Blazers hold off Rockets for win in Houston

HOUSTON — Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard knew the questions even before they were asked, a development that was more a reflection on the events of the past 48 hours and less on his soothsaying abilities. One night after blowing a double-digit lead in the waning moments of what would become a deflating overtime […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Magic fire coach Vaughn

The Orlando Magic fired head coach Jacque Vaughn on Thursday, ending a week of speculation about his job security. James Borrego was named interim head coach. The Magic (15-37) are in the midst of a 10-game losing streak and have the fifth-worst record in the NBA. They are 13th in the Eastern Conference, 7 1/2 […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Celtics cap eventful day in Boston with win

BOSTON — Wednesday was a festive day in Boston, with the NFL-champion New England Patriots riding through the snow-stacked streets on duck boats to celebrate their fourth Super Bowl title with thousands of their closest friends. Hours later, Patriots owner Bob Kraft and some of his players, mostly lesser-knowns but including late-game hero Malcolm Butler, […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Westbrook scores 45 in Thunder win

NEW ORLEANS – No Kevin Durant, no problem. Not when guard Russell Westbrook is flying to the basket in full beast mode. Playing without Oklahoma City’s All-Star forward, Westbrook tied his career high with 45 points, including 25 in the first half, and keyed a 13-0 run in the final 5:21 to power the Thunder […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Rubio sparks Timberwolves’ win over Heat

MINNEAPOLIS — With point guard Ricky Rubio back in the fold, the Minnesota Timberwolves look like a different team. Rubio, in his second game back from an ankle injury that cost him nearly three months, played his first game at home since Nov. 1, kick-starting Minnesota’s offense in a 102-101 win over the Miami Heat […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Hawks back on winning track with victory over Wizards

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks, who had their 19-game winning streak snapped Monday in New Orleans, got back on the winning track at the expense of the slumping Washington Wizards. Guard Jeff Teague scored 26 points and handed out eight assists as the Hawks increased their lead over the Wizards in the Southeast Division to […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Bucks top Lakers in OT for fifth win in row

MILWAUKEE — A few years ago — the last time the Milwaukee Bucks were anything close to being “good” or even relevant — their trademark phrase was “Fear the Deer.” It is a catchy rhyme, to be sure, but after the surging Bucks rallied over the final seconds of regulation, then pulled away in overtime […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Duncan leads Spurs past Magic

SAN ANTONIO — While some debate whether Tim Duncan deserves the spot he was given on the NBA Western Conference All-Star team, the San Antonio Spurs forward quietly excels. Duncan had 26 points and 10 rebounds as the Spurs defeated Orlando 110-103 on Wednesday night, handing the Magic their 10th straight loss. Forward Kawhi Leonard […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Rockets pull away in fourth quarter to defeat Bulls

HOUSTON — Rockets shooting guard James Harden and his All-Star counterpart with the Bulls, Jimmy Butler, had levied rousing haymakers in successive quarters that left the door open for one or the other to deliver the decisive blow with the game on the line in the final period. Instead, it was the Rockets bench that […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021