AP Interview: Morey embraces challenges of leading 76ers
Morey hasn't had to make any major moves in his first season running the Philadelphia 76ers. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)PHILADELPHIA – Like any top NBA executive this time of the season, Daryl Morey is trying to better his roster. “I just grabbed all the Sixers,” Morey said. “Younger fans want to feel like they’re part of something,” Morey told The Associated Press in an interview this week. “Well, we happen to have the best inside players in the NBA,” Morey said.
Doncic tops Curry in duel as Mavericks beat Warriors 134-132
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) gets past Golden State Warriors' Andrew Wiggins (22) for a shot-attempt in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. Doncic tied his career high with 42 points in a scoring duel with Curry, leading the Mavericks to an entertaining 134-132 win over the Warriors on Saturday. The duel between Curry and Doncic got going when they traded 3-pointers late in the first half. Before the blowout defeat against the Warriors, the Mavericks had a crushing last-second loss to Phoenix. Mavericks: Minnesota visits Monday with the Mavericks set to allow fans for the first time this season.
Booker hits winning 3 in return as Suns edge Mavs 109-108
Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Richardson (0) defends against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, in Dallas. Booker hit a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left in his return and the Suns rallied past the Dallas Mavericks for the second straight game, winning 109-108 on Monday night. Booker finished with 24 points, 20 in the second half, and 31 minutes. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said his team was aware it had a foul to give on the Suns’ winning possession. “There’s not going to be any finger-pointing.”TIP-INSSuns: Ayton scored only two points in the second half.
Jazz beat Mavericks 116-104 for 10th straight victory
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)SALT LAKE CITY – Playing without leading scorer Donovan Mitchell didn't slow down the Utah Jazz. Utah never trailed in a 116-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. The Jazz overwhelmed the Mavericks on both ends of the court on their way to their 10th straight victory and the NBA overall lead. Gobert’s dominance around the basket took Dallas out of it early and the Mavericks could never get back on track. The Jazz never let the Mavericks draw closer than 12 points the rest of the way.
Bulls roll past Mavs 117-101 to end 4-game losing streak
Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen (24) shoots over Dallas Mavericks center Willie Cauley-Stein (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)DALLAS – Lauri Markkanen had 29 points and 10 rebounds, Garrett Temple scored 15 of his season-high 21 points in the second quarter and the Chicago Bulls ended a four-game losing streak with a 117-101 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. Markkanen, in his second game back after missing seven games because of COVID-19 protocols, was 10 of 19 from the field while recording season highs in points and rebounds. Mavericks: Dallas travel to the Raptors' temporary home in Tampa, Florida, on Monday in the second back-to-back of the season. The Mavericks lost at Chicago in the first game of their other back-to-back before winning at Houston.
'Uncharted waters': More NBA games off as virus issues grow
The league's general managers met Monday to discuss the virus situation, with involvement from the National Basketball Players Association. The latest postponements came one day after Miami’s game in Boston was called off because of contact-tracing issues within the Heat. The Celtics would have been without seven players for virus-related issues for that game. Another three Heat players are on the injury list, raising the question if they will have the eight required players to start games. Philadelphia played at home against Denver on Saturday with seven players — eight were available — because of a combination of virus issues and injuries.
Doncic nets 38 in near triple-double, Mavs top Nuggets in OT
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts to a missed shot against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)DENVER – Luka Doncic came within one rebound of his second straight triple-double, finishing with 38 points and 13 assists to lead the Dallas Mavericks over the Denver Nuggets 124-117 in overtime Thursday night. Doncic sat out Sunday’s loss to Chicago and responded with his first triple-double of the season against Houston on Monday. Nikola Jokic scored 20 of his 38 points after halftime and grabbed 11 rebounds for Denver. Denver got within three on a 3-pointer from Jokic, but Doncic scored four straight to ice it for the Mavericks.
Mavs destroy Clippers 124-73 to earn 1st win of season
Josh Richardson added 21 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 18 points for the Mavs, who kept up their dominance in the second half, too. Paul George led the Kawhi Leonard-less Clippers with 15 points before sitting out the second half. Serge Ibaka added 13 points and nine rebounds over three quarters of the team's first loss. He scored as many points (13) as the Clippers in the first quarter. They swept the Mavs last season, winning all three meetings as the visiting team, including a first-round playoff victory.
LeBron becomes No. 2 Xmas scorer, Lakers top Mavs 138-115
Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (23) goes to the basket while defended by Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic (77) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, in Los Angeles. Chiu)LOS ANGELES – Anthony Davis scored 28 points and LeBron James had 22 while becoming the second-leading Christmas scorer in NBA history during the Los Angeles Lakers' 138-115 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Los Angeles outrebounded Dallas 53-27 and closed out its first win of the season with a dominant fourth quarter. James moved into second place behind Kobe Bryant for the most points scored on Christmas, passing Oscar Robertson in the third quarter. ... Wesley Matthews, Marc Gasol and Alfonzo McKinnie all scored their first points for the Lakers after going scoreless in the opener.
Booker, Bridges lead new-look Suns past Mavericks 106-102
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives on Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, in Phoenix. At least for the first game, the Suns' revamped backcourt performed almost exactly as hoped. Booker scored 22 points, Mikal Bridges added 18 and Phoenix edged the Dallas Mavericks 106-102 on Wednesday in the season opener for both teams. “I like guys who are willing to take the shots,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. Luka Doncic cut the Suns' lead to three with a dunk but after a Booker miss, Bridges grabbed the offensive rebound and Phoenix closed out the victory.
Ben Simmons all in on 76ers’ new buzzword: accountability
Simmons says hes 100% healthy following surgery on his left knee in August that kept him from playing in the postseason. “I mean, you can’t just come into a situation like the bubble if you guys aren’t ready and don’t have that chemistry and accountability already,” Simmons said Friday. The same team Rivers coached last season that blew a 3-1 playoff series lead in the Western Conference semis and led him to leaving Los Angeles? Simmons said accountability -- the new buzzword in Philly - starts with the players. I think Doc would say the same thing, I go out there and make plays.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Doc is in: 76ers expect Rivers to lead them to NBA title
PHILADELPHIA – Doc Rivers takes over a team tasked not with leading a Process-type rebuild or massaging the egos of two talented — yet frustrating — All-Stars. Enter Rivers, the 58-year-old former NBA guard who coached the Boston Celtics to the championship in 2008 and another NBA Finals appearance in 2010. Just two days after he split with the Los Angeles Clippers, Rivers was in Philadelphia with ownership and general manager Elton Brand, and on Thursday he accepted the job to succeed Brett Brown. If good things are going to happen in Philadelphia, Rivers needs more than social media support out of the talented 7-footer who has battled injuries and struggled with conditioning. “Embiid is a better scorer, obviously, and does things, and size, you can’t plan for that,” Rivers said at the time.
Sixers GM Brand says Embiid, Simmons won't be traded
PHILADELPHIA The next coach of the Philadelphia 76ers can count on having Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. I would love to see this group with Ben Simmons, but I dont want to make any excuses. The new coach also has got to find that balance on how to push these All-Star players to that next stage. You have a great mix of veteran players, young players learning how to win in this game. Ive grown as a leader and Ive grown as a general manager, Brand said.
Booker's 35 points help streaking Suns beat 76ers 130-117
Booker became the Suns' career leader with his 91st 30-point game, breaking a tie with Walter Davis. Phoenix pulled away late after leading only 105-102 following back-to-back baskets by Alec Burks, who led the 76ers with 23 points. The Suns continued their high-scoring play in the bubble after averaging 120 points in the first six games. The 76ers also were without Joel Embiid (left ankle), Tobias Harris (sore right ankle) and Al Horford (sore left knee). 76ers: Play the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.
Lillard drops 51 as Trail Blazers top 76ers; Embiid injured
On 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.
76ers beat Wizards 107-98; Simmons leaves with knee injury
There was no immediate word from the 76ers on the extent of Simmons injury, which occurred as he landed awkwardly after grabbing an offensive rebound. Tobias Harris added 17 points for the 76ers, who pulled within a game of the Pacers for fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. This was the the second game in a five-game stretch in which the 76ers play opponents currently seeded seventh or lower in their respective conference. Wizards: Bryant recorded his third straight double-double and had three blocks. Wizards: Play Pelicans on Friday.