NBA Basketball 3d Briefing
×Cavaliers Surge to Top of NBA
James Harden espn.com made a successful return for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday despite still dealing with a broken thumb in his non-shooting hand. The Cavaliers have transformed their season since January, racking up the best record in the NBA after previously being stuck in a play-in spot. Donovan Mitchell espn.com and Harden each missed their second straight game Friday, joining Keon Ellis and Dean Wade as Cavaliers ruled out.
Warriors Injury Woes Continue
Stephen Curry espn.com will sit out at least the next five games due to his persistent right knee issue, the team announced Sunday. The Warriors star has yet to advance to court work in his rehab and acknowledged he'll be out a "little longer." Kristaps Porzingis espn.com will miss a fourth straight game Saturday night due to general illness, while Gui Santos espn.com signed a three-year, $15 million contract extension Saturday.
Knicks' Defensive Dominance
The Knicks held a streaking Spurs team to just 89 points in a dominant showing Sunday. San Antonio had been on a roll before running into New York's "high-level" defense. The Spurs also signed Mason Plumlee espn.com to a deal for the remainder of the season Friday.
Rookie Records and Milestones
Kon Knueppel espn.com broke Keegan Murray's NBA rookie record for 3-pointers, making his 207th on Thursday night against the Pacers. The Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton espn.com shared appreciation for birthday wishes, speaking about being born on a leap year and sharing that it's "just as good" when it's not technically his birthday.
Pelicans' Williamson Injury Scare
Pelicans forward Zion Williamson espn.com "tweaked his ankle" and was forced to leave Saturday's win over the Jazz in the second quarter. The injury occurred during what had been a successful game for New Orleans before Williamson's departure.
Jokic-Dort Confrontation
Thunder guard Lu Dort espn.com was called for a flagrant foul 2 and ejected from Friday night's game after appearing to trip Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who called the play "an unnecessary move." The incident sparked heated reactions from both teams during the contest.
Heat's Powell Sidelined
All-Star guard Norman Powell espn.com, the Heat's leading scorer, has a Grade 1 right groin strain and will be out for at least a week, the team said Friday. The injury is a significant blow to Miami's offensive production.
Celtics' Historic Performance
The Celtics posted one of the best offensive performances in league history on Friday night against the Nets. Boston's shooting display showcased why they remain among the championship contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Technical Difficulties in Cleveland
Friday night's game between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers was delayed for 18 minutes in the third quarter by a blaring horn after a power surge caused the overhead scoreboard to malfunction. The unusual interruption paused the action during what had been a competitive contest.
Jazz's Injury Woes Mount
Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen espn.com will be reevaluated in two weeks after an MRI on his hip Thursday, sources told ESPN, making him the latest Utah player to be sidelined because of an injury. The Jazz continue to struggle with maintaining a healthy roster throughout the season.
Suns' Anthony Waived
Cole Anthony espn.com was waived Friday by the Suns, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania, after the guard did not appear in any games since he was acquired at the NBA trade deadline. The move comes just three weeks after Anthony's acquisition by Phoenix.
MVP Race Heats Up
Andre Snellings espn.com looks at the NBA awards races and explains which ones to bet on, and which to avoid entirely. The MVP race remains particularly competitive with several players making strong cases for the honor.
Olympic Speculation
Erik Spoelstra espn.com says it's incredible to think of Kevin Durant on the 2028 Olympic team if Durant still wants to play. The possibility of Durant representing Team USA again in Los Angeles continues to generate excitement among basketball fans.
Sixers' Embiid Injury Update
Joel Embiid espn.com will miss at least three games because of a strained right oblique, the 76ers said Saturday. The injury to Philadelphia's star center adds to the team's challenges as they navigate the competitive Eastern Conference.
LeBron's Father-Daughter Road Trip
LeBron James espn.com's latest achievement in his 23-year career? A successful father-daughter road trip. The Lakers star continues to balance his legendary career with family moments off the court.