INSIDER
Suns owner Mat Ishbia says franchise is doing 'excellent.' He's quiet on coach Frank Vogel's future
Read full article: Suns owner Mat Ishbia says franchise is doing 'excellent.' He's quiet on coach Frank Vogel's futureMat Ishbia knows the offseason chatter around the Phoenix Suns is it’s a team with a top-heavy roster, salary cap issues and precious little room to maneuver after a disappointing season.
Devin Booker scores 52 points to lift the Suns over the Pelicans 124-111
Read full article: Devin Booker scores 52 points to lift the Suns over the Pelicans 124-111Devin Booker scored 52 points, the fifth-highest scoring game of his career, to power the Phoenix Suns to a 124-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, bringing them within a game of the Pelicans for the No. 6 playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Warriors' Draymond Green is ejected less than 4 minutes into game against Magic
Read full article: Warriors' Draymond Green is ejected less than 4 minutes into game against MagicGolden State forward Draymond Green was ejected less than four minutes into the Warriors’ game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
Warriors' Draymond Green calls Suns' Jusuf Nurkic 'softy' as players continue feud on social media
Read full article: Warriors' Draymond Green calls Suns' Jusuf Nurkic 'softy' as players continue feud on social mediaGolden State forward Draymond Green and Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic have continued their feud on social media, with Green calling Nurkic a “300-pound softy” three nights after the Warriors beat the Suns on Stephen Curry’s last-second 3-pointer.
Kevin Durant scores 33 points in Brooklyn return, leads Suns to 136-120 victory over the Nets
Read full article: Kevin Durant scores 33 points in Brooklyn return, leads Suns to 136-120 victory over the NetsKevin Durant scored 33 points in his return to Brooklyn, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 136-120 victory over the Nets on Wednesday night.
Draymond Green returns to court against Grizzlies after serving 'indefinite' suspension
Read full article: Draymond Green returns to court against Grizzlies after serving 'indefinite' suspensionGolden State forward Draymond Green has returned to action after missing 16 games as part of a league suspension for striking Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face during a Dec. 12 game.
Kevin Durant says he meant no 'ill will' toward former teammate Draymond Green
Read full article: Kevin Durant says he meant no 'ill will' toward former teammate Draymond GreenGolden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was initially upset at Kevin Durant’s comments about him after he was suspended for slapping Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic last month.
Draymond Green back on the practice floor with Warriors after suspension
Read full article: Draymond Green back on the practice floor with Warriors after suspensionDraymond Green returned to the practice floor in a walk-through scenario with the Golden State Warriors, one day after being reinstated by the NBA following a 12-game suspension.
Draymond Green reinstated from suspension by NBA after missing 12 games
Read full article: Draymond Green reinstated from suspension by NBA after missing 12 gamesDraymond Green has been reinstated by the NBA from his suspension after the Golden State star missed 12 games for hitting Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face on Dec. 12.
James Harden scores his 25,000th point, leads streaking Clippers past slumping Warriors 121-113
Read full article: James Harden scores his 25,000th point, leads streaking Clippers past slumping Warriors 121-113James Harden scored his 25,000th career point in the Los Angeles Clippers' sixth straight victory.
Golden State Warriors stand by Draymond Green, say he'll get help during his indefinite suspension
Read full article: Golden State Warriors stand by Draymond Green, say he'll get help during his indefinite suspensionThe Golden State Warriors believe Draymond Green needs help to curb his long history of rough play.
Warriors star Draymond Green suspended indefinitely by NBA
Read full article: Warriors star Draymond Green suspended indefinitely by NBAGolden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was suspended indefinitely by the NBA on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after he hit Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face and received a Flagrant 2 foul and ejection.
Golden State's Draymond Green ejected again after hitting Jusuf Nurkic in face
Read full article: Golden State's Draymond Green ejected again after hitting Jusuf Nurkic in faceGolden State bad boy Draymond Green was ejected once again on Tuesday night after hitting Jusuf Nurkic in the face while the two were battling for position in the third quarter during a game against the Phoenix Suns.
Nikola Jokic has 21 points, 16 assists, Nuggets hold off Suns 119-111
Read full article: Nikola Jokic has 21 points, 16 assists, Nuggets hold off Suns 119-111Nikola Jokic had 21 points and 16 assists, Reggie Jackson added 20 points and the Denver Nuggets held off the Phoenix Suns 119-111 for a hard-fought victory Friday night.
Booker, Durant lead Suns past Curry and Warriors 108-104 in season opener
Read full article: Booker, Durant lead Suns past Curry and Warriors 108-104 in season openerDevin Booker scored a go-ahead layup with 4:51 remaining followed by a 3-pointer on the way to 32 points, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Golden State Warriors 108-104 on in a back-and-forth season opener for the Pacific Division powerhouses.
Grant hits jumper at buzzer, Trail Blazers top Suns 108-106
Read full article: Grant hits jumper at buzzer, Trail Blazers top Suns 108-106Jerami Grant scored a season-high 30 points, including a baseline jumper at the buzzer, to lift the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers over the Phoenix Suns 108-106.
Simons, Lillard lead unbeaten Blazers past Nuggets 135-110
Read full article: Simons, Lillard lead unbeaten Blazers past Nuggets 135-110Anfernee Simons had 29 points, including seven 3-pointers, and the Portland Trail Blazers won their fourth straight game to start the season with a 135-110 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Lillard has 41 points, Trail Blazers beat Suns 113-111 in OT
Read full article: Lillard has 41 points, Trail Blazers beat Suns 113-111 in OTDamian Lillard scored 41 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Phoenix Suns 113-111 in overtime Friday night for their second straight victory to open the season.
Ayton returns to pace Suns in 111-107 win over Blazers in OT
Read full article: Ayton returns to pace Suns in 111-107 win over Blazers in OTDeandre Ayton had 28 points and 13 rebounds in his return from a non-COVID-19 illness, and the Phoenix Suns held off the Portland Trail Blazers 111-107 in overtime.
Stephen Curry closes in on 3s record as Warriors top Blazers
Read full article: Stephen Curry closes in on 3s record as Warriors top BlazersStephen Curry scored 22 points and moved within nine 3-pointers of tying Ray Allen’s career record, and the Golden State Warriors held off the injury-depleted Portland Trail Blazers 104-94.
Nuggets beat Blazers 147-140 in 2OT, Lillard scores 55
Read full article: Nuggets beat Blazers 147-140 in 2OT, Lillard scores 55Michael Porter Jr.’s 3-pointer with 1:33 left in the second overtime helped the Denver Nuggets squelch an epic comeback by the Portland Trail Blazers with a 147-140 win Tuesday night.
Trail Blazers beat Nuggets 115-95 in Game 4 to tie series
Read full article: Trail Blazers beat Nuggets 115-95 in Game 4 to tie seriesNorman Powell matched his career playoff high with 29 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Denver Nuggets 115-95 on Saturday in Game 4 to even the first-round series.
Jokic scores 38, Nuggets beat Blazers 128-109 to even series
Read full article: Jokic scores 38, Nuggets beat Blazers 128-109 to even seriesNikola Jokic scored 38 points to overcome a 3-point shooting barrage from Damian Lillard and the Denver Nuggets evened the first-round series by beating the Portland Trail Blazers 128-109 in a chippy Game 2.
Lillard scores 30 points as Trail Blazers down 76ers 118-114
Read full article: Lillard scores 30 points as Trail Blazers down 76ers 118-114Anthony scored a season-high 24 points off the bench, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and the Trail Blazers beat the Sixers 118-114 on Thursday night. Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 35 points and nine rebounds, and Ben Simmons added 23 points and 11 boards. “I thought tonight was just one of those games where we felt like we had to win the game,” Anthony said. Trail Blazers: It was the first of a back-to-back for Portland. The Trail Blazers host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
McCollum scores 44 to lift Trail Blazers past Rockets in OT
Read full article: McCollum scores 44 to lift Trail Blazers past Rockets in OT(AP Photo/Steve Dykes)PORTLAND, Ore. – CJ McCollum scored 44 points, including a 3-pointer with 6.3 seconds left that gave the Portland Trail Blazers a 128-126 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Lillard's layup pushed the Blazers ahead 125-123 with 30 seconds left in overtime, but Harden made a 3 to push the Rockets ahead with 15.3 seconds left. Then with 6.3 seconds left, the ball found McCollum again and the Blazers' guard hit another long range shot putting Portland ahead 128-126. After Wood cut the Blazers lead to 123-120 with a layup, Harden tied the game again at 123 with 38.6 seconds left. After a missed 3-pointer by Lillard, Houston’s PJ Tucker was called for a loose ball foul on the rebound with 32 seconds left.
On Kobe Bryant Day, Lakers dominate Blazers 135-115
Read full article: On Kobe Bryant Day, Lakers dominate Blazers 135-115The Trail Blazers won the opener but have appeared gassed in the past two games as the grind of the bubble and injuries appear to have taken a toll. It was considered Kobe Day because Monday was 8/24, the two numbers Kobe Bryant wore during his 20-year career. We want to have this be a day to celebrate his life and carry that type of emotion into the game, Lakers coach Frank Vogel said before the game. It was the most points in a half for Los Angeles in a playoff game since a game against Denver in 1987. Trail Blazers: It was the first time this season that the Blazers allowed an opponent 80 first-half points.
Lillard scores 34 and Blazers beat Lakers 100-93 in Game 1
Read full article: Lillard scores 34 and Blazers beat Lakers 100-93 in Game 1James' layup gave Los Angeles the lead, and Kuzma added a pair of free throws and another layup to extend it to 84-78. After Danny Green's layup tied it again for Los Angeles, Lillard nailed a 3-pointer. The Blazers were able to stay in front throughout the third quarter, but the Lakers kept it close. The game was delayed for a time in the first half when the Lakers' rim got tilted and had to be adjusted. TIP INSTrail Blazers: Lillard had 48 points in Portland's 127-119 victory over the Lakers in Los Angeles on Jan. 31.
Blazers make playoffs, oust Grizzlies with 126-122 victory
Read full article: Blazers make playoffs, oust Grizzlies with 126-122 victoryPortland finished eighth in the West, Memphis was ninth, and the Grizzlies needed to sweep a two-game matchup to advance. They had a chance, up eight in the final quarter, before Portland did what Portland does in the bubble find a way at the end. The Grizzlies' 42-point third quarter matched the second-highest scoring period of the season for Memphis and was the second-highest scoring third quarter in franchise history. LOOKING AHEADThe Lakers went 2-1 against the Blazers this season, with the road team winning all three games. Anthony Davis (32.0 ppg) and LeBron James (24.7 ppg) led the Lakers; Lillard (36.0 ppg) and Whiteside (22.0 ppg) led the Blazers.
Lillard drops 51 as Trail Blazers top 76ers; Embiid injured
Read full article: Lillard drops 51 as Trail Blazers top 76ers; Embiid injuredOn Saturday, he missed a pair of free throws with 18.6 seconds to go and a 3-pointer with 9.5 seconds left in a 122-117 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Trail Blazers increased their chances of qualifying for the play-in series, which will start Saturday. Richardson missed a 3-pointer for Philadelphia, and the 76ers couldn't get another shot off after a scramble for the rebound. Trail Blazers: Lillard scored a basket in the first quarter when he drove to the hoop and his pass bounced off Philadelphia's Tobias Harris, off the backboard and into the basket. Trail Blazers: Play the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.
McGruder's late 3 helps Clippers edge Trail Blazers 122-120
Read full article: McGruder's late 3 helps Clippers edge Trail Blazers 122-120Portland led by as much as 10 in the first quarter and was up 37-34 at the end of the quarter. They also outshot the Trail Blazers outside the arc hitting 15 of 34 (44.1%) compared to 17 of 43 (39.5%). Trail Blazers: Outscored Los Angeles 46-38 in the paint. HEY YOUThe Trail Blazers had some regional support with Blitz the Seahawk, mascot for the NFLs Seattle Seahawks, sitting in the virtual seats, for the early afternoon game. Trail Blazers: Play Philadelphia on Sunday.
Tatum has 34 as Celtics beat Trail Blazers 128-124
Read full article: Tatum has 34 as Celtics beat Trail Blazers 128-124That was a playoff-level energy that we had to play with at the end of the game, Boston coach Brad Stevens said. Jaylen was open and those were the right reads.Damian Lillard had 30 points and 16 assists for Portland. Jusuf Nurkic added 30 points in his second official game back after breaking his leg in March 2019. UP NEXTTrail Blazers: Play Houston on Tuesday night. Celtics: Play the Heat on Tuesday night.
McCollum, Lillard help Blazers get past Memphis in OT
Read full article: McCollum, Lillard help Blazers get past Memphis in OTLillard finished with 29 points and nine assists as the Trail Blazers boosted their hopes for a seventh consecutive playoff appearance. Carmelo Anthony added 21 points as Portland moved within 2 1/2 games of the Grizzlies for the No. Everybody knew how important that game was," Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 33 points and rookie Ja Morant added 22 points and 11 assists for Memphis. It was a weird game," McCollum said.
Masked man: Spurs' Popovich wears face covering for game
Read full article: Masked man: Spurs' Popovich wears face covering for gamePopovich was not serving as head coach for the game against the Milwaukee Bucks. It is unclear if Popovich will wear a mask for the entirety of the Spurs time at Disney. Popovich was the coach who spoke in the teams pregame news conference and followed NBA rules by wearing a mask in that availability. GIANNIS' FOULSBucks star and reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had five first-half fouls in his team's scrimmage opener against San Antonio. The last time a player had five first-half fouls in an NBA game that counted was Dec. 7, 2013, when Utah's Mike Harris did it against Sacramento.
Lakers' Anthony Davis to wear own name on jersey in Orlando
Read full article: Lakers' Anthony Davis to wear own name on jersey in OrlandoFILE - In this March 3, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis celebrates after scoring during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, in Los Angeles. Jusuf Nurkic is back and healthy. So are Zach Collins, Meyers Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis and plenty of others. If the four-month NBA shutdown had a silver lining, its that a lot of ailing players got well. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
Damian Lillard emerges from shutdown ready for playoff push
Read full article: Damian Lillard emerges from shutdown ready for playoff pushTrail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard marches alongside protesters towards downtown Portland on the Morrison Bridge, on June 4, 2020. Im going to have my PS3, my PS4. Im going to have my studio equipment, my mike, my laptop. Im going to have all my books. Im going to be in the room, chillin'.
NBA shutdown allowed many in league unexpected time to heal
Read full article: NBA shutdown allowed many in league unexpected time to healIf the four-month NBA shutdown had a silver lining, its that a lot of ailing players got well. Thats when he realized a bright side of the NBAs coronavirus shutdown. And its hard to say good things came from it.Fact is, though, some good things have emerged on the injury fronts. After 60 or 65 games, most players were likely dealing with some sort of aches-and-pains issue anyway. I feel 100% healthy.