NBA Basketball News

Jazz beat Lakers in OT, tie series at 2 (AP)

The Utah Jazz had plenty of chances to crumble and nearly did. They let a 12-point slip away in the last four minutes and faced overtime against league MVP Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead of wilting, Utah played its toughest defense of the playoffs and pulled out a 123-115 victory on Sunday, tying the Western Conference semifinals 2-2.

Spurs cruise past Hornets to even series (AP)

Warming up before Game 4, Tim Duncan decided to have a little fun. He threw the ball behind his back and between his legs, then went up for the lay-in. Yep, it was going to be that easy. Duncan had his best game of the series against New Orleans -- 22 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks -- to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 100-80 victory over the Hornets on Sunday.

Celts try for first road win in playoffs (AP)

Kevin Garnett stutter-stepped as he reached a potential right turn down a seemingly endless hallway early Sunday morning. After losing Game 3, he and Boston teammate Paul Pierce were on their way to a media interview room proving difficult to find. "Where's it at?" Garnett growled. That's the Celtics, searching for directions on the NBA's playoff highway.

Magic optimistic despite 3-1 deficit (AP)

His team backed into a 3-1 corner in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson guaranteed a Magic victory when the series returns to Detroit on Tuesday. "We're going to make some adjustments and we're going to win this game," Nelson said after Orlando's 90-89 loss on Saturday.

Lakers' Turiaf ejected for flagrant foul (AP)

Lakers forward Ronny Turiaf was ejected early in the second quarter of Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Jazz on Sunday for a flagrant foul. Turiaf knocked Utah's Ronnie Price hard to the floor as Price drove for a layup, leaving the Jazz guard with a bloody gash over his right eye.

D'Antoni agrees to become Knicks coach (AP)

Mike D'Antoni has agreed to coach the New York Knicks, bringing his entertaining offensive style from the Phoenix Suns to a team coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history. The Knicks released a statement Saturday night saying they had agreed in principle with D'Antoni and that a press conference would be held once the contract had been completed.

Mavericks officially name Carlisle coach (AP)

The Dallas Mavericks made it official Saturday, announcing they had hired Rick Carlisle to replace Avery Johnson as their coach. Donnie Nelson, the Mavericks' president of basketball operations, said in a statement that Carlisle was "our top choice from the onset." "His integrity, exceptional basketball IQ and balanced approach are exactly what we were looking for," Nelson said.

Wallace starts Game 3, gives Cavs boost (AP)

It was the Boston Celtics, not Ben Wallace, feeling dizzy after this one. Wallace started Game 3 despite occasional dizziness from an inner ear infection and had one of his best performances since joining Cleveland in a midseason trade. His defensive presence inside was a major factor in the Cavaliers' 108-84 win, which pulled them within 2-1 in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Rockets' Battier, Alston have surgery (AP)

Houston forward Shane Battier and point guard Rafer Alston had minor surgical procedures to repair injuries that occurred late in the season. Battier underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs in his left ankle. Alston's surgery repaired ligament and tendon damage in his right ankle. Both procedures were performed Friday.

Cheryl Ford takes over as Detroit Shock leader (AP)

Cheryl Ford has never craved the spotlight. This season, the Detroit Shock All-Star isn't going to be able to avoid it. With Swin Cash gone to Seattle, Ford has become the public face of the WNBA's top team, a role she only accepts reluctantly. "I don't want to be the face of the franchise -- I just want to play basketball," Ford said Wednesday at the Shock's media day.

Liberty acquire G Mitchell (PA SportsTicker)

The New York Liberty added backcourt depth Wednesday, acquiring rookie guard Leilani Mitchell from the Phoenix Mercury for a third-round 2009 draft pick.

Storm center Janelle Burse out for season with injuries (AP)

Seattle Storm center Janell Burse, runner-up for the WNBA's Most Improved Player award in 2006, will miss this season because of multiple injuries. "We will definitely miss Janell but respect her decision to sit out this season," coach Brian Agler said in a statement issued by the club Tuesday. "I am looking forward to coaching her next season." The 6-foot-5 Burse, re-signed by Seattle on April 13,...

Storm C Burse to miss season (PA SportsTicker)

Seattle Storm center Janell Burse will miss the entire 2008 season for undisclosed reasons, the team announced on Tuesday.

Parker, Leslie lead Sparks' exhibition win (AP)

Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie gave the WNBA its first glimpse of just how dangerous the Los Angeles Sparks could be this season. Parker, the league's No. 1 pick, had 14 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in Los Angeles' 86-80 exhibition victory over the expansion Atlanta Dream on Saturday night.

Parker already making strong impact on Sparks, WNBA (AP)

Kathy Goodman admits she was wary of the hype about the impact Candace Parker would have on the Los Angeles Sparks if they selected her with the No. 1 overall pick in last month's WNBA draft. "I am the cynic of the group," the Sparks' co-owner said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles. "I'm the one that's like 'Yes I know there's a lot of hype and let's not believe our own hype.

Monarchs' DeMya Walker out another season with knee injury (AP)

Sacramento Monarchs forward DeMya Walker will miss the WNBA season after breaking her right kneecap while playing in Russia. The Monarchs said Walker was injured on Sunday and examined Thursday at the UC Davis sports medicine clinic. She will undergo surgery Friday that will keep her out for six months.

Lynx G Harding suffers knee injury (PA SportsTicker)

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - Minnesota Lynx point guard Lindsey Harding is out indefinitely after suffering another left knee injury.

George gets chance to revive hoops career (AP)

Cherelle George didn't expect to come so close to Purdue again. The free agent pickup for the Indiana Fever says she's responsible for Purdue spending two years on probation. That's why she found it an odd coincidence that a team that plays just 65 miles from the West Lafayette campus would sign her. "My mother was scared," George joked.

Silver Stars sign Lawson-Wade (PA SportsTicker)

The San Antonio Silver Stars on Monday signed Edwige Lawson-Wade, the starting point guard for the French national team, to a free agent contract.