Basketball news

• Open Thread: Stephen A. Smith goes on a rant regarding Kawhi Leonard

  31-10-2026 12:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Feb 16, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Team Lebron forward Kawhi Leonard of the Toronto Raptors (2) speaks during the NBA All-Star Media Day at Bojangles Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports With a rash of injuries plaguing the league early, many key players are out. Whether temporarily or long term, teams have been effected. One of those teams is the Toronto Raptors.Now, in the second week of league play, Kawhi Leonard has been sidelined from swelling and fluid buildup in his
  
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• Kawhi Leonard receives treatment for knee swelling, out at least 1 more week for Raptors

  04-11-2026 01:11 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Kawhi Leonard is on the mend for the Toronto Raptors, but still some distance from returning to the court.The Raptors announced Tuesday that Leonard has “successfully completed treatment to address left knee swelling” and has begun his return to play process in Toronto. The team will provide another update on his progress in a week.The exact nature of the treatment is unknown.Leonard has played only two games this season due to a knee injury, with his timetable set at three to four weeks in
  
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• Even Luka Dončić’s teammates are amazed by the scoring run he’s on to start the season

  03-11-2026 23:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three-point basket during the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on November 02, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images Through seve
  
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• Dumont family takes controlling ownership of Mavericks after purchasing shares from Miriam Adelson

  03-11-2026 22:41 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Sivan and Patrick Dumont are now the controlling owners of the Dallas Mavericks. The Dumonts purchased Miriam Adelson’s shares of the Mavericks last month, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, which made them the controlling owner of the team with a 69% ownership share. Though she has sold her shares to the Dumonts, Adelson is still very much connected to the Mavericks. Patrick Dumont, who has served as the Mavericks’ governor since the families purchased the team from Mark Cuban in 2023, is
  
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• Player Grades: Knicks 103, Nets 90

  03-11-2026 22:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 2: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on November 2, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | N
  
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• Fun, flowing, not yet flawless: Lakers' league-best offense still has room to improve

  03-11-2026 22:04 via sports.yahoo.com
  Austin Reaves described it as “fun.” Luka Doncic called the Lakers’ effortless-looking offense as “flowing.” And this is still the early stages of development for a team that brought in nine new players.Through eight games, the Lakers have the most dynamic offense in the NBA. Led by Doncic, the Lakers are second in scoring with 122.5 points per game and first in offensive rating with 121.9 points per 100 possessions. The starting lineup of Doncic, Reaves, Walker Kessler, Ziaire William
  
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• Seven players have 2027-28 rookie contract options declined

  03-11-2026 21:48 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Missing in the first round of an NBA Draft is a setback in team building, but for seven teams this year it was better to accept the pain now rather than keep the player around for the final year of their rookie deal.Seven players did not have their rookie-scale team options for the 2027-28 season picked up, the deadline was Monday. Those players are (via Keith Smith of Spotrac), in order of most to least expensive deals declined:• Tidjane Salaun, Charlotte Hornets ($10.4 million)
  • Cody Will
  
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• Giannis Antetokounmpo had very high praise for Luka Dončić after Lakers win over Heat

  03-11-2026 21:47 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 2: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo #7 of the Miami Heat on November 2, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Gett
  
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• Boston Celtics Daily Links 11/3/26

  03-11-2026 21:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE
  
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• Why Luka Doncic is among great scorers — of all time

  03-11-2026 21:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  It’s easy to overlook what Luka Dončić is doing.He’s so good it’s almost hard to see it. He has been putting up video game numbers for so long that we’re almost inured to them in the same way our olfactory senses stop responding to a constant smell. But Giannis Antetokounmpo slapped us out of our slumber following Dončić’s fourth 40-point performance in five days in the Lakers’ 138-117 win over the Heat on Monday. “Obviously he’s one of the best scorers to ever play thi
  
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• Rockets top NBA power rankings for the week

  03-11-2026 20:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Toyota Center on November 02, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Houston Rockets are off to a red-hot start, leading the NBA with a 7-1
  
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• Former Arizona wing Dalen Terry signs with Thunder

  03-11-2026 20:42 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NEW YORK, NY - MAY 4: Dalen Terry #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round Two Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nath
  
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• Warriors keep winning, examining the new-look Mavs + saluting the Valkyries & Dream

  03-11-2026 19:06 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Subscribe to The Dunker SpotApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeWe have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!On the NBA side, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones bounce around the league with thoughts and observations from this weekend! Salutes are in order for the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks, as well as players ranging from superstars like Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum, to stars-in-their-roles like Paul Reed and Neemias Queta.On the WNBA side, the guy
  
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• Phoenix is falling behind, and there’s no room for another slow start

  03-11-2026 19:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Nov 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) bites his shirt during a Golden State Warriors free throw during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect There are plenty of things in life that give people anxiety. For me, it’s being late. Or even the threat of being late. Perhaps it’s the military man in me, somebody who made the mistake of showing up late to formation during basic train
  
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• Adou Thiero ‘trending in the right direction,’ could return from knee injury by end of week

  03-11-2026 18:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images After garnering conside
  
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• Ty Jerome is on a Linsanity-esque run, but here's why his MVP-level scoring isn't that big of a surprise

  03-11-2026 18:46 via CBS Sports Headlines
  
  The Grizzlies guard has been a per-minute monster going back to his breakout year in Cleveland
  
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• Submit your questions for The Pindown

  03-11-2026 18:43 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast to discuss everything Pistons. Submit your question in the comments section here or on Twitter to @TheRealWesD3 and/or @RobbieBettelon. If you’re on BlueSky, you can also send to @RobbieBettelon.bksy.social.Join us live Saturday afternoon as Wes and Robbie discuss the beginning of the Pistons’ season. What questions would you like to add to the show?Plus, The Pindown has a phone line where yo
  
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• 'We don’t have enough time to recover': Is the NBA game outpacing the players?

  03-11-2026 18:09 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Standing near half-court with a towel draped over his shoulders, Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein attempted to drum up encouragement for his rookie deputy Aday Mara as he approached the bench. Teammates Micah Peavy and Bennett Stirtz waited to do the same, while occasionally tilting their heads back at the jumbotron, which flashed a deficit of nearly 20 points. Veteran guard Alex Caruso, dressed in street clothes, could only clap his hands in hopes of bringing a jolt of energy that simply would
  
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• 'We don't have enough time to recover:' Is the NBA game outpacing the players?

  03-11-2026 18:09 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Standing near half-court with a towel draped over his shoulders, Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein attempted to drum up encouragement for his rookie deputy Aday Mara as he approached the bench. Teammates Micah Peavy and Bennett Stirtz waited to do the same, while occasionally tilting their heads back at the jumbotron, which flashed a deficit of nearly 20 points. Veteran guard Alex Caruso, dressed in street clothes, could only clap his hands in hopes of bringing a jolt of energy that simply would
  
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• Three notable decisions from NBA's rookie-scale extension deadline: Thunder seemingly give up on lottery pick

  03-11-2026 17:54 via CBS Sports Headlines
  
  The Thunder appear ready to move on from Nikola Topić, while the Hornets did not extend a former top-six pick
  
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• Bucks Reacts Survey: Are the Milwaukee Bucks too nice?

  03-11-2026 17:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks talks to Myles Turner #3 against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bucks 139-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images Welcome t
  
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• ‘I'm finding my footing': Jaylen Brown's role taking shape with Sixers

  03-11-2026 17:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  ‘I'm finding my footing': Jaylen Brown's role taking shape with Sixers originally appeared on NBC Sports PhiladelphiaJaylen Brown has spent the opening weeks of the season describing the Sixers as a work in progress.He offered a similarly humble perspective Monday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena. His performance, however, provided the clearest look yet at how he can influence this group while sharing the floor with the club’s other established stars.Brown finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds a
  
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• Q&A with Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond, talking Yaxel Lendenborg, LeBron, Jokic, Game Pulse

  03-11-2026 17:34 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mitch Richmond is NBA history personified: NBA champion, Rookie of the Year, five-time All-NBA, six-time All-Star and Hall of Famer. For many fans, he is best remembered as part of the legendary Run TMC era of the Golden State Warriors, with Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullin.Before sitting down for an interview with NBC Sports, Richmond was interacting with fans on the NBA App through Game Pulse. For those unfamiliar, Game Pulse combines a live court visualization with highlights and advanced statis
  
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• Q&A with Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond, talking Yaxel Lendeborg, LeBron, Jokic, Game Pulse

  03-11-2026 17:34 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mitch Richmond is NBA history personified: NBA champion, Rookie of the Year, five-time All-NBA, six-time All-Star and Hall of Famer. For many fans, he is best remembered as part of the legendary Run TMC era of the Golden State Warriors, with Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullin.Before sitting down for an interview with NBC Sports, Richmond was interacting with fans on the NBA App through Game Pulse. For those unfamiliar, Game Pulse combines a live court visualization with highlights and advanced statis
  
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• Steph Curry’s historic streak ends at worst possible time in Warriors thriller

  03-11-2026 17:29 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry had stepped to the foul line 50 times this season with the same result. Swish. Bottom of the net. Put a point on the board.So, when he was fouled with the Warriors leading by two and less than six seconds left Monday night against the Suns, the game had to be as good as over … right?Well, eventually.Only after Curry clanked a free throw for the first time this season. Dillon Brooks grabbed the rebound and passed it ahead to Collin Gillespie, who got off a last-
  
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• Thunder sign Dalen Terry out of G League to provide depth at forward

  03-11-2026 17:17 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Needing perimeter depth after a series of injuries, the Oklahoma City Thunder reached into the G League and signed Dalen Terry of the Santa Cruz Warriors to a standard two-year contract, although the second year is non-guaranteed, a story broken by ESPN’s Shams Charania and confirmed by other reports.Terry, a 6'6" defense-first wing, was the No. 18 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Arizona. He played three-and-a-half seasons with Chicago before being traded at last February's deadline to New Y
  
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• Luka Doncic reveals intentions for off-day after another 40-burger in Lakers win

  03-11-2026 17:14 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Luka Doncic was proud of the Lakers’ performance thus far this week.“It’s not bad. Now we got two wins in a row right here, so it’s a great start,” he said. Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on November 2, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty ImagesDoncic then added what he planned to do after the Lakers improved to 6-2 with a win over the Heat Monday night. “Play some golf,” Doncic said
  
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• Deuce's Deep Dives: Kings' Darius Acuff Jr., rookies making early NBA impacts

  03-11-2026 17:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Deuce's Deep Dives: Kings' Darius Acuff Jr., rookies making early NBA impacts originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay AreaOne of the biggest storylines heading into the 2026-27 NBA season was the talented rookie draft class, and they have not disappointed through the first few weeks. Five rookies currently are averaging over 17 points per game, and a number of top draft picks are having immediate impacts on their teams.AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick, is averaging 19 points per game for an imp
  
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• Thunder sign former Bulls first-round pick off Warriors G-League roster

  03-11-2026 16:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 07: Dalen Terry #21 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the second half of the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 07, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) | Getty Images After a series of injuries depleted the
  
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• NBA Bracketology: Projecting the full 20-team postseason field as Knicks, Thunder take steps back

  03-11-2026 16:50 via CBS Sports Headlines
  
  We have a long way to go in the 2026-27 NBA season, but it's never too early to wonder what the playoff field might look like ... right?
  
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