The Washington Wizards are ready to flip the monthly calendar over.  The Wizards ensured they fin...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/15" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/15">Washington Wizards</a> are ready to flip the monthly calendar over.</p><p>The Wizards ensured they finished November with an 0-14 record following Saturday's 124-114 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, marking the first time the franchise has failed to record a single win in the traditional first full month of the NBA regular season.</p><p>Washington mustered just two victories during the same timeframe last season but played an extra game. Its previous franchise-worst record in the month was a 1-12 mark in 2012-13. The Wizards went 29-53 under head coach Randy Wittman that season in what was also Bradley Beal's rookie campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Wizards' worst Novembers by year</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Season</th>
<th>Record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2024-25</td>
<td>0-14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2012-13</td>
<td>1-12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023-24</td>
<td>2-13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2008-09</td>
<td>2-11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1961-62*</td>
<td>2-10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*playing as the Chicago Packers in their inaugural season</em></p><p>(Courtesy: <a href="https://stathead.com/sharing/8PTtb">Stathead</a>)</p><p>Washington also went 0-12 in December 2023 and lost all 12 games in February 2024 as part of a franchise-worst 16-game losing streak. Those are the only other times in franchise history in which the Wizards failed to record a win in a single calendar month with at least five games - they went winless in April 2019, but in the final four games of the 2018-19 regular season.</p><p>Washington's current 14-game skid is now the second-longest losing streak in franchise history. The team also lost 16 consecutive matchups in March 2010 but salvaged the month somewhat by beating the then-New Orleans Hornets on March 31.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 26: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half in the Emirates NBA Cup at Capital One Arena on November 26, 2024 in Washington, DC.

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Lost month: Wizards go winless in all 14 November games

The second annual in-season tournament resumed Friday with 10 games in group play. For an explana...

<p><em>The second annual in-season tournament resumed Friday with 10 games in group play. For an explanation of how the tourney works, tap <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba-cup-101">here</a>.</em></p><p>To see what happened during Tuesday's action, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125553" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125553">here</a>.</p><h3>Friday's results</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Knicks</strong> 99-98 Hornets</li>
<li>Cavaliers 101-117 <strong>Hawks</strong>
</li>
<li>Pelicans 109-120 <strong>Grizzlies</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Magic</strong> 123-100 Nets</li>
<li>Clippers 92-93 <strong>T-Wolves</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Pistons</strong> 130-106 Pacers</li>
<li>Raptors 111-121 <strong>Heat</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Celtics</strong> 138-129 Bulls</li>
<li>
<strong>Thunder</strong> 101-93 Lakers</li>
<li>Kings 106-115 <strong>Blazers</strong>
</li>
</ul><p>Check out our <a href="thescore:///nba/scores">NBA scores page</a> for box score recaps for each game and the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for group standings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Top performers</h3><p><strong>Franz Wagner (Magic):</strong> Orlando has relied on Wagner during Paolo Banchero's absence, and he's delivered beyond expectations. The Magic wing recorded 29 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists over the Brooklyn Nets, helping the squad improve to 11 wins over their last 12 games. He and Banchero together amount to a formidable threat in the Eastern Conference.</p><p><strong>Payton Pritchard (Celtics): </strong>The reserve guard provided a spark during the fourth quarter, scoring 19 of his 29 points to push Boston past the Bulls. Pritchard <a href="https://x.com/statmuse/status/1862699419352932475">added</a> to an increasingly sizeable league lead in bench points with 296, further cementing his early case for Sixth Man of the Year. He also led the team with four offensive rebounds.</p><p><strong>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): </strong>The Oklahoma City maestro was too much for the Lakers in one of his best all-around games of the season: 36 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals, and a block for good measure. Though his threes weren't falling (3-of-10), he was methodical in putting the defending NBA Cup champs away late, including a <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1862729412531073301">dagger</a> trey with just over a minute-and-a-half left that sucked the life out of the L.A. arena.</p><h3>Highlight of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JAYLEN BROWN POSTER TIME 😱😱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmiratesNBACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmiratesNBACup</a> 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/gH7u1Amy8q">pic.twitter.com/gH7u1Amy8q</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1862691523151732777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Celtics star Jaylen Brown added to his ever-growing collection of memorable posters with a dunk on Bulls big man Jalen Smith, who unfortunately stood no chance in contesting the monstrous one-handed slam.</p><h3>Tweet of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Okay this is too funny Scottie Barnes 💀 <a href="https://t.co/YUXkvLMDEV">pic.twitter.com/YUXkvLMDEV</a></p>— Pensare Basketball (@PensareBBall) <a href="https://twitter.com/PensareBBall/status/1862669113614651769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Forward Scottie Barnes had a comical reaction after earning a technical foul less than five minutes into the Raptors' loss to the Heat, mimicking crew chief Tre Maddox's signal. Barnes clearly didn't agree with the call.</p><h3>Stat of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Pistons are now up to 9 wins for the season.<br><br>It took them until the end of February to get to 9 wins last season. <a href="https://t.co/awZ6M54gbt">pic.twitter.com/awZ6M54gbt</a></p>— StatMuse (@statmuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1862704096261939491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Exactly how much better have the Pistons been compared to last season? With Saturday's trouncing of the Pacers, they're now <em>three</em> months ahead of their winning pace from 2023-24. They didn't get win No. 9 last season until Feb. 27 - their last game of that month.</p><h3>What's next</h3><p>The Atlanta Hawks won East Group C, becoming the first team from the conference to qualify for the quarterfinals following their victory over the Cavaliers and the Bulls' loss to the Celtics. </p><p>Meanwhile, the defending champion Lakers aren't <em>officially</em> eliminated but it's not looking great for JJ Redick &amp; Co. They can no longer finish atop West Group B, and their odds of advancing via the wild card are almost impossible with eight other teams now above them in the pecking order.</p><p><em>Tap the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for the latest group standings.</em></p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during a Emirates NBA Cup game on October 22, 2024 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 2024 NBAE

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NBA Cup roundup: Hawks advance, SGA dents Lakers' hopes

Munich police revoked the driving license of Bayern Munich defender and Canada's men's national t...

<p>Munich police revoked the driving license of Bayern Munich defender and Canada's men's national team captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/69320" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/69320">Alphonso Davies</a> for one month for driving under the influence of alcohol, report <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5957096/2024/11/29/alphonso-davies-drink-driving-bayern-munich/">Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, Mario Cortegana, and Joshua Kloke of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Davies reportedly returned a breathalyzer reading of 0.6 grams of alcohol per liter after being stopped by police early Thursday morning. In Germany, a reading of 0.5 grams is the standard legal limit, the exceeding of which is punishable by a minimum €500 fine, two demerit points, and a one-month driving ban for a first offence.</p><p>Davies was fined an undisclosed amount and received a two-point penalty but was not arrested, according to The Athletic. A friend reportedly drove the car home after the interaction with police.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Canadian international has started in all 15 games he's played for both club and country dating back to Bayern's 9-2 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb on Sept. 17. In that span, the German club has registered 10 wins and nine clean sheets. He's again expected to be named in the starting XI against Borussia Dortmund in Saturday's Der Klassiker.</p><p>Though he was initially called up for both legs of Canada's Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal earlier in November against Suriname, he was replaced in the 23-man squad by Sam Adekugbe as a "precautionary measure due to physical fatigue." Davies is likely to return to the fold for the semifinal against Mexico on March 20.</p>

MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 29: Alphonso Davies of FC Bayern München looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Bayern München and F.C. Copenhagen at Allianz Arena on November 29, 2023 in Munich, Germany.

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Report: Davies receives 1-month driving ban in Germany for DUI

Anthony Edwards delivered a critical self-assessment of his Minnesota Timberwolves after they dro...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> delivered a critical self-assessment of his Minnesota Timberwolves after they dropped to 8-10 with Wednesday's 115-104 loss to the Sacramento Kings.</p><p>"We've been trying to figure this out for the whole year, man," Edwards said postgame when asked about the team making defensive adjustments moving forward, according to <a href="https://x.com/SneakerReporter/status/1861988649941831722">SneakerReporter.com's Travis Singleton</a>. "We thought defense was our identity and it's not looking like it at all. Our identity right now ... I think is, we soft as hell as a team. Internally. Not to the other team. But internally, we soft.</p><p>"We can't talk to each other. Just a bunch of little kids. Just like we're playing with a bunch of little kids, like the whole team. We just can't talk to each other. And we got to figure it out, man, because we can't go down this road."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Timberwolves lost Wednesday's home matchup despite taking a 12-point lead - their largest of the game - with a little over seven minutes to play in the fourth quarter. From that moment on, Sacramento outscored Minnesota 29-6 on 11-of-12 shooting and went 6-of-7 from three. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, shot 3-of-14 in the final 7:17, with Edwards missing three attempts from distance while going 2-of-7 from the field. The 23-year-old and Julius Randle were the only players in Chris Finch's squad to convert a field goal in the second half of the final frame.</p><p>Fans at the Target Center booed for the second straight night, the meaning of which wasn't lost on Edwards.</p><p>"The fans f------ booing us. That shit is crazy, man," he said, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/JonKrawczynski/status/1861994741019083206">The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski</a>. "We're getting booed in our home arena. That's so f------ disrespectful, it's crazy."</p><p>The Timberwolves will have the opportunity to make it up to their fans in their next two games, when they host the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers on Friday and Monday, respectively.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 27, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Edwards slams T-Wolves after loss to Kings: Our identity is 'soft as hell'

Notre Dame guard Markus Burton will be sidelined on a week-to-week basis after sustaining a knee ...

<p>Notre Dame guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110378" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110378">Markus Burton</a> will be sidelined on a week-to-week basis after sustaining a knee injury in Tuesday's overtime loss to Rutgers, the school announced.</p><p>The ACC's reigning Rookie of the Year went down in the opening minutes of Tuesday's contest after making his first and only shot of the game. Rutgers big Emmanuel Ogbole attempted to block the Notre Dame star on the restricted-area attempt but missed and fell on Burton's right leg.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZXHCY1O4wQ8?si=k8G-NGFcl6ZpDGKN" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Burton limped off the court and was promptly ruled out for the remainder of the matchup. He eventually returned to the bench but was not in uniform and had his right leg on a chair.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Fighting Irish wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96672" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96672">Matt Allocco</a> scored 24 points to help Notre Dame take the Scarlet Knights to overtime without its star point guard. However, after Rutgers took a one-point lead on a free throw by five-star recruit <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162652" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162652">Dylan Harper</a> with 11 seconds left, Allocco missed a running three at the buzzer in the extra frame, cementing the Scarlet Knights' 85-84 win.</p><p>"I couldn't be more proud of how my teammates competed following my injury, and I know they will pick me up and continue to play well," Burton said in a statement Wednesday. "I look forward to supporting them in any way possible.</p><p>"As in everything I do in basketball, I will attack my rehab and give it my best to get back on the floor at full strength as soon as possible."</p><p>The 5-foot-11 guard was averaging 21.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals in five games leading up to Tuesday.</p>

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 19: Markus Burton #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish brings the ball up court during the game against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Purcell Pavilion on November 19, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana.

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Notre Dame's Burton to miss multiple weeks with knee injury

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis made his first appearance of the season Monday in his te...

<p>Boston Celtics center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a> made his first appearance of the season Monday in his team's 126-94 rout of the Los Angeles Clippers.</p><p>The 29-year-old started and played 23 minutes in the victory. He shot 6-of-12 from the floor but just 1-of-6 from deep, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal.</p><p>He scored his first bucket just a minute into the contest, utilizing a pick-and-pop with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> to open the scoring for Boston with his only trey on the night.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Didn't take long for Porzingis to get on the scoreboard 🔥<br><br>LAC-BOS underway on NBA League Pass!<br>📲 <a href="https://t.co/D0NtZ2fVVi">https://t.co/D0NtZ2fVVi</a> <a href="https://t.co/W9dlS970T2">pic.twitter.com/W9dlS970T2</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1861209595848315059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Porzingis had yet to suit up after undergoing offseason foot surgery.</p><p>"I felt great," Porzingis said of his debut, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42615385/celtics-celebrate-kristaps-porzingis-return-dominant-win">ESPN's Tim Bontemps</a>. "It was a long rehab, and I was itching to get back out there with this team after winning a championship. It was a good beginning, good first game back."</p><p>The 7-foot-2 Latvian sustained a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon in Game 2 of last season's NBA Finals. He missed Games 3 and 4 before returning for the clincher.</p><p>Boston acquired Porzingis from the Washington Wizards in a three-team deal involving fan favorite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24740" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24740">Marcus Smart</a> in June 2023. The Celtics subsequently inked Porzingis to a two-year, $60-million extension.</p><p>Porzingis had a strong debut campaign in Beantown, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 boards, two assists, and 1.9 blocks across 57 appearances.</p><p>The Celtics were without fellow centers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12">Al Horford</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30792" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30792">Luke Kornet</a> due to illness and hamstring tightness, respectively.</p>

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 16: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics smiles as he warms up before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on November 16, 2024 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.

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Porzingis makes season debut in Celtics' blowout win over Clippers

Damian Lillard believes the Milwaukee Bucks are finally trending upward after securing a third st...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> believes the Milwaukee Bucks are finally trending upward after securing a third straight win Friday - the fifth in their last six contests.</p><p>"I think the vibes with our team are high right now, and I think part of it is because we've experienced lows together," Lillard said following Milwaukee's 129-117 NBA Cup win over the Indiana Pacers, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5941919/2024/11/23/giannis-damian-lillard-bucks-pacers/'">The Athletic's Eric Nehm</a>. "Sometimes, when you experience tough times and people are talking about our team and saying all types of stuff about our guys individually, they put you in a situation where it's really just us. It's us, and then it's everybody else.</p><p>"So, when you in a hit together and then you start to come out of it, it's not like we're coming out of it and we're not doing it together. We're doing it together on both sides of the ball, and everybody's getting opportunities."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With the win, Milwaukee improved to 2-0 in the tournament group stage and now sits atop Group B with a plus-26 point differential. The Bucks have also jumped eight spots in the East thanks to their recent turnaround; they had the second-worst record in the conference at 2-8 before beating the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 12 - also for the NBA Cup - but now sit sixth in the East at 7-9.</p><p>Their current three-game winning streak aligns with Lillard's clearance from the NBA's concussion protocol. The eight-time All-Star was out for three straight games, the last of which was Milwaukee's controversial one-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets in which referees admitted they <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3130622" href="https://thescore.com/news/3130622">erred</a> in awarding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93879">LaMelo Ball</a> what amounted to the game-winning free throws.</p><p>Lillard has registered 10 or more assists in all three contests since his return after failing to do so in his first 10 games of the season. Though he's shot just 38.9% from the field during this winning streak, he's been <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>'s most frequent setup man, assisting the Greek star on 10 of his 40 field goals in that stretch.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WI - NOVEMBER 22: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during a Emirates NBA Cup on November 22, 2024 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE .

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Lillard: Bucks' vibes high after 5th win in last 6 games

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic will be re-evaluated in one week after suffering a spraine...

<p>Dallas Mavericks superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> will be re-evaluated in one week after suffering a sprained right wrist in Tuesday's 132-91 NBA Cup win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Mavericks announced.</p><p>The 25-year-old will miss Friday's NBA Cup matchup against the Denver Nuggets. He is also likely to miss back-to-back road games against the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks on Sunday and Monday.</p><p>Doncic had his wrist wrapped while speaking to reporters after Tuesday's blowout victory. He said the discomfort worsened as the game progressed after initially feeling it in the first quarter, though he didn't consider it a serious issue. He played a team-high 30 minutes in the win, scoring 25 points with five rebounds five assists, and three steals.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShamsCharania</a> reports that Luka Dončić will miss "some time" due to a wrist injury. When speaking to the media, he wore a wrap on his wrist. <br><br>Dončić said: "I don't know, honestly. I started feeling it in the first quarter, but then it just got worse, but nothing serious." <a href="https://t.co/HjigHB4mYt">pic.twitter.com/HjigHB4mYt</a></p>— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantAfseth/status/1859617776911999185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The five-time All-Star is averaging 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in 14 games for the 8-7 Mavericks.</p>

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 12: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 12, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Doncic sidelined at least 1 week with wrist sprain

Joel Embiid addressed the Philadelphia 76ers' recent team meeting for the first time Wednesday, t...

<p>Joel Embiid addressed the Philadelphia 76ers' recent team meeting for the first time Wednesday, though not before taking aim at the person who disclosed its details to the public.</p><p>"Whoever leaked that is a real piece of shit," Embiid said after Wednesday's 117-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, according to <a href="https://x.com/Tjonesonthenba/status/1859470288972292519">The Athletic's Tony Jones</a>.</p><p>Monday's closed-door briefing was reportedly initiated by 76ers veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/160" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/160">Kyle Lowry</a> after their loss to the Miami Heat to address the team's poor start to the season. During the private session, 24-year-old guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> reportedly called out Embiid for persistent tardiness that was affecting players and coaches.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We talked about a lot of things," the 76ers center confirmed Wednesday, courtesy of <a href="https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-team-meeting-joel-embiid-tyrese-maxey-grizzlies-20241121.html">The Philadelphia Inquirer's Gina Mizell</a>. "I don't want to get into the details, but that whole thing (with Maxey) probably took 30 seconds. But then again, it's Joel Embiid, so we've got to make everything blown out of proportion.</p><p>"It's whatever. I'll take it all. I'm the reason for everything, so I'll take the blame for everything."</p><p>Embiid and Maxey are the longest-tenured members of the 76ers' roster, with each in their 11th and fifth year, respectively, with the franchise. The two are said to share a close friendship in which they've held each other accountable.</p><p>"That's the relationship we have - nothing malicious," the center said. "I like when people are telling me what I'm not doing good, what I need to do better. Even though that part (being late) maybe happened once or twice, when I wasn't playing … So I need to be better.</p><p>"I need to be perfect. I need to be on point, which I'm going to do. Which I've always done."</p><p>Wednesday's defeat in Memphis was Philadelphia's fifth in a row, dropping the team to 2-12 and extending its ownership of the NBA's worst record.</p><p>It was the first time this season that Embiid, Maxey, and marquee offseason addition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> have played together after injuries sidelined all three at various points over the first month. However, the trio shared just over six on-court minutes before George exited early with a hyperextended left knee - the same injury that caused him to miss the first five games of the campaign.</p>

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 22, 2024 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Embiid: Leaker of 76ers' meeting 'a real piece of shit'

Head coach Will Hardy publicly criticized his Utah Jazz players' defensive approach in Wednesday'...

<p>Head coach Will Hardy publicly criticized his Utah Jazz players' defensive approach in Wednesday's 124-118 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>Hardy, 36, specifically took issue with how his squad defended Lakers rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121679" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121679">Dalton Knecht</a>. The 17th overall pick in this year's draft torched the Jazz with a career-high 37 points on 9-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc, tying the NBA's single-game record for threes by a rookie.</p><p>"In the second half, it seemed like everybody in the gym knew that Dalton Knecht was going to shoot the next shot, with the exception of a few people," Hardy said postgame, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/andyblarsen/status/1859117380787491078">The Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The problem was that those few people were on our team."</p><p>The 23-year-old did most of his damage in the third quarter, going a perfect 6-of-6 from distance and adding three free throws for 21 points in the frame. He was the only Laker to hit multiple threes in the entire second half; <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> both made a single three in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37752" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37752">D'Angelo Russell</a> each missed an attempt in the third.</p><p>Knecht's 37 points tied Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic for the second most by a player against the Jazz this season, trailing only a 49-point outburst by Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox on Saturday. All three performances have come within Utah's last four games.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz looks on while playing the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at Crypto.com Arena on November 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Hardy calls out Jazz's defense during Knecht's hot night

The New Orleans Pelicans are signing free-agent guard Elfrid Payton, his agent told ESPN's Shams ...

<p>The New Orleans Pelicans are signing free-agent guard Elfrid Payton, his agent told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42503275/pelicans-agree-deal-elfrid-payton-agent-says">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.</p><p>Payton last played in the NBA in 2021-22, making 50 regular-season appearances for the Phoenix Suns while averaging three points and two assists. However, the 2014 10th overall pick has more recent familiarity with New Orleans. He signed a training camp deal with the Pelicans this past summer and made two preseason appearances before being waived in mid-October.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>New Orleans is dealing with a litany of injuries and is now 4-11 on the season following Tuesday's 132-91 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.</p><p>Star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a> has been out since Nov. 6 with a left hamstring strain and has yet to be given a return date. The team is also missing starting guards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46143" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46143">Dejounte Murray</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">CJ McCollum</a> due to a broken hand and thigh ailment, respectively. In addition, reserve guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96124" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96124">Jose Alvarado</a> is expected to be sidelined with a strained hamstring until around Christmas.</p><p>The Pelicans have already used 10 different starting lineups in 15 games this season. Tuesday's loss to Dallas was their third game with a starting five of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96095" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96095">Brandon Boston</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12759" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12759">Javonte Green</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44931" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44931">Brandon Ingram</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121684" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121684">Yves Missi</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96120" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96120">Trey Murphy III</a>.</p><p>The team will reportedly waive guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/63234" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/63234">Jaylen Nowell</a> to create a roster spot for Payton.</p><p>Payton, 30, owns career averages of 10.1 points, 5.7 assists, and four rebounds in 500 games across eight seasons. He was teammates with Pelicans head coach Willie Green on the Orlando Magic during his rookie season in 2014-15.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 13: Elfrid Payton #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during a preseason game at Kaseya Center on October 13, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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Injury-hit Pelicans bring back Elfrid Payton

The Los Angeles Lakers are commissioning a statue of Pat Riley, who played for and coached some o...

<p>The Los Angeles Lakers are commissioning a statue of Pat Riley, who played for and coached some of the franchise's greatest squads in the 1970s and '80s.</p><p>"Pat is a Lakers icon," team owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement Monday. "His professionalism, commitment to his craft, and game preparation paved the way for the coaching we see across the league today.</p><p>"My dad (Jerry Buss) recognized Pat's obsession and ability to take talented players and coalesce them into a championship team. The style of basketball Pat and the Lakers created in the '80s is still the blueprint for the organization today: an entertaining and winning team."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The statue is scheduled to be completed in 2026 and will sit in Star Plaza outside the main entrance to Crypto.com Arena. The locale already hosts seven statues of other famous Lakers icons: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Chick Hearn, and Kobe Bryant.</p><p>Riley, now 79 years old and president of the Miami Heat's basketball operations, was behind the bench for the Lakers' Showtime era in the 1980s. He led the organization to four NBA championships in seven seasons and made two other trips to the Finals in that stretch while coaching future Hall of Famers such as Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson, Michael Cooper, and James Worthy.</p><p>He was also an assistant on Paul Westhead's Lakers coaching staff that won the title in 1980.</p><p>In 1988, he became the first coach since Boston Celtics legend Red Auerbach in 1965-66 to win back-to-back titles - fulfilling a guarantee he made a year prior at the Lakers' 1987 championship parade.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XTocQ9obx3o?si=sbmD_ouyGhHuqHDy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Riley also won a championship as a player with L.A. in 1971-72, his second season with the team amid a five-and-a-half-year stint. The shooting guard was the club's most-used reserve in the 1972 Finals against the New York Knicks, playing 16.2 minutes per game and averaging five points in five contests to help the Lakers snap an 18-year championship drought.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 6: Former Laker coach Pat Riley looks on at halftime of a game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 6, 2012 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 2012 NBAE

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Lakers planning Pat Riley statue

The Dallas Wings are the winners of the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery and will select first overall in ...

<p>The Dallas Wings are the winners of the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery and will select first overall in April.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Dallas Wings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Los Angeles Sparks</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Chicago Sky</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Washington Mystics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Golden State Valkyries</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Washington Mystics (via ATL)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>New York Liberty (via PHX)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Indiana Fever</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Seattle Storm</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Chicago Sky (via CON)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Minnesota Lynx</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Phoenix Mercury (via NYL)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Dallas had the 2nd best odds to win the No. 1 pick. It's just the second time the Wings will kick off the WNBA draft.</p><p>UConn superstar Paige Bueckers is widely expected to go first overall. USC forward Kiki Iriafen and Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles are also anticipated to be picked early.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The odds for landing the No. 1 pick are determined by each team's combined record over the last two seasons. The Los Angeles Sparks had a 44.2% chance at winning the lottery thanks to their 25-55 mark across 2023 and 2024. The Dallas Wings and Chicago Sky were both 31-49 over the last two years, placing each at 22.7%. The Washington Mystics, at 33-47, had a 10.4% chance.</p><p>The Las Vegas Aces would have selected 10th, but the league rescinded their 2025 pick in May 2023. A WNBA investigation determined the franchise promised impermissible player benefits during extension discussions with then Aces player Dearica Hamby.</p><p>The 2025 draft will also be the first involving the Golden State Valkyries, the expansion franchise that will begin play next season. The team was awarded the top non-lottery selection at No. 5 but will get an earlier chance to fill out its roster in an expansion draft Dec. 6.</p>

BRISTOL, CT - DECEMBER 10: Aliyah Boston representing the Indiana Fever, Mat and Jaime Ishbia of the Phoenix Merciury, Curt Miller of the Los Angeles Sparks and Noelle Quinn of the Seattle Storm during the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm on December 10, 2023 at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. 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 2023NBAE

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Wings own No. 1 pick after winning WNBA draft lottery

Warning: Story contains offensive language  The NBA fined Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball $10...

<p><em>Warning: Story contains offensive language</em></p><p>The NBA fined Charlotte Hornets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93879">LaMelo Ball</a> $100,000 for making an offensive and derogatory comment following his team's 115-114 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, the league announced.</p><p>Ball made the remark after being asked about how the Hornets defended Giannis Antetokounmpo when the Bucks star missed a pull-up jumper from the top of the key on the last play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Yeah, we loaded up, no homo, but that's what we wanted," Ball <a href="https://x.com/dphoop2425/status/1858231900290052221">said</a> on the live broadcast. "Put the hand up and just live with the results."</p><p>Hornets head coach Charles Lee told reporters Sunday that he spoke with Ball and that the 23-year-old was "very apologetic," per <a href="https://x.com/rodboone/status/1858268994051924048">Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer</a>.</p><p>"I look forward to seeing him grow from this moment, but I definitely did just want to start off by saying we apologize," Lee added.</p><p>Prior to Antetokounmpo's miss, Ball converted two free throws with 7.1 seconds left to put the Hornets up by a point. However, officiating crew chief Curtis Blair <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3130622" href="https://thescore.com/news/3130622">admitted</a> postgame that the referees incorrectly called illegal leg-to-leg contact against Giannis. Bucks coach Doc Rivers told reporters after the loss that he believed "the final play was the ref blowing a call."</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 16: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts to a call during the first half of a basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center on November 16, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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LaMelo fined $100K for derogatory postgame comment

The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards $35,000 for making an obscene on-court ...

<p>The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93912" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93912">Anthony Edwards</a> $35,000 for making an obscene on-court gesture during Friday's 130-126 NBA Cup win over the Sacramento Kings, the league announced.</p><p>The 23-year-old raised his middle finger toward what appeared to be someone in the crowd with 3:15 remaining in the first quarter. The incident occurred as he was being replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121688" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121688">Rob Dillingham</a> after Edwards committed an offensive foul.</p><p>Edwards wasn't whistled for a technical foul, though it's unclear if officials noticed the gesture. Washington Wizards forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37799" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37799">Kyle Kuzma</a> was fined $15,000 for a similar incident in December 2019 when he flipped off a fan behind him after hitting a corner 3-pointer. Kuzma was also not assessed a technical foul.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's Edwards' first fine of the season but his second in 2024. He was hit with a $40,000 penalty for criticizing officials over a perceived lack of foul calls during a 107-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 29.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 15, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Edwards fined $35K for middle-finger gesture vs. Kings

The Memphis Grizzlies were the only franchise to communicate genuine interest in selecting Zach E...

<p>The Memphis Grizzlies were the only franchise to communicate genuine interest in selecting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121683" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121683">Zach Edey</a> before taking him ninth overall in the 2024 draft, according to the 7-foot-4 center.</p><p>"They were the only team that was really vocal about their interest in me," Edey told <a href="https://athlonsports.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/zach-edey-rookie-potential">Mark Medina of Athlon Sports</a>. "They've been in touch with me for a while. But it was weird with how the whole thing went."</p><p>The 22-year-old rookie also revealed he never worked out for the organization.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Edey was named the national college player of the year in back-to-back seasons, but his draft projections fluctuated due to questions surrounding how his game would translate to the NBA.</p><p>The former Purdue star was an interior force for the Boilermakers, averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks as a senior last season before leading the school to the NCAA Tournament final, where it fell to UConn. However, he was never required to stretch the floor, a near necessity in today's NBA. He attempted just two threes in college, both of which were in his senior year, and made one.</p><p>He acknowledged at the draft combine he needed to "re-establish" himself in the NBA after a successful stint in college. He's acclimated well, averaging 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds while starting in nine of 12 games for the Grizzlies, who are 7-5 after three weeks.</p><p>Edey insists he doesn't pay attention to critics who've doubted he can adapt to the NBA.</p><p>"I'm focusing on trying to do what Coach (Taylor) Jenkins said and am focusing on making an impact. I wasn't worried about how my game would translate or how this and that was going to work."</p><p>Edey leads all rookies in rebounding while ranking third in scoring behind Philadelphia 76ers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121672" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121672">Jared McCain</a> (13.5 points per game) and the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/11">Atlanta Hawks</a>' No. 1 selection <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121714" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121714">Zaccharie Risacher</a> (11.7). Despite totaling just 90 field-goal attempts - seventh among rookies - his 56 makes are the most among first-year players.</p>

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 28: Zach Edey #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum on October 28, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Edey: Grizzlies were only team vocal about draft interest

Luka Doncic took onus for a late defensive error that allowed Utah Jazz forward John Collins to s...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> took onus for a late defensive error that allowed Utah Jazz forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45122">John Collins</a> to score a wide-open game-winning dunk with six seconds left Thursday.</p><p>"That was a misunderstanding," the Dallas Mavericks star said after the 115-113 loss Thursday, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/MikeACurtis2/status/1857281821870018823">Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News</a>. "I thought I was gonna go hit and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96039" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96039">(Quentin) Grimes</a> thought he was gonna go hit. ... We misunderstood the bench. That's on me."</p><p>With the game tied at 113, Collins drifted behind Doncic and found himself wide-open under the basket, setting up an easy find for Jazz guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6245" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6245">Jordan Clarkson</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/EhOcCAyPgc">pic.twitter.com/EhOcCAyPgc</a></p>— SendDaVideo (@SendDaVideo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SendDaVideo/status/1857279122994507806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Doncic and Grimes both appeared to be shadowing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60062" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60062">Collin Sexton</a> on the 3-point line. Center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110268" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110268">Dereck Lively</a>, himself watching <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53404" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53404">Lauri Markkanen</a>, couldn't rotate over in time to stop Collins' go-ahead slam.</p><p>"Communication. There was a lapse there," head coach Jason Kidd <a href="https://x.com/MikeACurtis2/status/1857286359800746041">said</a> when asked about the play. "It happens, and they took full advantage of it. We gotta be better."</p><p>Dallas had one last opportunity to save itself on the final possession. However, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/94259" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/94259">Naji Marshall</a> overshot a 3-point attempt at the buzzer, cementing a four-game skid that puts the Mavs at 5-7 this season. They're now five games back of the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 14: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on November 14, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Luka takes blame for defensive gaffe in Jazz's game-winner over Mavs

Karl-Anthony Towns shouldered responsibility for the New York Knicks' narrow 124-123 defeat to th...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37817" href="/nba/players/37817">Karl-Anthony Towns</a> shouldered responsibility for the New York Knicks' narrow 124-123 defeat to the Chicago Bulls after going 4-of-8 from the free-throw line during a season-high 46-point performance.</p><p>"Today was a disappointing display of free-throw shooting by me," he told reporters postgame, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/sny_knicks/status/1856914468296360216">SNY</a>. "Even if it was in and out, I expect to make them all.</p><p>"You look back at the game, especially when you don't come out with a win in a tough game like this, you look at everything that you could have done in the mirror - you make some of those free throws, at least two or three (of) them, and you put your team in a different position."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Towns returned to the court postgame to put up shots from the line.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KAT, jersey ripped, still on Garden floor shooting free throws<br><br>Scored 46 <br><br>4-8 from line<br><br>Lost game by 1 <a href="https://t.co/Qv18qR8FlD">pic.twitter.com/Qv18qR8FlD</a></p>— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA_NewYork/status/1856900000271192540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Knicks trailed by as many as 22 points in the third quarter Wednesday but went ahead by three early in the fourth when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30695" href="/nba/players/30695">Josh Hart</a> hit a difficult layup over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5094">Nikola Vucevic</a> to make it 97-96 - their first lead since the first quarter.</p><p>Towns was instrumental in keeping New York close down the stretch. He scored 17 of his 46 points in the final frame on 7-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-5 from distance. However, he converted just one of three attempts from the charity stripe in the quarter: a technical free throw immediately after Hart's layup. Towns then missed his only other two attempts in the frame after a shooting foul by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96131" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96131">Josh Giddey</a> with the Knicks down one midway through the quarter.</p><p>New York held a two-point lead with 4.6 seconds left after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45223" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45223">Jalen Brunson</a> maneuvered inside for a floater over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93861" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93861">Patrick Williams</a>. The home crowd's elation was short-lived, though, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69889">Coby White</a> was fouled by Hart on a subsequent 3-point attempt and buried all three of his free throws, putting the Knicks under .500 on the season at 5-6.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts after his team was defeated by the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2024 in New York City.

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KAT rues poor free-throw shooting despite 46 points in loss to Bulls

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes will be re-evaluated in one-to-two weeks after spraining h...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70968" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70968">Jaxson Hayes</a> will be re-evaluated in one-to-two weeks after spraining his ankle in practice Tuesday.</p><p>His absence is likely to exacerbate the Lakers' thin frontcourt depth. Starting center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> continues to battle a foot issue that bothered him last season, and two-way big <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102748" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102748">Christian Koloko</a> is the only other 7-footer on Los Angeles' roster.</p><p>Forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30890" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30890">Christian Wood</a> has yet to play this season due to recurring soreness in his left knee, which extended his absence Tuesday for at least another four weeks. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60415" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60415">Jarred Vanderbilt</a> is also out indefinitely while recovering from offseason surgeries on both feet.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hayes is averaging 6.3 points and 4.6 rebounds through 10 games this season, his second with the Lakers. He's playing 17.5 minutes per game, the most since 2021-22 when he averaged 20 minutes per game with the New Orleans Pelicans.</p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits in front of the Lakers bench during a 116-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on November 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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Lakers' Hayes out at least 1 week with sprained ankle

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<p>New Orleans Pelicans guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96124" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96124">Jose Alvarado</a> is expected to miss six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1856380522773225952">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The Pelicans confirmed Alvarado was diagnosed with a hamstring strain following an MRI, adding he will be re-evaluated in approximately three weeks.</p><p>It's yet another brutal blow for Willie Green's squad, which is already without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69536" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69536">Zion Williamson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2562" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2562">CJ McCollum</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96122" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96122">Herbert Jones</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/46143" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/46143">Dejounte Murray</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110274" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110274">Jordan Hawkins</a> due to injuries.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Alvarado sustained the injury during Monday's 107-105 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. The 26-year-old retreated to the locker room after exiting the third quarter with 7:14 remaining with an apparent leg concern. He eventually returned two minutes into the fourth but then left for good with 7:34 still to play.</p><p>Alvarado is averaging a career-high 10.7 points in 11 games this season, seven of them starts. He's also contributing a personal-best 4.5 assists per game, along with 2.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals, while shooting 40% from beyond the arc.</p><p>New Orleans dropped to 3-8 with Monday's loss and is now tied with the Portland Trail Blazers for the second-worst record in the Western Conference. Several of the Pels' injured stars are also unlikely to return until at least late November; New Orleans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125799" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125799">reportedly</a> believes Williamson's hamstring strain will sideline him for four-to-six weeks, pacing him for a mid-December return.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 11: Jose Alvarado #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans brings the ball up court during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on November 11, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Report: Pelicans' Alvarado out 6 weeks with hamstring injury

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Donald Higney

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