Could watching a movie turn around a team’s season? Probably not, but here are a few recommendations that could potentially help offer some inspiration. NBA players have a lot of down time. Between flights, off-days, and innumerable hours spent in hotel rooms, there is a lot of time to kill and, therefore, a lot of
Month: January 2022
8:00 AM ET The Phoenix Suns won their 10th straight game on Sunday, cementing Monty Williams’ spot as head coach of the NBA All-Star Game’s Team LeBron as he leads the top squad in the Western Conference. The 40-9 Suns sit atop the NBA, ahead of the West rival Golden State Warriors, who own the
NBA legend Julius Erving, commonly known as “Dr. J,” was disrespected in his home arena when the 76ers misspelled his name on the scoreboard. In 1983, it would have been impossible to misspell Julius Erving. Erving, a basketball legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, won a championship
10:29 PM ET Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns will coach Team LeBron James at next month’s All-Star Game in Cleveland. The Suns’ 115-110 win against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night — their 10th straight — pushed their record to an NBA-best 40-9, meaning no other team in the West can pass them
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is taking his talents to television, but he isn’t retiring just yet — and it’s all thanks to Charles Barkley. Charles Barkley hasn’t played in the NBA for 22 years, but he still practices an art form he perfected long ago: the finesse of talking trash. Barkley is often
9:57 PM ET There’s fear that Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles suffered a significant left knee injury in Sunday’s game in Minnesota and the team will await results of an MRI set for Monday to learn the full extent of the injury, sources told ESPN. Ingles’ knee buckled on a drive to the basket, causing
While Toronto Raptors fans may have been somewhat stressed, head coach Nick Nurse was put through the wringer in Toronto’s win over the Miami Heat. Most casual NBA fans probably thoroughly enjoyed watching the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat battle back and forth through multiple overtimes as Toronto eventually won 124-120. Raptors fans and Heat
Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) Chiefs: Brittany Matthews turns champagne criticism into a positive by Mark Powell New York Knicks star Julius Randle got a fan ejected in Miami for incredibly soft heckling. Julius Randle got a New York Knicks fan ejected from a game for simply heckling facts
12:11 PM ET ATLANTA — Lakers star LeBron James flew back to Los Angeles on Saturday for treatment on his ailing left knee and will not be with the team for the end of its six-game road trip against the Hawks on Sunday, according to Lakers coach Frank Vogel. James underwent an MRI that revealed
Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images NFL coaching rumors: What job do insiders say is best? Wild Card preview, more by Matt Lombardo Late in the showdown between Memphis and Golden State, Ja Morant came up huge with a driving lay-up to help seal the Grizzlies win. On Tuesday night, NBA fans everywhere were treated to
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The NBA All-Starters will be announced tonight, with reserves to follow on Feb. 3. There are sure to be some surprises as the rosters are filled out but one
Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images Projected college basketball rankings after Kentucky thrashes Kansas by Cody Williams James Harden was ruled out of the Brooklyn Nets’ game against the Golden State Warriors due to a hand injury. Entering Saturday, Jan. 29, the Brooklyn Nets were on a three-game losing streak. To end it as early as
8:14 PM ET SAN FRANCISCO — Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden was held out of Saturday night’s game vs. the Golden State Warriors after an MRI on his right hand revealed a strain, coach Steve Nash said. Nash said it’s an injury that has been bothering the 32-year-old Harden for several days. “James’ hand has
The Los Angeles Lakers could potentially trade Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets so that Houston could buy out the rest of his contract. While another Westbrook-for-Wall trade would be “objectively hilarious“, it is something that could ultimately work out for both the Lakers and the Rockets. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Rockets
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 24: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakersl against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 24, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after making a three point basket to break Ray Allen’s record for the most all-time against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User
8:37 PM ET DALLAS — Mavericks power forward/center Kristaps Porzingis exited Sunday’s game against the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter due to soreness in his surgically repaired right knee. The 7-foot-3 Porzingis underwent surgery during the 2020 offseason to address a lateral meniscus injury in that knee, which caused him to sit the final
Despite a loss on national television to the Charlotte Hornets, NBA fans were relieved to see a throwback performance from Russell Westbrook. Where has this version of Westbrook been so far this season? Brodie has struggled with the Lakers, so much so they’d consider trading him for virtually nothing. Westbrook has been so bad it’s
12:52 AM ET ESPN News Services NEW ORLEANS — Nikola Jokic scored 22 of his 29 points in the second half to go with 13 rebounds and 10 assists as the Denver Nuggets held off the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans 116-105 on Friday night. It was the reigning NBA MVP’s sixth triple-double in January, tied
The Philadelphia 76ers fan who was ejected from game after verbal altercation with Carmelo Anthony claims he did not use a racial slur. During the Jan. 27 game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers went viral due to an altercation between Carmelo Anthony and a fan. Anthony was incensed with a Sixers fan
7:47 PM ET Less than 2 weeks after being a 50-1 longshot to win NBA MVP, Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Joel Embiid is now the favorite (+260) at Caesars Sportsbook. Embiid, listed at 50-1 on January 16, is in the midst of a 16-game stretch in which he is averaging 34 points and 10 rebounds per
The fact that Rudy Gobert got more media votes, more player votes and a higher player rank than Andrew Wiggins proves that NBA All-Star voting is broken. By all meaningful voting metrics, Rudy Gobert is universally considered to be a better player than Andrew Wiggins. During voting for the NBA All-Star roster, Gobert received more
2:16 PM ET The Sacramento Kings — one of the most aggressive teams in the trade market and once an eager suitor for Philadelphia‘s Ben Simmons — have ended their pursuit of a deal with the 76ers and turned elsewhere in trade talks, sources told ESPN on Friday. Inside of two weeks until the Feb.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Isaiah Joe #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph,
7:21 AM ET AT THE HEIGHT of protest over the May 2020 police murder of George Floyd, one of retired NBA star Dwyane Wade’s Twitter accounts posted: “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” The tweet from an athlete celebrated for his social justice advocacy was perfectly in character. The account that
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the
8:42 PM ET It’s almost time for the NBA’s midseason showcase. The 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend is set for Feb. 18-20 in Cleveland, and as of Thursday, the starters and captains are now known. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) and Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets) again will be the captains of the two teams in this
After an enthralling 35-point comeback, the Los Angeles Clippers celebrate the unexpected win over the Washington Wizards with plenty of dunking. Clippers guard Luke Kennard hit a three-point buzzer-beater as the home crowd went wild. Drawing a foul, the Clippers ended their Jan. 25 game against the Wizards 116-115, the victory going to the underestimated
8:00 AM ET NBA Insiders The 2022 NBA All-Star Game is just a few weeks away, and on Thursday night the NBA will reveal the 10 players voted in as starters along with the two All-Star captains who will draft their teams for the eventual showdown in Cleveland on Feb. 20. As of the last
The NBA All-Star Game is fast approaching. Which players from the West deserve a spot on this year’s roster, and which ones just miss the cut? The NBA All-Star Game is less than a month away, which means it’s time to determine which players deserve to participate in this year’s contest. Last week, we cast
8:00 AM ET IT WAS THE start of the fourth quarter and the Boomers, the Australian Olympic team, were in a tight game against Italy in an important group stage match. The Aussies had inched ahead and a finishing kick would guarantee advancement to the medal round. Coach Brian Goorjian peered down the bench, looking
Mark Price was ahead of his time. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) NFL playoff bracket: Schedule for championship weekend by John Buhler Eagle FC 44 fight card, start time, channel guide by Chad Porto This week on the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast, Jason and Rich dive into the biggest blowouts in NBA
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The Cavaliers kept rolling Monday night with a 95-93 win over the New York Knicks. It was a typical Cavs’ win — suffocating defense paired with well-rounded offense and
After missing a month with an MCL sprain, Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis is expected to return to the lineup on Jan. 25 against the Brooklyn Nets. Before the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic without Anthony Davis, Los Angeles fans got a sneak peek into how Davis was doing after his MCL sprain. Anthony
8:19 PM ET The Brooklyn Nets won’t listen to trade-deadline overtures for All-NBA guard James Harden, a resolve rooted in Harden’s repeated insistences to ownership and management that he’s committed to staying and winning a championship with the franchise, sources told ESPN. Nets owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks are buoyed not only
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33): Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports The Boston Celtics are going in circles and a trade could be just what they need to help them recover their mojo. Here are five possibilities. Over halfway into the season, the Boston Celtics continue to hover around .500, miring in mediocrity, and furthering the
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Another night. Another win for the Golden State Warriors. Another rough shooting night for Steph Curry. He finished 18 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in a 38-point blowout
7:47 PM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden did not play against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night because of what the team said was left hamstring tightness. Harden, who is averaging 37 minutes a game this season, was a late scratch a night after racking up a triple-double in Tuesday’s 106-96
Brooklyn Nets star James Harden addresses the reports that he’s frustrated and wants out of Brooklyn: “If you don’t hear from me, then it’s reports.” James Harden is frustrated by the Nets, but not in the way recent reports have indicated. After the Nets lost to the Lakers 106-96, a reporter asked Harden about one
12:26 PM ET As the NBA nears the fourth month of its investigation into the Phoenix Suns and majority owner Robert Sarver, the team is working toward creating a confidential internal hotline in the coming weeks for employees to report complaints, team sources told ESPN. On Monday, a Suns executive explained to colleagues that the
The Los Angeles Lakers are packaging together a trade package and shopping it around the league, but so far, there haven’t been any takers. The Lakers are looking for anything to shake up what’s become a mediocre season. Frank Vogel is expected to leave sooner rather than later, but replacing Vogel alone won’t fix the
12:29 AM ET Trailing by 35 shortly before the half, point guard Reggie Jackson joked that the LA Clippers were “right where we want to be” against the Washington Wizards. Still, the Clippers could hardly believe what they had done when the buzzer sounded. Despite playing without the injured Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 30: Grayson Allen #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on December 30, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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
6:41 PM ET Associated Press NEW YORK — Anthony Davis will play for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Brooklyn Nets after missing 17 games with a sprained MCL in his left knee. Coach Frank Vogel said there was no set minutes level for the All-Star big man, but the Lakers had a range they
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 06: James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets drives against Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting
11:39 PM ET MIAMI — Anthony Davis‘ left knee injury coincided with an offensive explosion from LeBron James, as his 33 points in Sunday’s 113-107 loss to the Miami Heat marked the 17th straight game that the Los Angeles Lakers star has scored 25 points or more. All with Davis out. With Davis potentially returning
8:03 PM ET Jamal CollierESPN The Chicago Bulls are getting one star back for Monday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, while simultaneously resting another. Zach LaVine is in the starting lineup on Monday night after missing the past five games with a left knee injury. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan will not play against the Thunder
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. P.J. Tucker’s NBA niche has always been about 3-and-D but his defensive impact and versatility have long been the more reliable half of that equation. For his career, he’s
7:22 PM ET Andrew LopezESPN New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes was formally charged with domestic violence, resisting arrest and battery against a police officer stemming from his arrest last summer in Los Angeles, court records show. Hayes was charged with 12 counts in total, including three counts of inflicting corporal injury to a spouse,
Milwaukee Bucks guard Grayson Allen (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Cincinnati Bengals vs. Tennessee Titans live stream, start time, odds, TV channel, radio broadcast by Alicia de Artola Former Duke Blue Devil and current Milwaukee Bucks guard Grayson Allen caught some heat for a flagrant-two foul which led to his ejection. Allen went headhunting for
8:00 AM ET The race atop the Eastern Conference is shaping up to be a wild one in the NBA’s second half. The Miami Heat are the current leaders after their win over the Los Angeles Lakers combined with the Brooklyn Nets‘ loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, but plenty of contenders are right
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 03: Grayson Allen #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum on January 03, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and
12:36 AM ET MINNEAPOLIS — Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden does not believe he is getting the benefit of the whistle the same way he did in years past. The 32-year-old made that clear after getting to the line only four times in a 136-125 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. When asked
Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets at the buzzer on Friday night. Curry can’t believe this was his first career buzzer-beater. Curry had never made a shot to win the game at the buzzer until Friday night. After leading his team back from a deficit against the lowly Rockets, Curry
4:53 PM ET Jamal CollierESPN The NBA suspended the Milwaukee Bucks‘ Grayson Allen for one game on Sunday for his flagrant 2 foul on Alex Caruso that caused a fractured wrist for the Chicago Bulls guard. The league punished Allen, who was ejected from the Bucks’ 94-90 victory over the Bulls on Friday night after
Dec 17, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Grayson Allen (7) dribbles in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports Derrick Henry injury update: Foot recovery sounds incredibly painful by Mark Powell Milwaukee Bucks guard Grayson Allen could be at risk
5:40 PM ET ESPN News Services During the Tokyo Olympics last summer, when Damian Lillard‘s abdominal injury flared up, Jrue Holiday suggested it was time for surgery. Lillard finally took his fellow Olympian’s advice and had the procedure Jan. 13. The Portland Trail Blazers‘ star point guard spoke to reporters Saturday for the first time
If the Los Angeles Lakers do decide to sell Russell Westbrook on the cheap at the NBA Trade Deadline, they could have just one suitor. With the way Westbrook is playing right now, can we blame the Lakers for listening? Los Angeles managed to defeat the Orlando Magic on Friday night, thankfully, evening their record
8:44 PM ET MIAMI — Anthony Davis, out for the past five weeks with a sprained MCL in his left knee, has been upgraded to questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers‘ game against the Heat on Sunday and is considered a game-time decision, according to the team. Davis missed the past 16 games since the
Before the Atlanta Hawks sent Cam Reddish to the New York Knicks, there was apparently a Ben Simmons deal on the table that included Tobias Harris. Daryl Morey has made it clear that he will only entertain substantial offers for Ben Simmons, and last week, the Atlanta Hawks were apparently willing to part ways with
Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls. (Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports) Justin Jefferson puts Vikings on notice via Instagram: His payday is coming by John Buhler The Chicago Bulls will be without Alex Caruso going forward, as he suffered a major injury from the Milwaukee Bucks’ Grayson Allen’s flagrant foul on Friday night. Alex Caruso will be sidelined
3:53 PM ET Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso will undergo surgery early next week for a fractured right wrist, the team announced Saturday. Caruso suffered the injury during the Bulls loss to the Bucks on Friday night in Milwaukee. Caruso was fouled hard by the Bucks’ Grayson Allen, who was assessed a flagrant 2 foul
Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal is in a prime situation to pressure his team to pay a premium or watch him walk out the door. For the first time in his his career, Bradley Beal admits he’s being selfish — and it’s hard to imagine someone who wouldn’t be in his particular situation. If Bradley
3:30 AM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN SAN FRANCISCO — As the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets sat with a tied score with just over five seconds left Friday night, Steve Kerr had a clear play in mind for their final offensive possession: “Get the ball to Steph and get out of the way.” They executed
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 11: Paul Millsap #31 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 11, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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
1:09 AM ET Jamal CollierESPN MILWAUKEE — Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan wants the NBA to consider further discipline for Milwaukee Bucks guard Grayson Allen after he was ejected in the third quarter of Milwaukee’s 94-90 victory for a Flagrant 2 foul on Bulls guard Alex Caruso. Caruso went up for a layup on a
Addressing Knicks fans on MLK Day, New York City mayor Eric Adams made a correlation between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and basketball, which didn’t work. On MLK Day, many sports figures and organizations honor Dr. King’s legacy by sharing one of his many inspirational messages. NYC mayor Eric Adams decided to draw his own
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images Wisconsin football schedule 2022: Early game-by-game picks for Badgers by Ethan Lee Golden State Warriors standout Draymond Green didn’t hold back and said that Ja Morant most definitely belongs in the MVP conversation. What we’ve all been able to witness Ja Morant do this season has been nothing short of
8:00 AM ET Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook told ESPN that he was disappointed with his fourth-quarter benching in Wednesday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers but that he remains undeterred about how to “figure s— out and do what’s best for our team to win in the long run.” Asked whether he was surprised
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images The Long Two: Picking Eastern Conference NBA All-Stars by Ben Ladner Some rough news has come in for the Chicago Bulls, as star point guard Lonzo Ball could end up undergoing knee surgery. Things have unfortunately gone from bad to worse for the Chicago Bulls and Lonzo Ball’s knee injury.
8:00 AM ET As Kyrie Irving stayed away from his Brooklyn Nets teammates the past three months, he wondered what it would be like to venture out and watch a game like a fan. “I can’t really go out and watch at a local bar or anything like that,” Irving, who is still not vaccinated
NBA Twitter roasted the New York Knicks, who saw their losing streak extend to three games after loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. The New York Knicks latest home stand has not gone the way that they had expected. They had lost the first two games of the four-game set at Madison Square Garden to
11:58 PM ET DALLAS — Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic said his neck was “pretty sore” due to a hard fall after a drive to the basket during Thursday’s 109-101 loss to the Phoenix Suns, but he was optimistic that he would not miss any time due to the injury. Doncic landed on his back after
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images Draymond Green says Ja Morant is a candidate for MVP, not Most Improved by Braulio Perez Russell Westbrook was nowhere to be seen late in the Lakers loss to Indiana, and ESPN is reporting Frank Vogel had the green light to bench him down the stretch. The rough stretch for
2:09 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has surged past Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and into the lead among all NBA players in All-Star voting ahead of polls closing Saturday night at midnight ET. James, who trailed Curry in the first two rounds of voting, had 6.8 million votes
NBA All-Star voting ends this week. Which players from the Eastern Conference deserve a spot in this year’s All-Star Game, and which ones just miss the cut? NBA All-Star voting closes this Friday, and while I don’t have an official media vote for who gets into this year’s game, I still went through the exercise
8:00 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN had just played host to one of the season’s most thrilling comebacks. It was Jan. 6, and New York Knicks fans had witnessed a ridiculous buzzer-beating bank shot 3-pointer by RJ Barrett that capped a 24-point rally and win against the Boston Celtics. It was the Knicks’
Jan 17, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles guard Ja Morant (12) and Chicago Bulls centerTony Bradley (13) shove each other as Grizzles center Steven Adams (4) and referees try to break it up during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports 49ers: Fred Warner gives positive update after injury scare
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Ja Morant went off for 25 points in Monday’s big win over the Chicago Bulls and, in what has become a season-long trend, did most of his damage in
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Packers getting good news on Randall Cobb by Russell S. Baxter Jonathan Kuminga continues to impress during his first season and Klay Thompson is clearly a big fan of the power forward. Early on in his career with the Golden State Warriors, power forward Jonathan Kuminga has impressed. While his 6.5
10:14 PM ET ESPN News Services PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid tied his career high with 50 points in just 27 minutes, leading a dominant third quarter that carried the Philadelphia 76ers to a 123-110 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Embiid also had 12 rebounds and three blocks while making 17 of 23
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images Klay Thompson has nothing but praise for rookie Jonathan Kuminga by Braulio Perez Could the Sacramento Kings end up parting ways with De’Aaron Fox to try and land star big man Domantas Sabonis? There’s plenty of intrigue leading up to the 2022 NBA trade deadline. With the big day
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Malik Monk has a specific strategy when it comes to tattoo sleeves — and it’s borrowed from Nick Young. Malik Monk is only 23 years old, but he’s quickly building a name for himself in the NBA as a former first-round pick and a Los Angeles Laker. But during that
Los Angeles Lakers senior basketball advisor Kurt Rambis made his “voice heard” on the recent roster decisions made by Lakers head coach Frank Vogel. The Lakers have perfected peak mediocrity this season with an even-keeled .500 record for a large portion of the season. Even now, the Lakers are 22-22, and while they could still
1:03 PM ET Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner is expected to be sidelined beyond the Feb. 10 NBA trade deadline, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, as the two-time NBA blocks champion recovers from a stress fracture in his left foot. The Pacers on Tuesday said Turner will be re-examined in two weeks, but teams interested
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the
3:11 AM ET Kendra AndrewsESPN SAN FRANCISCO — Klay Thompson knew he needed to use the same patience he learned over the past 2½ years and apply it to his shot coming back. And for the most part, it looked to have paid off in the Golden State Warriors‘ 102-86 win over the Detroit Pistons
A lot of memorable NBA players are getting a second chance…due to a new wave of a deadly pandemic. Can any joy be found here? For the third straight season, the NBA has been thoroughly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the season was able to start on time, and the league has managed to
LeBron James offered serious praise for Stanley Johnson following an impressive Jan. 17 performance against the Utah Jazz. With top draft players that have moved around quite a bit, it can sometimes be difficult to remember how they entered the league. For Stanley Johnson, a 25-year-old Lakers forward who was originally drafted by the Detroit
12:15 AM ET The Denver Nuggets are acquiring San Antonio Spurs guard Bryn Forbes in a three-way deal with the Boston Celtics, sources told ESPN on Tuesday night. The Nuggets will send Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier to the Celtics, and the Spurs will acquire Boston forward Juancho Hernangomez and Denver’s 2028 second-round pick, sources
Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte (3): Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports The NBA Trade Deadline is fast approaching and after an entire season of speculation and rumors, it’s time to see who are the legitimate trade candidates on the market. The New York Knicks got things going, trading Kevin Knox and a protected first-round pick for
Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving gave a detailed answer as to why he’s “standing on” his position of refusing the COVID vaccine. No matter the number of scientists, healthcare workers, citizens and government officials working tirelessly to end the global coronavirus pandemic, nothing can persuade Kyrie Irving in regards to getting the COVID vaccine.
4:17 PM ET The LA Clippers are extending Paul George‘s period of rest for the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow a few more weeks to see how it responds, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. George has not played since scoring 17 points in a win at the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 22.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after the Warriors failed to tie the game in the final seconds of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center on December 28, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. In this season, as COVID-19 has pushed player absences and roster uncertainty to historic levels, reliable depth has never been more important — particularly at the point guard position.
3:35 AM ET LOS ANGELES — LeBron James apologized to Lakers fans and the next night Los Angeles made the No. 1 offense in the league look sorry in a 101-95 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday. “I think there’s a huge lesson to be learned with this group that we’re going nowhere without
While the long-delayed return of Zion Williamson will help the Pelicans, his injury has revealed that their problems are much deeper than his absence. The New Orleans Pelicans season has been haunted by the absence of Zion Williamson. On media day, it was announced that he had suffered a foot injury but that the team
9:05 PM ET CLEVELAND — Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving made clear Monday that his stance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine will not change in the wake of Kevin Durant‘s knee injury that is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks. Irving is unvaccinated and therefore ineligible to play at home because of a
Baron Davis accomplished so much in his decorated NBA career. But his most lasting impact may be in what he’s done off the court. The terms “robber baron” and “captain of industry” refer to the same phenomenon, but differ in connotation. In the 19th century, wealthy, powerful industrialists amassed unforeseen wealth in the United States
3:20 PM ET CLEVELAND — As the Brooklyn Nets prepare for life without Kevin Durant for at least the next month, coach Steve Nash wants them to do so with as positive an outlook as possible. Durant sprained the MCL in his left knee during Saturday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans. While Nash said
Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic has never been better and he’s keeping the Denver Nuggets afloat without two of his most talented teammates. In a competitive Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets have managed to stay afloat this season without Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray, who both averaged 19-plus points per game last season. As of
8:00 AM ET The Memphis Grizzlies‘ franchise-record 11-game win streak ran out of steam during Friday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks, but something tells us Ja Morant & Co. aren’t done putting their stamp on the NBA this season. Even with the defeat, the Grizzlies’ 30-15 record is the second best in franchise history through
6:35 PM ET Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green will be out at least two more weeks after evaluations indicated that the soreness in his left calf is tied to “the involvement of a disc in his lower back.” Green left last Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers early because of a sore left
11:09 AM ET After the Brooklyn Nets diagnosed All-NBA forward Kevin Durant with a sprained MCL of his left knee, the franchise expects a four- to six-week rehabilitation before his return, sources told ESPN. Durant underwent imaging on Sunday morning after Saturday night’s injury, and a realistic benchmark for Durant could be a return coming
1:48 AM ET DENVER — After the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 37-point loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, the second-biggest loss of LeBron James‘ 19-year career, another franchise great weighed in with his disgust. “We as Lakers fans can accept being outplayed but we deserve more than a lack of effort and no sense of
8:58 PM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant injured his left knee during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The team called it a left knee sprain, and it occurred with just under six minutes left in the quarter as Pelicans guard Herb Jones drove to
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and Boston Celtics center Al Horford. (Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports) UCLA football fans react to Chip Kelly’s contract extension by Ethan Lee The family of Boston Celtics forward Al Horford made waves on Twitter by bad-mouthing the Philadelphia 76ers during Friday night’s game. Al Horford’s time in Philadelphia didn’t exactly
12:36 PM ET DALLAS — Mavericks power forward/center Kristaps Porzingis has cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols after missing the past seven games and is expected to play in Saturday night’s home game against the Orlando Magic. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd also cleared the protocols. Dallas won six of the seven games missed by
With Cam Reddish whisked away to the New York Knicks, reports now reveal that the Los Angeles Lakers tried — and failed — to court him away from Atlanta. Although Ben Simmons has taken up the NBA news cycle with his desire for a high-value trade, it seems that Cam Reddish quietly did the same
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine. (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports) Florida football schedule 2022: Way-too-early game-by-game picks for Billy Napier’s first season by Ethan Lee Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine had to leave Friday’s game against the Warriors with a knee injury but the latest update leans towards optimism. The Bulls got a big scare on
8:40 PM ET Jamal CollierESPN CHICAGO — Bulls guard Zach LaVine exited Friday’s 138-96 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter with a left knee injury and did not return. LaVine did not travel with the team to Boston for its matchup against the Celtics on Saturday night, and instead will remain
The Los Angeles Clippers could miss both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard for the rest of the 2021-22 season, per Clippers sources. Last week, Clippers sources indicated that there was a “strong possibility” that Kawhi Leonard could return before the end of the 2021-22 season. One week later, Clippers sources are now offering a more
12:08 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN PHILADELPHIA — After beating the Boston Celtics to win for the ninth time in 11 games Friday night, 76ers superstar Joel Embiid said “there’s really no urgency to change anything” with his team with just under four weeks to go until the NBA’s trade deadline. “I feel great, man,” Embiid
After a 941-day absence, Klay Thompson returned to the NBA in a way only he could. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are struggling to find an offensive rhythm. Klay Thompson made his NBA return in a way only Klay Thompson could: with a quick trigger and absolutely no conscience. Given his fiery competitiveness and stone-cold confidence,
2:43 PM ET After an absence of six weeks in the wake of right thumb surgery, Miami Heat All-Star center Bam Adebayo is targeting a return against the Toronto Raptors on Monday, sources told ESPN on Friday. Adebayo has been ramping up for a return in practice, and his return comes with the Heat surging
Jun 17, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Canadian recording artist Drake sits beside Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry at Toronto Raptors Championship Parade. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports Vikings: Justin Jefferson laughs off ridiculous All-Pro snub by Scott Rogust Miami Heat star Kyle Lowry played some one-on-one basketball with rap star Drake at the FTX
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The Lakers are working through myriad problems right now but Russell Westbrook is the most obvious by far. In Wednesday night’s loss to the Sacramento Kings, he shot 2-of-14
7:40 PM ET Jamal CollierESPN Chicago Bulls forward Derrick Jones Jr. will miss 2 to 4 weeks after an MRI revealed significant bone bruising in his right knee, the team announced on Thursday. Jones Jr. hyperextended his knee during Wednesday’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets after landing awkwardly on his leg 36 seconds into the
A new development indicates a Ben Simmons trade is nowhere near fruition: the asking price has gone up for the 76ers point guard, according to ESPN. Every day, new rumors about the availability of Ben Simmons seem to crop up, but a Jan. 12 update holds more water than prior assumptions. On Wednesday night, Simmons’
12:25 AM ET Jamal CollierESPN MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks delivered another statement win on Thursday night with a 118-99 thumping of the Golden State Warriors, continuing their trend of being at their best this season when matched up against other likely title contenders. The Bucks blitzed the Warriors from the start, jumping out to
In a trade involving four teams, the Atlanta Hawks are trading Cam Reddish, Solomon Hill and a 2025 second-rounder for Kevin Knox and a 2022 first-rounder. One month after trades open up for players picked up in free agency, a comprehensive list includes those who are restricted, those with at least two years remaining on
11:40 AM ET The Atlanta Hawks are trading Cam Reddish to the New York Knicks for Kevin Knox in a swap of former first-round draft selections, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Atlanta also will receive a protected first-round draft pick via Charlotte, sources tell Wojnarowski, while the Knicks will acquire veteran forward Solomon Hill and
Damian Lillard has been out for almost two weeks and now the Trail Blazers will have him out even longer with the star guard now undergoing surgery. The Portland Trail Blazers haven’t had star guard Damian Lillard on the floor since Dec. 31 as he’s been nursing an abdominal injury that has plagued him a
8:00 AM ET JIMMY BUTLER INTERRUPTED his pregame warmup and made a beeline toward half court. There, Utah Jazz swingman Joe Ingles stood, watched and waited as the All-Star closed in. Butler’s mission: Peace. At this point, the quick wits, sharp tongues and competitive fires of both Butler and Ingles had been clashing for years,
Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan is having an MVP-caliber season because of a lesson he picked up from Kobe Bryant about always improving. Kobe Bryant may be gone but his impact on basketball will remain forever, in large and small ways. DeMar DeRozan is proof of that as he delivers an MVP-type season with the
6:45 PM ET With the NBA trade deadline a month away, Ben Simmons‘ agent — Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul — met with Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and general manager Elton Brand on Wednesday, and the sides remain at a stalemate over the All-Star guard’s immediate future, sources told ESPN. Simmons
According to new reports, the Sacramento Kings are apparently open to trading two of their young guards for Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons. It seems the Sixers’ adamance about holding off on lowball Ben Simmons offers has finally paid off — or, at least, that’s the way it’s trending. The Kings have been popping
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski indicated that there is “no movement” in the Ben Simmons trade saga — and there likely won’t be any until the 2022 NBA Draft. Persistent since last summer, the Ben Simmons trade rumors kicked up a notch in December, when Dec. 15 opened the door to more trade possibilities for the
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. It’s been a brutal season for the Boston Celtics, hammered again by injuries and COVID-related absences, struggling to keep themselves in the playoff picture and dealing with some apparent
8:00 AM ET Jamal CollierESPN THE STADIUM CREW has already begun to disassemble the United Center floor, turning the arena from a basketball court to a hockey rink following the Chicago Bulls‘ victory over the Orlando Magic. It’s Jan. 3, and as they stack the courtside seats, remove the scorer’s table and line the outside
Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, LeBron James complimented Ja Morant’s incredible chasedown block that aided their win. In their marvelous 127-119 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies brought the heat to L.A., pushing the Lakers to perfectly execute on every shot. And even on perfectly-executed shots, the
9:54 PM ET While more than 300 NBA players have entered the league’s health and safety protocols this season because of COVID-19-related issues, several league general managers told ESPN that a debilitating issue remains the recent surge of team staffers — from coaches to support staff and beyond — entering protocols for the same reason.
Jan 8, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) looks on against the Miami Heat during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Vikings next head coach could mean poaching Cowboys assistant by Scott Rogust Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker got the Toronto Raptors mascot thrown in
7:50 PM ET Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman has agreed to a contract extension through the 2027-28 season — and will assume a new title of president of basketball operations, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Altman has engineered a franchise renaissance and reshaped a roster that has shown the promise of becoming a long-term
It’s a matter of when the 76ers trade Ben Simmons, but they are reportedly trying to attach Tobias Harris to a deal. Depending on the week, or even the day, the Philadelphia 76ers may or may not be close to trading Ben Simmons and a new rumored suitor may even emerge. On the new suitor
New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9): Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports The New York Knicks are back to disappointing fans after a rough first half of this season. However, there are a few superstar trades that could help them recapture the magic that sent them to the playoffs last season. It’s been a typical New
2:16 PM ET Draymond Green’s seven-second performance Sunday sparked controversy in the betting community and caused one sportsbook to delay payouts until it investigated the flurry of prop bets that were placed right before tipoff. Green experienced tightness in his lower calf while warming up but wanted to start in Golden State Warriors‘ home game
The New Orleans Pelicans have announced that injured power forward Zion Williamson will continue rehabilitating his foot “away from the team.” In December, Pelicans fans awaited for the return of Zion Williamson before receiving a depressing update: Williamson’s foot injury actually regressed, and it would be much longer until he was able to return to
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. The Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers played on Sunday night, though I was not among those who tuned in. I was watching a movie instead. It was not
3:25 PM ET The Orlando Magic have extended the contracts of president Jeff Weltman and general manager John Hammond through the 2025-2026 season, sources told ESPN on Monday. Talks on new deals for Weltman and Hammond started at the end of last season, sources said. Both executives were headed into the final year of their
10:20 PM ET PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Trail Blazers coach and former NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups says he believes Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is “the most skilled player” ever to play the point guard position. “Kyrie is just, he’s a wizard, man,” Billups said before Monday’s game against the Nets. “He’s must-see TV.
Warriors guard Klay Thompson and Cavaliers forward Kevin Love. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) 3 New Orleans Saints who won’t be back for the 2022 season by Scott Rogust Russell Wilson comments on Seahawks future after potential last game with Seattle by Ethan Lee Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love
8:00 AM ET Klay Thompson returned after 941 days away from the court. The Golden State Warriors Splash Brother, who hadn’t played in an NBA game since the 2019 Finals due to ACL and Achilles injuries, made his much-anticipated season debut with 17 points in 20 minutes during the Warriors’ win over the Cleveland Cavaliers
Tyler Herro and Jusuf Nurkic had to be separated on Wednesday night as tempers nearly boiled over the top on the hardwood. The Miami Heat ended up getting a win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, but fans were most definitely treated to some extra fireworks in the middle of the action. That’s
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 09: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring on a three-point shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Chase Center on January 09, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this
3:01 AM ET LOS ANGELES — Ja Morant just keeps soaring to new heights. In Sunday’s 127-119 win over the Lakers, the budding Memphis Grizzlies star’s ascent was quite literal, as Morant’s two-handed chase-down block on Lakers guard Avery Bradley left both teams marveling at the play. “That’s probably the best block I’ve ever seen
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. If you were to delineate contenders by statistical resumes alone, ignoring the noise of injuries and COVID-related absences, you’d really find just three teams this season, all in the
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports) Raiders fans already trying to recruit Davante Adams on Twitter by Scott Rogust Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant pulled off a two-handed block against the Lakers that appeared to defy the laws of physics. Ja Morant might have rockets in his shoes and go-go-gadget arms.
11:03 PM ET SAN FRANCISCO — As his name was introduced last in the starting lineup, Klay Thompson sat in his seat, stared ahead and soaked everything in. Chase Center delivered one of its loudest roars, 941 days in the making. After being out for nearly 31 months that have tested his physical and mental
LeBron James spoke on how he wanted to snatch Malik Monk from Charlotte — and how it “doesn’t make sense” how well it all worked out. LeBron James is an athlete, entrepreneur, and at this point, general manager. While unofficially listed in Lakers management, the NBA legend has been known to have his run of
While the GOAT battle between these two rages on, LeBron James has finally tied Michael Jordan in this unique stat comprised of NBA veterans. For those who continue to debate that LeBron James is better than Michael Jordan, there’s a new statistic to use in heated Twitter arguments. On Jan. 4, James tied Jordan with
According to Isaiah Thomas, the Boston Celtics wouldn’t consider bringing him back on a 10-day contract the way the Lakers and Mavericks have. A December COVID outbreak has seen NBA teams bring capable veterans back into the league, including the Boston Celtics. On Dec. 22, the Celtics signed Joe Johnson to a 10-day contract, contributing
3:03 PM ET The Detroit Pistons are acquiring 7-foot-2 Bol Bol in a trade with the Denver Nuggets, sources told ESPN on Sunday. Detroit will send Rodney McGruder and a 2022 second-round pick via the Brooklyn Nets to Denver for Bol, sources said. Bol, 22, has shown flashes of promise with Denver, but has never
Los Angeles Clippers Kawhi Leonard could return before the end of the season, which could affect the chances of a second consecutive NBA Finals appearance. Without Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have still advanced to an even 19-20 record and a tentative playoff spot. But with him, the Clippers could perhaps move even further in the
Klay Thompson is set to make his return to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, and he’s channeling his inner Bill Murray from Space Jam. After over two years, the Golden State Warriors are set to have Klay Thompson return to their starting lineup. Thompson had been out since Game 6 of the 2019 NBA
11:33 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN BOSTON – After Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown produced the first triple-double of his career in Boston’s 99-75 victory over the New York Knicks here at TD Garden Saturday night, he shot down the idea that he and Jayson Tatum can’t have an effective long-term partnership. “I think we can
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 10: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 10, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms
5:42 PM ET ESPN News Services Five-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion Klay Thompson will be available to play for the Golden State Warriors in Sunday night’s game vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Golden State star made it official with his own creative announcement on Instagram as he so loves to do. Thompson has
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 06: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks drives against Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celticsduring their game at Madison Square Garden on January 06, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User
8:00 AM ET MAKING HIS WAY through the Golden State Warriors locker room following a preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Zaza Pachulia heard the familiar sound of a ball bouncing on the organization’s practice floor. Pachulia assumed one of the Warriors’ young players was getting some extra shots in. What the longtime NBA
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images Shaedon Sharpe to begin practicing at Kentucky this week, so will he play this season? by John Buhler Where is the National Championship Game 2022? by John Buhler Some massive news has come in for the Golden State Warriors, as it’s looking like Klay Thompson is getting ready to
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Under Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors have continually broken offensive norms and shattered statistical benchmarks. The 3-point shooting gets the most attention but the imprints of their offensive
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 31: Head Coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on December 31, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting
12:16 AM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant said he hasn’t had any extra conversations with teammate Kyrie Irving about getting a COVID-19 vaccination that would allow him to play in every game this season, not just most of the road games. Irving, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, returned to the
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 06: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks drives against Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 06, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph,
6:57 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN NEW YORK — Julius Randle apologized in a statement on his Instagram account on Friday, saying that his thumbs-down gesture to Knicks fans during Thursday’s win over the Boston Celtics as well as his postgame remarks were “an example of how sometimes you say things you regret to people you
Jan 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) gestures after making a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball ‘Manningcast’ featuring A-Rod sounds terrible by Scott Rogust Julius Randle gave New York
12:57 PM ET Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols after testing positive for COVID-19. Kidd is the 13th NBA head coach to enter the protocols this season. Kidd tested positive Thursday night after the team traveled to Houston for the road game Friday against the Rockets. Assistant coach
Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) Davante Adams hints at feelings towards Packers using franchise tag by Cody Williams Dallas Cowboys players Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb turned up courtside for Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey retirement ceremony with the Mavericks. Dirk Nowitzki’s night of honor at American Airlines Center brought out the
Attending a Dallas Mavericks game may come back to haunt Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper. By sitting courtside alongside Dallas Cowboys teammate CeeDee Lamb to celebrate the iconic Dirk Nowitzki at a Dallas Mavericks game on Wednesday night, wide receiver Amari Cooper could be in trouble with the NFL. Because Cooper is an unvaccinated player, he could
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. On Wednesday night, Stephen Curry put up his second-straight stinker, shooting 5-of-24 from the field and 1-of-9 from beyond the 3-point arc in a 17-point loss to the Dallas
12:44 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN NEW YORK — Despite helping his team engineer a remarkable comeback from 25 points down against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, star forward Julius Randle wasn’t happy. Midway through the fourth quarter, Randle made a layup and, as he ran back to the other end
Nic Claxton has played fewer than 70 NBA games, but the Nets’ wiry big man could be the key that unlocks the best version of a title contender. Kevin Durant and James Harden excluded, the most crucial variable in Nets’ championship aspirations isn’t a former All-Star big man, a sharp-shooting wing or a mercurial, galaxy-brained
6:01 PM ET Associated Press The first time that Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19, the NBA didn’t even have health and safety protocols. It shut down the league instead. This time, the Utah Jazz center might miss just a few days. Gobert has tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed Thursday on the virus-related
Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images The Long Two: Nets need Nic Claxton, Jalen Brunson helps lead the Mavs by Ben Ladner With an NBA expansion looking more and more likely, basketball fans in Seattle and Las Vegas are getting fired up about the future. While we may be in the middle of another exciting NBA
8:00 AM ET FOR MOST OF Monty Williams’ tenure coaching the Phoenix Suns, the downs have followed the ups. An 8-0 record in the NBA bubble two seasons ago still resulted in missing the play-in game to qualify for the postseason. Last season, making the franchise’s first Western Conference finals in a decade was met
Former Dallas Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) Former NFL QB offers Caleb Williams $1 million NIL deal to shirk USC, Georgia by Alicia de Artola Dirk Nowitzki was honored on Wednesday night at the Mavericks game but head coach Jason Kidd was ready to get him back on the court. It was
12:39 AM ET DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki watched and listened to two tribute videos and three high-profile speakers Wednesday night before he finally took his place behind the lectern, which featured “41 FOREVER” on the front and was set up in the center of the American Airlines Center court for a postgame ceremony in which
Former WNBA star and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon talks about leading her own professional basketball team with the Las Vegas Aces. Basketball star Becky Hammon has been circling the top as a candidate for leading professional basketball teams for years, but it was the Las Vegas Aces who finally gave her a
11:46 AM ET INDIANAPOLIS — Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving will make his season debut Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers — but Nets coach Steve Nash didn’t want to reveal whether Irving would start or come off the bench. No matter what Nash decides to do, he is confident that Irving will play “a
Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) Red Sox legend Luis Tiant shares heartbreaking message after passing of Jim Corsi by Scott Rogust The Over and Back Podcast remembers the life and career of Boston Celtics legend “Mr. Clutch” Sam Jones. The NBA world lost a great one as Boston Celtics legend Sam Jones passed away.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 02: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dribbling the ball drives towards the basket on Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 02, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or
8:00 AM ET IT’S A FEW hours after dusk on a Monday in early December, and the Golden State Warriors‘ gleaming spaceship, the Chase Center, is about to transform into a vibrating dance party. The frenzy will be identical to those created by superstar Stephen Curry‘s one-man scoring blitzkriegs, but Curry will be swaying and
The Whiteboard is The Step Back’s daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning. Offenses have, in general, had a tough time this season and it’s about more than the endless shuffling of lineups as teams navigate a surge in COVID cases and
3:14 AM ET LOS ANGELES — Russell Westbrook bounced back from nine turnovers Sunday by committing zero turnovers in the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 122-114 win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, the first time the point guard protected the ball that well in nearly six years. Westbrook snapped a personal streak of 407 straight games
7:11 PM ET The Miami Heat have ruled out forward Jimmy Butler for Wednesday night’s game against the Trail Blazers in Portland. Butler injured his right ankle late in the third quarter of Monday night’s 115-108 loss to the Golden State Warriors. The Heat provided no other updates Tuesday beyond ruling him out against the
Though Antonio Brown trying to get away from MetLife Stadium was a big subplot of yesterday, he never left New York after quitting the Bucs and football. Antonio Brown was the talk of the NFL on Sunday, but not for anything he did on the field — well, at least in terms of playing in
10:38 AM ET After missing four games in the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols, Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams has been cleared and will join the team for Tuesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Suns, at 28-8, have the second-best record in the league. Williams entered the league’s health and
12:27 AM ET Tim BontempsESPN NEW YORK — Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane has heard the chatter about whether his backcourt mate, Ja Morant, should make his first All-Star Game this season. But after Morant’s latest dominant performance — 36 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and a game-high plus-24 in 33 minutes of a 118-104
4:20 PM ET After a two-year layoff with significant injuries, there’s optimism that Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson will make his return against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, sources told ESPN. A final decision on Thompson’s debut is expected to be made once the Warriors return from back-to-back games on Wednesday and Thursday in
The Rajon Rondo trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers got a little bigger after the Knicks trade for Denzel Valentine. It’s been a rather quiet transactional front so far in the NBA this season. While teams struggle to deal with how to properly handle COVID-19 without changing the rules on everyone, deals
8:00 AM ET DeMar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls ended 2021 with fireworks. They started 2022 with some too. The NBA’s leader in fourth-quarter scoring was at it again this past week, knocking down wild, buzzer-beating 3-pointers in back-to-back fashion to stun the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards. Thanks to DeRozan’s late-game heroics, the Bulls
10:03 PM ET ESPN News Services OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder rookie guard Josh Giddey, back after missing three games while in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, became the youngest player in league history to record a triple-double during Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. Giddey finished with 17 points, 14 assists
5:16 PM ET Marc J. Spears Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols and is expected to play in Monday’s home game against the Miami Heat, a source told The Undefeated. Green played 34 minutes in the Warriors’ Christmas Day win over the Phoenix Suns, dishing out 10
Seth Partnow, author and former Director of Basketball Research for the Milwaukee Bucks, spoke with FanSided about his new book, The Midrange Theory. Last month saw the release of Seth Partnow’s new book, The Midrange Theory. Throughout the book, Partnow, the former director of basketball research for the Milwaukee Bucks, explores the evolution of basketball
12:08 AM ET NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant didn’t mince words after a disappointing 120-116 loss to a severely undermanned LA Clippers squad on Saturday night. He was frustrated by not only the fact that the Nets dropped their second straight game, but that they did so against a team he thought
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green isn’t happy with the NBA’s decision to cancel their game against the Denver Nuggets. Green cited the Nuggets getting an unfair advantage, as well as inconsistent policy, for his frustration in a well-time social media discussion. Many NBA players, including LeBron James, have grown upset with the Association’s COVID-19
12:02 AM ET Jamal Collier Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan hit a buzzer-beating, game-winning 3-pointer for the second consecutive night Saturday, leading the Bulls to a 120-119 road victory over the Washington Wizards, their seventh straight win. DeRozan, who hit a game-winner Friday to defeat the Indiana Pacers, is the first player in NBA history
The Golden State Warriors have made it clear they have no intention of trading their young players to win now, but is that the right decision? After two consecutive years with a postseason appearance, expectations were tempered for this year’s Golden State Warriors. Yet a third of the way through the season, the Warriors have
2:28 PM ET Superstar point guard Luka Doncic is among three Dallas Mavericks who have cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols and are expected to rejoin the team before Sunday’s game in Oklahoma City. Shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and power forward Maxi Kleber have also cleared the protocols after missing several games because
The Boston Celtics paid tribute to NBA legend Sam Jones on Friday afternoon. Jones passed away at 88 years old. Only Bill Russell has more championships than Jones, who retired with 10. Jones died on Thursday and the Celtics honored their team legend before their game against the Phoenix Suns with a tribute. “Sam Jones
10:42 AM ET ESPN News Services Sam Jones, a clutch scorer who won 10 titles with the Boston Celtics during their dynasty in the late 1950s and 1960s, has died at the age of 88. Jones died Thursday night in Florida, where he had been hospitalized in failing health, Celtics spokesperson Jeff Twiss said. The
Cincinnati football star Coby Bryant will honor the late Kobe Bryant during the Cotton Bowl. Ahead of the biggest game of his life, Cincinnati football player Coby Bryant will pay tribute to the person he was named after, honoring the late Kobe Bryant during the Cotton Bowl. No. 4 Cincinnati may be the last undefeated team
3:56 AM ET LOS ANGELES — If 2022 goes anything for the Los Angeles Lakers like LeBron James‘ first game since turning 37, L.A. could have big things in store. James scored a season-high 43 points in just 29 minutes in the Lakers’ 139-106 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, dominating the action from the
Nov 7, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio (3) celebrates after scoring a three-pointer against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports Tennessee fans think Purdue players are faking injuries in Music City Bowl by Mark Powell The Cleveland
7:57 PM ET Jamal Collier After Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer, a one-legged heave as the clock expired to lead the Bulls to a 108-106 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday afternoon, he stood several steps behind the 3-point line and raised both arms in the air.