8:00 AM ET In a move that is perhaps both game-changer and tipping point, the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury have struck a deal that removes their long-held television rights from cable. Starting with their next seasons, the teams’ games will be broadcast for free over-the-air and streamed online on a new direct-to-consumer service. The
NBA
DOMANTAS SABONIS IS the funnel through which the NBA’s best offense flows, and it all begins when he grabs a defensive rebound and dribbles up the court, his 7-foot body proceeding with its uniquely equine gait. He generally picks up his dribble near the top of the key, holding the ball in one hand away
2:41 PM ET Associated Press INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s job is secure, with the organization’s backing, despite a first-round exit from the NBA playoffs, president of basketball operations Koby Altman said Friday. Making their first postseason appearance since LeBron James left five years ago, the Cavs were bounced in five games
6:20 AM ET Associated Press GENEVA — Qatar is going to host another World Cup. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has picked Qatar to host the 2027 edition of its marquee men’s World Cup. It did not say whether there were any other bidders. Doha will stage all games in the 32-team event, FIBA said,
11:18 PM ET ATLANTA — After they were hurt by the last six minutes of Game 5 on Tuesday, the Boston Celtics played that same end-of-game stretch in Thursday’s Game 6 with added urgency, leading to a win that pushed them into the next round of the playoffs. Effective defense and timely 3s from a
11:20 PM ET Jayson Tatum is sorry, Ms. Jackson. The Boston Celtics guard apologized to singer Janet Jackson after his team beat the Atlanta Hawks 128-120 to win their first-round NBA playoff series, 4-2. The Celtics had a chance to close things out in Boston on Tuesday, but the Hawks’ win meant Jackson’s show for
10:59 PM ET Tim BontempsESPN Ever since the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers opened the 2022-23 NBA season, the two rivals seemed destined to meet in the playoffs. Here we are. After the Celtics dispatched the pesky Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 Thursday night — and 11 days after the 76ers swept the Brooklyn Nets
7:14 PM ET Associated Press CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers still aren’t saying if Joel Embiid will be able to return from a sprained right knee and play next week in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The 76ers completed a sweep of the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, providing a great opportunity for
7:19 PM ET ESPN News Services MADRID — A EuroLeague basketball game between Real Madrid and Partizan Belgrade was suspended with less than two minutes left after a brawl between players from both teams. Madrid was losing 95-80 at home — and about to go down 2-0 in their playoff series — when a hard
5:45 PM ET LOS ANGELES — Following a disappointing, injury-marred first-round exit to finish a season that began with championship expectations, Lawrence Frank said the LA Clippers will continue to build around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. In his end of season address, the Clippers president of basketball operations said a healthy Leonard and George