Sports News Boom

7:37 PM ET Associated Press INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The LA Clippers have received final approval from Inglewood’s city government to begin construction on their new arena next summer. The Clippers announced the approval from the city council Tuesday, along with a joint deal to buy the publicly owned property on the arena site for $66.25

5:51 PM ET When Doc Rivers watches Nikola Jokic, the LA Clippers coach sees the best passing big man ever, combined with the moves and smarts of two other Hall of Fame big men. “He has a little bit of everybody,” Rivers said Tuesday when asked if Jokic compares to anyone. “He has all the

7:14 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The top three vote-getters for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award — Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert — headline this year’s All-Defensive teams, which were announced by the league Tuesday night.

6:09 PM ET Eric WoodyardESPN Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is inactive for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Tuesday against the Miami Heat because of a sprained right ankle. Antetokounmpo clearly tried to get himself ready for Game 5. He was on the court about two hours before game time, getting some shots

10:33 PM ET Marc J. Spears Milwaukee Bucks forward Marvin Williams told ESPN’s The Undefeated that he is retiring. Williams voiced the decision on Tuesday after earning 11 points and eight rebounds in the Bucks’ 103-94 season-ending loss to the Miami Heat in Game 5 of a second-round series. The former University of North Carolina

11:56 PM ET The Miami Heat are headed to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2014. After finishing off a 103-94 series-clinching Game 5 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler sent a warning signal to the rest of the league as the upstart Heat continue to

9:03 PM ET Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan won’t be returning to the Thunder next season, sources tell ESPN. Donovan’s contract expired at season’s end and the sides have decided against pursuing an extension. Discussions between OKC management and Donovan were described as collaborative and realistic. The reality of Oklahoma City’s eventual transition toward a

9:30 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The scream sliced through a largely empty arena and put a dagger in the Milwaukee Bucks‘ season. Giannis Antetokounmpo had been on a tear to begin Game 4 of the Bucks’ Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat, scoring 19 points in 11 minutes,