HOUSTON — It’s official: Kevin Durant is headed back to Texas.

In a stunning NBA blockbuster, the Houston Rockets are acquiring 15-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Sunday. The trade marks a major shake-up just days ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft and ends weeks of speculation about Durant’s future.

The Trade Details

According to sources, the Rockets are sending Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and six future draft picks — including the No. 10 pick in Wednesday’s first round — to the Suns. The deal is still pending NBA approval and has not yet been officially announced by either team.

ESPN was first to report the move.

Durant’s Reaction

News broke while Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest NYC in New York. When fans began buzzing, Durant smiled knowingly.

“We’re gonna see, man,” he said with a grin. “We’re gonna see.”

Durant was appearing on a panel titled “Global Game Changers” — and that may be the perfect description of what he now represents for Houston’s young, rising squad.

A Massive Boost for Houston

The Rockets are coming off a strong season, finishing second in the Western Conference behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. Adding Durant, who averaged 26.6 points per game this past season, could be the missing piece for a deep playoff push.

Durant, now entering his 18th NBA season (excluding one missed to injury), has career averages of 27.2 points and 7 rebounds. He’s one of just eight players in league history to surpass 30,000 career points, reaching that milestone in February.

Back to Texas Roots

The trade also marks a homecoming of sorts: Durant played his lone college season at the University of Texas, where he was named national player of the year before becoming the No. 2 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Thunder).

Houston will be Durant’s fifth NBA franchise, following stints with:

• Seattle/Oklahoma City
• Golden State Warriors (where he won two titles and two Finals MVPs)
• Brooklyn Nets
• Phoenix Suns

He also holds the distinction of being the top scorer in U.S. Olympic basketball history, with four gold medals, including most recently at the 2024 Paris Games.

What’s Next

Durant is under contract through the 2025–26 season, with a salary close to $50 million next year. He’ll hit free agency in the summer of 2026.

A Disappointing End in Phoenix

Durant’s time in Phoenix was short and rocky. After being acquired in a massive four-team deal from Brooklyn in 2023 — just days after new owner Mat Ishbia took control of the team — Durant never quite found rhythm with fellow stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The trio struggled to stay healthy and consistent, and playoff success never materialized.

The Suns gave up a lot to get Durant: Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and four first-round picks went to Brooklyn in the deal. Now, just over two seasons later, the Durant era in Phoenix is over — and Houston has landed one of the greatest scorers in basketball history.

 At a Glance: Kevin Durant Trade Summary

• To Houston Rockets: Kevin Durant
• To Phoenix Suns: Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, 6 future draft picks (including 2025 No. 10 pick)
• Durant’s Contract: ~$50M next season, free agent in 2026
• Career: 2× NBA Champion, 4× Scoring Champ, 15× All-Star, 4× Olympic Gold Medalist
• Career Points: 30,000+ and counting

Source: AP News – Kevin Durant is going from the Suns to the Rockets in a blockbuster trade, AP source says

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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama’s season is expected to end prematurely after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder. This significant health issue not only sidelines one of the NBA’s brightest young stars but also marks the second major setback for the Spurs in just a few months.

Wembanyama’s Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

The 7-foot-3 French center, who is leading the NBA in shot-blocking, is now undergoing immediate treatment for his condition, deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The Spurs remain optimistic about his full recovery, with a source close to the situation confirming that the team is working under the expectation that Wembanyama will return to full health.

There is a possibility that Wembanyama could represent France in the European Championships this summer, should he choose to participate, according to the source. The diagnosis came just after Wembanyama’s appearance at the All-Star Game, where he was named a first-time All-Star.

Impact on the Team

Spurs guard Chris Paul expressed the team’s deep disappointment, both for the loss of Wembanyama’s on-court presence and his leadership in the locker room. “You can’t replace Vic,” Paul said. “I can’t stand on a guy’s shoulders and block every shot that comes to the rim. Aside from his basketball ability, his charisma and what he brings into the locker room, I think, is what we’ll miss the most.”

The Timing of Wembanyama’s Diagnosis

The diagnosis comes just over three months after Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke, which forced him to step away from coaching duties. Since then, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has taken over as interim head coach. While Popovich’s health is reportedly improving, there is still no clear timeline for his return to the bench.

Chris Paul acknowledged the difficult period for the organization, saying, “It’s been extremely tough. We know we’ve got a job to do, but like anybody, we worry about our people.”

Wembanyama’s Remarkable Season Cut Short

Wembanyama, the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year and the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year this season, has been a standout on both ends of the floor. He’s already attempted 403 three-pointers and blocked 176 shots, both of which are historic numbers for a player at this stage in their career. His averages of 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists put him in rare company, alongside NBA legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The Spurs are set to resume their post-All-Star break schedule against the Phoenix Suns later Thursday in Austin, Texas. Wembanyama had been listed as doubtful for the game due to illness before the blood clot diagnosis was revealed.

Reactions from Around the League

The news of Wembanyama’s diagnosis shocked many, including Miami Heat forward Kevin Love, who expressed his disbelief and concern: “First of all, you pray for him. You hope for the best, personally and professionally. He means so much to the league. He’s an incredible competitor and has the potential to be the face of the league for the next 20 years.”

The NBA has seen similar cases in the past, such as Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, whose career was cut short by blood clots while playing for Miami, and Brandon Ingram, who missed part of the 2018-19 season due to a similar condition. Detroit Pistons’ Ausar Thompson also dealt with a blood clot issue that affected the end of his 2023-24 season.

Medical Questions and Long-Term Outlook

The primary concern for the Spurs’ medical team now is to understand why Wembanyama developed the blood clot. Dr. Geoffrey Barnes, an associate professor of cardiology at the University of Michigan, explained the importance of determining the cause: “Any time we have upper extremity or arm blood clots, we need to ask ourselves why they happened. It’s important to understand why this occurred because it will guide treatment and help predict the long-term consequences.”

While Wembanyama’s health situation is concerning, there is hope for recovery. Many athletes have successfully returned to competition after similar diagnoses, including tennis legend Serena Williams, who came back to dominate after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism in 2011.

Looking Ahead

Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, was poised to continue his rise as one of the most exciting players in the league. His remarkable performance on the court, including his leadership in France’s silver medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, made him a global basketball sensation. Now, as the Spurs navigate this difficult period, the basketball world awaits his return to full health and future contributions to the game.

In the meantime, Chris Paul reflects on the emotional toll: “It’s tough. It’s tough more than anything, knowing how much he means to our team and to the game. But more than that, knowing how much he loves to play.”

Source

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NBA All-Star Saturday night delivered another thrilling showcase of talent, creativity, and unexpected drama in San Francisco. History was made, a slam dunk masterclass unfolded, and controversy shook up the skills challenge, making it an unforgettable evening.

McClung’s Historic Three-Peat

Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung cemented his name in All-Star history by becoming the first player to win the Slam Dunk Contest three years in a row. And he didn’t just win—he dominated.

The 26-year-old earned a perfect score in every round, receiving 50 points across the board for a night of flawless dunking. From the moment he stepped onto the court, it was clear McClung was on a mission.

His opening dunk set the tone for the evening in spectacular fashion. As a car reversed onto the court, anticipation built. Then, McClung leapt over both the car and a volunteer, snatched the ball from the volunteer’s hands mid-air, and still managed to throw down a reverse dunk with authority.

McClung continued to push the boundaries of creativity and athleticism. His third attempt stole the show, as he dunked two balls at the same time, leaving fans and judges in awe.

After securing his historic victory, McClung humbly credited his passion and support system:

“I feel like an imposter,” he told CNN Sport’s Andy Scholes. “This doesn’t happen without all the help of my friends—people were letting me use their cars to try to jump over them.”

Tough Competition and Standout Performances

While McClung’s perfect 200-point score left no doubt about the winner, the competition was fierce.

• San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle kept the pressure on, finishing second with 99.6 points over the final two rounds.
• Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. secured third place.
• Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis rounded out the top four.

Controversy in the Skills Challenge

All-Star Weekend rarely sees controversy, but this year’s Skills Challenge delivered an unexpected twist.

San Antonio Spurs duo Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul were disqualified after attempting a questionable strategy. Instead of shooting from the designated spots, they quickly tossed the balls away to cut down their time.

While the tactic initially seemed to be working, officials ruled their shots invalid and disqualified them.

Paul defended their approach, stating:

“We tried a strategy that we thought could win.”

He also revealed that Wembanyama had asked the officials beforehand about the tactic, but no objections were raised at the time.

Tyler Herro Wins the Three-Point Contest

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro emerged victorious in the Three-Point Contest, scoring 24 points in the final round to claim the title.

Herro defeated:

• Golden State Warriors’ Buddy Hield
• Cleveland Cavaliers star Darius Garland

Meanwhile, Damian Lillard’s bid for a three-peat ended early. The back-to-back champion was eliminated in the first round, finishing with just 18 points.

A Night to Remember

With McClung making history, a thrilling three-point battle, and a controversy shaking up the Skills Challenge, All-Star Saturday Night 2025 delivered a spectacle for the ages. Fans will be talking about McClung’s gravity-defying performance for years to come—until, perhaps, he returns next year for a fourth straight title.

Source

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This weekend, Stephen and Ayesha Curry are not just hosting parties and walking red carpets in the Bay Area—they’re making an impact. While their schedule is packed with celebrations, brunches, and the highly anticipated All-Star Game on Sunday night, they kicked off the festivities with something even more meaningful: giving back to the Oakland community.

Giving Back to Oakland

On Friday, before the glitz and glamour of All-Star Weekend took center stage, the Currys were hard at work at an elementary school in Oakland. Through their Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, they organized a day of service and playground renovation, rallying 300 volunteers to spread mulch, plant 800 new plants, build new play spaces, and inspire local children.

“We just love Oakland,” Ayesha Curry told the Associated Press. “This is where we both became adults, where we started our life together, where we had our first child. And so for us, Oakland has always left this enormous impact on our spirits.”

Though the Golden State Warriors now play in San Francisco, the Currys have stayed true to their promise not to turn their backs on Oakland.

“We have an amazing team behind us that is taking the direction and the commitment that Ayesha and I have to Oakland and leveraging that to create amazing impact,” Stephen Curry said.

This latest project marks their 17th playground renovation, each one bringing smiles and excitement to local children.

The Bay Area: Their Forever Home

Stephen, originally from Ohio and raised in Charlotte, and Ayesha, from Toronto, have fully embraced the Bay Area as home. Stephen, who has spent his entire career with the Warriors, hopes to retire as a Warrior and remain in the Bay long after basketball.

“We do plan on staying here after basketball’s done,” he confirmed. “It’s definitely home.”

A Foundation Changing Lives

Founded five years ago, the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation started around the time the COVID-19 pandemic magnified the need for assistance. The organization focuses on essential needs—nutrition, exercise, and literacy—to ensure children are equipped for success.

“That’s going to mean that kids are graduating and that’s going to mean that kids are moving on to something better in the future,” Ayesha Curry emphasized.

While Stephen is an 11-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion, and Ayesha is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur, their passion for community service is just as strong as their professional careers.

A Busy, but Meaningful Weekend

With the Warriors returning home at 2 a.m. on Friday after back-to-back road games, Stephen barely had time to rest before jumping into a packed weekend of commitments. Between hosting, community projects, and the All-Star Game broadcasted to 214 countries, it’s a whirlwind.

Yet, Stephen sees it as an opportunity.

“This is a great opportunity to kind of reflect on everything that’s gone into our experience here in the Bay,” he said. “Being the de facto host is kind of a responsibility, but I think we’re embracing it.”

Come Sunday night, when the weekend comes to a close, the Currys will finally take a breath. Until then, they’ll continue shining a light on basketball, the Bay, and the power of giving back.

Source

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Anthony Davis’ highly anticipated debut for the Dallas Mavericks ended abruptly due to a lower-body injury, but the team still managed to secure a 116-105 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Dominant Performance Before Injury

Davis, who was the centerpiece of Dallas’ return in the controversial Luka Dončić trade, put on an impressive show before exiting late in the third quarter. In just 31 minutes, he recorded:
26 points
16 rebounds
7 assists
3 blocks

His presence electrified the home crowd from the opening possession, starting with a lob to center Daniel Gafford. Davis continued to dominate, scoring four baskets in the first four minutes, capping it off with a powerful putback dunk that had fans roaring.

As the Rockets called a timeout, Davis hyped up the crowd, waving his arms and shouting: “I’m here.”

Injury Details & Davis’ Reaction

Davis suffered the injury while contesting Alperen Şengün’s driving dunk attempt, collapsing to the floor while clutching his midsection. He was ruled doubtful to return with under five minutes left in the game but never re-entered after heading to the locker room.

Postgame, Davis downplayed concerns, describing the issue as tightness between his groin and quadriceps and not expecting a lengthy absence:

“Just the leg got tight, like a little spasm,” Davis said from his locker—ironically, the same stall previously occupied by Luka Dončić. “Still dealing with the ab strain, but it’s nothing serious. I’m fine.”

Fan Backlash Over Dončić Trade

Davis’ debut came amid a backdrop of outrage over the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Dončić, last season’s leading scorer who also guided Dallas to the NBA Finals.

Before tipoff, nearly 1,000 fans gathered outside American Airlines Center, holding signs and chanting against Mavs GM Nico Harrison. Reports indicate Harrison has received multiple death threats since making the blockbuster deal and did not sit in his usual lower-bowl seat during the game.

Durability Concerns Loom

While Davis, a 10-time All-Star, remains an elite talent, durability has been a concern throughout his career. He managed to play a career-high 76 games last season, but this latest setback raises fresh questions about his availability moving forward.

Despite his premature exit, Davis left a strong first impression in Dallas. Now, Mavs fans will anxiously await updates on his status as the season continues.

Source

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Last Saturday night in Dallas, Luka Dončić was nearly asleep when his phone buzzed. The news was shocking—he had been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

A Trade That Shook the NBA

“I had to check if it was April 1,” Dončić admitted. “I didn’t really believe it.”

The move stunned the basketball world. A superstar at just 25 years old, Dončić had just led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals and won his first scoring title. Yet, Dallas made the stunning decision to part ways with their franchise cornerstone, sending him to LA in a blockbuster deal that included Anthony Davis and Max Christie.

For the Lakers, it was a rare opportunity to acquire a generational talent. For Dončić, it was a mix of emotions.

Processing the Trade

“It was a big shock,” he said. “Dallas was home, so it was really hard for me. But now, I get to play for the greatest club in the world, and I’m excited for this new journey.”

The Lakers wasted no time introducing their new superstar. On Tuesday, less than three days after the trade, Dončić was officially welcomed to the franchise.

Even Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka could hardly contain his excitement.
“We have one of the game’s biggest superstars joining the Lakers,” Pelinka said. “It’s going to be something incredibly special that the NBA has never seen before.”

Teaming Up with LeBron James

Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of the trade for Dončić is joining forces with his idol, LeBron James.

“It’s like a dream come true,” he said. “I always looked up to him. There are so many things I can learn from him. It’s an amazing feeling.”

James, blindsided by the deal just like the rest of the league, quickly called Dončić to welcome him to LA. The two will form one of the most exciting duos in basketball history, with James—at 40 years old—passing the torch to the young superstar.

A League in Shock

The trade sent shockwaves throughout the NBA, with players and fans struggling to understand Dallas’ decision.

Golden State’s Stephen Curry summed up the league-wide disbelief:
“With Dallas just coming off the Finals, it’s a reminder that very few players can sleep easy knowing they won’t be traded.”

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards was even more blunt:
“They traded probably the best scorer in the NBA at 25. And he didn’t know about it. There’s a lot more digging somebody’s got to do to find out why. I feel bad for Luka, man.”

Even Dončić’s father, Sasa, expressed frustration, saying his son “absolutely did not deserve this.”

A Fresh Start in Los Angeles

Despite the emotional whirlwind, Dončić is ready to move forward. After recovering from a calf strain that has kept him sidelined since Christmas, he’s set to return soon. He will participate in full practice on Wednesday, with the Lakers planning his debut afterward.

The timing couldn’t be better. LA has four games in the next seven days, including a road matchup against the Clippers on Tuesday, followed by three straight home games.

More Than Just Dončić

The Lakers also acquired Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the trade. While Kleber recovers from foot surgery, Morris is eager to reunite with the team he won a championship with in 2020.

Both dismissed concerns about Dončić’s work ethic.
“I hear the stuff about him not being in shape,” Morris said. “But if you can drop 30, 15, and 10 like it’s nothing, I don’t really know what ‘out of shape’ means.”

Looking Ahead

Dončić’s time in Dallas may have ended unexpectedly, but his story is far from over. In LA, he has the chance to cement his legacy with one of the most storied franchises in sports history.

The NBA world is watching. And Dončić is ready.

Source

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In a stunning midseason trade that will reshape the NBA landscape, the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz have finalized a three-team deal, headlined by the Lakers acquiring Luka Dončić in exchange for Anthony Davis, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania late Saturday night.

Trade Breakdown

Here’s how the deal shakes out for each team:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive

• Luka Dončić (Mavericks)
• Maxi Kleber (Mavericks)
• Markieff Morris (Mavericks)

Dallas Mavericks Receive

• Anthony Davis (Lakers)
• Max Christie (Lakers)
• Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick

Utah Jazz Receive

• Jalen Hood-Schifino (Lakers)
• Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick
• Mavericks’ 2025 second-round pick

Mavericks Prioritize Defense Over Star Power

Dallas initiated the trade talks, sources say, with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison emphasizing the importance of defense.

“I believe that defense wins championships,” Harrison told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”

Dallas’ Motivation to Move Dončić
Dončić’s conditioning and injury concerns played a significant role in the Mavericks’ decision to trade him, sources revealed. The organization had grown frustrated with his lack of discipline regarding diet and fitness, which they believed contributed to his injury issues.

• Dončić’s weight ballooned to the high 260s early this season.
• He missed five games in November with a reported wrist injury, though sources say the absence was largely to improve his conditioning.
• Similar concerns were raised last season when he sat out games early due to fitness struggles.

Lakers Land Their Next Superstar

The Lakers’ front office, coaching staff, and ownership were all in alignment on the deal, viewing Dončić as a generational talent to lead the franchise into the future.

While LeBron James was unaware of the trade beforehand, sources close to him say he was “surprised” when he found out over dinner following the Lakers’ win against the New York Knicks. Similarly, Dončić and Davis were also not informed ahead of time.

The Historic Impact of This Trade

This marks the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA players have been traded for each other midseason, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

Contract Implications: Dončić was set to sign a five-year, $345 million supermax contract this summer, but due to the trade, he is now ineligible for the deal, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Upcoming Matchups: The Lakers and Mavericks will face each other twice more this season:

February 25 in Los Angeles

April 9 in Dallas

With both Dončić and Davis currently sidelined due to injuries, their debuts for their new teams remain uncertain. However, sources say Dončić is targeting a return before the All-Star break, while Davis is set for reevaluation next week.

This earth-shattering trade signals a new era for both franchises—the Lakers betting on a young superstar in Dončić, while the Mavericks go all-in on defense with Davis.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Source

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San Antonio’s star rookie Victor Wembanyama has been named an NBA All-Star for the first time in his career, joining a prestigious list of first-time selections for the February 16 event in San Francisco.

Wembanyama’s All-Star Achievement

Wembanyama’s selection as an All-Star is a significant milestone in his young career. He becomes only the fourth player in Spurs history to make the All-Star Game in his first or second season, following Alvin Robertson (1986), David Robinson (1990-91), and Tim Duncan (1998).

“It’s a testament to his hard work and his dedication to getting better,” said acting Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, acknowledging Wembanyama’s early success. “He’s trusted the process, and his unique skill set has really shined.”

Reserves Announced: Who Made the Cut

The NBA All-Star reserve players were chosen by coaches, with the announcement taking place Thursday night. In total, 14 players were named reserves—7 from the Eastern Conference and 7 from the Western Conference.

Eastern Conference Reserves:

• Jaylen Brown (Boston)
• Pascal Siakam (Indiana)
• Darius Garland & Evan Mobley (Cleveland)
• Cade Cunningham (Detroit)
• Damian Lillard (Milwaukee)
• Tyler Herro (Miami)

Western Conference Reserves:

• Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio)
• Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)
• Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
• James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers)
• Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis)
• Alperen Sengun (Houston)
• Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City)

Notably, Wembanyama, Cunningham, Mobley, Herro, Sengun, and Williams are all making their All-Star debut.

Starters Pool

Last week, the starter pool was revealed, based on fan voting (50%), media voting (25%), and player voting (25%). The 10 players selected include:

• Stephen Curry (Golden State)
• Kevin Durant (Phoenix)
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City)
• LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) — 21st All-Star nod
• Nikola Jokic (Denver)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee)
• Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns (New York)
• Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland)
• Jayson Tatum (Boston)

Team Selections & All-Star Format

This year, the All-Star Game will feature three teams, each with 8 players, drafted by NBA greats Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith on February 6. The teams will compete in a four-team tournament, with NBA rookies and second-year players from the Rising Stars event completing the bracket. The games will be fast-paced, with the first team to reach 40 points winning each matchup.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared the league’s goal of making the game more competitive and exciting after last year’s high-scoring, 211-186 contest.

Coaches for the All-Star Teams

• Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City) will coach two of the teams.
• Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland) will coach the other two teams.

Notable Snubs and Possible Injury Replacements

Several star players were left out of the All-Star roster, including:

• LaMelo Ball (Charlotte)
• Trae Young (Atlanta)
• Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento)
• Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia)
• Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana)
• Devin Booker (Phoenix)
• De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento)
• Kyrie Irving (Dallas)
• Luka Dončić (Dallas) — Not enough games played for eligibility

Ball and Dončić are particularly noteworthy, as both have posted impressive stats but did not secure enough votes from coaches to make the reserve pool. Ball is currently averaging 28.2 PPG, and Dončić would be among the top 5 in scoring if he had played enough games to qualify.

It’s possible that Ball or Dončić could still be named as injury replacements in the coming weeks, as determined by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Key Takeaways:

• Victor Wembanyama is officially an NBA All-Star in his rookie season, joining a select group of Spurs players to achieve this milestone.
• A total of 6 first-time selections were named to the All-Star reserve pool.
• The new All-Star Game format includes a three-team tournament, aiming for faster, more competitive games.

Notable snubs such as LaMelo Ball and Luka Dončić may still make the All-Star roster as injury replacements.

Source

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THE LINEUP

Oct. 22, 2024 | What’s inside today’s edition?

The Defense Begins: Boston will celebrate its title before beginning a new banner quest

L.A. Premiere: The Lakers host the Wolves as they play in their sixth straight Opening Night

Raising 18: Before a new championship chase begins, get an inside look at Boston’s title run

Dunk Score: Player tracking and NBA data science analyze every dunk from every game

Power Rankings: How the teams stack up before the season tips off tonight

BUT FIRST…

Opening Night is just hours away…

Knicks Vs Centics 7:30 PM ET Timberwolves Vs Lakers 10:00 ET

It’s been 127 days since the confetti fell to the TD Garden floor as the Boston Celtics celebrated winning the 2024 NBA championship.

Tonight, the Celtics will raise banner 18, collect their championship rings and begin their quest to repeat against the Knicks to open the 2024-25 season (7:30 ET, TNT). That’s followed by a Western Conference clash between the Wolves and Lakers in L.A. (10 ET, TNT).

1. ONE LAST CELEBRATION BEFORE THE PURSUIT OF 19

For years, 17 championship banners hung in the rafters of TD Garden, but 18 hung in the Celtics’ practice facility.

The 18th one was blank, providing a daily reminder of the standard by which the franchise measures success. A reminder of what the practice sessions, workouts and film studies were all about – being the team to fill in banner 18.

After years of disappointment – including four losses in the East Finals and one in the 2022 Finals in the span of eight seasons – the 2023-24 Celtics were able to finish the job.

Tonight, before they try to become the first team to successfully defend the title since the Golden State Warriors (2017, 2018), they will commemorate their 2023-24 title by raising banner 18 to the rafters and collecting their championship rings.

Once the ceremony is complete, it will be time to get back to business, as the Celtics host the Knicks in the opening game of the 2024-25 NBA season (7:30 ET, TNT).

• Two summers ago, a roster shake up was needed to take the Celtics to championship heights with the additions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis ahead of the 2023-24 season
• This summer was a different story, as the Celtics retained their entire core from the championship team, looking to run it back with visions of banner 19 in their eyes

However, they will be without Porzingis to open the season as he recovers from offseason surgery to repair a rare leg injury

Meanwhile, the Knicks are coming off back-to-back Playoff exits in the East Semifinals and – similar to the Celtics two summers ago – used this offseason to revamp its roster with two significant additions.

• Early in free agency, the Knicks struck a deal with the Nets to send Mikal Bridges over the bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan, reuniting the former Villanova Wildcat with some of his college teammates
• Then just before training camp (in similar timing to when the Celtics added Holiday), the Knicks acquired four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota

The moves were bold and the Knicks are banking on them paying off as they look to build on last year’s No. 2 seed finish in the East (14 games behind Boston) and a deeper Playoff run. They couldn’t ask for a better first test than the defending champs to open the season.

2. WOLVES, LAKERS OPEN SEASON WITH HIGH HOPES

• Last season, both Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves made enormous leaps – bounding over opponents both on the court (see Section 4 ) and in the standings.
  • Edwards went from All-Star to All-NBA Second Team in 2023-24, combining elite play with an electricity and flair that few can match
  • Minnesota went from 42 to 56 wins – their 14-win improvement the third-largest in the league – and reached the West Finals to match the deepest Playoff run in franchise history

As the Wolves open the 2024-25 season tonight against the Lakers (10 ET, TNT), they look to take their next leap and challenge for the team’s first-ever NBA Finals berth. With Karl-Anthony Towns traded to New York, all eyes will be on Edwards to lead the way

For the first time in four years, the Los Angeles Lakers enter a season with the second-most championships in NBA history – as Boston’s 18th title broke the tie with L.A. after the Lakers had evened the banner race at 17 apiece with their 2020 title.

• Since then, the Lakers have had two first round exits (2021, 2024) and one Western Conference Finals appearance (2023), with their last two postseasons beginning in the SoFi Play-In Tournament
• As he begins his 22nd NBA season – trying Vince Carter for the most in NBA history – can LeBron James lead the Lakers on another deep Playoff run at the back end of his career?
• In a career packed with historic achievements, LeBron and his son Bronny (L.A.’s second-round pick) will become the first father-son duo to share the court in an NBA game this season. Will that moment come during tonight’s opener?

3. RAISING 18: RELIVE BOSTON’S TITLE RUN AHEAD OF RING NIGHT

Every championship story is unique, told through the lens of the players, coaches, organization and city they represent.

For the 2023-24 Boston Celtics, the road to hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy was littered with past disappointments and a determination to use those previous shortcomings as fuel to championship glory.

In ‘Raising 18’ – a nine-part docuseries chronicling Boston’s championship season – fans get a behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of the nine-month journey from training camp to champagne.

• Episode 1: Championship or Bust – With the stakes of the new season clear, go inside training camp with new addition Kristaps Porzingis, who dropped 30 points in his Boston debut
• Episode 2: Sacrifice and Reward – Look back at the rise of the cornerstone duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum and how a players only meeting in training camp set the tone that everyone must sacrifice for the betterment of the team
• Episode 3: Clicking – The Celtics are hitting on all cylinders as offseason additions Jrue Holiday and Porzingis fit in seamlessly, including Brown introducing KP to Atlanta’s best wings on a road trip
• Episode 4: Great Expectations – A throwback to Paul Pierce giving rookie Tatum a lesson in Celtics history and the pressure that comes with such a legendary past. And how some tough losses in the regular season added to that pressure
• Episode 5: Mindset – In his second season at the helm, coach Joe Mazzulla’s unique approach, intensity and connection with his players helps the team keep its foot on the gas down the stretch of the regular season
• Episode 6: Skip No Steps – The Playoffs open with a familiar nemesis – the Miami Heat. Adversity hits as a bad Game 2 loss and the loss of Porzingis in Game 3 tests Boston’s mettle and requires morefrom ‘Raising 18’ narrator Al Horford
• Episode 7: Stay Ready – After Boston’s role players rise up to fill the void left by KP against the Cavs, Jaylen Brown’s determination and leadership are on full display in Boston’s sweep of Indiana in the East Finals as Boston punches its ticket to the Finals
• Episode 8: The Return – Facing a Dallas team with two of the NBA’s best closers, Boston was briefly back at full strength with the triumphant return of Porzingis in a Game 1 win. In Game 2, it was Derrick White who showcased his All-Defensive Team status with a clutch chasedown block to put Boston up 2-0
• Episode 9: 18 Banners – A Game 3 win put Boston on the precipice of history only to be followed by a blowout loss on the road. How would the team handle adversity in the Finals? With Tatum and Finals MVP Brown leading the way to the title – finally reaching the goal they had set together years prior

4. INTRODUCING THE ‘DUNK SCORE’

A monster dunk can happen at any moment – sending the crowd into a frenzy and becoming a viral sensation racking up views, likes and shares across social media.

But those numbers don’t necessarily capture the greatness of the slam.

What if there was a way to analyze every dunk in every NBA game and find out which slam rises above the rest based on data rather than just the eye test?

Introducing the ‘Dunk Score’ from the NBA Stats team.

• The Anthony Edwards dunk above – which topped the NBA’s top 100 dunks list from last season – also generated the highest dunk score of the year at 124.4
• Edwards posted three of the top six dunk scores from 2023-24 and gets his first chance to post a Dunk Score in 2024-25 tonight when the Wolves visit the Lakers

Jalen Johnson dunk So, how does this work? How can every in-game dunk be broken down to an unbiased, singular score in real time?

It begins with player tracking data gathered from a computer vision-based system built by Hawkeye inside every NBA arena. The system computes a coordinate (x, y, z) for 29 body parts of every player, as well as the game ball, 60 times per second.

The NBA Stats team combines that data with innovative data science to analyze every dunk based on four subscores:

• Jump is all about the athlete’s verticality & explosiveness in the air
• Power captures the raw force of the dunk
• Style measures dunk flashiness, quantifying how much flair the player adds to their dunk
• Defensive Contest adds context by evaluating how much defensive pressure the dunker faced

Add those subscores together to get the overall Dunk Score for that specific slam. | Dive deeper into the data science behind the Dunk Score

Keep in mind, the Dunk Score is impartial – it does not take into consideration the status of the player performing the dunk, whether it’s a preseason game or Game 7 of the Finals, how much time is left or even the score of the game.

It just measures the dunk in its purest form based on the four subscores.

Like advanced stats helped basketball fans gather a fuller understanding of the game, the Dunk Score adds a scientific data-based evaluation of every slam to bring a better understanding to one of the most jaw-dropping plays in the game.

5. POWER RANKINGS ENTERING WEEK 1

On the eve of Opening Night, NBA.com’s John Schuhmann released his initial Power Rankings for the 2024-25 season.

The rankings will be updated every Monday throughout the season and we’ll keep you updated on the biggest rises and falls in the Starting 5.

Here’s a closer look at the top 10 ahead of the season’s opening tip.

1. Celtics: The 2023-24 champs open the season with a target on their back and the No. 1 spot in the rankings

2. Thunder: After becoming the youngest team to earn a No. 1 seed, OKC added a pair of veterans to help solidify its roster in hopes of a championship run

3. Knicks: New York had a busy offseason in adding Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns to a squad that earned the East’s No. 2 seed a year ago

4. Timberwolves: After trading one former No. 1 pick in Towns, the Wolves will look at another in Anthony Edwards to continue his ascent in season five

5. Nuggets: The 2022-23 champs have lost a few pieces from that title team, but with three-time MVP Nikola Jokić running the show, they remain contenders

On the eve of Opening Night, NBA.com’s John Schuhmann released his initial Power Rankings for the 2024-25 season.

The rankings will be updated every Monday throughout the season and we’ll keep you updated on the biggest rises and falls in the Starting 5.

Here’s a closer look at the top 10 ahead of the season’s opening tip.

1. Celtics: The 2023-24 champs open the season with a target on their back and the No. 1 spot in the rankings

2. Thunder: After becoming the youngest team to earn a No. 1 seed, OKC added a pair of veterans to help solidify its roster in hopes of a championship run

3. Knicks: New York had a busy offseason in adding Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns to a squad that earned the East’s No. 2 seed a year ago

4. Timberwolves: After trading one former No. 1 pick in Towns, the Wolves will look at another in Anthony Edwards to continue his ascent in season five

5. Nuggets: The 2022-23 champs have lost a few pieces from that title team, but with three-time MVP Nikola Jokić running the show, they remain contenders

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The post NBA 2024-2025 Season Starts Now appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Adam Silver, who last January agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in the NBA commissioner’s office through the end of the decade, begins his next term with … nothing to do. “There’s a lot to do,” insists Silver, chuckling. True, running a multibillion-dollar sports league with its tentacles everywhere around the globe is a full-time job. But Silver begins his 11th year as commissioner with the biggest agenda items already taken care of. Last year the league and the players union ratified a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement. In July, the NBA finalized a new broadcast rights deal, an 11-year, $77 billion windfall that will kick in next season. For the time being, it looks like clear sailing ahead.

Silver will happily acknowledge that, structurally, the NBA is in as good a place as it has been in ages. “Not just in my time as commissioner,” Silver says. “But in my [32] years at the league.” Parity, a decades-long dream of the NBA, has been achieved. Over the last six seasons, the league has crowned six different champions, with not so much as a back-to-back finalist. The CBA has choked off the ability of large-market teams to spend their way to success. “It goes more to how the team is built rather than to the outcome,” Silver says. “We want teams to be rewarded for drafting well and developing players well.”

So what are Silver’s priorities now? In a wide-ranging interview, he addresses the key items that remain on his agenda.

Item 1: NBA Expansion

With the CBA and the broadcast deals wrapped up, the possibility of the league adding teams for the first time in 20 years moves to the front burner. While it’s believed that the NBA will add two cities—with Seattle and Las Vegas as the front-runners—Silver cautions that any expansion talks are preliminary. While admitting two new teams could generate up to $10 billion in franchise fees, there are also concerns.

Silver’s take: “It’s one of the reasons why expansion isn’t as obvious as some people might think. There is a point of view that I often encounter that expansion is printing money. It’s not. First of all, you’re in essence selling equity in the league. To the extent you have new national television deals, you now have two new partners, so you’re dividing up the money by two additional ways. There’s also a dilution of talent. It’s one of the reasons we haven’t expanded anytime recently, because we’ve been working towards creating a more competitive league.”

Item 2: WNBA Expansion

The women’s game, Silver says, could expand more quickly. The league recently added a franchise in San Francisco to begin play next season, with Portland and Toronto joining in 2026, bringing the total to 15 teams. Interest in the WNBA, fueled in large part by the arrival of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, has exploded.

Silver’s take: “I know both [WNBA] commissioner [Cathy] Engelbert’s and my phones have been ringing off the hook over the last several months from parties interested in owning or investing in WNBA teams. When we launched the league 28 years ago, our goal was to have a WNBA team affiliated with every NBA franchise. We’ve clearly had some fits and starts along the way, and it may be that there are markets that the NBA is not in which make a lot of sense for the WNBA. At the same time, our goal would be to have a robust league roughly equivalent to the NBA. The fact that there’s all this interest doesn’t mean we should expand that quickly. We should be careful and deliberate in the way we do it.”

Item 3: Enhancing the Fan Experience

This, Silver says, “is at the top of my agenda.” The NBA is satisfied with its in-game experience. Arenas were at 98% capacity last season, and teams continue to innovate in areas such as food, accessibility and entertainment. “There’s not a lot of room to grow there,” Silver says. Where there is room is in the home viewing experience.

Silver’s take: “There’s enormous opportunity to grow, especially on a global basis. What that will require is using new technology that’s largely coming through streaming services to find better ways to engage fans. That comes through the personalization of those telecasts—things you can’t do certainly on broadcast television or on linear cable, but you can through streaming, where if people want to chat as part of a larger community during the game because they’re hard-core fans, they can. Or if they want to have discussions about individual players because they went to the same college, or they are interested in that player’s fashion choices. You name it, you can create communities around it.

“If fans want to buy products around the game, that’s available to them. If they want to play fantasy around what’s happening on the court, depending on the jurisdiction. If they want to bet, and now I’m talking about in-play betting. We’re just barely scratching the surface in terms of that interest.”

Item 4: Harnessing Technology

For years, the NBA has utilized artificial intelligence for everything from generating highlights to translating play-by-play into multiple languages.

Silver’s take: “Using technology, we can get sophisticated fan data to better understand where we gain viewers and where we lose them. For example, we’ve made some changes in the last few years because of concerns around [having] so many stoppages in the last few minutes for replay. One way around that is, and we’re investing a lot here, using technology that can make objective calls.

“There are a hundred fingers on the floor at all times, and creating technology that can instantaneously tell the officials whose finger the ball went off of or who stepped out of bounds will help with the pace of the game. [Look at] Hawk-Eye at the U.S. Open in tennis, It’s just, Ball’s out, hit the line, move on. We can do better in getting the call right, but also in creating a better pace to the game.”

Item 5: Protecting the Integrity of the Sport

Last April, the NBA faced an existential crisis. Jontay Porter, a backup forward with the Raptors, was caught, as the league later revealed, “disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games.” Silver quickly banned Porter for life, and it likely won’t be the last time the commissioner has to hand out a severe punishment to send a message about what will happen to players who manipulate results. The proliferation of legal sports gambling—which Silver, as far back as 2014, strongly advocated for—has created more opportunities for exploitation.

Silver’s take: “We spend a lot of time thinking about that. There’s no question, there are ways that we can improve monitoring, and we’ve talked directly to the betting companies about that. I’d say one of the issues we deal with now is in [the Porter] case, you have Canadian regulations, and then in the U.S. you now have roughly 35 states with legalized sports betting, with, in many cases, very different regulatory framework.

“Even before sports betting became legalized in all these states, I was in favor of federal jurisdiction. I still think that we would be better off with a consistent national framework. I’m realistic. That’s not at the top of anybody’s list in Congress right now, so I’m not holding my breath waiting for that to happen.

“At the same time, I think that as we and the other leagues work together on some of these monitoring issues, AI is going to play a big part in this. I think that these monitoring systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated to [detect] aberrant behavior. In some cases, that isn’t necessarily tied directly to betting activity, but it sets off flags that suggest you may want to look at what’s happening in an individual situation because things are happening either statistically or from an operational standpoint that are not consistent with a data set that you’re seeing for other players.

“And we’re learning about the best ways to protect our players. It hasn’t been a secret. We’ve heard directly from coaches and players who felt harassed, whether it’s over point spreads or over/unders or prop bets. Just like we’ve dealt with other areas in problematic speech not relating to sports betting, it’s on us working with our teams to draw the appropriate lines. We want to do everything we can to make sure there’s a safe environment for them and our officials. We’re learning as we go, and no question there’s room for improvement.”

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