The WNBA announced Monday that the 2025 season will kick off May 16, with a matchup between Caitl...

<p>The WNBA announced Monday that the 2025 season will kick off May 16, with a matchup between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121626" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121626">Caitlin Clark</a>'s Indiana Fever and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121629" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121629">Angel Reese</a>'s Chicago Sky highlighting the first weekend of games.</p><p>The league's regular season will run until Sept. 11 and will be the first campaign in which every team plays 44 contests, up from 40 games this past year.</p><p>The Golden State Valkyries' inaugural contest against the Los Angeles Sparks will feature on Opening Night. The Valkyries are the first WNBA expansion team since 2008.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The league will have a trio of games May 16 before longtime rivals Clark and Reese open their sophomore seasons against each other the following night.</p><p>Reigning champions the New York Liberty also begin their title defense May 17 when they host the Las Vegas Aces.</p><h3>Season openers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th> Away</th>
<th> Home</th>
<th> Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>May 16</td>
<td> Atlanta Dream</td>
<td> Washington Mystics</td>
<td> 7:30 P.M.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 16</td>
<td> Minnesota Lynx</td>
<td> Dallas Wings</td>
<td> 7:30 P.M.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 16</td>
<td> Los Angeles Sparks</td>
<td> Golden State Valkyries</td>
<td> 10:00 P.M.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 17</td>
<td> Chicago Sky</td>
<td> Indiana Fever</td>
<td> 1:00 P.M.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 17</td>
<td> Las Vegas Aces</td>
<td> New York Liberty</td>
<td> 3:00 P.M.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 17</td>
<td> Seattle Storm</td>
<td> Phoenix Mercury</td>
<td> 10:00 P.M.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May 18</td>
<td> Washington Mystics</td>
<td> Connecticut Sun</td>
<td> 1:00 P.M.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The WNBA will hold an expansion draft for the Valkyries on Friday at 6:30 p.m ET. The league's entry draft is scheduled for April 14, with the Dallas Wings expected to select <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/92277" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/92277">Paige Bueckers</a> No. 1 overall.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 1: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky look on during the game on June 1, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka isn't placing any added significance on Sunday's win over th...

<p>Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka isn't placing any added significance on Sunday's win over the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder.</p><p>"I wouldn't say a statement (win)," Udoka told reporters postgame, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42729815/rockets-earn-gritty-win-vs-thunder-close-gap-west">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a>. "It just shows growth on our part. ... Just we're building on last year - the mindset of who we want to be going forward."</p><p>With the game tied and less than a minute to go, Thunder star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> snagged a clutch defensive rebound before Rockets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39256" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39256">Dillon Brooks</a> grabbed the ball from behind, igniting a scuffle between the teams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ROCKETS VS. THUNDER. 🍿<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/IXqvwk69Je">pic.twitter.com/IXqvwk69Je</a></p>— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1863412070592516494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Brooks went on to win the ensuing jump ball that resulted from the play and hit Houston's game-winning two.</p><p>"Tough guy, won the jump ball, playing clutch for us," said Rockets center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a>, per MacMahon. "That was great. That was sweet to see it."</p><p>Houston sits second in the West with a 15-6 record, but seven of its wins have been by a margin of eight points or less.</p><p>Udoka's defensive mentality can largely be credited for the club's tight contests, as the Rockets boast the NBA's second-best defensive rating this season at 104.1, according to <a href="https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask?q=2024-2025+nba+team+defensive+rating+rankings">Statmuse</a>.</p><p>"Hard nose, no bullshit, and he's always telling us not to talk to the other team," Brooks said about Udoka's defensive personality, according to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdfeZF2N1lw">Rocket Fuel</a>. "He's animated, as you can see on that sideline. ... We think on the fly with him, and we make plays."</p><p>Brooks finished Sunday with 16 points and held Gilgeous-Alexander to two points on 1-of-5 shooting in the fourth quarter. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25275" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25275">Fred VanVleet</a> led all scorers with a season-high 38 points, three assists, and two rebounds.</p><p>The Rockets have won three in a row and return to action Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 01: Dillon Brooks #9 of the Houston Rockets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for the ball during the second half at Toyota Center on December 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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UConn head coach Dan Hurley says his team will never compete in a three-game multiple-team event ...

<p>UConn head coach Dan Hurley says his team will never compete in a three-game multiple-team event (MTE) again after going 0-3 at the Maui Invitational and finishing in last place.</p><p>"I'm not doing another three-game MTE again," Hurley told the <a href="https://x.com/joearruda9/status/1863058346917695642">Hartford Courant's Joe Arruda</a>. "Moving forward, we will only play home-and-homes or single-game events ... I don't think I'll ever do a three-game MTE again. There's zero chance I ever do that again."</p><p>No. 2-ranked UConn lost all three games in Maui to unranked schools: Memphis, Colorado, and Dayton. The Huskies had won 17 consecutive games ahead of their loss to Memphis, and a late technical foul on Hurley cost them the game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The game was tied when UConn's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162131" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162131">Liam McNeeley</a> was called for an over-the-back foul that Hurley disagreed with. He <a href="https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/1861178398141239463">berated the referees</a>, earning himself the technical.</p><p>"I had a lot of issues with what went on out there in the game," Hurley said postgame, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/uconn-maui-invitational-dan-hurley-92d757440da71dd18839b65f34989a47">The Associated Press</a>. "That over-the-back call at that point of the game, there was no attempt to block out. There was a player on Memphis that made a half-assed effort to rebound that basketball, and Liam McNeeley high-pointed that rebound. For that call to be made at that point of the game was a complete joke."</p><p>Memphis' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/84685" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/84685">PJ Carter</a> went on to make all four free throws, two for the personal foul and two for the technical to put Memphis ahead for good. </p><p>"It was a jarring week," Hurley told <a href="https://x.com/joearruda9/status/1863056103975821352">Arruda</a>. "It was a humbling week. It knocked us on our butt pretty good."</p><p>The back-to-back national champions snapped their losing streak Saturday with a win over Maryland Eastern Shore. They return to action Wednesday against No. 17 Baylor.</p><p> </p>

HARTFORD, CT - NOVEMBER 30: UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley calls a play during the game as the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks take on the UConn Huskies on November 30, 2024, at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

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Hurley: UConn done with multi-team events after going winless in Maui

De'Aaron Fox's play might be drawing all of the headlines, but it's his demeanor that's receiving...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a>'s play might be drawing all of the headlines, but it's his demeanor that's receiving high praise from head coach Mike Brown.</p><p>"It's amazing how his demeanor is. Tim Duncan was similar to that," the Sacramento Kings bench boss told <a href="https://athlonsports.com/nba/sacramento-kings/deaaron-fox-quietly-enjoying-career-year">Athlon Sports' Mark Medina</a>. "I'm not comparing players now. ... It's just the personality. Tim never got too high; never got too low. But still, there's a competitive nature inside both of them."</p><p>Brown served as a San Antonio Spurs assistant coach during part of Duncan's tenure. He had even more praise for Fox's play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The great ones, they impact it every night, every play," Brown said. "He's getting close. He's heading in that direction. And I think he's going to get there. When he does, that's when you got to look out."</p><p>Fox is currently averaging career highs in points (28.1) and rebounds (4.8) while adding in 5.7 assists and 1.7 steals. He's also shooting 50.4% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc.</p><p>"He's always great. He doesn't let things affect him," Kings center Domantas Sabonis said. "He's the cool one, and I'm the hot head unless he's in there with the refs. But he always comes ready. He's going to show up when it matters most, always. Thankfully, he's on our team."</p><p>Fox, 26, currently has the highest single-game point total this season after he dropped 60 on Nov. 15 in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. That also broke the Kings' franchise record for points in a contest. He followed up that performance with 49 points the next night in a victory against the Utah Jazz.</p><p>However, the Kings are 8-10 and in the midst of a four-game losing streak despite Fox's stellar play. They return to action Wednesday against the Timberwolves.</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on November 25, 2024 in Sacramento, California.

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Kings' Brown: Fox's demeanor similar to Tim Duncan's

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Tuesday's 106-103 NBA Cup victory over the Miam...

<p>Milwaukee Bucks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> missed Tuesday's 106-103 NBA Cup victory over the Miami Heat due to a left knee effusion.</p><p>This was Antetokounmpo's second missed game of the season and his first time missing a Cup contest.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> stepped up in his absence, recording 37 points and 12 assists to help the Bucks win their fifth straight contest. No other player scored more than 13 for Milwaukee.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meanwhile, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> scored 23 points for the Heat, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69689" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69689">Tyler Herro</a> added 18.</p><p>The Bucks have won seven of their last eight games. They went 2-8 through their first 10 matchups but now have a 9-9 record.</p><p>Antetokounmpo was enjoying a great start to his season, averaging a career-high 32.4 points per game to go along with 11.9 boards and 6.4 assists. He's also shooting over 60% from the field (60.8%) for the second time in his career.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 23: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter of a game at Fiserv Forum on November 23, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Giannis misses NBA Cup win over Heat with knee injury

Five-star prospect Chris Cenac Jr., the top-ranked center in the 2025 recruiting class, committed...

<p>Five-star prospect Chris Cenac Jr., the top-ranked center in the 2025 recruiting class, committed to Houston, he told <a href="https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/article/top-10-senior-chris-cenac-jr-commits-to-kelvin-sampson-and-houston-240531906/">247Sports' Eric Bossi</a>.</p><p>The 6-foot-10 big man is ESPN's No. 7 recruit and the No. 1 prospect in the state of Louisiana. With his commitment, he becomes Houston's highest-ranked recruit of the modern era.</p><p>Cenac's stock rose over the summer while playing with Dallas-based YGC on the Puma Pro 16 circuit. He followed that with a strong showing at the USA Basketball U17 minicamp and NBPA Top 100 camp.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He went on to make the U17 national team and helped lead his country to a gold medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 8.9 points and 5.4 rebounds at the tournament.</p><p>Cenac pushed himself into the national top 10 and chose the Cougars over offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, and Tennessee, among others.</p><p>"I just like the coaching staff a lot, I like their plan to develop me and I like coming into a winning program," Cenac said. "I'm looking forward to producing and just helping them win more. But the main thing was development and them being able to get me better so I can be ready for that next level."</p><p>He joins a loaded recruiting class in Houston that features five-star guard Isiah Harwell and four-star guards Kingston Flemings and Bryce Jackson. The Cougars now have the No. 2 recruiting class in the country, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/42629094/houston-lands-c-chris-cenac-jr-highest-ranked-recruit-modern-era">ESPN</a>. </p><p> </p>

Chris Cenac, #11 of the United States of America (USA) in action during the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup - Turkiye 2024 Final match between Italy and the United States of America (USA) at Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul, Turkey on July 7, 2024.

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Houston lands 5-star prospect Cenac

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is targeting a return to action Wednesday against the Orlando Magi...

<p>Chicago Bulls guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53246" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53246">Lonzo Ball</a> is targeting a return to action Wednesday against the Orlando Magic after missing about a month with a wrist sprain, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1861496266649116886">ESPN's Shams Charania and Ramona Shelburne</a>.</p><p>Bulls coach Billy Donovan said Ball is on track to play 15-to-16 minutes barring any setbacks, according to <a href="https://x.com/KCJHoop/status/1861538952911499569">Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson</a>.</p><p>Ball was hurt in Chicago's victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 28. He recorded six points, one rebound, and six assists in 17 minutes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He returned to NBA action this season after missing the last two-and-a-half years with a left knee injury. The 27-year-old appeared in just three games before spraining his wrist.</p><p>The Bulls said Nov. 15 that the former No. 2 overall pick had suffered a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3129634" href="https://thescore.com/news/3129634">setback</a> in his recovery. Ball was struggling to catch passes without pain and he had yet to play against a live defense.</p><p>In his three games this season, the UCLA product is averaging 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 16: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of a preseason game at the United Center on October 16, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: Bulls' Ball targeting Wednesday return vs. Magic

The Atlanta Hawks were fined $100,000 for violating the NBA's player participation policy by hold...

<p>The Atlanta Hawks were fined $100,000 for violating the NBA's player participation policy by holding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a> out of their NBA Cup game win over the Boston Celtics, the league announced Tuesday.</p><p>Atlanta listed Young out for the Nov. 12 contest due to right achilles tendinitis. It's the only game he has missed this season.</p><p>"Following an investigation, including review by an independent physician, the NBA determined that the Hawks held Young out of a game that he could have played in under the medical standard in the policy," the league said.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Young had played in the Hawks' two games prior to the Celtics matchup, logging 41 and 38 minutes, respectively, in a back-to-back set against the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls. Atlanta lost both games.</p><p>The 26-year-old guard missed 28 games last season with a right achilles issue. </p><p>In 17 contests this campaign, Young is averaging 21.9 points and 3.6 rebounds, and he leads the NBA with 11.9 assists per game. The Hawks are 7-11 and have lost three in a row. They next play Wednesday against the 17-1 Cleveland Cavaliers.</p><p> </p>

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 25: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 25, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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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Hawks fined $100K for holding Trae out of NBA Cup game

Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown was fined $35,000 for "aggressively pursuing a game offici...

<p>Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown was fined $35,000 for "aggressively pursuing a game official during live play" in the second quarter of the Kings' loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, the NBA announced Tuesday.</p><p>The incident occurred after the Kings' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110265" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110265">Colby Jones</a> went up for a layup on a fast break but was stopped at the rim by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45002" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45002">Ben Simmons</a>. There was no call on the play despite a lot of contact and Jones ending up out of bounds on the floor. The Nets then took the ball the other way, leading to a three from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110224" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110224">Noah Clowney</a> that put Brooklyn up by 19.</p><p>Brown chased down referee Scott Twardoski to express his frustration with the non-call and earned a technical foul. He got right into Twardoski's face and needed to be pulled away by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53736" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53736">Malik Monk</a>, and his assistant coaches.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aWwLgPaNkyY?si=K1qINSVYqaGWds7U" 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>The Nets' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96032" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96032">Cam Thomas</a> went on to miss the technical free throw, to the delight of Kings fans at Golden 1 Center. However, Brooklyn got the last laugh with a 108-103 victory backed by Thomas' game-high 34 points.</p><p>Brown was fined $50,000 last season for "aggressively pursuing" an official during a Jan. 16 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks and then publicly criticizing the officiating. He brought a laptop to the postgame press conference and showed clips of decisions he disagreed with.</p><p>The Kings are 8-10 this campaign and in the midst of a four-game losing streak. They return to action Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: Head coach Mike Brown of the Sacramento Kings calls out a play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the third quarter in the Emirates NBA Cup at Intuit Dome on November 22, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty

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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama recorded 25 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and th...

<p>San Antonio Spurs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> recorded 25 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and three blocks in Saturday's 104-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors.</p><p>Wembanyama was returning from a three-game absence due to a right knee contusion and played 34 minutes.</p><p>The 20-year-old helped ensure the win with a triple that put the Spurs up six with three minutes left, followed by a block on Warriors guard Lindy Waters III on the next possession.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wemby getting it done on both ends 🔥<br><br>His 3 gives SAS a 10-0 run!<br><br>GSW-SAS | 4Q | NBA League Pass<br>📲 <a href="https://t.co/W3qGY5qtwJ">https://t.co/W3qGY5qtwJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/eMIZ4xF1m6">pic.twitter.com/eMIZ4xF1m6</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1860529905303216272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Spurs held Golden State to 13 points in the fourth quarter while scoring 33.</p><p>Veteran Spurs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6285">Harrison Barnes</a> scored 22 points, while rookie guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a> added 19.</p><p>San Antonio limited Warriors star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> to 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting, including a 3-of-10 mark from deep. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31937" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31937">Andrew Wiggins</a> led Golden State in scoring with 20 points.</p><p>Wembanyama was hurt late in a Nov. 15 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers when the reigning Rookie of the Year banged knees with Anthony Davis. He exited briefly but returned to finish the game after receiving medical attention.</p><p>Entering Saturday, the 7-foot-4 Frenchman was averaging 22.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.7 blocks in his sophomore season while shooting 47.2% from the field and 33.9% from beyond the arc.</p><p>The Spurs won two out of three games without Wembanyama. Defeating the Warriors lifted them above .500 with a 9-8 record.</p><p> </p>

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 23, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photos by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley praised forward Franz Wagner after he had his best outing ...

<p>Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley praised forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96086" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96086">Franz Wagner</a> after he had his best outing of the season in Thursday's 119-118 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>"He's not afraid of big moments, and that's what we've asked him to do," Mosley said Saturday, according to <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/news/orlando-magic-detroit-pistons-game-preview-injury-report-20241123">Dan Savage of NBA.com</a>. "I could not be happier for this team. But for him, who puts in such an amazing amount of work, and to see that fall is just (great)." </p><p>The 6-foot-10 star put up 37 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, and four steals against the Lakers. He recorded four threes, none bigger than his game-winning triple with 2.5 seconds remaining.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FRANZ WAGNER CLUTCH TRIPLE 😱 <a href="https://t.co/Cqfglb8uUE">pic.twitter.com/Cqfglb8uUE</a></p>— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1859840088714170847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>With <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102767" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102767">Paolo Banchero</a> sidelined, Wagner is thriving as Orlando's first scoring option: He's averaging career highs in points (23.2), assists (5.4), rebounds (5.6), and steals (1.7).</p><p>The 23-year-old became the third player in franchise history to record 35-plus points and 10-plus assists in a contest. He joins Penny Hardaway and Tracy McGrady, who each achieved the feat three times.</p><p>The Magic are 7-1 in their last eight games, and Wagner leads the team with 28.1 points and 6.9 assists per contest in that span.</p><p>"He is a young man that wants to do all of the right things by the game of basketball, by his work ethic, by professionalism and by the teammate that he is," Mosley said. "He wants to do all of the right things."</p><p>The Magic sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 10-7 record. They'll look to remain undefeated at home when they clash with the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.</p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 21: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic celebrates a game winning three-point shot against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on November 21, 2024 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.

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Magic coach Mosley: Franz Wagner 'not afraid of big moments'

Bruce Brown went to the media Saturday to assure fans he wants to be a member of the Toronto Rapt...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52805" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52805">Bruce Brown</a> went to the media Saturday to assure fans he wants to be a member of the Toronto Raptors and compete for the city.</p><p>"I know a lot of fans didn't think I played with a lot of energy (last season) and I didn't want to be here," Brown told <a href="https://x.com/SavHamilton11/status/1860385752787394628">Sportsnet's Savanna Hamilton</a>. "That's what I've seen on social media. But I do want to be here. I want to play with these guys."</p><p>The Raptors acquired Brown last season in the deal that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/39061" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/39061">Pascal Siakam</a> to the Indiana Pacers. In 34 games in Toronto, the sixth-year guard averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Over his 33 contests in Indiana, the 28-year-old averaged 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Brown says his health was the reason he didn't play to the best of his abilities last campaign.</p><p>"Last year I didn't look really engaged or not a lot of energy like I (had) on previous teams," Brown added. "It's just because I was playing on one leg."</p><p>The former Miami Hurricane said he chose not to deal with his injury during the season because the Raptors "had so many guys out" during the 2023-24 campaign.</p><p>"That's just not how I'm built. Like if I can go out there and play, I can go out there and play," said Brown, per <a href="https://x.com/SavHamilton11/status/1860385755815649774">Hamilton</a>. "So if I can push through it - it was tough - (and) obviously it didn't look good some of the times. I didn't perform the way I was supposed to."</p><p>Toronto picked up Brown's $23-million team option in the offseason, but he has yet to suit up in 2024-25 after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in September.</p><p>He returned to practice as a full participant on Nov. 20 and will need to ramp up before returning to competition, according to <a href="https://x.com/JLew1050/status/1859297671271547285">TSN's Josh Lewenberg</a>.</p><p>The Raptors are in the midst of a two-game winning streak and sit 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 4-12 record. They take on the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 14: Bruce Brown #11 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on April 14, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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Raptors' Brown: 'I want to play with these guys' 

Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George will miss at least the next two games with a bone bruise in h...

<p>Philadelphia 76ers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> will miss at least the next two games with a bone bruise in his left knee and will be re-evaluated Monday, the team announced.</p><p>George left Wednesday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies early with a hyperextended left knee, the same injury he suffered in the preseason that led to him missing the first five games of the campaign.</p><p>Wednesday's game was the first time the Sixers' new Big Three of George, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> suited up together. It lasted just over 17 minutes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Embiid missed the opening nine contests of the campaign as he rehabilitated a knee injury and served a suspension for pushing a media member. Meanwhile, Maxey returned Wednesday from a six-game absence caused by a hamstring injury.</p><p>The 34-year-old George's production has dropped in all major categories to begin the year. He's averaging 14.9 points, 4.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds in eight games of action. He's also shooting 38.3% from the field and a career-worst 27.8% from three.</p><p>The nine-time All-Star signed a four-year, $212-million max contract with Philadelphia in the offseason.</p><p>The Sixers dropped to 2-12 with Wednesday's loss, remaining dead last in the NBA. Turmoil currently surrounds Philadelphia, as the team <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133387" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133387">reportedly</a> held a meeting in which Maxey called out Embiid for not being on time for team activities. Embiid later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3135058" href="https://thescore.com/news/3135058">called</a> whoever disclosed the details of Philly's team meeting a "piece of shit."</p>

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 15: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 15, 2024 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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76ers' George out next 2 games with knee injury

Golden State Warriors' De'Anthony Melton will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the seaso...

<p>Golden State Warriors' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53030" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53030">De'Anthony Melton</a> will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the season after suffering a sprained ACL, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Melton sustained the injury in a win over the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 12, with the Warriors announcing the following day that the 26-year-old would undergo further testing to determine his recovery timeline.</p><p>"It's obviously terrible news. I feel so bad for De'Anthony. He's such a perfect fit for us, and we were so excited to have him, and he was clearly going to be our starter next to Steph (Curry)," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told <a href="https://apnews.com/article/melton-warriors-knee-surgery-9e896f469ae9b39e5fb13bd62a8f0f2f">The Associated Press' Janie McCauley</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The good news is he's a young guy, and the surgery is pretty routine these days, so he should be able to come back and resume his career really well, but I feel awful for him and bad for us, too."</p><p>The guard appeared in six games this season and missed time earlier in the campaign due to a back injury. Melton averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in his limited action, starting in two contests.</p><p>Melton joined the Warriors this past offseason on a one-year, $12.8-million deal after spending the last two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged a career-high 11.1 points for the Sixers in 2023-24 despite missing 49 contests with a lumbar spine issue.</p><p>With Melton out, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102614" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102614">Lindy Waters III</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37868" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37868">Gary Payton II</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110258" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110258">Brandin Podziemski</a> can expect to see bigger roles in the backcourt. Golden State sits first in the Western Conference at 10-3 and will take on the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 12: De'Anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 12, 2024 at Chase Center in San Francisco, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Warriors' Melton to undergo ACL surgery, miss remainder of season

The Oklahoma City Thunder received some size back in the middle.  Center Isaiah Hartenstein retur...

<p>The Oklahoma City Thunder received some size back in the middle.</p><p>Center Isaiah Hartenstein returned Wednesday, making his season debut off the bench in a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers after the 26-year-old missed the first 15 games of the season with a fractured hand.</p><p>Hartenstein checked into the game with 5:10 remaining in the first quarter and scored his first bucket as a member of the Thunder not long after. He finished with 13 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in 29 minutes of action.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">After rehabbing a left hand injury, Isaiah Hartenstein scores his first points in a Thunder jersey 💪 <a href="https://t.co/eJtrIewQLL">pic.twitter.com/eJtrIewQLL</a></p>— NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1859409128461848669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Hartenstein suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand during a preseason victory over the Denver Nuggets. </p><p>The 7-footer joined the Thunder in the offseason on a three-year, $87-million deal. Hartenstein started in 49 games and averaged 7.8 points, a career-high 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 2023-24, his second campaign with the New York Knicks.</p><p>Hartenstein was a candidate to start at center for the Thunder before the season began, with Chet Holmgren expected to shift to the power forward position. Hartenstein averaged 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in three preseason matchups with Oklahoma City.</p><p>He brings much-needed help to OKC's frontcourt as Holmgren is sidelined with a right hip fracture while Jaylin Williams is out with a hamstring injury.</p><p>The Thunder sit second in the Western Conference at 11-4.</p>

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 15: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets during a NBA pre season game on October 15, 2024 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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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OKC's Hartenstein makes season debut in win over Blazers

Indiana Fever star guard Caitlin Clark won't be competing in the new three-on-three Unrivaled lea...

<p>Indiana Fever star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/121626" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/121626">Caitlin Clark</a> won't be competing in the new three-on-three Unrivaled league during its inaugural season, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/42510300/caitlin-clark-play-unrivaled-league-source-says">ESPN's Michael Voepel</a>.</p><p>Unrivaled announced 34 of the 36 players who will join the six teams Wednesday, with two roster spots left to be filled by wild cards. The players announced include league founders <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/27502" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/27502">Breanna Stewart</a> of the New York Liberty and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/48780" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/48780">Napheesa Collier</a> of the Minnesota Lynx.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/33404" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/33404">Kelsey Plum</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/15247" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/15247">Skylar Diggins-Smith</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/110192" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/110192">Aliyah Boston</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wnba/players/48509" href="https://thescore.com/wnba/players/48509">Marina Mabrey</a> are a few of the other WNBA stars participating. Unrivaled games will take place in Miami beginning Jan. 17.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The total salary pool for the 36 players involved is more than $8 million, with players also receiving equity in the league.</p><p>Clark was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year this past season after being drafted No. 1 overall out of Iowa. In her first season with the Fever, she averaged 19.2 points, a league-leading 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 41.7% from the field and 34.4% from three.</p><p>She brought a great deal of attention to the Fever this past season, as the franchise <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3054174" href="https://thescore.com/news/3054174">reported</a> a 1,193% increase in jersey sales, a 264.6% increase in ticket sales, and a 225% increase in partnerships.</p><p>The Fever finished 20-20 this season before being swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Connecticut Sun. Along with the Rookie of the Year award, Clark was also selected for the All-Star team, the All-Rookie team, and the All-WNBA first team.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

UNCASVILLE, CT - SEPTEMBER 25: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the game against the Connecticut Sun during Round one Game two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on September 25, 2024 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Report: Caitlin Clark won't play in Unrivaled league

The second annual in-season tournament, the NBA Cup, resumed Tuesday with six games in group play...

<p><em>The second annual in-season tournament, the NBA Cup, resumed Tuesday with six games in group play. For an explanation of how the tourney works, including the breakdown of the groups, tap <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba-cup-101">here</a>.</em></p><p>To see what happened during last Friday's action, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125531" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125531">here</a>.</p><h3>Tuesday's results</h3><ul>
<li>Cavaliers 117-120 <strong>Celtics</strong>
</li>
<li>Hornets 115-116 <strong>Nets</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Nuggets</strong> 122-110 Grizzlies</li>
<li>Pelicans 91-132 <strong>Mavericks</strong>
</li>
<li>Thunder 104-110 <strong>Spurs</strong>
</li>
<li>Jazz 118-124 <strong>Lakers</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>Jayson Tatum (Celtics):</strong> Tatum led the charge for the Boston Celtics as they delivered the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old scored 33 points, topping 30 for the ninth time this year. Tatum added 12 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals while going 6-of-10 from downtown. It was also the ninth time Tatum has hit five or more 3-pointers in a game this season, the most by any player in the Association.</p><p><strong>Cameron Johnson (Nets): </strong>Johnson erupted Tuesday for his highest-scoring outburst of the season as the Brooklyn Nets came out on top in a dogfight with the Charlotte Hornets. The North Carolina product poured in 34 points, four assists, five rebounds, and two blocks while shooting an efficient 11-for-20 from the field. The performance was Johnson's first scoring 30-plus points this season and third time as a member of the Nets. The 28-year-old also added six 3-pointers.</p><p><strong>Dalton Knecht (Lakers): </strong>On a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the rookie wing from Tennessee shined the brightest. Knecht scored a career-high 37 points on 9-of-12 shooting from deep, including 21 points in the third quarter. He led the Lakers in scoring, helping L.A. extend its winning streak to six games with a victory over the Jazz. The 23-year-old is quickly establishing himself as one of the important cogs on a veteran team.</p><h3>Highlight of the night</h3><p>Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann was cleared for takeoff when he entered the lane against Brooklyn Nets big man Noah Clowney. One small step from Mann led to one giant leap over the Nets center. The aftermath from the dunk was so vicious that the 23-year-old was assessed a technical foul.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TRE MANN. PUT IT ON A POSTER. 😱 <a href="https://t.co/8sbmWdFIIz">pic.twitter.com/8sbmWdFIIz</a></p>— NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1859063257304093013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Tweet of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reporter: "Joe, why does the NBA Cup matter?"<br><br>Joe Mazzulla: "Who said that?"</p>— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) <a href="https://twitter.com/Marc_DAmico/status/1858998772300407274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Well-known for his pointed quotes, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla can be effortlessly hilarious without even trying. Prior to his team's victory over the Cavaliers, Boston's bench boss questioned a reporter for asking why the NBA Cup matters. Is Mazzulla being serious or having a laugh? We'll never know.</p><h3>Stat of the night</h3><p>Russell Westbrook will go down as the best triple-double getter in NBA history. On Tuesday, he became the first player to record 200 triple-doubles, putting up 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists in the Denver Nuggets' win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Westbrook is 19 triple-doubles ahead of Oscar Robertson, who's No. 2 on the all-time list. The 36-year-old also has 64 more triple-doubles than Nikola Jokic - the closest active player to him in the top 10.</p><h3>What's next</h3><p>The NBA Cup resumes Friday with eight games. Among the most notable is a playoff rematch between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, while Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks visit Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.</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>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass against Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at TD Garden on November 19, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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NBA Cup roundup: Celtics end Cavs' hot start, Russ makes history

The defending champion Boston Celtics handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the seas...

<p>The defending champion Boston Celtics handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the season with a 120-117 victory in NBA Cup action.</p><p>The Celtics ended the Cavs' historic hot start at 15 consecutive wins following <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum's</a> 33-point, 12-rebound performance and the team's 22 3-pointers.</p><p>Boston shot a remarkable 53.7% from beyond the arc, while Tatum led with a team-high six made threes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We were excited for today. ... The (Cavs) been the best team in the league all season, 15-0," <a href="https://x.com/NBAonTNT/status/1859062295810195883">said</a> Tatum postgame. "They came in, and they felt like they were the best team, and we feel like we're the best team. It's all in competition, so we was ready to play today."</p><p>The Celtics opened the game by holding the Cavs to their fourth-lowest scoring quarter of the season, as Cleveland put up just 20 points and went 0-for-6 from deep in the first frame.</p><p>Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said his team's offense was "not great" in the first half. He added that Boston played with "playoff force and physicality," while Cleveland had "regular-season force and physicality."</p><p>"It's not on the players, I think that's game plan too," said Atkinson. "It's a little bit on me, maybe not prepared enough for what they were throwing at us. We adjusted in the second half, but especially that big second quarter that was too much to overcome."</p><p>The Celtics outscored Cleveland 39-28 in that second quarter and knocked down 14 threes in the first half to take a 17-point lead into the break. Cleveland stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring the Celtics 40-28 to cut a deficit that ballooned to 21 down to five.</p><p>"I had no doubt we were going to come back. Credit to Boston, they did what they do," Cavs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44998" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44998">Donovan Mitchell</a> told <a href="https://youtu.be/MnWg_ATPEbM?feature=shared">CLNS Media</a>. "They made a lot of tough shots, made a lot of threes, but for us just continuing to fight, continuing to be that team and we persevered. This is a great test for us, and unfortunately, we didn't get the win."</p><p>The Cavs never got closer than two points from the Celtics, and a clutch lay-up from Tatum late in the fourth sealed the game.</p><p>Mitchell poured in 22 second-half points for Cleveland to finish with 35 points in a season-high 40 minutes of action.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70243" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70243">Darius Garland</a> struggled mightily for the Cavs, posting eight points, seven assists, and two rebounds on 3-of-21 shooting, including 0-for-6 from deep. Injuries also kept key rotation pieces <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24860" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24860">Caris LeVert</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93865" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93865">Isaac Okoro</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44986" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44986">Dean Wade</a> on the sidelines for the club.</p><p>The 15-1 Cavs return to action Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 12-3 Celtics next play Friday against the Washington Wizards in another NBA Cup game.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts to a basket alongside teammate Al Horford #42 against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at TD Garden on November 19, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Tatum, Celtics hand Cavs 1st loss to end historic start to season

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson believes that "everybody is going to be watching" w...

<p>Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson believes that "everybody is going to be watching" when his team puts up their historic 15-0 record against the reigning champion Boston Celtics on Tuesday.</p><p>"I know our guys are anxious, but I know they remember last year," said Atkinson, pointing to when the Celtics eliminated the Cavs in the previous playoffs in the Eastern Conference semifinal.</p><p>"We're going well, they're going well, Boston Garden, what's better than that? This is just great for the league, great for our franchise. We're excited about it."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The last time there was a matchup like this in the NBA was on Jan. 30, 1996, when the Chicago Bulls defeated the defending champion Houston Rockets to extend their win streak to 16 games.</p><p>"We've always wanted to test ourselves against the best," said Cavs big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53393" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a>. "We've always wanted to see where we stand with the best teams in the league, and the day after tomorrow that will be an excellent test for all of us."</p><p>Beyond posting a 16-0 start, Atkinson said he wants to use the next game to measure his team's potential.</p><p>"(Celtics) play a different style with their five out and five shooters, so it's going to be a real test for us," said Atkinson. "We're at that point right now, 15-0, let's test ourselves against the best and see where we stand and see where we got to make adjustments or not make adjustments. It actually comes at the perfect time to give us a good measurement of where we are."</p><p>Cleveland recorded its 15th straight victory by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 128-114 Sunday. The Celtics are coming off an overtime thriller Saturday against the Toronto Raptors in which <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> hit a buzzer-beating three to win the game.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the third quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 15, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 144-126.

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The Washington Wizards got some veteran help in the backcourt Sunday night.  Malcolm Brogdon made...

<p>The Washington Wizards got some veteran help in the backcourt Sunday night.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11101">Malcolm Brogdon</a> made his season debut in Sunday's 124-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons. He scored one point and added two rebounds while shooting zero of four from the field in 22 minutes.</p><p>Brogdon underwent right thumb surgery in October to fix a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3094264" href="https://thescore.com/news/3094264">torn ligament</a>. He hadn't played for the Wizards since they acquired him from the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 2016-17 Rookie of the Year had been out since Feb. 2. He missed the final 33 games last season due to an elbow injury.</p><p>Injuries have plagued the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year his entire career. He's only appeared in 60-plus games three times across eight seasons.</p><p>Brogdon joins a young Washington backcourt that includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121678" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121678">Bub Carrington</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60514" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60514">Jordan Poole</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121677" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121677">Kyshawn George</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110256" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110256">Bilal Coulibaly</a>. The 2-9 Wizards currently sit 13th in the East.</p><p>Brogdon has averaged 15.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds during his career. He previously played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, and Blazers.</p>

WASHINGTON, D.C. - SEPTEMBER 30: Malcolm Brogdon #15 of the Washington Wizards poses for a portrait during NBA media day on September 30, 2024 at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Joseph Luca Casciaro

News Editor

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Donald Higney

Basketball News Editor

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