack of three-pointers may grind down Memphis' shot at title

Grit and grind has served the Memphis Grizzlies well.

Harden, Rockets regain swagger

HOUSTON — He may have been just a little bit late for the end of Daylight Savings Time, but James Harden finally got around to turning his clock back.

Rockets flounder against rebuilding Nuggets

HOUSTON — James Harden stood at mid-court a few minutes before the opening tip and told the crowd at Toyota Center to wait on big things happening this season.

Bumps expected, Aldridge, Spurs preaching patience

According to the annual NBA.com GM Survey, it was hard for the league's general managers not to be impressed by the goings on in San Antonio since last season.

Top 10: The best floor generals

With the season openers bearing down in just a few weeks, we count down the best point guards in the Association.

Howard's only focus is title

Dwight Howard is happy.

Harden sets sights on accolades

Houston's superstar guard says 'I am the best player in the league' and is out to prove his Rockets squad didn't peak in 2014-15.

West gets payoff with 'mythological' Spurs

SAN ANTONIO — David West has an "X" tattooed on one shoulder. On either side of the "X" is a simple message: "My life, my way."

Community pays tribute to small-town giant Dawkins

Friends and Pennsylvania neighbours come out to remember Darryl Dawkins and his larger-than-life personality.

Who will earn first All-Star berth?

It will likely be cold and gray and probably even snow on the ground in Toronto by the time the 2016 NBA All-Star Game tips off for the first time ever outside the United States in February.

Dawkins' dunks, persona added dynamic

Nobody had circled the date on the calendar.

Who will win Executive of the Year?

Before the coaches draw up the Xs and Os, before the players go onto the court and make it all happen, before the fans get into second-guessing, somebody has to assemble the team.

Who will have the best comeback story?

Taking an extra-early look at some names for top return to court.

Who wins the Kia MVP next season?

Taking an extra-early look at some names to note in Most Valuable Player Award race for the coming season.

Who might win Coach of the Year?

Taking an early look at who could be the league's top coach.

Who might win top rookie honours?

Taking an early look at who could be the league's top rookie.

Top 20 games to watch in 2015-16

With the full NBA schedule released, we have scanned the slate for 20 (or 21) extra special games you won't want to miss.

Who could win DPOY in 2016?

Taking an early look at who could win league's top defensive award.

Who wins the Kia Most Improved Player?

Taking an extra-early look at some names to note in Most Improved Player Award race for the coming season.

Who might be the next Kia Sixth Man?

Taking an extra-early look at some names to note in Sixth Man of the Year Award race for the coming season.

Undrafted rookie Aaron Harrison trying to fit in

Aaron Harrison may have arrived in Charlotte undrafted, but not uncomfortable.

Aaron Gordon adds to his arsenal

Nobody ever had questions about Aaron Gordon's body and athleticism being ready for the NBA. It was all those other little things: shooting, dribbling, being able to find his offence.

Space Jam II feat. LeBron James?

Call Bugs, Daffy, Tweety, Sylvester and Marvin the Martian and tell them to clear possible space on their cartoon calendars.

Hornets' Daniels eyes more minutes

Troy Daniels has always been a shooter. There's not a time or a place when he doesn't feel comfortable pulling the trigger.

Johnson keeps firing on all Pistons

Before Stanley Johnson even took his very first sip of NBA competition, he declared that he wasn’t “going to let anybody punk me” on the court.

It’s Turner’s time already in Indy

At one end of the floor Myles Turner was a flash of summer lightning, coming across the court crackling to get a long arm up and block a driving shot along the baseline. A few seconds and a few long strides later at the other end, he took in a pass, made a jab fake and then rose up to hit a step-back turnaround.

Ewing to Kaminsky: big man evolution

The rookie NBA seasons of Patrick Ewing and Frank Kaminsky are 30 years apart, more than enough time for the role of the big man and the game itself to have changed dramatically.

New look, new game for McGary

After a rookie NBA season that he’d just as soon forget, what Mitch McGary wanted was a whole new experience this time around.

Hezonja has shown the early Magic

As a storybook tale, the ending to his first game would have been labeled too trite and predictable if didn’t actually happen.

Wade, Heat do the right thing

It was, of course, the only deal that made sense for both Dwyane Wade and the Heat.

Aldridge gets courted by many—but decision in his court

Western Conference suitors woo franchise-changing forward.

Opting out only option for Wade

Dwyane Wade sat before the ABC TV cameras during The Finals and referred to his time with the Heat in the past tense.

Deeper look reveals dynamic under-the-radar free agents

The clock is ticking. Free agent season is drawing closer for all the teams that hope to change their fate and future with just one four-star signing.

Report: West opts out on Pacers

It was an up-and-down, injury-filled season of inconsistency in Indiana, but the one thing the Pacers could always count on through the 2014-15 schedule was the solid play and locker room strength of veteran David West.

LeBron does everything for Cavs but win a championship

He put the last shot up and it missed and a moment later an exhausted LeBron James was sitting on the bench watching the final seconds run off the clock as the Warriors celebrated a championship.

Game 6: 24-second thoughts

24 thoughts after the Warriors won the title.

Game 5: 24-second thoughts

Some thoughts after the Warriors took a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals.

Green: No comfort at home for Warriors

OAKLAND, Calif. — The alarm bells have been silenced. The missing persons reports for the high-powered Golden State offence have been called off. The team that has lost only four games at Oracle Arena all season has regained home-court advantage and so one might think the Warriors have a sense of comfort back in The Finals.

Kerr's open door lets in success

OAKLAND, Calif. — By now the world knows that Steve Kerr is not like a lot of rookie coaches. First off, not very many rookie coaches get the chance to play for a championship right out of the box.

Game 4: 24-second thoughts

Some thoughts after the Warriors prevailed in Game 4.

Game 2: 24-second thoughts

Some thoughts after Cleveland claimed a thrilling Game 2 victory.

Hoiberg will have his hands full

It was a private jet that delivered “The Mayor” from Ames, Iowa to the Windy City on Monday evening, evidently to wrap up the negotiations to make Fred Hoiberg the next coach of the Bulls.

Harden, Rockets finally run out of fuel

OAKLAND, Calif. — There will be plenty of other seasons, other playoffs, other chances at this level.

Harden, Rockets finally run out of fuel

There will be plenty of other seasons, other playoffs, other chances at this level.

Howard, McHale still confused on suspension talk, ready to move on

OAKLAND, Calif — After sweating out the ruling from the NBA office following his Flagrant 1 foul for a backhanded slap at Andrew Bogut on Monday, Rockets centre Dwight Howard is just happy that he avoided suspension and will be able to play tonight in Game 5, while his coach Kevin McHale is still trying to sort out the entire punishment system.

Warriors can live with Game 4 loss because Steph's fine

There were times in the first three games of the Western Conference finals that Stephen Curry's play was at such a high level, you might have wondered if one day he'd quite simply lift right off the face of the planet.

Rockets' glare dimming down three in West finals

The season is in great peril. You look under the Rockets' car these days and see a widening puddle.

Curry puts Golden State on cusp of Finals

Steph was Steph.

Warriors lean on defence to claim Game 2

To the uninitiated, it was like coming across an old video of Mother Teresa in a hula skirt, seeing Queen Elizabeth smoking a cigar, finding Miley Cyrus fully clothed.

Rockets’ Capela is ready for his close-up

Even Clint Capela didn’t think this could happen.

Curry shines again but it's Livingston who saves the day

Warriors coach Steve Kerr called Game 1 of the Western Conference finals an interesting chess match.

Ariza won't 'chip' in on Curry's talk

SAN FRANCISCO — Trevor Ariza shrugged and chuckled at Tuesday’s shootaround when told that Stephen Curry said the Western Conference finals might get “chippy” based on the history of the Rockets and Warriors in the regular season.

McHale wants Rockets in attack mode

SAN FRANCISCO — Are the Rockets still playing the Mavs? The Clippers? Does it even matter that they’ve moved on to the Warriors for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals tonight?

Next level of success proving toughest yet for Clippers

After having the West finals within its grasp, Los Angeles heads off to the summer with big questions about itself and its roster.

Rockets overcome adversity to advance

For one thrilling Sunday, it was perfect chaos, all these inspired men doing things that nobody expected a week ago, exploding like a fiery red volcano after so many years of bubbling frustration.

Rockets pull off the improbable

Stunning comeback forces Game 7.

Many impact players in line for Most Improved

Every NBA player wants to make year-to-year improvements, but it's the ones that take the quantum leap to the next level that get the Most Improved Player honours.

Hawks complete greatest month in NBA history

So what was your New Year’s resolution?

Durant, Westbrook set to practice

Is that a bugle call we hear just around the corner? Is that cloud of dust from the cavalry kicking up a storm and charging to the rescue?

Howard gets plasma treatment on knee

Dwight Howard still doesn’t know exactly when it happened or how he hurt his right knee. But he has stepped up the level of therapy by getting a “PRP treatment” in hope of getting back onto the court as soon as possible.