MORE FROM Steven J. Gaither

Cowboys' Tony Romo weighing options on collarbone fix

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback is reportedly leaning toward undergoing surgery on his collarbone instead of having a plate installed.

Heat stay hot as Hassan Whiteside steps up for ailing Chris Bosh

Hassan Whiteside has filled in for ailing Heat star Chris Bosh in a big way, and had another monster night off the bench Monday.

Bed bugs, not the flu, limited a sleepless Kyrie Irving to 9 minutes against Thunder

Kyrie Irving missed the majority of his team’s game against Oklahoma City on Sunday because bed bugs in his hotel room kept him from sleeping.

Report: NFL owners ordered to return more than $100 million withheld from players

An arbitrator ruled last week that NFL owners mischaracterized approximately $120 million in ticket revenue over three years.

Morris twins talk trade demands, 'betrayal' from Suns

New Wizards forward Markieff Morris and twin brother Marcus tell why they were adamant about getting out of Phoenix.

Despite recent struggles, OKC not panicking

The Thunder said they'll regroup after suffering back-to-back losses following the All-Star break.

Warriors add Cavaliers castaway Anderson Varejao to ranks

Varejao has spent 11 1/2 seasons as a member of the Cavaliers, helping the team to NBA Finals appearances in 2007 and 2014.

Gary Payton says he could never play in NBA 'in this soft era'

The man they called "The Glove" thinks there wouldn't be a place in today's NBA for him.

Anthony Davis goes Wilt vs. Pistons

The 59 points from the Pelicans star were a career high and franchise record, as well as the most scored in the NBA this season.

Non-commissioned Joe Paterno statues being worked on in 'secret location'

Two of the men who worked on the original statue are working on two new ones in a “secret location” without the approval of the school.

Warriors' Stephen Curry says '73 wins doesn't get you a bye'

The Warriors guard says his team is more worried about locking up first place in the West than winning 73 games.

Damian Lillard has record night in blowout of Warriors

Damian Lillard absolutely torched the Warriors on Friday night.

Clippers giving away luxury car with Doc Rivers-voiced GPS

Lexus has designed a new car totally inspired by Los Angeles' second-favorite NBA franchise.

David Lee expected to sign $2.1 million deal with Mavericks

David Lee could be headed back to the Western Conference after being released by the Celtics.

Wake Forest suspends leading scorer Devin Thomas, dismisses role player Cornelius Hudson

Wake Forest suspends one player, dismisses another.

Ravens TE Nick Boyle suspended 10 games for PEDs

This is the second time the tight end has been suspended since being drafted last year.

Ravens TE Nick Boyle suspended 10 games for PEDs

This is the second time the tight end has been suspended since being drafted last year.

Kristaps Porzingis finds out he's not a 'normal person anymore' during vacation

The Knicks rookie says his All-Star break trip to the Caribbean wasn’t quite as relaxing as he would have liked.

Gilbert Arenas asks Lakers for 10-day contract to watch Kobe Bryant courtside

Arenas also took shots at the entire Lakers roster.

Chris Bosh held out of practice, won't travel with Heat for Hawks game

The team and player are being extra cautious about his calf strain after last year's bout with blood clots.

Morgan State 'punishment practice' led to football player's 2014 death, lawsuit says

Marquese Meadow died in August 2014 after what his family claims was a 'punishment practice.'

Saints GM hints new contract could come soon for Drew Brees

Mickey Loomis says he wants to keep Brees in black and gold past his current deal, which expires after 2016.

Nets reportedly offer GM job to Spurs assistant Sean Marks

The Nets have reportedly offered their general manager position to Spurs assistant GM Sean Marks.

NBA memo warns jumping on players' backs can be called flagrant foul

NBA players may continue the "Hack-A-Shaq" (or Dwight, DeAndre or Andre) strategy, but it may be more costly.

Clippers boss Doc Rivers tries to end speculation about Blake Griffin

The Clippers coach spoke with reporters Tuesday to try to put an end to rampant Blake Griffin trade speculation.

LeBron James: Beating Kobe Bryant's All-Star scoring record means 'nothing'

James scored 13 points in the East's 196-173 loss, giving him 291 for his career — a single point better than what Bryant will finish with.

Michael Jordan says Kobe Bryant 'deserves' All-Star tributes

The Hornets owner offered up some praise for his protégée and former nemesis after Bryant's final All-Star Game appearance.

Russell Westbrook grabs MVP honors in highest-scoring NBA All-Star Game on record

The West beat the East 196-173 in Toronto on Sunday in a match that was a solid, if unspectacular, ending to the NBA’s signature weekend.

Lakers' D'Angelo Russell says playing with Kobe Bryant is 'hard'

The Lakers rookie says playing with Kobe Bryant is tough, but he's trying to stay patient.

Four things we learned from Adam Silver's All-Star press conference

"Hack-A-Shaq" rules may be addressed as soon as this summer.

Karl-Anthony Towns wins skills comp

It was a small victory, but the NBA's big men will take it.

NBA refs read hilarious mean tweets

NBA refs got together and read “mean tweets” sent in from NBA fans.

Zach LaVine, Kristaps Porzingis highlight high-scoring Rising Stars Challenge

The Timberwolves guard shined in the young talent showcase.

LeBron James undecided on 2016 Rio Olympics

James has participated in the last three Olympics, winning gold in 2008 and 2012.

Rockets stand up to Warriors but can't finish the job

Stephen Curry's squad used a fourth-quarter scoring blitz to pick up its 47th win in 51 games.

UNC coach Roy Williams collapses during game, says 'I'll be fine'

The 65-year-old coach suffered from a vertigo spell midway through the Tar Heels' 68-65 win over Boston College on Tuesday.

Marc Gasol out indefinitely after breaking right foot

The 31-year-old is averaging 16.5 points and seven rebounds per game this season for the Grizzlies.

Illinois athletes suspended for allegedly vandalizing Jewish center

A softball player was suspended indefinitely and a men’s gymnast was suspended for two competitions.

Kyrie Irving stays hot as Cavaliers look to catch fire, too

The former Duke star has had a strong five-game stretch, averaging better than 25 points while shooting 50 percent or better four times.

Paul George beat Kobe Bryant for game-winner because 'he is old'

Paul George gave Bryant a gentle reminder about his age after getting past him for the winning bucket.

Kings expected to fire George Karl during All-Star break, report says

George Karl reportedly won't make it to a full year as coach of the Kings.

Knicks' Phil Jackson on Fisher firing: It was 'time to make a change'

The Knicks president told reporters that he felt the time was right to drop Derek Fisher as the team’s coach.

This Day In NBA History: Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan and the 1998 All-Star game

As the Lakers legend prepares for his final NBA All-Star game, we look back on his first.

Celtics rolling behind backcourt duo

Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley are a big reason why the Boston Celtics are in third place in the Eastern Conference.

Broncos' Von Miller sacks his way to Super Bowl 50 MVP

Von Miller's pressure on Cam Newton helped Denver steal the show against Carolina in Super Bowl 50.

Hassan Whiteside comes up big for Heat in front of 'hometown' crowd

Whiteside came up with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks in 27 minutes off the bench as the Heat beat his hometown Hornets.

Rockets win by going small in Howard's absence

With Dwight Howard serving a one-game suspension, the Rockets went with a three-guard lineup and Josh Smith at center — and it paid off.

Suns interim coach Earl Watson says team needs Markieff Morris to start

Suns interim coach Earl Watson may put talented but troubled forward Markieff Morris back into the starting lineup soon.

Mercer guard Jibri Bryan dies after being shot in head

Bryan was shot in Macon, Ga., in broad daylight one night after playing against Samford.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski misses Georgia Tech game with illness

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski hadn't missed a game in more than 20 years before Tuesday night.

Kevin Garnett backs Sam Mitchell after reports of unrest among young Timberwolves

Garnett made it clear that he is in his coach’s corner.

Surging Cavs are winning with balanced attack

Kyrie Irving and his 28 points led a balanced Cavaliers scoring attack as the team won its fifth game in a row.

Kings pull 'Year of the Monkey' tees after DeMarcus Cousins complains

DeMarcus Cousins reportedly asked the team to remove "Year of the Monkey" shirts from the stands before Monday night's game.

Byron Scott says Lakers players 'act like strangers' on the court

A little communication would go a long way for the struggling Lakers, Byron Scott says.

Upcoming free agent Al Horford keeping options open

Horford said other cities could help optimize his off-court appeal.

Ricky Williams touts cannabis as NFL's pain management solution

Ricky Williams' status as a cannabis supporter is nothing new. But the former NFL running back thinks the drug is more effective than what the NFL gives players in pain.

Ricky Williams touts cannabis as NFL's pain management solution

Ricky Williams' status as a cannabis supporter is nothing new. But the former NFL running back thinks the drug is more effective than what the NFL gives players in pain.

LeBron James won't coach because he doesn't want to 'get blamed for everything'

The Cavaliers star, regarded by some to be "a coach killer," discusses his future coaching aspirations — or the lack thereof.

Enes Kanter could be key to Thunder becoming true contender

The Thunder needed someone to answer the bell and, Friday night, that someone was Enes Kanter.

Blake Griffin feels 'awful' for hitting Clippers trainer

The Clippers have concluded their investigation into the incident but are waiting for the NBA’s inquiry to come back.

Chargers to stay in San Diego for 2016, but have agreement with Rams

The Chargers are prepared to head to Inglewood if they can't get the deal they want in San Diego.

Redskins LB skips on Super Bowl

Redskins linebacker Carlos Fields turned down a chance to buy two tickets from the league, citing cost of the trip.

Spurs bounce back with blowout of their own over Rockets

The Spurs got back to winning their winning ways in San Antonio and moved on from Monday's big loss to Golden State.

Warriors sell naming rights to new arena, three years before scheduled opening

The Warriors have decided to use their new arena to cash in.

NBA opts for Gregg Popovich to coach Western Conference All-Stars

Gregg Popovich will coach in the West All-Star team for the fourth time, even though the Warriors — not the Spurs — own the conference's best record.

Injury-plagued Bulls lose Nikola Mirotic through All-Star break

Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic will be out until after the NBA All-Star break following an emergency appendectomy.

Old-school Sam Mitchell rubbing young T-wolves wrong way

The coach's old-school tactics aren't sitting well with the young roster in Minnesota.

Kevin Durant's display against Knicks reminiscent of MVP season

Kevin Durant went for 44 points and 14 rebounds as the Thunder beat the Knicks.

Blake Griffin apologizes for 'creating a distraction' with his fists

The Clippers' star forward apologized after he was involved in a physical altercation with an equipment manager Saturday.

Virginia hits three 3-pointers in final 17 seconds to beat Wake Forest

Virginia trailed Wake Forest by seven points before going on a 9-1 run to win the game, hitting three 3-pointers in the final 17 seconds.

Staff at Division II Florida Tech hits recruiting trail in Escalade limo

Small school, big rims.

DeMarcus Cousins says NBA All-Star voting 'disrespectful' to big men

DeMarcus Cousins just had the game of his life Monday night, but he’s not exactly a happy camper.

Blake Griffin punching Clippers staffer has team upset and investigating

The Clippers forward will miss 4-6 weeks after suffering a spiral fracture on the fourth metacarpal after reportedly hitting a staff member.

Stephen Curry, Warriors continue to dismantle the rest of the NBA

It wasn't supposed to be this easy, but it was.

Hamstring, back injuries shelve Derrick Rose during another Bulls loss

The Bulls guard left the game in the first half of his team’s 89-84 loss to the Heat with right hamstring and lower back soreness.

Cavaliers GM David Griffin claims Kevin Love is safe — for now

Griffin says the team has "never once put together an offer involving Kevin nor . . . taken a call on an offer for Kevin."

Cavaliers' new fast-paced offense 'isn't a LeBron thing,' LeBron James says

James says he has no objection to new Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue wanting a more up-tempo offense.

Sixers throw themselves under the bus after loss to Celtics

The Sixers are used to losing games, but even they were disgusted with their performance Sunday.

Thunder give another reason to doubt 'elite' status

The Thunder lost 116-106 to the lowly Nets on Sunday, snapping a seven-game winning streak for the Western Conference’s third-place team.

Spurs to sit sore Tim Duncan against Warriors

If the Spurs are going to take down the Warriors, they’ll have to do it without their anchor.

Erik Spoelstra finds David Blatt's firing 'disturbing'

One man who used to coach LeBron James chimes in on the Cavaliers' decision Friday to fire David Blatt.

Kobe Bryant critical of Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell after Portland loss

Former lottery picks Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell got an earful from Kobe Bryant after the Lakers' 121-103 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Hornets' Kemba Walker is having his best NBA week ever

When Kemba Walker shoots well, the Hornets are a much better team.

Luke Walton won't coach All-Star Game, but Tyronn Lue probably will

Tyronn Lue could coach in the All-Star game if the Cavs stay on top in the East.

Allen Iverson congratulates Tyronn Lue, 15 years after breaking his ankles

Lue got a little love from the man who made him famous for all of the wrong reasons.

Jason Kidd to return as Bucks coach Tuesday

Kidd has recovered from hip surgery and will resume his head coaching duties early next week.

DeMar DeRozan, Raptors flying under the radar

Toronto is quietly gunning for the No. 1 spot in the East.

Andre Drummond sets FT-miss record as Rockets take 'Hack-A-Shaq' to new level

The Rockets sent the big man to the free-throw line a franchise-record 36 times during the Pistons' 123-114 win.

Cliff Robinson, now 'Uncle Spliffy,' becomes trailblazer for cannabis use in Oregon

The word “blazer” will soon take on an additional meaning when referring to the 1993 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope fined $10K for kicking chair

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also reached out to a young fan he had scared in the process.

Nuggets don't make life easy for Thunder

Despite subpar record, Denver nearly derailed Durant and OKC.

Guard duo helps Georgetown topple No. 5 Xavier

Hoyas guards Trey Campbell and D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera combined for 41 points in the road victory.

Philadelphia radio jock calls Eagles lineman Jason Kelce 'house negro'

Josh Innes says he used a "bad analogy" to criticize Kelce for the enthusiasm he showed during the press conference to introduce his new head coach.

Nuggets commit to GM Tim Connelly with multiyear contract

Connelly has served as Denver's general manager since 2013.

Tailors 'lined up' to help Giants coach Ben McAdoo's look

The Giants' new boss is admittedly a "sweats and a hoodie" guy, but is open to fashion advice.

Will Barton thriving as role player for Nuggets

Denver's Will Barton is making a name for himself as a sixth man this season

R&B star Brian McKnight joins Clippers' last-second All-Star push

The 16-time Grammy Nominee is campaigning for Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul.

Dwight Howard hits unbelievable no-look shot in practice

Howard has hit just five 3-pointers in his career, but he nailed this no-look beauty from long range.

Cavs bounce back with ugly, but comfortable, win over Rockets

A red-hot Rockets team attempted to hand the Cavaliers a second Texas loss, but it didn't happen.

Ugly ending overshadows great game by Monmouth and Iona

Iona's A.J. English scored 45 points in a losing cause, but all anyone will be talking about is the postgame skirmish.

Bulls center Joakim Noah reinjures shoulder, leaves game

Noah appeared to aggravate a December injury to his left shoulder.

Lawrence Phillips' brain to be tested for CTE, report says

The former Nebraska star and NFL running back’s family has agreed to have his brain studied for signs of CTE, according to a report.

Unlikely hero: Ben Wallace defied the odds, earned place in NBA lore

Wallace overcame a host of obstacles and became a self-made superstar in the 2000s.

Draymond Green-less Warriors' loss shows health will be key to 73

Golden State can't complete a comeback against Denver and suffers its third loss of the season.

James Harden reaches 10,000 career points in Rockets' win over Timberwolves

The Rockets guard needed 22 to reach the milestone. He got 27.

Russell Westbrook, Charlie Villanueva ejected in physical first half between Thunder, Mavs

The Thunder point guard and the Mavs forward were tossed minutes apart following a pair of confrontations between the teams.

Union files grievance over Matt Barnes' suspension, wants to recoup $64K in lost wages

The Grizzlies forward has already served his two-game ban; the union is trying to get him his money back.

LeBron James channels Karl Malone against Mavs

King James put on an air show in Dallas on Tuesday during Cleveland's 110-107 overtime win.

Suns crumble against Pacers after lights go out in Indianapolis

The Suns were heating up before the lights went out at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Baron Davis, 36, turning to NBA's D-League to revive career, agent says

Baron Davis, a two-time All-Star, will sign to play in the NBA's developmental league, according to his agent.

DeMarcus Cousins feels Kings' playoff 'vibe' alongside Rajon Rondo

Though they've been less than average, the Kings are a real threat to make the NBA playoffs this year.

LaMarcus Aldridge has Texas-sized night for Spurs vs. Nets

Aldridge came up big in Monday night's romp in Brooklyn, the team's eighth in a row.

Sixers' Nerlens Noel will be allowed to keep Dolph Schayes' retired No. 4

The Sixers will retire the late Dolph Schayes' No. 4 later this month, but Nerlens Noel will continue to wearing it, the team announced.

Heat assistant Keith Smart back after rare cancer diagnosis

The 51-year-old is back with the team after undergoing extensive surgery to remove a form of skin cancer.

J.R. Smith's hot hand leading the way for Cavs

Nobody in a Cavalier uniform is hotter than J.R. Smith right now.

Pelicans' Anthony Davis hurts back diving into stands for loose ball

All-Star forward Anthony Davis left with a lower back bruise early in the first quarter against the Pacers after he went diving for a ball.

Flashback Friday: Michael Jordan torches Bucks to reach 20,000 points

Even at less than 100 percent, Michael Jordan was still a nightmare to guard. Just ask Blue Edwards.

Stephen Curry using Lionel Messi as inspiration to fight through injury

The NBA’s reigning MVP will wear soccer-style shin guards as he continues to play through a left shin contusion.

Spurs beat Jazz to make it 30 in a row at home

Tim Duncan led a balanced offensive attack as the Spurs picked up another big win at home.

Blazers' C.J. McCollum forced to sit after 'clerical error' makes him inactive

The Blazers mistakenly marked their second-leading scorer as inactive against the Clippers.

LeBron James calls Kyrie Irving 'automatic All-Star' after Cavs beat Wall's Wizards

The Cleveland superstar says there's "no question" his point guard teammate is an All-Star.

Reggie Bush sues Edward Jones Dome owners after 'concrete ring of death' ended season

The 49ers running back is suing the owners and operators of the dome after he slipped on concrete in Week 8 against the Rams.

James Harden feels disrespected after fan points laser at him during game

Harden said he felt disrespected by the fan, who was banned from NBA games for a year.

Jimmy Butler is in the conversation for best shooting guard, whether he likes it or not

The Bulls All-Star guard was asked who he thought was the best shooting guard in the league. He wasn’t having it.

Pretty much everyone in a Bulls uniform, including Derrick Rose, had a good night Tuesday.

Deron Williams sinks winner in double overtime, gets mobbed by Mavs teammates

Williams' bucket capped a 25-point night and set off a wild celebration.

Knicks beat Hawks again, tie last season's win total

The Knicks have as many wins this season as they did for the entire 2014-15 season.

Barry Sanders' son leaving Stanford, could transfer to Oklahoma State

Barry J. Sanders has been granted his release from Stanford and is reportedly considering transferring to his father’s alma mater.

Kyrie Irving has 'no beef' with John Wall over All-Star comments

Kyrie Irving is fine with John Wall's opinion about All-Star voting.

Life After LeBron improving for Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade combined for 58 points to help the Heat win a game in which they trailed by 18 points in the third quarter.

DeMarcus Cousins helps George Karl pass Phil Jackson on the NBA's wins list

The Kings got a huge game from DeMarcus Cousins on Monday night to help their coach pass one of the NBA's all-time greats.

Kyrie Irving-led Cavs look scary good in blowout of Raptors

Irving scored a game-high 25 points in what was easily his best game since coming back from a fractured kneecap.

Byron Scott continues to feud with Lakers' young stars, calls out Julius Randle

Both Lakers coach Byron Scott and 2014 lottery pick Julius Randle used the media to air their grievances on Monday.

Lakers GM: 'We cannot move on as a team until Kobe leaves'

General manager Mitch Kupchak will have far more freedom to construct a roster when Bryant's salary is off the books.

Bulls keep winning while Derrick Rose battles knee injuries

Bulls keep rolling without Derrick Rose, who will undergo an MRI on his right knee.

Harrison Barnes could return vs. Hornets, Stephen Curry may sit out

Harrison Barnes could make his return as soon as Monday against the Hornets while reigning MVP Stephen Curry is questionable for that game.

Johnny Manziel ends turbulent week by not showing up to Browns finale

Johnny Manziel reportedly didn't show up to the team's practice facility on Sunday and the team was unable to reach him.

Kenneth Faried out of hospital, could be back soon

Faried's CT scan on his neck came back normal hours after he experienced a scary fall while playing against the Warriors on Saturday night.

Hassan Whiteside continues to grow on offense for Heat

Hassan Whiteside showed he can pick up the offensive slack if need be.

Lakers don't expect Kobe Bryant's shoulder injury to linger

The 37-year-old reported feeling soreness in his shoulder after Wednesday's game against the Celtics.

Marcus Morris says brother Markieff still wants out of Phoenix

The Pistons forward says his brother, Markieff, wants to be traded from the Suns.

Report: Browns expected to fire Mike Pettine after final game Sunday

Sunday's game against the Steelers may be Mike Pettine's last as Browns' head coach.

Kristaps Porzingis lives with family, plans to stay out of limelight off court

The Knicks rookie revealed that not only does he not drink, he lives with his parents in White Plains to stay out of trouble.

Kobe draws crowd in Boston, but young Lakers lead in win

Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell helped the Lakers get over the hump against the Celtics.

Stephen Curry-less Warriors struggle, lose to Mavs

The league's best team struggled mightily without its best player Wednesday night.

Hornets' Al Jefferson undergoes knee surgery, out at least six weeks

The surgery was to repair a tear in the lateral meniscus of his right knee.

Celtics give Kobe Bryant a piece of parquet floor ahead of last trip

The Lakers guard received a piece of the Celtics' parquet floor on Wednesday ahead of his team's matchup against its longtime rival.

Red-hot Hawks on rise in East

Atlanta showed in its win over Houston the type of firepower that makes it a legit threat to Cleveland in the East.

Activists want LeBron to sit out games in response to Tamir Rice grand jury decision

Activists have called on the Cavaliers star to stay off the court until two Cleveland police officers face charges in the 2014 shooting death of a 12-year-old city boy.

Three Clemson players suspended for Orange Bowl for failed drug tests

Clemson will be without its second-leading receiver and senior kicker on Thursday against Oklahoma.

Anthony Davis says Pelicans 'don't play hard all of the time'

Anthony Davis pulled no punches when critiquing his team's effort.

Clippers continue their streaky ways, beat Wizards

LA, playing without All-Star forward Blake Griffin, tops Washington for its third straight win.

Stephen Curry scores 17 points in three minutes, finishes with triple-double vs. Kings

Stephen Curry played a brilliant all-around game against the Kings with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a 122-103 victory.

Gregg Popovich gets ejected, Spurs still win

The Spurs were able to get by without their coach against the Timberwolves after he was ejected in the first half.

Raiders Pro Bowler Marcel Reece suspended for positive PED test

The Oakland fullback will miss the Jan. 31 Pro Bowl and his team's next four regular-season games.

Kyrie Irving hopeful he can stay healthy as he continues to knock off rust

The All-Star guard wants Tuesday's game against the Nuggets to be the last he'll have to sit out this season.

Formerly hot Knicks once again descending toward futility

The Knicks' 100-91 loss to the Celtics on Sunday was the team's fourth straight, and it wasn't a pretty one.

Warriors say they haven't played well, despite gaudy record

Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut think the 28-1 Warriors can play better.

Report: Suns to fire two assistant coaches; Jeff Hornacek's future unclear

The Suns have won just 5 of their last 20 games and Jeff Hornacek may be on the chopping block.

Warriors show they still have the grinding formula to own Cavaliers

Draymond Green and Shaun Livingston helped the Warriors grind out a win against a tough Cavs team.

Admitted 'slimeball,' former Cincy assistant feels empathy for ex-Louisville official

Hmiel said he could identify with ex-Louisville director of basketball operations Andre McGee based on his time as a recruiter at Cincinnati in the 1970s.

LeBron James catches fan trash-talking behind his back; things get awkward (VIDEO)

At least two Warriors fans may find their way on the Naughty List in 2016.

Cavs coming into form as Finals rematch looms

The Cavs are starting to get healthy, which should make the Christmas matchup against the Warriors well worth watching.

Carmelo Anthony 'ain't watching' NBA on Christmas, wants to play

This year will mark the first time the Knicks haven't played on Christmas since 2008.

Dirk Nowitzki passes Shaq for sixth on all-time NBA scoring list

Dirk Nowitzki is close to being one of the five best scorers in NBA history.

Dwight Howard wants to play until he's 40

The 30-year-old Rockets center's numbers have dropped but he still sees a long future for himself in the NBA.

Bulls continue to struggle following Jimmy Butler's remarks

The Bulls, surrounded by controversy, dropped their third straight game with Monday's loss to the lowly Nets.

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook help Thunder steal one from Clippers

The Thunder's all-star combo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook came up big in the final minute Monday against the Clippers.

Kevin Garnett gets warm welcome from Celtics crowd

Former Celtics star and current Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett received an extended ovation during the Celtics' 113-99 win in Boston.

Kobe Bryant's list of toughest opponents is interesting

Kobe lays out his top five; at least one will surprise you. As interesting, Bryant had some curious omissions.

Marcus Mariota's rookie season to end early, report says

The Titans quarterback suffered a right knee injury against the Patriots, and according to a report, he won't play again this season.

Warriors start new streak after first loss; Mavs lay an egg

When Klay Thompson and Draymond Green play like they did Wednesday night, the Warriors are unbeatable.

Andre Drummond hits half-court buzzer-beater vs. Celtics

Who knew Drummond had range like that?

Dwight Howard says he came to Houston for James Harden, wants to 'make this thing work'

The Rockets center says he and James Harden are just fine and he has no plans to leave.

Stephon Marbury suggests Kobe Bryant should end career in China

The only other member of the 1996 NBA Draft class still playing pro ball says Kobe Bryant should come to China.

LeBron James shares touching moment with Special Olympian

LeBron James stopped Tuesday night to greet Aaron Miller, a young man who competes in basketball and swimming despite being born with severe brain damage.

DeMarcus Cousins' manager ejected for slapping Jason Terry's hand during game

You just can't make up this type of stuff.

Jeremy Lin opens up about pressures of academic success in high school

The Hornets guard wrote a Facebook post reflecting on his time at the affluent-yet-troubled Palo Alto High School.

Rajon Rondo issues second apology for slurs directed at referee

Rondo's initial response to the firestorm over his words to NBA official Bill Kennedy didn't go over well, so the Kings guard tried again.

Everyone's sleeping on the Spurs (again)

Once again, the Spurs (21-5) are the best team that no one is talking about.

Highly touted Texas A&M freshman Elijah Thomas to transfer

A top signee out of the Aggies' heralded 2015 recruiting class, the 6-9 big man announced he will transfer after the fall semester.

Doc Rivers denies making comments about referee Bill Kennedy's sexuality

The Clippers coach denied allegations that he questioned the sexuality of NBA referee Bill Kennedy while coaching the Celtics.

Meeks out with bone bruise

That means Meeks will miss a minimum of four games and potentially even the beginning of UNC’s conference schedule.

Larry Brown says he could fix Sixers 'in five minutes,' wants to see Iverson involved

Brown and Allen Iverson led Philadelphia to the NBA Finals in 2001 — a far cry from the franchise's current woes.

The Fifth Quarter: Dwyane Wade caps Heat fourth-quarter comeback against Grizzlies

Dwyane Wade scored eight points in a fourth-quarter flurry to lead the Heat to a win over the Grizzlies.

Patriots' LeGarrette Blount goes down with hip injury

Blount rushed for 53 yards before leaving the game in the second quarter.

Khalil Mack gets five sacks

The Raiders keep their playoff hopes alive while the Broncos fail to get a grip on first place in the AFC.

David Blatt: Kyrie Irving 'looking, feeling good,' debut expected before Christmas

Kyrie Irving's return to the lineup would make for a great gift for the Cavaliers.

John Wall, Wizards struggling to stay above water

The Wizards appear to have regressed from last season.

Warriors outlast Celtics in double overtime to stay perfect

Stephen Curry scored 38 points, but Draymond Green's play might have put Golden State over the top as it improved to 24-0.

NBA admits officials missed key call late in Knicks' loss to Kings

A league review determined a foul should have been called on Rajon Rondo for grabbing Carmelo Anthony's arm with 2.9 seconds remaining.

Terrelle Pryor hoping to shock people in debut at wide receiver

Pryor says he doesn't have any hard feelings toward the 49ers, he just wants to win and show he can play receiver in the NFL.

Rajon Rondo suspended for behavior following ejection in Mexico

Rajon Rondo has been suspended for one game after using derogatory language towards an official and refusing to leave the court.

Sixers coach Brett Brown agrees to two-year extension

Brown will stick around for a while despite a 1-22 record this season.

Hornets stay hot, now second in East; can Bulls, Hawks gain ground?

If the Hornets keep this up, they won’t be a secret for long.

Watch Grizzlies' Matt Barnes sink half-court game-winner vs. Pistons

Matt Barnes sunk a desperation 41-foot shot with 1.1 seconds remaining to give the Grizzlies a 93-92 win over the Pistons on Wednesday.

Clippers' DeAndre Jordan posterizes Bucks center Greg Monroe

Bucks center Greg Monroe jumped when DeAndre Jordan jumped, and it didn't end well for Greg.

Carmelo Anthony says he doesn't get calls because he doesn't 'know how to flop'

The Knicks star said he’s been told that he’s the most difficult player to referee. And he doesn't know how to flop.

LeBron James ends Cavs' slump, Spurs try to keep up with Warriors

LeBron James' fourth-quarter performance was critical to the Cavs' 105-100 win over the Trail Blazers.

Klay Thompson sprains ankle after dropping 39 points on Pacers

Thompson sprained his right ankle in the final moments of his team's 131-123 win.