Dan Hurley says he belongs at UConn after turning down 'obviously tempting' offer from Lakers

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Dan Hurley considered the opportunity to try and lead UConn to a third consecutive national title or the chance to become coach of one of the NBA's most storied franchises and asked himself one question. “Where do you belong?” Hurley said Thursday at...

With the interim tag gone, coach Brian Keefe is focused on improvement and development in Washington

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly two decades after starting his NBA career as a video coordinator, Brian Keefe is now a head coach. Of course, he actually began coaching the Washington Wizards a few months ago, but now the interim tag is gone and he can prepare for the many challenges that...

Gilgeous-Alexander, young Thunder brimming with optimism after second-round playoff exit

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder might just be scratching the surface of their potential. Oklahoma City’s season ended Saturday night with a loss to Dallas in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. But the fact that the Thunder even got that far should...

P.J. Washington's free throws finish rally as Mavericks beat Thunder 117-116 to reach West finals

DALLAS (AP) — Kyrie Irving probably wondered if his uncanny run of closeout victories without a loss in his career was finally near an end. The streak lives, and the Dallas Mavericks are through to the Western Conference finals for the second time in three seasons. ...

Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games to advance to the Western Conference finals

Doncic posts 31-point triple-double as Mavericks top Thunder to take 3-2 series lead

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Luka Doncic stopped worrying about calls and just played. It worked. He scored 31 points in a triple-double, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-92 on Wednesday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series. ...

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 34, Thunder overcome Mavs defense to even series 2-2

DALLAS (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was making his normal share of shots through three quarters for Oklahoma City. Most of his teammates weren't, until it mattered most. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points and the Thunder overcame a Mavericks franchise playoff-record 13 blocks,...

Celtics and Mavericks lean on dynamic duos to take 2-1 leads in their respective semifinal series

CLEVELAND (AP) — Their names are alike and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's games are so intertwined they sometimes feel like one Boston player and not two. The big bucket makers give the Celtics quite a dynamic duo. Dallas has developed a special one as well. ...

Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic help Mavs hold off Thunder again for 2-1 lead in West semis

DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic already had a balky right knee and an achy left ankle when he fell hard on his back while battling his primary defender, Lu Dort, for a loose ball. Not only did Doncic win the ensuing jump ball, the NBA scoring champion tracked down the loose ball that...

Doncic scores 29 points as Mavericks top Thunder 119-110 to tie series at 1-1

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Luka Doncic limped around the court, often grimacing as he played through a sprained right knee and a bloodied left knee. His shooting stroke was unaffected. He had 29 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists to help the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City...