CLEVELAND (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns gave big men everywhere something to shoot for.
Minnesota's 7-footer became the first center to win the 3-Point Shooting Contest, defeating seven guards during the NBA's All-Star Saturday and providing a memorable moment on a night the dunk contest barely got off the ground.
Towns, who has spent his entire career proving doubters wrong about his range, posted a 29 — the highest total in the competition — during the final round to defeat Atlanta's Trae Young and Luke Kennard of the Los Angeles Clippers, who tied for second with 26 each.
New York's Obi Toppin won the four-person dunk contest, scoring a 47 out of 50 in the final round by putting the ball between his legs in the air, touching it off the backboard and re-directing it through the rim.
Golden State's Juan Toscano-Anderson was second as the dunk contest, once a marquee event that at times trumped the All-Star Game, fell flat.
A trio of Cleveland Cavaliers, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, won the Skills Challenge.
After his surprising 3-point win, Towns accepted his trophy at mid-court and immediately turned toward Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal sitting courtside in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
“I told you Shaq,” Towns said. “Vegas got the odds wrong.”
Towns was considered, well, a long shot among a field of shot makers that included Young, Kennard, New Orleans' CJ McCollum, Brooklyn’s Patty Mills, Toronto’s Fred VanVleet, Chicago’s Zach LaVine and Memphis’ Desmond Bane.
“I wanted to prove I was the best shooting big man in the world, and now I got the trophy to prove it,” Towns said.
There have been other big men crowned 3-point champions, but Kevin Love (2012) and Dirk Nowitzki (2006) are considered power forwards.
“I think this is a nice little thing to put on that résumé,” Towns said. “Big man hasn’t won in 10 years, and, of course, 10 years ago, a decade ago, who won it? The Wolves. It’s coming back home where it belongs.”
The dunk contest started with some promise and fizzled fast.
Orlando's Cole Anthony caused a stir when he swapped his sneakers for a pair of Timberland boots and then dunked in them with an assist from his father, former NBA guard Greg Anthony.
Toppin said all the participants are great dunkers who wanted to put on a show, and they all were encouraging each other.
“When Cole missed those two first ones with the Timbs on, I was like no those Timbs are heavy," Toppin said. “I was like, we got to boost his energy up. I was trying to get everybody on their feet.”
It worked, momentarily.
But Anthony couldn't complete his second dunk in three tries and he was eliminated along with Houston's Jalen Green, who also struggled while trying to impress a panel of Hall of Fame judges — Julius Erving, Isiah Thomas, David Robinson, Clyde Drexler and Dominique Wilkins.
The hometown Cavs added another moment to their impressive season by winning the re-formatted Skills Challenge, which pitted teams and not individual players.
Garland, Mobley and Allen teamed up to outperform Team Antetokounmpo — MVP Giannis and his brothers Thanasis and Alex — and a rookie trio of Detroit's Cade Cunningham, Toronto's Scottie Barnes and Oklahoma City's Josh Giddey.
Mobley, a leading candidate for rookie of the year honors, sealed the win by making a half-court shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close the segment of the contest in 5.5 seconds and defeat Team Rooks.
The Cavs started the shooting competition off target as Allen, hardly known for his outside touch, made just two shots in 30 seconds. However, Garland brought Cleveland back — and brought their crowd to life — scoring 21 points.
However, the Cavs came out of the relay portion tied with Team Antetokounmpo for second place and needed Garland to win a shoot-off with Thanasis to place Cleveland in the final.
After Cunningham drained his 47-footer in 9.9 seconds, Mobley calmly stepped into his winning shot.
“He’s one of a kind,” Allen said of his 20-year-old teammate. “Defense, offense and now half court. The whole league knows Evan by now. If they’ve ever driven to the paint, they definitely know him, so the NBA should know him by now.”
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; Karl-Anthony Towns gave big men everywhere something to shoot for.
Minnesota's 7-footer became the first center to win the 3-Point Shooting Contest, defeating seven guards during the NBA's All-Star Saturday and providing a memorable moment on a night the dunk contest barely got off the ground.
Towns, who has spent his entire career proving doubters wrong about his range, posted a 29 &mdash; the highest total in the competition &mdash; during the final round to defeat Atlanta's Trae Young and Luke Kennard of the Los Angeles Clippers, who tied for second with 26 each.
New York's Obi Toppin won the four-person dunk contest, scoring a 47 out of 50 in the final round by putting the ball between his legs in the air, touching it off the backboard and re-directing it through the rim.
Golden State's Juan Toscano-Anderson was second as the dunk contest, once a marquee event that at times trumped the All-Star Game, fell flat.
A trio of Cleveland Cavaliers, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, won the Skills Challenge.
After his surprising 3-point win, Towns accepted his trophy at mid-court and immediately turned toward Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal sitting courtside in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
&ldquo;I told you Shaq,&rdquo; Towns said. &ldquo;Vegas got the odds wrong.&rdquo;
Towns was considered, well, a long shot among a field of shot makers that included Young, Kennard, New Orleans' CJ McCollum, Brooklyn&rsquo;s Patty Mills, Toronto&rsquo;s Fred VanVleet, Chicago&rsquo;s Zach LaVine and Memphis&rsquo; Desmond Bane.
&ldquo;I wanted to prove I was the best shooting big man in the world, and now I got the trophy to prove it,&rdquo; Towns said.
There have been other big men crowned 3-point champions, but Kevin Love (2012) and Dirk Nowitzki (2006) are considered power forwards.
&ldquo;I think this is a nice little thing to put on that r&eacute;sum&eacute;,&rdquo; Towns said. &ldquo;Big man hasn&rsquo;t won in 10 years, and, of course, 10 years ago, a decade ago, who won it? The Wolves. It&rsquo;s coming back home where it belongs.&rdquo;
The dunk contest started with some promise and fizzled fast.
Orlando's Cole Anthony caused a stir when he swapped his sneakers for a pair of Timberland boots and then dunked in them with an assist from his father, former NBA guard Greg Anthony.
Toppin said all the participants are great dunkers who wanted to put on a show, and they all were encouraging each other.
&ldquo;When Cole missed those two first ones with the Timbs on, I was like no those Timbs are heavy," Toppin said. &ldquo;I was like, we got to boost his energy up. I was trying to get everybody on their feet.&rdquo;
It worked, momentarily.
But Anthony couldn't complete his second dunk in three tries and he was eliminated along with Houston's Jalen Green, who also struggled while trying to impress a panel of Hall of Fame judges &mdash; Julius Erving, Isiah Thomas, David Robinson, Clyde Drexler and Dominique Wilkins.
The hometown Cavs added another moment to their impressive season by winning the re-formatted Skills Challenge, which pitted teams and not individual players.
Garland, Mobley and Allen teamed up to outperform Team Antetokounmpo &mdash; MVP Giannis and his brothers Thanasis and Alex &mdash; and a rookie trio of Detroit's Cade Cunningham, Toronto's Scottie Barnes and Oklahoma City's Josh Giddey.
Mobley, a leading candidate for rookie of the year honors, sealed the win by making a half-court shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close the segment of the contest in 5.5 seconds and defeat Team Rooks.
The Cavs started the shooting competition off target as Allen, hardly known for his outside touch, made just two shots in 30 seconds. However, Garland brought Cleveland back &mdash; and brought their crowd to life &mdash; scoring 21 points.
However, the Cavs came out of the relay portion tied with Team Antetokounmpo for second place and needed Garland to win a shoot-off with Thanasis to place Cleveland in the final.
After Cunningham drained his 47-footer in 9.9 seconds, Mobley calmly stepped into his winning shot.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s one of a kind,&rdquo; Allen said of his 20-year-old teammate. &ldquo;Defense, offense and now half court. The whole league knows Evan by now. If they&rsquo;ve ever driven to the paint, they definitely know him, so the NBA should know him by now.&rdquo;

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; Karl-Anthony Towns gave big men everywhere something to shoot for.
Minnesota's 7-footer became the first center to win the 3-Point Shooting Contest, defeating seven guards during the NBA's All-Star Saturday and providing a memorable moment on a night the dunk contest barely got off the ground.
Towns, who has spent his entire career proving doubters wrong about his range, posted a 29 &mdash; the highest total in the competition &mdash; during the final round to defeat Atlanta's Trae Young and Luke Kennard of the Los Angeles Clippers, who tied for second with 26 each.
New York's Obi Toppin won the four-person dunk contest, scoring a 47 out of 50 in the final round by putting the ball between his legs in the air, touching it off the backboard and re-directing it through the rim.
Golden State's Juan Toscano-Anderson was second as the dunk contest, once a marquee event that at times trumped the All-Star Game, fell flat.
A trio of Cleveland Cavaliers, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, won the Skills Challenge.
After his surprising 3-point win, Towns accepted his trophy at mid-court and immediately turned toward Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal sitting courtside in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
&ldquo;I told you Shaq,&rdquo; Towns said. &ldquo;Vegas got the odds wrong.&rdquo;
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Towns was considered, well, a long shot among a field of shot makers that included Young, Kennard, New Orleans' CJ McCollum, Brooklyn&rsquo;s Patty Mills, Toronto&rsquo;s Fred VanVleet, Chicago&rsquo;s Zach LaVine and Memphis&rsquo; Desmond Bane.
&ldquo;I wanted to prove I was the best shooting big man in the world, and now I got the trophy to prove it,&rdquo; Towns said.
There have been other big men crowned 3-point champions, but Kevin Love (2012) and Dirk Nowitzki (2006) are considered power forwards.
&ldquo;I think this is a nice little thing to put on that r&eacute;sum&eacute;,&rdquo; Towns said. &ldquo;Big man hasn&rsquo;t won in 10 years, and, of course, 10 years ago, a decade ago, who won it? The Wolves. It&rsquo;s coming back home where it belongs.&rdquo;
The dunk contest started with some promise and fizzled fast.
Orlando's Cole Anthony caused a stir when he swapped his sneakers for a pair of Timberland boots and then dunked in them with an assist from his father, former NBA guard Greg Anthony.
Toppin said all the participants are great dunkers who wanted to put on a show, and they all were encouraging each other.
&ldquo;When Cole missed those two first ones with the Timbs on, I was like no those Timbs are heavy," Toppin said. &ldquo;I was like, we got to boost his energy up. I was trying to get everybody on their feet.&rdquo;
It worked, momentarily.
But Anthony couldn't complete his second dunk in three tries and he was eliminated along with Houston's Jalen Green, who also struggled while trying to impress a panel of Hall of Fame judges &mdash; Julius Erving, Isiah Thomas, David Robinson, Clyde Drexler and Dominique Wilkins.
The hometown Cavs added another moment to their impressive season by winning the re-formatted Skills Challenge, which pitted teams and not individual players.
Garland, Mobley and Allen teamed up to outperform Team Antetokounmpo &mdash; MVP Giannis and his brothers Thanasis and Alex &mdash; and a rookie trio of Detroit's Cade Cunningham, Toronto's Scottie Barnes and Oklahoma City's Josh Giddey.
Mobley, a leading candidate for rookie of the year honors, sealed the win by making a half-court shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close the segment of the contest in 5.5 seconds and defeat Team Rooks.
The Cavs started the shooting competition off target as Allen, hardly known for his outside touch, made just two shots in 30 seconds. However, Garland brought Cleveland back &mdash; and brought their crowd to life &mdash; scoring 21 points.
However, the Cavs came out of the relay portion tied with Team Antetokounmpo for second place and needed Garland to win a shoot-off with Thanasis to place Cleveland in the final.
After Cunningham drained his 47-footer in 9.9 seconds, Mobley calmly stepped into his winning shot.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s one of a kind,&rdquo; Allen said of his 20-year-old teammate. &ldquo;Defense, offense and now half court. The whole league knows Evan by now. If they&rsquo;ve ever driven to the paint, they definitely know him, so the NBA should know him by now.&rdquo;

Karl-Anthony Towns posted a 29 during the final round to defeat Atlanta's Trae Young and Luke Kennard of the Clippers.

Center of attention: Towns wins All-Star 3-Point Contest

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls signed forward/center Tristan Thompson on Saturday night and released forward Alfonzo McKinnie.
Terms of Thompson's deal weren't disclosed.
Thompson averaged 6.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 34 games this season for Sacramento and Indiana. In 707 games in 11 NBA seasons with Cleveland, Boston, Sacramento and Indiana, he has averaged 9.1 points and 8.5 rebounds.
Thompson was traded from Sacramento to Indiana on Feb. 8 in the deal that sent Domantas Sabonis to the Kings, then waived by the Pacers on Thursday.
McKinnie averaged 3.5 points and 1.9 rebounds in 17 games this season for Chicago.
The Bulls are tied for the Eastern Conference lead with Miami.

The Chicago Bulls signed forward/center Tristan Thompson on Saturday night and released forward Alfonzo McKinnie.

Bulls sign Tristan Thompson, release Alfonzo McKinnie

CLEVELAND (AP) — The latest from All-Star Saturday:
Obi Toppin won the slam dunk contest, earning a 47 on his final dunk when he needed to do little more than put the ball in the basket after Juan Toscano-Anderson couldn't on his previous try.
In a disappointing finish to All-Star Saturday, the four dunkers occasionally left the judging panel of Hall of Famers with expressionless looks on their faces.
Toppin, the New York Knicks forward, beat Golden State's Toscano-Anderson in the final round to win the event after finishing second as a rookie.
Houston rookie Jalen Green and Orlando guard Cole Anthony failed to advance. Anthony couldn't make his second dunk and appeared to hurt his thumb banging it against the rim.
___
The big man was the big winner in the 3-point contest.
Minnesota All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns showed off his long-range shooting skills and was a surprising winner of the event, scoring 29 points in his final round.
Towns beat Luke Kennard of the Clippers and Atlanta's Trae Young in the final round. 
Towns has long considered himself the best-shooting big man in the game and vowed he was going to back up his boasts with a victory. 
"I needed this trophy to prove it," Towns said.
Brooklyn's Patty Mills, Toronto's Fred VanVleet, Chicago's Zach LaVine, Memphis' Desmond Bane, and New Orleans' CJ McCollum failed to advance.
___
The host Cleveland Cavaliers were the first winners of the revamped Skills Challenge.
Rookie Evan Mobley gave his team a victory by nailing a halfcourt shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close out the final portion of the contest in 5.5 seconds.
All-Stars Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland were the other members of the winning team to kick off All-Star Saturday.
The rookie squad of No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham of Detroit, Scottie Barnes of Toronto and Josh Giddey of Oklahoma City was the runner-up in the contest combining shooting, passing and dribbling.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis and Alex finished third.
The Antetokounmpo brothers clearly enjoyed competing together as a team. There were engaged and all smiles from the outset of the challenge. They were asking the referees for a video review of the end of the passing portion of the event.
Still to come is the 3-point shooting and dunk competitions.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; The latest from All-Star Saturday:
Obi Toppin won the slam dunk contest, earning a 47 on his final dunk when he needed to do little more than put the ball in the basket after Juan Toscano-Anderson couldn't on his previous try.
In a disappointing finish to All-Star Saturday, the four dunkers occasionally left the judging panel of Hall of Famers with expressionless looks on their faces.
Toppin, the New York Knicks forward, beat Golden State's Toscano-Anderson in the final round to win the event after finishing second as a rookie.
Houston rookie Jalen Green and Orlando guard Cole Anthony failed to advance. Anthony couldn't make his second dunk and appeared to hurt his thumb banging it against the rim.
&nbsp;
___
The big man was the big winner in the 3-point contest.
Minnesota All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns showed off his long-range shooting skills and was a surprising winner of the event, scoring 29 points in his final round.
Towns beat Luke Kennard of the Clippers and Atlanta's Trae Young in the final round.
Towns has long considered himself the best-shooting big man in the game and vowed he was going to back up his boasts with a victory.
"I needed this trophy to prove it," Towns said.
Brooklyn's Patty Mills, Toronto's Fred VanVleet, Chicago's Zach LaVine, Memphis' Desmond Bane, and New Orleans' CJ McCollum failed to advance.
___
The host Cleveland Cavaliers were the first winners of the revamped Skills Challenge.
Rookie Evan Mobley gave his team a victory by nailing a halfcourt shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close out the final portion of the contest in 5.5 seconds.
All-Stars Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland were the other members of the winning team to kick off All-Star Saturday.
The rookie squad of No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham of Detroit, Scottie Barnes of Toronto and Josh Giddey of Oklahoma City was the runner-up in the contest combining shooting, passing and dribbling.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis and Alex finished third.
The Antetokounmpo brothers clearly enjoyed competing together as a team. There were engaged and all smiles from the outset of the challenge. They were asking the referees for a video review of the end of the passing portion of the event.
Still to come is the 3-point shooting and dunk competitions.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; The latest from All-Star Saturday:
Obi Toppin won the slam dunk contest, earning a 47 on his final dunk when he needed to do little more than put the ball in the basket after Juan Toscano-Anderson couldn't on his previous try.
In a disappointing finish to All-Star Saturday, the four dunkers occasionally left the judging panel of Hall of Famers with expressionless looks on their faces.
Toppin, the New York Knicks forward, beat Golden State's Toscano-Anderson in the final round to win the event after finishing second as a rookie.
Houston rookie Jalen Green and Orlando guard Cole Anthony failed to advance. Anthony couldn't make his second dunk and appeared to hurt his thumb banging it against the rim.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Obi Toppin had some creative dunks to become the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATTSlamDunk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATTSlamDunk</a> Champion! 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateFarmSaturday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StateFarmSaturday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mt0DJqgjbc">pic.twitter.com/Mt0DJqgjbc</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1495254668313874433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2022</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

___
The big man was the big winner in the 3-point contest.
Minnesota All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns showed off his long-range shooting skills and was a surprising winner of the event, scoring 29 points in his final round.
Towns beat Luke Kennard of the Clippers and Atlanta's Trae Young in the final round.
Towns has long considered himself the best-shooting big man in the game and vowed he was going to back up his boasts with a victory.
"I needed this trophy to prove it," Towns said.
Brooklyn's Patty Mills, Toronto's Fred VanVleet, Chicago's Zach LaVine, Memphis' Desmond Bane, and New Orleans' CJ McCollum failed to advance.
___
The host Cleveland Cavaliers were the first winners of the revamped Skills Challenge.
Rookie Evan Mobley gave his team a victory by nailing a halfcourt shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close out the final portion of the contest in 5.5 seconds.
All-Stars Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland were the other members of the winning team to kick off All-Star Saturday.
The rookie squad of No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham of Detroit, Scottie Barnes of Toronto and Josh Giddey of Oklahoma City was the runner-up in the contest combining shooting, passing and dribbling.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis and Alex finished third.
The Antetokounmpo brothers clearly enjoyed competing together as a team. There were engaged and all smiles from the outset of the challenge. They were asking the referees for a video review of the end of the passing portion of the event.
Still to come is the 3-point shooting and dunk competitions.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; The latest from All-Star Saturday:
Obi Toppin won the slam dunk contest, earning a 47 on his final dunk when he needed to do little more than put the ball in the basket after Juan Toscano-Anderson couldn't on his previous try.
In a disappointing finish to All-Star Saturday, the four dunkers occasionally left the judging panel of Hall of Famers with expressionless looks on their faces.
Toppin, the New York Knicks forward, beat Golden State's Toscano-Anderson in the final round to win the event after finishing second as a rookie.
Houston rookie Jalen Green and Orlando guard Cole Anthony failed to advance. Anthony couldn't make his second dunk and appeared to hurt his thumb banging it against the rim.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Obi Toppin had some creative dunks to become the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATTSlamDunk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATTSlamDunk</a> Champion! 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StateFarmSaturday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StateFarmSaturday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mt0DJqgjbc">pic.twitter.com/Mt0DJqgjbc</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1495254668313874433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2022</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

___
The big man was the big winner in the 3-point contest.
Minnesota All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns showed off his long-range shooting skills and was a surprising winner of the event, scoring 29 points in his final round.
Towns beat Luke Kennard of the Clippers and Atlanta's Trae Young in the final round.
Towns has long considered himself the best-shooting big man in the game and vowed he was going to back up his boasts with a victory.
"I needed this trophy to prove it," Towns said.
Brooklyn's Patty Mills, Toronto's Fred VanVleet, Chicago's Zach LaVine, Memphis' Desmond Bane, and New Orleans' CJ McCollum failed to advance.
___
The host Cleveland Cavaliers were the first winners of the revamped Skills Challenge.
Rookie Evan Mobley gave his team a victory by nailing a halfcourt shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close out the final portion of the contest in 5.5 seconds.
All-Stars Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland were the other members of the winning team to kick off All-Star Saturday.
The rookie squad of No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham of Detroit, Scottie Barnes of Toronto and Josh Giddey of Oklahoma City was the runner-up in the contest combining shooting, passing and dribbling.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis and Alex finished third.
The Antetokounmpo brothers clearly enjoyed competing together as a team. There were engaged and all smiles from the outset of the challenge. They were asking the referees for a video review of the end of the passing portion of the event.
Still to come is the 3-point shooting and dunk competitions.

New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin won the slam dunk contest on NBA All-Star Saturday night.

NBA All-Star Saturday: Obi Toppin wins dunk contest as others struggle

CLEVELAND (AP) — The latest from All-Star Saturday:
The host Cleveland Cavaliers were the first winners of the revamped Skills Challenge.
Rookie Evan Mobley gave his team a victory by nailing a halfcourt shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close out the final portion of the contest in 5.5 seconds.
All-Stars Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland were the other members of the winning team to kick off All-Star Saturday.
The rookie squad of No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham of Detroit, Scottie Barnes of Toronto and Josh Giddey of Oklahoma City was the runner-up in the contest combining shooting, passing and dribbling.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis and Alex finished third.
The Antetokounmpo brothers clearly enjoyed competing together as a team. There were engaged and all smiles from the outset of the challenge. They were asking the referees for a video review of the end of the passing portion of the event.
Still to come is the 3-point shooting and dunk competitions.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; The latest from All-Star Saturday:
The host Cleveland Cavaliers were the first winners of the revamped Skills Challenge.
Rookie Evan Mobley gave his team a victory by nailing a halfcourt shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close out the final portion of the contest in 5.5 seconds.
All-Stars Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland were the other members of the winning team to kick off All-Star Saturday.
The rookie squad of No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham of Detroit, Scottie Barnes of Toronto and Josh Giddey of Oklahoma City was the runner-up in the contest combining shooting, passing and dribbling.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis and Alex finished third.
The Antetokounmpo brothers clearly enjoyed competing together as a team. There were engaged and all smiles from the outset of the challenge. They were asking the referees for a video review of the end of the passing portion of the event.
Still to come is the 3-point shooting and dunk competitions.

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; The latest from All-Star Saturday:
The host Cleveland Cavaliers were the first winners of the revamped Skills Challenge.
Rookie Evan Mobley gave his team a victory by nailing a halfcourt shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close out the final portion of the contest in 5.5 seconds.
All-Stars Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland were the other members of the winning team to kick off All-Star Saturday.
The rookie squad of No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham of Detroit, Scottie Barnes of Toronto and Josh Giddey of Oklahoma City was the runner-up in the contest combining shooting, passing and dribbling.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis and Alex finished third.
&nbsp;
The Antetokounmpo brothers clearly enjoyed competing together as a team. There were engaged and all smiles from the outset of the challenge. They were asking the referees for a video review of the end of the passing portion of the event.
Still to come is the 3-point shooting and dunk competitions.

Mobley gave his team a win by nailing a halfcourt shot on his first attempt, allowing the Cavs to close out the final portion of the contest.

Cavaliers trio wins Skills Challenge at All-Star Saturday

CLEVELAND (AP) — On the court where he burst onto the national scene as a high school phenom, LeBron James lived out a childhood All-Star dream.
The skinny 12-year-old kid, who longed to make the short trip from Akron to Cleveland the last time the world's best basketball players visited Ohio 25 years ago, had a moment as precious as any MVP trophy on Saturday.
Back at Wolstein Center, James found himself surrounded by his best friends, the high school teammates, the ones who have been there for every step of his amazing journey.
“A remarkable thing," James said. “It's pretty cool.”
As practice began for <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-cleveland-nba-all-star-game-demar-derozan-2b02c7c4497f49f400a8c8e037abd12a">Team LeBron, the handpicked squad for his 18th All-Star Game</a>, James left Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and others behind on the floor so he could be with his teammates for life.
He spotted Romeo Travis, now a coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary and Willie McGee, the athletic director at their alma mater. There was Dru Joyce Jr., following his dad's coaching footsteps as an assistant at Cleveland State and Sian Cotton, coaching football back at St. V., as it's known, and Frankie Walker Jr.
James hugged each of them tightly. He posed for pictures while holding their kids, remarking how some of them had grown since he last saw them.
“My guys,” he said later. “I speak to them almost every day. We have that connection and that friendship that’s been going on since we were 9. This is the first time we’ve all spent the All-Star weekend together. So it makes it even more special.”
James recalled how he and his friends felt back in 1997, when the NBA dropped into Cleveland and celebrated its 50th anniversary.
That year, he watched in awe as rookie Kobe Bryant won the dunk contest “doing the East Bay dunk” and a young James dreamed of one day seeing any All-Star — never mind soaring like Michael Jordan.
“I wished I had the means and the ability to come up to Cleveland and just feel that energy and hopefully bump into one of those guys,” James said. “To sit here 25 years later doing what I love to do, dreaming about what I love to do, believing in what I wanted to be, it’s just unbelievable.”
This All-Star break is a welcomed one for the Los Angeles Lakers' superstar, who despite being 37 and in the fourth quarter of his career, remains in the conversation as being the league's best player.
He's averaging 29.1 points per game, scored at least 25 points in 23 consecutive games and shown he can be as dominant as ever.
While James' game is showing little signs of erosion, his body has begun to betray him. He's missed time this season an with abdominal strain and left knee injury. 
Then there's the mental toll.
“This is the strangest season I’ve been a part of so far,” James said. "I don’t want to just talk about the injuries, but COVID protocols. We’ve had our head coach be out for several games. We’ve had injuries.
"We’ve had a little bit of everything. It's been very challenging, very physically and emotionally draining at times, but that’s the NBA season for you.”
The homecoming weekend is a chance to re-energize for a end-of-season stretch that could require James doing even more with Lakers center Anthony Davis expected to miss more than a month with a mid-foot sprain.
And although the Lakers sit ninth in the Western Conference and didn't make any moves at he trade deadline, James feels good about their direction despite this being “a hell-storm of a season for us so far.”
“I love the way we’ve played the last few games,” he said. "At the trade deadline, the energy shifted in our locker room. One resulted in a win. One resulted in a loss in the Bay. But I hope we can continue that same energy, that same connectivity, and as a leader of the team, obviously, it starts and ends with me, and we go from there.”
That's just the way it is for James.
Whether playing in Los Angeles, Miami or Cleveland, James sets the tone.
And while the Lakers have struggled mightily, his former team, the Cavaliers, have been revived with a nucleus of young talent.
Cleveland is one of the league's biggest surprises and the Cavs' rise has fueled questions whether James might consider a third stint with the team he led to an NBA title in 2016.
James has said he'd like to end his pro career playing with his son, Bronny, now a high school junior.
As he reflected on his youth and “having teams up 77 North” to root for and inspire him, James praised the city and the Cavs, who are being represented in Sunday's All-Star Game by point guard Darius Garland and center Jarrett Allen.
“Cleveland is very deserving of this platform and this moment,” he said. "They got two All-Stars of their own in the game in D.G. and the big fella, Jarrett Allen. And they got another guy in the All-Star, and that’s me.
“It’s great, man.”
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; On the court where he burst onto the national scene as a high school phenom, LeBron James lived out a childhood All-Star dream.
The skinny 12-year-old kid, who longed to make the short trip from Akron to Cleveland the last time the world's best basketball players visited Ohio 25 years ago, had a moment as precious as any MVP trophy on Saturday.
Back at Wolstein Center, James found himself surrounded by his best friends, the high school teammates, the ones who have been there for every step of his amazing journey.
&ldquo;A remarkable thing," James said. &ldquo;It's pretty cool.&rdquo;
As practice began for <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-cleveland-nba-all-star-game-demar-derozan-2b02c7c4497f49f400a8c8e037abd12a">Team LeBron, the handpicked squad for his 18th All-Star Game</a>, James left Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and others behind on the floor so he could be with his teammates for life.
He spotted Romeo Travis, now a coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary and Willie McGee, the athletic director at their alma mater. There was Dru Joyce Jr., following his dad's coaching footsteps as an assistant at Cleveland State and Sian Cotton, coaching football back at St. V., as it's known, and Frankie Walker Jr.
James hugged each of them tightly. He posed for pictures while holding their kids, remarking how some of them had grown since he last saw them.
&ldquo;My guys,&rdquo; he said later. &ldquo;I speak to them almost every day. We have that connection and that friendship that&rsquo;s been going on since we were 9. This is the first time we&rsquo;ve all spent the All-Star weekend together. So it makes it even more special.&rdquo;
James recalled how he and his friends felt back in 1997, when the NBA dropped into Cleveland and celebrated its 50th anniversary.
That year, he watched in awe as rookie Kobe Bryant won the dunk contest &ldquo;doing the East Bay dunk&rdquo; and a young James dreamed of one day seeing any All-Star &mdash; never mind soaring like Michael Jordan.
&ldquo;I wished I had the means and the ability to come up to Cleveland and just feel that energy and hopefully bump into one of those guys,&rdquo; James said. &ldquo;To sit here 25 years later doing what I love to do, dreaming about what I love to do, believing in what I wanted to be, it&rsquo;s just unbelievable.&rdquo;
This All-Star break is a welcomed one for the Los Angeles Lakers' superstar, who despite being 37 and in the fourth quarter of his career, remains in the conversation as being the league's best player.
He's averaging 29.1 points per game, scored at least 25 points in 23 consecutive games and shown he can be as dominant as ever.
While James' game is showing little signs of erosion, his body has begun to betray him. He's missed time this season an with abdominal strain and left knee injury.
Then there's the mental toll.
&ldquo;This is the strangest season I&rsquo;ve been a part of so far,&rdquo; James said. "I don&rsquo;t want to just talk about the injuries, but COVID protocols. We&rsquo;ve had our head coach be out for several games. We&rsquo;ve had injuries.
"We&rsquo;ve had a little bit of everything. It's been very challenging, very physically and emotionally draining at times, but that&rsquo;s the NBA season for you.&rdquo;
The homecoming weekend is a chance to re-energize for a end-of-season stretch that could require James doing even more with Lakers center Anthony Davis expected to miss more than a month with a mid-foot sprain.
And although the Lakers sit ninth in the Western Conference and didn't make any moves at he trade deadline, James feels good about their direction despite this being &ldquo;a hell-storm of a season for us so far.&rdquo;
&ldquo;I love the way we&rsquo;ve played the last few games,&rdquo; he said. "At the trade deadline, the energy shifted in our locker room. One resulted in a win. One resulted in a loss in the Bay. But I hope we can continue that same energy, that same connectivity, and as a leader of the team, obviously, it starts and ends with me, and we go from there.&rdquo;
That's just the way it is for James.
Whether playing in Los Angeles, Miami or Cleveland, James sets the tone.
And while the Lakers have struggled mightily, his former team, the Cavaliers, have been revived with a nucleus of young talent.
Cleveland is one of the league's biggest surprises and the Cavs' rise has fueled questions whether James might consider a third stint with the team he led to an NBA title in 2016.
James has said he'd like to end his pro career playing with his son, Bronny, now a high school junior.
As he reflected on his youth and &ldquo;having teams up 77 North&rdquo; to root for and inspire him, James praised the city and the Cavs, who are being represented in Sunday's All-Star Game by point guard Darius Garland and center Jarrett Allen.
&ldquo;Cleveland is very deserving of this platform and this moment,&rdquo; he said. "They got two All-Stars of their own in the game in D.G. and the big fella, Jarrett Allen. And they got another guy in the All-Star, and that&rsquo;s me.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s great, man.&rdquo;

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; On the court where he burst onto the national scene as a high school phenom, LeBron James lived out a childhood All-Star dream.
The skinny 12-year-old kid, who longed to make the short trip from Akron to Cleveland the last time the world's best basketball players visited Ohio 25 years ago, had a moment as precious as any MVP trophy on Saturday.
Back at Wolstein Center, James found himself surrounded by his best friends, the high school teammates, the ones who have been there for every step of his amazing journey.
&ldquo;A remarkable thing," James said. &ldquo;It's pretty cool.&rdquo;
As practice began for <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-cleveland-nba-all-star-game-demar-derozan-2b02c7c4497f49f400a8c8e037abd12a">Team LeBron, the handpicked squad for his 18th All-Star Game</a>, James left Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and others behind on the floor so he could be with his teammates for life.
He spotted Romeo Travis, now a coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary and Willie McGee, the athletic director at their alma mater. There was Dru Joyce Jr., following his dad's coaching footsteps as an assistant at Cleveland State and Sian Cotton, coaching football back at St. V., as it's known, and Frankie Walker Jr.
James hugged each of them tightly. He posed for pictures while holding their kids, remarking how some of them had grown since he last saw them.
&ldquo;My guys,&rdquo; he said later. &ldquo;I speak to them almost every day. We have that connection and that friendship that&rsquo;s been going on since we were 9. This is the first time we&rsquo;ve all spent the All-Star weekend together. So it makes it even more special.&rdquo;
James recalled how he and his friends felt back in 1997, when the NBA dropped into Cleveland and celebrated its 50th anniversary.
That year, he watched in awe as rookie Kobe Bryant won the dunk contest &ldquo;doing the East Bay dunk&rdquo; and a young James dreamed of one day seeing any All-Star &mdash; never mind soaring like Michael Jordan.
&ldquo;I wished I had the means and the ability to come up to Cleveland and just feel that energy and hopefully bump into one of those guys,&rdquo; James said. &ldquo;To sit here 25 years later doing what I love to do, dreaming about what I love to do, believing in what I wanted to be, it&rsquo;s just unbelievable.&rdquo;
This All-Star break is a welcomed one for the Los Angeles Lakers' superstar, who despite being 37 and in the fourth quarter of his career, remains in the conversation as being the league's best player.
He's averaging 29.1 points per game, scored at least 25 points in 23 consecutive games and shown he can be as dominant as ever.
While James' game is showing little signs of erosion, his body has begun to betray him. He's missed time this season an with abdominal strain and left knee injury.
Then there's the mental toll.
&ldquo;This is the strangest season I&rsquo;ve been a part of so far,&rdquo; James said. "I don&rsquo;t want to just talk about the injuries, but COVID protocols. We&rsquo;ve had our head coach be out for several games. We&rsquo;ve had injuries.
"We&rsquo;ve had a little bit of everything. It's been very challenging, very physically and emotionally draining at times, but that&rsquo;s the NBA season for you.&rdquo;
The homecoming weekend is a chance to re-energize for a end-of-season stretch that could require James doing even more with Lakers center Anthony Davis expected to miss more than a month with a mid-foot sprain.
And although the Lakers sit ninth in the Western Conference and didn't make any moves at he trade deadline, James feels good about their direction despite this being &ldquo;a hell-storm of a season for us so far.&rdquo;
&ldquo;I love the way we&rsquo;ve played the last few games,&rdquo; he said. "At the trade deadline, the energy shifted in our locker room. One resulted in a win. One resulted in a loss in the Bay. But I hope we can continue that same energy, that same connectivity, and as a leader of the team, obviously, it starts and ends with me, and we go from there.&rdquo;
That's just the way it is for James.
&nbsp;
Whether playing in Los Angeles, Miami or Cleveland, James sets the tone.
And while the Lakers have struggled mightily, his former team, the Cavaliers, have been revived with a nucleus of young talent.
Cleveland is one of the league's biggest surprises and the Cavs' rise has fueled questions whether James might consider a third stint with the team he led to an NBA title in 2016.
James has said he'd like to end his pro career playing with his son, Bronny, now a high school junior.
As he reflected on his youth and &ldquo;having teams up 77 North&rdquo; to root for and inspire him, James praised the city and the Cavs, who are being represented in Sunday's All-Star Game by point guard Darius Garland and center Jarrett Allen.
&ldquo;Cleveland is very deserving of this platform and this moment,&rdquo; he said. "They got two All-Stars of their own in the game in D.G. and the big fella, Jarrett Allen. And they got another guy in the All-Star, and that&rsquo;s me.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s great, man.&rdquo;

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; On the court where he burst onto the national scene as a high school phenom, LeBron James lived out a childhood All-Star dream.
The skinny 12-year-old kid, who longed to make the short trip from Akron to Cleveland the last time the world's best basketball players visited Ohio 25 years ago, had a moment as precious as any MVP trophy on Saturday.
Back at Wolstein Center, James found himself surrounded by his best friends, the high school teammates, the ones who have been there for every step of his amazing journey.
&ldquo;A remarkable thing," James said. &ldquo;It's pretty cool.&rdquo;
As practice began for <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-cleveland-nba-all-star-game-demar-derozan-2b02c7c4497f49f400a8c8e037abd12a">Team LeBron, the handpicked squad for his 18th All-Star Game</a>, James left Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and others behind on the floor so he could be with his teammates for life.
He spotted Romeo Travis, now a coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary and Willie McGee, the athletic director at their alma mater. There was Dru Joyce Jr., following his dad's coaching footsteps as an assistant at Cleveland State and Sian Cotton, coaching football back at St. V., as it's known, and Frankie Walker Jr.
James hugged each of them tightly. He posed for pictures while holding their kids, remarking how some of them had grown since he last saw them.
&ldquo;My guys,&rdquo; he said later. &ldquo;I speak to them almost every day. We have that connection and that friendship that&rsquo;s been going on since we were 9. This is the first time we&rsquo;ve all spent the All-Star weekend together. So it makes it even more special.&rdquo;
James recalled how he and his friends felt back in 1997, when the NBA dropped into Cleveland and celebrated its 50th anniversary.
That year, he watched in awe as rookie Kobe Bryant won the dunk contest &ldquo;doing the East Bay dunk&rdquo; and a young James dreamed of one day seeing any All-Star &mdash; never mind soaring like Michael Jordan.
&ldquo;I wished I had the means and the ability to come up to Cleveland and just feel that energy and hopefully bump into one of those guys,&rdquo; James said. &ldquo;To sit here 25 years later doing what I love to do, dreaming about what I love to do, believing in what I wanted to be, it&rsquo;s just unbelievable.&rdquo;
This All-Star break is a welcomed one for the Los Angeles Lakers' superstar, who despite being 37 and in the fourth quarter of his career, remains in the conversation as being the league's best player.
He's averaging 29.1 points per game, scored at least 25 points in 23 consecutive games and shown he can be as dominant as ever.
While James' game is showing little signs of erosion, his body has begun to betray him. He's missed time this season an with abdominal strain and left knee injury.
Then there's the mental toll.
&ldquo;This is the strangest season I&rsquo;ve been a part of so far,&rdquo; James said. "I don&rsquo;t want to just talk about the injuries, but COVID protocols. We&rsquo;ve had our head coach be out for several games. We&rsquo;ve had injuries.
"We&rsquo;ve had a little bit of everything. It's been very challenging, very physically and emotionally draining at times, but that&rsquo;s the NBA season for you.&rdquo;
The homecoming weekend is a chance to re-energize for a end-of-season stretch that could require James doing even more with Lakers center Anthony Davis expected to miss more than a month with a mid-foot sprain.
And although the Lakers sit ninth in the Western Conference and didn't make any moves at he trade deadline, James feels good about their direction despite this being &ldquo;a hell-storm of a season for us so far.&rdquo;
&ldquo;I love the way we&rsquo;ve played the last few games,&rdquo; he said. "At the trade deadline, the energy shifted in our locker room. One resulted in a win. One resulted in a loss in the Bay. But I hope we can continue that same energy, that same connectivity, and as a leader of the team, obviously, it starts and ends with me, and we go from there.&rdquo;
That's just the way it is for James.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Whether playing in Los Angeles, Miami or Cleveland, James sets the tone.
And while the Lakers have struggled mightily, his former team, the Cavaliers, have been revived with a nucleus of young talent.
Cleveland is one of the league's biggest surprises and the Cavs' rise has fueled questions whether James might consider a third stint with the team he led to an NBA title in 2016.
James has said he'd like to end his pro career playing with his son, Bronny, now a high school junior.
As he reflected on his youth and &ldquo;having teams up 77 North&rdquo; to root for and inspire him, James praised the city and the Cavs, who are being represented in Sunday's All-Star Game by point guard Darius Garland and center Jarrett Allen.
&ldquo;Cleveland is very deserving of this platform and this moment,&rdquo; he said. "They got two All-Stars of their own in the game in D.G. and the big fella, Jarrett Allen. And they got another guy in the All-Star, and that&rsquo;s me.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s great, man.&rdquo;

For LeBron James, the 2022 All-Star Game is a Cleveland homecoming, even if he's now a Laker.

Home court: LeBron savors special All-Star trip back to Ohio

CLEVELAND (AP) — The No. 1 overall pick came out on top again.
Detroit rookie Cade Cunningham, being counted on to bring the Pistons back to relevancy, was named MVP of the NBA's All-Star Rising Stars on Friday night while leading Team Barry to a 25-20 win over Team Isiah.
Cunningham, who scored 13 points with six assists and five rebounds in the night's first game, had only 5 points in the finale but made several big plays down the stretch, including a clutch 3-pointer.
Cunningham also made a nifty pass inside to set up Orlando's Franz Wagner, whose free throw sealed Team Barry's victory.
When he was handed the MVP trophy at mid-court, Cunningham was playfully booed by the Cleveland crowd, which was pulling for Cavs rookie Evan Mobley to win the honor. Mobley was instrumental in Team Barry's victory, scoring 18 points — 12 on dunks — in the two games.
Don't tell Cunningham these games didn't mean anything. He came into the Rising Stars with one goal.
“To win,” he said. “I felt like we had the team to do it, so we had to come out and prove ourselves and the get the chip. So glad we did it.”
Hall of Famer Rick Barry beamed about his young team's effort.
“I’m proud of these guys because every one of them did a great job,” Barry said. “So it was great to see them playing basketball and they really went out and played the way the game should be played.”
One of the All-Star Weekend's staple events, the format for Rising Stars, matching the league's top rookies against second-year players, was changed this year to a mini-tournament with three games between four teams.
The “semifinals” were played to a target score of 50, and the final to 25 — a nod to the NBA's 75th anniversary. The teams were coached by Barry and former All-Stars Isiah Thomas, James Worthy and Gary Payton.
In the first matchup, Memphis guard Desmond Bane made two free throws to secure a 50-49 win for Team Isaiah over Team Worthy.
The second game also went down to the wire with Houston's Jae’Sean Tate dropping an acrobatic layup, pushing Team Barry past Team Payton 50-48.
With defense almost nonexistent, there was no shortage of soaring dunks, spin moves and crossovers to keep the sellout crowd entertained.
One of the top highlights came in the first matchup between Team Isaiah and Team Worthy when Orlando rookie Jalen Suggs passed up an uncontested layup and bounced a pass off the backboard to Magic teammate Cole Anthony for a dunk.
The 6-foot-2 Anthony will be one four participants in Saturday's dunk contest.
Moments after his dunk, Anthony did a cartwheel as Suggs shot what would have been a game-clinching free throw only to have it bounce off the rim.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; The No. 1 overall pick came out on top again.
Detroit rookie Cade Cunningham, being counted on to bring the Pistons back to relevancy, was named MVP of the NBA's All-Star Rising Stars on Friday night while leading Team Barry to a 25-20 win over Team Isiah.
Cunningham, who scored 13 points with six assists and five rebounds in the night's first game, had only 5 points in the finale but made several big plays down the stretch, including a clutch 3-pointer.
Cunningham also made a nifty pass inside to set up Orlando's Franz Wagner, whose free throw sealed Team Barry's victory.
When he was handed the MVP trophy at mid-court, Cunningham was playfully booed by the Cleveland crowd, which was pulling for Cavs rookie Evan Mobley to win the honor. Mobley was instrumental in Team Barry's victory, scoring 18 points &mdash; 12 on dunks &mdash; in the two games.
Don't tell Cunningham these games didn't mean anything. He came into the Rising Stars with one goal.
&ldquo;To win,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I felt like we had the team to do it, so we had to come out and prove ourselves and the get the chip. So glad we did it.&rdquo;
Hall of Famer Rick Barry beamed about his young team's effort.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m proud of these guys because every one of them did a great job,&rdquo; Barry said. &ldquo;So it was great to see them playing basketball and they really went out and played the way the game should be played.&rdquo;
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
One of the All-Star Weekend's staple events, the format for Rising Stars, matching the league's top rookies against second-year players, was changed this year to a mini-tournament with three games between four teams.
The &ldquo;semifinals&rdquo; were played to a target score of 50, and the final to 25 &mdash; a nod to the NBA's 75th anniversary. The teams were coached by Barry and former All-Stars Isiah Thomas, James Worthy and Gary Payton.
In the first matchup, Memphis guard Desmond Bane made two free throws to secure a 50-49 win for Team Isaiah over Team Worthy.
The second game also went down to the wire with Houston's Jae&rsquo;Sean Tate dropping an acrobatic layup, pushing Team Barry past Team Payton 50-48.
With defense almost nonexistent, there was no shortage of soaring dunks, spin moves and crossovers to keep the sellout crowd entertained.
One of the top highlights came in the first matchup between Team Isaiah and Team Worthy when Orlando rookie Jalen Suggs passed up an uncontested layup and bounced a pass off the backboard to Magic teammate Cole Anthony for a dunk.
The 6-foot-2 Anthony will be one four participants in Saturday's dunk contest.
Moments after his dunk, Anthony did a cartwheel as Suggs shot what would have been a game-clinching free throw only to have it bounce off the rim.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) &mdash; The No. 1 overall pick came out on top again.
Detroit rookie Cade Cunningham, being counted on to bring the Pistons back to relevancy, was named MVP of the NBA's All-Star Rising Stars on Friday night while leading Team Barry to a 25-20 win over Team Isiah.
Cunningham, who scored 13 points with six assists and five rebounds in the night's first game, had only 5 points in the finale but made several big plays down the stretch, including a clutch 3-pointer.
Cunningham also made a nifty pass inside to set up Orlando's Franz Wagner, whose free throw sealed Team Barry's victory.
When he was handed the MVP trophy at mid-court, Cunningham was playfully booed by the Cleveland crowd, which was pulling for Cavs rookie Evan Mobley to win the honor. Mobley was instrumental in Team Barry's victory, scoring 18 points &mdash; 12 on dunks &mdash; in the two games.
Don't tell Cunningham these games didn't mean anything. He came into the Rising Stars with one goal.
&ldquo;To win,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I felt like we had the team to do it, so we had to come out and prove ourselves and the get the chip. So glad we did it.&rdquo;
Hall of Famer Rick Barry beamed about his young team's effort.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m proud of these guys because every one of them did a great job,&rdquo; Barry said. &ldquo;So it was great to see them playing basketball and they really went out and played the way the game should be played.&rdquo;
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
One of the All-Star Weekend's staple events, the format for Rising Stars, matching the league's top rookies against second-year players, was changed this year to a mini-tournament with three games between four teams.
The &ldquo;semifinals&rdquo; were played to a target score of 50, and the final to 25 &mdash; a nod to the NBA's 75th anniversary. The teams were coached by Barry and former All-Stars Isiah Thomas, James Worthy and Gary Payton.
In the first matchup, Memphis guard Desmond Bane made two free throws to secure a 50-49 win for Team Isaiah over Team Worthy.
The second game also went down to the wire with Houston's Jae&rsquo;Sean Tate dropping an acrobatic layup, pushing Team Barry past Team Payton 50-48.
With defense almost nonexistent, there was no shortage of soaring dunks, spin moves and crossovers to keep the sellout crowd entertained.
One of the top highlights came in the first matchup between Team Isaiah and Team Worthy when Orlando rookie Jalen Suggs passed up an uncontested layup and bounced a pass off the backboard to Magic teammate Cole Anthony for a dunk.
The 6-foot-2 Anthony will be one four participants in Saturday's dunk contest.
Moments after his dunk, Anthony did a cartwheel as Suggs shot what would have been a game-clinching free throw only to have it bounce off the rim.

Detroit Pistons rookie Cade Cunningham was named MVP of the NBA's All-Star Rising Stars on Friday night

Pistons' Cade Cunningham named MVP of NBA All-Star Rising Stars

NEW YORK (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets are hopeful of a change to a local vaccine mandate that would make Kyrie Irving available for home games, one that New York City's mayor is “struggling” with whether to make.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday he believed Mayor Eric Adams should look at the mandate, which requires athletes playing for the city's teams to be vaccinated against the coronavirus to play in public venues. 
Adams later agreed that there were problems with the rule, which doesn't apply to visiting players, but said he is hesitant to make a change.
The Nets hope he will.
“Obviously, we’re hopeful but it’s really out of our hands,” coach Steve Nash said before the <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brooklyn">Nets beat the Knicks 111-106</a> at Madison Square Garden without Irving. 
“We just have to be patient and hope that the oddity of it prevails in a sense, but that’s not in my job description to write the city and state mandates. So I think we are hopeful and we’re patient and we’ll wait for hopefully the best outcome, but whatever outcome it is is out of our hands.”
Silver said it’s odd that the mandate only applies to players on the local teams while an unvaccinated opponent is allowed to play.
“I mean, I think if ultimately that rule is about protecting people who are in the arena, it just doesn’t quite make sense to me that an away player who’s unvaccinated can play in Barclays but the home player can’t,” Silver said in an interview with ESPN.
Adams was asked at a news conference later about Silver’s comments and whether he might adjust the rule. Adams, the former Brooklyn Borough president, said he was struggling with the contradiction, which also allows unvaccinated entertainers from out of town to perform in the city.
“I think the rule is unfair. I believe that we are saying to out-of-town athletes that they can come in and not be vaccinated. Yet New York athletes, you have to be vaccinated,” said Adams, who replaced former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who imposed the city’s vaccine requirements last year.
“But I am really, really leery about sending the wrong message,” Adams said. “Having this city close down again keeps me up at night. And the message was put in place, the rule was put in place. To start changing it now, I think it would send mixed messages. So I’m struggling with this, just to be honest with you.” 
More than 95% of NBA players are vaccinated. The Nets originally didn't let Irving play in any games until he was cleared to play in all of them, but reversed their decision in December when the team was short-handed after a coronavirus outbreak on the team.
___
Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed to this report.

The Brooklyn Nets are hopeful of a change to a local vaccine mandate that would make Kyrie Irving available for home games, one that New York City's mayor is &ldquo;struggling&rdquo; with whether to make.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday he believed Mayor Eric Adams should look at the mandate, which requires athletes playing for the city's teams to be vaccinated against the coronavirus to play in public venues.
Adams later agreed that there were problems with the rule, which doesn't apply to visiting players, but said he is hesitant to make a change.
The Nets hope he will.
&ldquo;Obviously, we&rsquo;re hopeful but it&rsquo;s really out of our hands,&rdquo; coach Steve Nash said before the <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brooklyn">Nets beat the Knicks 111-106</a> at Madison Square Garden without Irving.
&ldquo;We just have to be patient and hope that the oddity of it prevails in a sense, but that&rsquo;s not in my job description to write the city and state mandates. So I think we are hopeful and we&rsquo;re patient and we&rsquo;ll wait for hopefully the best outcome, but whatever outcome it is is out of our hands.&rdquo;
Silver said it&rsquo;s odd that the mandate only applies to players on the local teams while an unvaccinated opponent is allowed to play.
&ldquo;I mean, I think if ultimately that rule is about protecting people who are in the arena, it just doesn&rsquo;t quite make sense to me that an away player who&rsquo;s unvaccinated can play in Barclays but the home player can&rsquo;t,&rdquo; Silver said in an interview with ESPN.
Adams was asked at a news conference later about Silver&rsquo;s comments and whether he might adjust the rule. Adams, the former Brooklyn Borough president, said he was struggling with the contradiction, which also allows unvaccinated entertainers from out of town to perform in the city.
&ldquo;I think the rule is unfair. I believe that we are saying to out-of-town athletes that they can come in and not be vaccinated. Yet New York athletes, you have to be vaccinated,&rdquo; said Adams, who replaced former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who imposed the city&rsquo;s vaccine requirements last year.
&ldquo;But I am really, really leery about sending the wrong message,&rdquo; Adams said. &ldquo;Having this city close down again keeps me up at night. And the message was put in place, the rule was put in place. To start changing it now, I think it would send mixed messages. So I&rsquo;m struggling with this, just to be honest with you.&rdquo;
More than 95% of NBA players are vaccinated. The Nets originally didn't let Irving play in any games until he was cleared to play in all of them, but reversed their decision in December when the team was short-handed after a coronavirus outbreak on the team.
___
Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed to this report.

The Nets are hopeful of a change to a local vaccine mandate that would make Kyrie Irving available for home games.

Nets hope for NYC vaccine mandate change so Irving can play

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Golden State Warriors wanted to go into the All-Star break on a winning note after a tough stretch.
Still, the improved defense against Denver had coach Steve Kerr happy with the strides — even if it turned out Nikola Jokic and Monte Morris were too much of a load to stop down the stretch. 
Morris hit a 3-pointer over Stephen Curry from the right wing as the final buzzer sounded and the basket held up on replay review, sending the Denver Nuggets past the Golden State Warriors 117-116 in a frenzied final minute Wednesday night.
“Monte made a clutch bucket,” Curry said. “The last thing you can do in that situation is give up a 3.”
Curry hit an off-balanced 20-foot jumper with Morris on him moments before and converted the three-point play with 5.9 seconds left to finish with 25 points. Curry had just missed a step-back 3 with 21.2 seconds remaining, when Morris secured the rebound and drove for a go-ahead layup to put Denver up 114-113 with 14.9 seconds left. 
Splash Brother Klay Thompson scored 16 points and Jordan Poole added 15 off the bench as Golden State settled for a 42-17 record going into the All-Star break. And speaking of All-Stars, Curry, Draymond Green and first-timer Andrew Wiggins <a href="https://twitter.com/JanieMcCAP/status/1494170411608592388">were honored before the game alongside their children</a> in an especially sweet moment.
“I told the guys if we continue to play with that kind of fight and connection then we’re going to be in good shape after the break,” Kerr said.
Jokic had 35 points and 17 rebounds — 11 and 8 after the first quarter — for Denver, which won its third straight and fifth of six. His 3 with 6:26 remaining got the Nuggets within 98-94 before a 3-pointer by Thompson moments later. Jokic's big night on the boards helped Denver to a 48-38 rebounding advantage.
He planned to take the final shot.
“I just wanted to go in the middle of the paint and shoot a hook shot,” he said. “I just saw Steph and he was helping a little bit and Monte was wide open so I just passed the ball.”
Denver got the ball back with 45.4 seconds left down 113-110 and Jokic made a layup to help spark the comeback.
“He’s the reigning MVP. He was down there scoring at will in the fourth quarter at the rim,” Kerr said. “... Our defense was much, much better, Jokic just took over the game.”
Bryn Forbes scored 22 points and Morris returned from a three-game absence in the concussion protocol to finish with 13 points and six assists for a Nuggets team that also won 89-86 on the Warriors' home floor Dec. 28.
Gary Payton II had 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting for Golden State on the heels of a lackluster 119-104 road loss to the Clippers on Monday night.
Kerr started Payton to have his stingy defensive presence and the crafty guard made six steals.
While Kerr said he's “thrilled with where we are, thrilled with our team's record and overall performance" so far, he had been “disappointed” with some of the recent struggles the past couple of weeks despite the normal ups and downs of an 82-game season. 
He said this loss stung and would keep him up and “I'm going to kick myself over some things tonight."
“It’s a tough way to go into the break but I like the way we all played,” Curry said.
GREEN'S PROGRESS
Draymond Green has resumed on-court basketball work as he rehabs disc injury in his back that caused him calf trouble. The Warriors announced he is progressing well and is on target to return sometime after the All-Star break, and it is hoped he will soon be able to practice fully again.
“This was kind of the message that I heard from day one, that everyone felt really positive that given time and rehab that there would be a good result,” Kerr said. "That seems to be where we are heading.”
RISING STAR
Rookie Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 12 points, was named a replacement for the Rising Stars event at All-Star Weekend.
“I was disappointed he wasn't selected in the first place,” Kerr said of the seventh overall draft pick. “He's clearly one of the best rookies out there.”
TIP-INS
Nuggets: F Zeke Nnaji (right hamstring tightness) missed his third straight game. “We hope to get him back coming out the of the All-Star break,” coach Michael Malone said. ... Denver's 12 first-half turnovers led to 18 Warriors points. ... Denver improved to 10-12 on the road vs. the Western Conference. 
Warriors: C James Wiseman, recovering from right knee surgery, has put together a few solid weeks of on-court work and the plan is to continue to push him to see when he might be closer to a return. “It's great news,” Kerr said. ... The Warriors committed just three first-half turnovers but 11 total.
UP NEXT
Nuggets: Denver will return to Northern California to start the second half, visiting Sacramento next Thursday before hosting the Kings two days later.
Warriors: At Portland next Thursday following the All-Star break. Golden State has lost its last four on the road to the Trail Blazers since a 115-105 victory at Moda Center on Dec. 29, 2018.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) &mdash; The Golden State Warriors wanted to go into the All-Star break on a winning note after a tough stretch.
Still, the improved defense against Denver had coach Steve Kerr happy with the strides &mdash; even if it turned out Nikola Jokic and Monte Morris were too much of a load to stop down the stretch.
Morris hit a 3-pointer over Stephen Curry from the right wing as the final buzzer sounded and the basket held up on replay review, sending the Denver Nuggets past the Golden State Warriors 117-116 in a frenzied final minute Wednesday night.
&ldquo;Monte made a clutch bucket,&rdquo; Curry said. &ldquo;The last thing you can do in that situation is give up a 3.&rdquo;
Curry hit an off-balanced 20-foot jumper with Morris on him moments before and converted the three-point play with 5.9 seconds left to finish with 25 points. Curry had just missed a step-back 3 with 21.2 seconds remaining, when Morris secured the rebound and drove for a go-ahead layup to put Denver up 114-113 with 14.9 seconds left.
Splash Brother Klay Thompson scored 16 points and Jordan Poole added 15 off the bench as Golden State settled for a 42-17 record going into the All-Star break. And speaking of All-Stars, Curry, Draymond Green and first-timer Andrew Wiggins <a href="https://twitter.com/JanieMcCAP/status/1494170411608592388">were honored before the game alongside their children</a> in an especially sweet moment.
&ldquo;I told the guys if we continue to play with that kind of fight and connection then we&rsquo;re going to be in good shape after the break,&rdquo; Kerr said.
Jokic had 35 points and 17 rebounds &mdash; 11 and 8 after the first quarter &mdash; for Denver, which won its third straight and fifth of six. His 3 with 6:26 remaining got the Nuggets within 98-94 before a 3-pointer by Thompson moments later. Jokic's big night on the boards helped Denver to a 48-38 rebounding advantage.
He planned to take the final shot.
&ldquo;I just wanted to go in the middle of the paint and shoot a hook shot,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I just saw Steph and he was helping a little bit and Monte was wide open so I just passed the ball.&rdquo;
Denver got the ball back with 45.4 seconds left down 113-110 and Jokic made a layup to help spark the comeback.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s the reigning MVP. He was down there scoring at will in the fourth quarter at the rim,&rdquo; Kerr said. &ldquo;... Our defense was much, much better, Jokic just took over the game.&rdquo;
Bryn Forbes scored 22 points and Morris returned from a three-game absence in the concussion protocol to finish with 13 points and six assists for a Nuggets team that also won 89-86 on the Warriors' home floor Dec. 28.
Gary Payton II had 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting for Golden State on the heels of a lackluster 119-104 road loss to the Clippers on Monday night.
Kerr started Payton to have his stingy defensive presence and the crafty guard made six steals.
While Kerr said he's &ldquo;thrilled with where we are, thrilled with our team's record and overall performance" so far, he had been &ldquo;disappointed&rdquo; with some of the recent struggles the past couple of weeks despite the normal ups and downs of an 82-game season.
He said this loss stung and would keep him up and &ldquo;I'm going to kick myself over some things tonight."
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a tough way to go into the break but I like the way we all played,&rdquo; Curry said.
GREEN'S PROGRESS
Draymond Green has resumed on-court basketball work as he rehabs disc injury in his back that caused him calf trouble. The Warriors announced he is progressing well and is on target to return sometime after the All-Star break, and it is hoped he will soon be able to practice fully again.
&ldquo;This was kind of the message that I heard from day one, that everyone felt really positive that given time and rehab that there would be a good result,&rdquo; Kerr said. "That seems to be where we are heading.&rdquo;
RISING STAR
Rookie Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 12 points, was named a replacement for the Rising Stars event at All-Star Weekend.
&ldquo;I was disappointed he wasn't selected in the first place,&rdquo; Kerr said of the seventh overall draft pick. &ldquo;He's clearly one of the best rookies out there.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Nuggets: F Zeke Nnaji (right hamstring tightness) missed his third straight game. &ldquo;We hope to get him back coming out the of the All-Star break,&rdquo; coach Michael Malone said. ... Denver's 12 first-half turnovers led to 18 Warriors points. ... Denver improved to 10-12 on the road vs. the Western Conference.
Warriors: C James Wiseman, recovering from right knee surgery, has put together a few solid weeks of on-court work and the plan is to continue to push him to see when he might be closer to a return. &ldquo;It's great news,&rdquo; Kerr said. ... The Warriors committed just three first-half turnovers but 11 total.
&nbsp;
UP NEXT
Nuggets: Denver will return to Northern California to start the second half, visiting Sacramento next Thursday before hosting the Kings two days later.
Warriors: At Portland next Thursday following the All-Star break. Golden State has lost its last four on the road to the Trail Blazers since a 115-105 victory at Moda Center on Dec. 29, 2018.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) &mdash; The Golden State Warriors wanted to go into the All-Star break on a winning note after a tough stretch.
Still, the improved defense against Denver had coach Steve Kerr happy with the strides &mdash; even if it turned out Nikola Jokic and Monte Morris were too much of a load to stop down the stretch.
Morris hit a 3-pointer over Stephen Curry from the right wing as the final buzzer sounded and the basket held up on replay review, sending the Denver Nuggets past the Golden State Warriors 117-116 in a frenzied final minute Wednesday night.
&ldquo;Monte made a clutch bucket,&rdquo; Curry said. &ldquo;The last thing you can do in that situation is give up a 3.&rdquo;
Curry hit an off-balanced 20-foot jumper with Morris on him moments before and converted the three-point play with 5.9 seconds left to finish with 25 points. Curry had just missed a step-back 3 with 21.2 seconds remaining, when Morris secured the rebound and drove for a go-ahead layup to put Denver up 114-113 with 14.9 seconds left.
Splash Brother Klay Thompson scored 16 points and Jordan Poole added 15 off the bench as Golden State settled for a 42-17 record going into the All-Star break. And speaking of All-Stars, Curry, Draymond Green and first-timer Andrew Wiggins <a href="https://twitter.com/JanieMcCAP/status/1494170411608592388">were honored before the game alongside their children</a> in an especially sweet moment.
&ldquo;I told the guys if we continue to play with that kind of fight and connection then we&rsquo;re going to be in good shape after the break,&rdquo; Kerr said.
Jokic had 35 points and 17 rebounds &mdash; 11 and 8 after the first quarter &mdash; for Denver, which won its third straight and fifth of six. His 3 with 6:26 remaining got the Nuggets within 98-94 before a 3-pointer by Thompson moments later. Jokic's big night on the boards helped Denver to a 48-38 rebounding advantage.
He planned to take the final shot.
&ldquo;I just wanted to go in the middle of the paint and shoot a hook shot,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I just saw Steph and he was helping a little bit and Monte was wide open so I just passed the ball.&rdquo;
Denver got the ball back with 45.4 seconds left down 113-110 and Jokic made a layup to help spark the comeback.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s the reigning MVP. He was down there scoring at will in the fourth quarter at the rim,&rdquo; Kerr said. &ldquo;... Our defense was much, much better, Jokic just took over the game.&rdquo;
Bryn Forbes scored 22 points and Morris returned from a three-game absence in the concussion protocol to finish with 13 points and six assists for a Nuggets team that also won 89-86 on the Warriors' home floor Dec. 28.
Gary Payton II had 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting for Golden State on the heels of a lackluster 119-104 road loss to the Clippers on Monday night.
Kerr started Payton to have his stingy defensive presence and the crafty guard made six steals.
While Kerr said he's &ldquo;thrilled with where we are, thrilled with our team's record and overall performance" so far, he had been &ldquo;disappointed&rdquo; with some of the recent struggles the past couple of weeks despite the normal ups and downs of an 82-game season.
He said this loss stung and would keep him up and &ldquo;I'm going to kick myself over some things tonight."
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a tough way to go into the break but I like the way we all played,&rdquo; Curry said.
GREEN'S PROGRESS
Draymond Green has resumed on-court basketball work as he rehabs disc injury in his back that caused him calf trouble. The Warriors announced he is progressing well and is on target to return sometime after the All-Star break, and it is hoped he will soon be able to practice fully again.
&ldquo;This was kind of the message that I heard from day one, that everyone felt really positive that given time and rehab that there would be a good result,&rdquo; Kerr said. "That seems to be where we are heading.&rdquo;
RISING STAR
Rookie Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 12 points, was named a replacement for the Rising Stars event at All-Star Weekend.
&ldquo;I was disappointed he wasn't selected in the first place,&rdquo; Kerr said of the seventh overall draft pick. &ldquo;He's clearly one of the best rookies out there.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Nuggets: F Zeke Nnaji (right hamstring tightness) missed his third straight game. &ldquo;We hope to get him back coming out the of the All-Star break,&rdquo; coach Michael Malone said. ... Denver's 12 first-half turnovers led to 18 Warriors points. ... Denver improved to 10-12 on the road vs. the Western Conference.
Warriors: C James Wiseman, recovering from right knee surgery, has put together a few solid weeks of on-court work and the plan is to continue to push him to see when he might be closer to a return. &ldquo;It's great news,&rdquo; Kerr said. ... The Warriors committed just three first-half turnovers but 11 total.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
UP NEXT
Nuggets: Denver will return to Northern California to start the second half, visiting Sacramento next Thursday before hosting the Kings two days later.
Warriors: At Portland next Thursday following the All-Star break. Golden State has lost its last four on the road to the Trail Blazers since a 115-105 victory at Moda Center on Dec. 29, 2018.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) &mdash; The Golden State Warriors wanted to go into the All-Star break on a winning note after a tough stretch.
Still, the improved defense against Denver had coach Steve Kerr happy with the strides &mdash; even if it turned out Nikola Jokic and Monte Morris were too much of a load to stop down the stretch.
Morris hit a 3-pointer over Stephen Curry from the right wing as the final buzzer sounded and the basket held up on replay review, sending the Denver Nuggets past the Golden State Warriors 117-116 in a frenzied final minute Wednesday night.
&ldquo;Monte made a clutch bucket,&rdquo; Curry said. &ldquo;The last thing you can do in that situation is give up a 3.&rdquo;
Curry hit an off-balanced 20-foot jumper with Morris on him moments before and converted the three-point play with 5.9 seconds left to finish with 25 points. Curry had just missed a step-back 3 with 21.2 seconds remaining, when Morris secured the rebound and drove for a go-ahead layup to put Denver up 114-113 with 14.9 seconds left.
Splash Brother Klay Thompson scored 16 points and Jordan Poole added 15 off the bench as Golden State settled for a 42-17 record going into the All-Star break. And speaking of All-Stars, Curry, Draymond Green and first-timer Andrew Wiggins <a href="https://twitter.com/JanieMcCAP/status/1494170411608592388">were honored before the game alongside their children</a> in an especially sweet moment.
&ldquo;I told the guys if we continue to play with that kind of fight and connection then we&rsquo;re going to be in good shape after the break,&rdquo; Kerr said.
Jokic had 35 points and 17 rebounds &mdash; 11 and 8 after the first quarter &mdash; for Denver, which won its third straight and fifth of six. His 3 with 6:26 remaining got the Nuggets within 98-94 before a 3-pointer by Thompson moments later. Jokic's big night on the boards helped Denver to a 48-38 rebounding advantage.
He planned to take the final shot.
&ldquo;I just wanted to go in the middle of the paint and shoot a hook shot,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I just saw Steph and he was helping a little bit and Monte was wide open so I just passed the ball.&rdquo;
Denver got the ball back with 45.4 seconds left down 113-110 and Jokic made a layup to help spark the comeback.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s the reigning MVP. He was down there scoring at will in the fourth quarter at the rim,&rdquo; Kerr said. &ldquo;... Our defense was much, much better, Jokic just took over the game.&rdquo;
Bryn Forbes scored 22 points and Morris returned from a three-game absence in the concussion protocol to finish with 13 points and six assists for a Nuggets team that also won 89-86 on the Warriors' home floor Dec. 28.
Gary Payton II had 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting for Golden State on the heels of a lackluster 119-104 road loss to the Clippers on Monday night.
Kerr started Payton to have his stingy defensive presence and the crafty guard made six steals.
While Kerr said he's &ldquo;thrilled with where we are, thrilled with our team's record and overall performance" so far, he had been &ldquo;disappointed&rdquo; with some of the recent struggles the past couple of weeks despite the normal ups and downs of an 82-game season.
He said this loss stung and would keep him up and &ldquo;I'm going to kick myself over some things tonight."
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a tough way to go into the break but I like the way we all played,&rdquo; Curry said.
GREEN'S PROGRESS
Draymond Green has resumed on-court basketball work as he rehabs disc injury in his back that caused him calf trouble. The Warriors announced he is progressing well and is on target to return sometime after the All-Star break, and it is hoped he will soon be able to practice fully again.
&ldquo;This was kind of the message that I heard from day one, that everyone felt really positive that given time and rehab that there would be a good result,&rdquo; Kerr said. "That seems to be where we are heading.&rdquo;
RISING STAR
Rookie Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 12 points, was named a replacement for the Rising Stars event at All-Star Weekend.
&ldquo;I was disappointed he wasn't selected in the first place,&rdquo; Kerr said of the seventh overall draft pick. &ldquo;He's clearly one of the best rookies out there.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Nuggets: F Zeke Nnaji (right hamstring tightness) missed his third straight game. &ldquo;We hope to get him back coming out the of the All-Star break,&rdquo; coach Michael Malone said. ... Denver's 12 first-half turnovers led to 18 Warriors points. ... Denver improved to 10-12 on the road vs. the Western Conference.
Warriors: C James Wiseman, recovering from right knee surgery, has put together a few solid weeks of on-court work and the plan is to continue to push him to see when he might be closer to a return. &ldquo;It's great news,&rdquo; Kerr said. ... The Warriors committed just three first-half turnovers but 11 total.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
UP NEXT
Nuggets: Denver will return to Northern California to start the second half, visiting Sacramento next Thursday before hosting the Kings two days later.
Warriors: At Portland next Thursday following the All-Star break. Golden State has lost its last four on the road to the Trail Blazers since a 115-105 victory at Moda Center on Dec. 29, 2018.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) &mdash; The Golden State Warriors wanted to go into the All-Star break on a winning note after a tough stretch.
Still, the improved defense against Denver had coach Steve Kerr happy with the strides &mdash; even if it turned out Nikola Jokic and Monte Morris were too much of a load to stop down the stretch.
Morris hit a 3-pointer over Stephen Curry from the right wing as the final buzzer sounded and the basket held up on replay review, sending the Denver Nuggets past the Golden State Warriors 117-116 in a frenzied final minute Wednesday night.
&ldquo;Monte made a clutch bucket,&rdquo; Curry said. &ldquo;The last thing you can do in that situation is give up a 3.&rdquo;
Curry hit an off-balanced 20-foot jumper with Morris on him moments before and converted the three-point play with 5.9 seconds left to finish with 25 points. Curry had just missed a step-back 3 with 21.2 seconds remaining, when Morris secured the rebound and drove for a go-ahead layup to put Denver up 114-113 with 14.9 seconds left.
Splash Brother Klay Thompson scored 16 points and Jordan Poole added 15 off the bench as Golden State settled for a 42-17 record going into the All-Star break. And speaking of All-Stars, Curry, Draymond Green and first-timer Andrew Wiggins <a href="https://twitter.com/JanieMcCAP/status/1494170411608592388" target="_blank" rel="noopener">were honored before the game alongside their children</a> in an especially sweet moment.
&ldquo;I told the guys if we continue to play with that kind of fight and connection then we&rsquo;re going to be in good shape after the break,&rdquo; Kerr said.
Jokic had 35 points and 17 rebounds &mdash; 11 and 8 after the first quarter &mdash; for Denver, which won its third straight and fifth of six. His 3 with 6:26 remaining got the Nuggets within 98-94 before a 3-pointer by Thompson moments later. Jokic's big night on the boards helped Denver to a 48-38 rebounding advantage.
He planned to take the final shot.
&ldquo;I just wanted to go in the middle of the paint and shoot a hook shot,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I just saw Steph and he was helping a little bit and Monte was wide open so I just passed the ball.&rdquo;
Denver got the ball back with 45.4 seconds left down 113-110 and Jokic made a layup to help spark the comeback.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s the reigning MVP. He was down there scoring at will in the fourth quarter at the rim,&rdquo; Kerr said. &ldquo;... Our defense was much, much better, Jokic just took over the game.&rdquo;
Bryn Forbes scored 22 points and Morris returned from a three-game absence in the concussion protocol to finish with 13 points and six assists for a Nuggets team that also won 89-86 on the Warriors' home floor Dec. 28.
Gary Payton II had 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting for Golden State on the heels of a lackluster 119-104 road loss to the Clippers on Monday night.
Kerr started Payton to have his stingy defensive presence and the crafty guard made six steals.
While Kerr said he's &ldquo;thrilled with where we are, thrilled with our team's record and overall performance" so far, he had been &ldquo;disappointed&rdquo; with some of the recent struggles the past couple of weeks despite the normal ups and downs of an 82-game season.
He said this loss stung and would keep him up and &ldquo;I'm going to kick myself over some things tonight."
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a tough way to go into the break but I like the way we all played,&rdquo; Curry said.
GREEN'S PROGRESS
Draymond Green has resumed on-court basketball work as he rehabs disc injury in his back that caused him calf trouble. The Warriors announced he is progressing well and is on target to return sometime after the All-Star break, and it is hoped he will soon be able to practice fully again.
&ldquo;This was kind of the message that I heard from day one, that everyone felt really positive that given time and rehab that there would be a good result,&rdquo; Kerr said. "That seems to be where we are heading.&rdquo;
RISING STAR
Rookie Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 12 points, was named a replacement for the Rising Stars event at All-Star Weekend.
&ldquo;I was disappointed he wasn't selected in the first place,&rdquo; Kerr said of the seventh overall draft pick. &ldquo;He's clearly one of the best rookies out there.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Nuggets: F Zeke Nnaji (right hamstring tightness) missed his third straight game. &ldquo;We hope to get him back coming out the of the All-Star break,&rdquo; coach Michael Malone said. ... Denver's 12 first-half turnovers led to 18 Warriors points. ... Denver improved to 10-12 on the road vs. the Western Conference.
Warriors: C James Wiseman, recovering from right knee surgery, has put together a few solid weeks of on-court work and the plan is to continue to push him to see when he might be closer to a return. &ldquo;It's great news,&rdquo; Kerr said. ... The Warriors committed just three first-half turnovers but 11 total.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
UP NEXT
Nuggets: Denver will return to Northern California to start the second half, visiting Sacramento next Thursday before hosting the Kings two days later.
Warriors: At Portland next Thursday following the All-Star break. Golden State has lost its last four on the road to the Trail Blazers since a 115-105 victory at Moda Center on Dec. 29, 2018.

Morris hit a 3-pointer over Steph Curry as the final buzzer sounded, sending Denver past the Warriors 117-116 in a frenzied final minute.

Morris returns from concussion, beats Buzzer to send Nuggets past Warriors

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jusuf Nurkic had 32 points and eight rebounds, Anfernee Simons added 31 points and six assists and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame Ja Morant’s 44-point performance, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 123-119 on Wednesday night. 
Josh Hart added 22 points, six assists and seven rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who won their fourth straight after leading most of the game and weathering a frantic finish.
“They made a heckuva run, as they should. They’re at home,” Portland coach Chauncey Billups said. “We can’t lose our composure. Keep playing the way that we play, and we did that.”
Morant matched his career high in scoring as Memphis had its six-game winning streak halted. Desmond Bane scored 30 points and Brandon Clarke finished with 12.
The Grizzlies benefitted from a big scoring night from Morant and Bane, the team’s starting guard tandem. Their 74 points came on 20 of 39 shooting, Bane hit 7 of 12 from outside the arc, the seven made 3-pointers a career high. At times, the Trail Blazers tried to clog the middle to cut down on Morant’s paint points.
That opened the door for Bane.
“If you shift (defensively), you’re too late,” Morant said. “… Just reading (defenders). If they help, I already know I’ve got (Bane) on the wings to knock down the 3-ball. If they try to stay home, I’m in the paint.”
Memphis had trouble generating offense through the first half and into the third quarter. The Grizzlies used an offensive burst and closed within a possession on a couple of occasions, but Portland maintained the lead it held since the opening minutes.
Memphis finally caught the Trail Blazers with just less than five minutes remaining in the fourth as Bane scored seven straight points.
The teams swapped the lead, with Nurkic keeping Portland in the game by scoring nine straight points. Simons followed with a 3-pointer from the right wing for a 122-117 lead with 44 seconds left, helping preserve the victory.
“I had the ball in the hands of the dude that we needed it to be in,” Billups said of Simons’ 3-pointer. “We got what we wanted.”
He later added: “That was a big, big shot.”
Portland, which is dealing with numerous injuries to Damian Lillard and forward Nassir Little, along with several trade-deadline acquisitions, are working with a pieced-together roster. In addition to the injuries, solid producers like Norman Powell, Robert Covington and CJ McCollum were sent elsewhere at the deadline.
The Trail Blazers have played well during their winning streak, including a double-digit win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. They continued that trend in the first half.
Portland shot 60% until the late stages of the half, and Memphis seemed a step slower than it had during its recent winning streak. That translated into a 68-57 Portland lead at the break, despite Morant scoring 27 points.
“Giving up 68 points in the first half is not up to our standards,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. “… We threw a lot of different looks at them, and nothing really worked.”
But the Trail Blazers still had to endure a Memphis rally at the end. 
“I feel like people still try to overlook us,” Nurkic said. “I think we’re playing hard. That’s no doubt. Making shots obviously helps. But we play the right way. It gives us a chance to win. … Tonight, was a playoff-type of basketball.”
TIP-INS
Trail Blazers: Simons has recorded at least 29 points in each of his last three games. …. The four-game winning streak matches the longest of the season for Portland. It won four straight from Nov. 15-23. … Portland captured the season series 3-1 over Memphis.
Grizzlies: Morant, who missed Tuesday’s win at New Orleans with a sore ankle, returned to action and started. … Morant’s 20 first-quarter points marked a season-high for a Memphis player in a period. … Had scored at least 120 points during the six-game winning streak. … Memphis is now 24-3 when Clarke scores in double figures.
LIVING AT THE LINE
Morant finished the night 21 of 25 from the line, the 21 made free throws was a franchise record. Nurkic was amazed at the number. “I don’t know the last time I remember playing somebody that shoots 25 free throws,” Nurkic said, adding “I don’t remember Dame (Damian Lillard) shooting 25 free throws. … I wasn’t happy about it. It was amazing. At some point, he had more free throws than our whole team.”
UP NEXT
Trail Blazers: Host Golden State on Feb. 24 after the All-Star break.
Grizzlies: On All-Star break until Feb. 24 at Minnesota. 
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) &mdash; Jusuf Nurkic had 32 points and eight rebounds, Anfernee Simons added 31 points and six assists and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame Ja Morant&rsquo;s 44-point performance, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 123-119 on Wednesday night.
Josh Hart added 22 points, six assists and seven rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who won their fourth straight after leading most of the game and weathering a frantic finish.
&ldquo;They made a heckuva run, as they should. They&rsquo;re at home,&rdquo; Portland coach Chauncey Billups said. &ldquo;We can&rsquo;t lose our composure. Keep playing the way that we play, and we did that.&rdquo;
Morant matched his career high in scoring as Memphis had its six-game winning streak halted. Desmond Bane scored 30 points and Brandon Clarke finished with 12.
The Grizzlies benefitted from a big scoring night from Morant and Bane, the team&rsquo;s starting guard tandem. Their 74 points came on 20 of 39 shooting, Bane hit 7 of 12 from outside the arc, the seven made 3-pointers a career high. At times, the Trail Blazers tried to clog the middle to cut down on Morant&rsquo;s paint points.
That opened the door for Bane.
&ldquo;If you shift (defensively), you&rsquo;re too late,&rdquo; Morant said. &ldquo;&hellip; Just reading (defenders). If they help, I already know I&rsquo;ve got (Bane) on the wings to knock down the 3-ball. If they try to stay home, I&rsquo;m in the paint.&rdquo;
Memphis had trouble generating offense through the first half and into the third quarter. The Grizzlies used an offensive burst and closed within a possession on a couple of occasions, but Portland maintained the lead it held since the opening minutes.
Memphis finally caught the Trail Blazers with just less than five minutes remaining in the fourth as Bane scored seven straight points.
The teams swapped the lead, with Nurkic keeping Portland in the game by scoring nine straight points. Simons followed with a 3-pointer from the right wing for a 122-117 lead with 44 seconds left, helping preserve the victory.
&ldquo;I had the ball in the hands of the dude that we needed it to be in,&rdquo; Billups said of Simons&rsquo; 3-pointer. &ldquo;We got what we wanted.&rdquo;
He later added: &ldquo;That was a big, big shot.&rdquo;
Portland, which is dealing with numerous injuries to Damian Lillard and forward Nassir Little, along with several trade-deadline acquisitions, are working with a pieced-together roster. In addition to the injuries, solid producers like Norman Powell, Robert Covington and CJ McCollum were sent elsewhere at the deadline.
The Trail Blazers have played well during their winning streak, including a double-digit win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. They continued that trend in the first half.
Portland shot 60% until the late stages of the half, and Memphis seemed a step slower than it had during its recent winning streak. That translated into a 68-57 Portland lead at the break, despite Morant scoring 27 points.
&ldquo;Giving up 68 points in the first half is not up to our standards,&rdquo; Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. &ldquo;&hellip; We threw a lot of different looks at them, and nothing really worked.&rdquo;
But the Trail Blazers still had to endure a Memphis rally at the end.
&ldquo;I feel like people still try to overlook us,&rdquo; Nurkic said. &ldquo;I think we&rsquo;re playing hard. That&rsquo;s no doubt. Making shots obviously helps. But we play the right way. It gives us a chance to win. &hellip; Tonight, was a playoff-type of basketball.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Trail Blazers: Simons has recorded at least 29 points in each of his last three games. &hellip;. The four-game winning streak matches the longest of the season for Portland. It won four straight from Nov. 15-23. &hellip; Portland captured the season series 3-1 over Memphis.
Grizzlies: Morant, who missed Tuesday&rsquo;s win at New Orleans with a sore ankle, returned to action and started. &hellip; Morant&rsquo;s 20 first-quarter points marked a season-high for a Memphis player in a period. &hellip; Had scored at least 120 points during the six-game winning streak. &hellip; Memphis is now 24-3 when Clarke scores in double figures.
&nbsp;
LIVING AT THE LINE
Morant finished the night 21 of 25 from the line, the 21 made free throws was a franchise record. Nurkic was amazed at the number. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know the last time I remember playing somebody that shoots 25 free throws,&rdquo; Nurkic said, adding &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t remember Dame (Damian Lillard) shooting 25 free throws. &hellip; I wasn&rsquo;t happy about it. It was amazing. At some point, he had more free throws than our whole team.&rdquo;
UP NEXT
Trail Blazers: Host Golden State on Feb. 24 after the All-Star break.
Grizzlies: On All-Star break until Feb. 24 at Minnesota.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) &mdash; Jusuf Nurkic had 32 points and eight rebounds, Anfernee Simons added 31 points and six assists and the Portland Trail Blazers overcame Ja Morant&rsquo;s 44-point performance, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 123-119 on Wednesday night.
Josh Hart added 22 points, six assists and seven rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who won their fourth straight after leading most of the game and weathering a frantic finish.
&ldquo;They made a heckuva run, as they should. They&rsquo;re at home,&rdquo; Portland coach Chauncey Billups said. &ldquo;We can&rsquo;t lose our composure. Keep playing the way that we play, and we did that.&rdquo;
Morant matched his career high in scoring as Memphis had its six-game winning streak halted. Desmond Bane scored 30 points and Brandon Clarke finished with 12.
The Grizzlies benefitted from a big scoring night from Morant and Bane, the team&rsquo;s starting guard tandem. Their 74 points came on 20 of 39 shooting, Bane hit 7 of 12 from outside the arc, the seven made 3-pointers a career high. At times, the Trail Blazers tried to clog the middle to cut down on Morant&rsquo;s paint points.
That opened the door for Bane.
&ldquo;If you shift (defensively), you&rsquo;re too late,&rdquo; Morant said. &ldquo;&hellip; Just reading (defenders). If they help, I already know I&rsquo;ve got (Bane) on the wings to knock down the 3-ball. If they try to stay home, I&rsquo;m in the paint.&rdquo;
Memphis had trouble generating offense through the first half and into the third quarter. The Grizzlies used an offensive burst and closed within a possession on a couple of occasions, but Portland maintained the lead it held since the opening minutes.
Memphis finally caught the Trail Blazers with just less than five minutes remaining in the fourth as Bane scored seven straight points.
The teams swapped the lead, with Nurkic keeping Portland in the game by scoring nine straight points. Simons followed with a 3-pointer from the right wing for a 122-117 lead with 44 seconds left, helping preserve the victory.
&ldquo;I had the ball in the hands of the dude that we needed it to be in,&rdquo; Billups said of Simons&rsquo; 3-pointer. &ldquo;We got what we wanted.&rdquo;
He later added: &ldquo;That was a big, big shot.&rdquo;
Portland, which is dealing with numerous injuries to Damian Lillard and forward Nassir Little, along with several trade-deadline acquisitions, are working with a pieced-together roster. In addition to the injuries, solid producers like Norman Powell, Robert Covington and CJ McCollum were sent elsewhere at the deadline.
The Trail Blazers have played well during their winning streak, including a double-digit win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. They continued that trend in the first half.
Portland shot 60% until the late stages of the half, and Memphis seemed a step slower than it had during its recent winning streak. That translated into a 68-57 Portland lead at the break, despite Morant scoring 27 points.
&ldquo;Giving up 68 points in the first half is not up to our standards,&rdquo; Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. &ldquo;&hellip; We threw a lot of different looks at them, and nothing really worked.&rdquo;
But the Trail Blazers still had to endure a Memphis rally at the end.
&ldquo;I feel like people still try to overlook us,&rdquo; Nurkic said. &ldquo;I think we&rsquo;re playing hard. That&rsquo;s no doubt. Making shots obviously helps. But we play the right way. It gives us a chance to win. &hellip; Tonight, was a playoff-type of basketball.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Trail Blazers: Simons has recorded at least 29 points in each of his last three games. &hellip;. The four-game winning streak matches the longest of the season for Portland. It won four straight from Nov. 15-23. &hellip; Portland captured the season series 3-1 over Memphis.
Grizzlies: Morant, who missed Tuesday&rsquo;s win at New Orleans with a sore ankle, returned to action and started. &hellip; Morant&rsquo;s 20 first-quarter points marked a season-high for a Memphis player in a period. &hellip; Had scored at least 120 points during the six-game winning streak. &hellip; Memphis is now 24-3 when Clarke scores in double figures.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
LIVING AT THE LINE
Morant finished the night 21 of 25 from the line, the 21 made free throws was a franchise record. Nurkic was amazed at the number. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know the last time I remember playing somebody that shoots 25 free throws,&rdquo; Nurkic said, adding &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t remember Dame (Damian Lillard) shooting 25 free throws. &hellip; I wasn&rsquo;t happy about it. It was amazing. At some point, he had more free throws than our whole team.&rdquo;
UP NEXT
Trail Blazers: Host Golden State on Feb. 24 after the All-Star break.
Grizzlies: On All-Star break until Feb. 24 at Minnesota.

Nurkic had 32 points, Anfernee Simons added 31 and Portland overcame Ja Morant’s 44 to beat Memphis 123-119.

Blazers overcome Morant's 44 points, beat Grizzlies 123-119

CHICAGO (AP) — DeMar DeRozan's spectacular run is now one for the NBA record book.
DeRozan scored 38 points in breaking a mark set by Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Sacramento Kings 125-118 on Wednesday night.
DeRozan, who made 16 of 27 field goals, became the first player in NBA history to score 35 or more points and shoot 50% or better in seven consecutive games. Chamberlain did it in six straight twice — during the 1960-61 and 1962-63 seasons.
It was also DeRozan’s eighth game in a row with 30 or more points. It’s the longest such streak by a Bulls player since Michael Jordan did it in eight straight in January 1996.
DeRozan had difficulty describing just how locked in he is. And when it came to the record, he was “speechless.”
“As a kid, as a fan of the history of the game, being in the league as long as I've been in this league — things like that continue to make me even more humble,” he said. “Being an NBA player and being able to have the privilege to be able to play this long and have these opportunities, man, it's something I never take for granted. And the crazy thing is I felt like I missed eight easy shots I normally would have made.”
Coby White set a season high with 31 points and matched one with six 3-pointers. Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Bulls won their fifth straight.
They also moved a half-game ahead of Miami for the Eastern Conference lead even though Zach LaVine missed his third in a row because of soreness in his left knee. They are guaranteed at least a share of first place at the All-Star break, with the Heat visiting Charlotte on Thursday. 
“I'm just really appreciative of this group of guys from top to bottom — the way they come to work every day, how professional they are, how they try to keep themselves ready, how it's all about the team, it's all about winning and what each individual can do to impact and help in winning," Bulls coach Billy Donovan said.
KINGS FALL
De’Aaron Fox led Sacramento with 33 points and nine assists. Domantas Sabonis added 22 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in his fourth game since a trade from Indiana. 
Justin Holiday made six 3s and scored 18 points. Harrison Barnes added 17 points, but the Kings dropped their second straight after winning two in a row.
“I know that stigma or whatever is out there, but being here with this team, that’s not what this organization is about,” said Holiday, acquired with Sabonis from Indiana. "They want to win.” 
BULLS PREVAIL
DeRozan hit the 30-point mark when he nailed a 15-footer off a crossover to make it 107-98 with 7:10 left. And he made several big shots down the stretch.
DeRozan hit a 3 with about 5:15 left after Sacramento pulled within two. He also converted a three-point play to bump the lead to 115-109 with 3:51 remaining, and the Bulls remained in control the rest of the way.
THOMPSON TO CHICAGO?
The Bulls apparently are about to sign Tristan Thompson.
Indiana coach Rick Carlisle announced the Pacers are waiving the veteran big man and that he is headed to Chicago.
“He'll be joining a contending team in the East — a little bit north if anybody wants to tweet, starts with a C and ends with an O,” Carlisle said after Thompson scored 17 points in the Pacers' win over Washington.
In case there was any doubt, Carlisle clarified: “Chicago, if anybody didn't get that.”
Thompson, in his 11th season, won a championship with Cleveland in 2016. He was traded to the Pacers last week as part of the deal for Sabonis.
The Bulls are looking for frontcourt help.
Donovan said he had not heard “anything along the lines of that happening” and said it was “the first I'm hearing of it.” 
TIP-INS
Kings: Interim coach Alvin Gentry said G Davion Mitchell (bruised right hand) has “just a little contusion” and wasn't sure if the No. 9 overall draft pick will play in the Rising Stars game in Cleveland on Friday during All-Star weekend.
Bulls: LaVine has been cleared medically to participate in All-Star festivities this weekend in Cleveland and return to the lineup after the break. LaVine got the OK after having his left knee drained and a lubricant injected in Los Angeles, Donovan said. LaVine can resume activities after about 48 hours. ... Donovan said he expected G Alex Caruso (broken right wrist) to start dribbling and shooting in a week to 10 days. 
UP NEXT 
Kings: Host the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 24.
Bulls: Host the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 24.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) &mdash; DeMar DeRozan's spectacular run is now one for the NBA record book.
DeRozan scored 38 points in breaking a mark set by Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Sacramento Kings 125-118 on Wednesday night.
DeRozan, who made 16 of 27 field goals, became the first player in NBA history to score 35 or more points and shoot 50% or better in seven consecutive games. Chamberlain did it in six straight twice &mdash; during the 1960-61 and 1962-63 seasons.
It was also DeRozan&rsquo;s eighth game in a row with 30 or more points. It&rsquo;s the longest such streak by a Bulls player since Michael Jordan did it in eight straight in January 1996.
DeRozan had difficulty describing just how locked in he is. And when it came to the record, he was &ldquo;speechless.&rdquo;
&ldquo;As a kid, as a fan of the history of the game, being in the league as long as I've been in this league &mdash; things like that continue to make me even more humble,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Being an NBA player and being able to have the privilege to be able to play this long and have these opportunities, man, it's something I never take for granted. And the crazy thing is I felt like I missed eight easy shots I normally would have made.&rdquo;
Coby White set a season high with 31 points and matched one with six 3-pointers. Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Bulls won their fifth straight.
They also moved a half-game ahead of Miami for the Eastern Conference lead even though Zach LaVine missed his third in a row because of soreness in his left knee. They are guaranteed at least a share of first place at the All-Star break, with the Heat visiting Charlotte on Thursday.
&ldquo;I'm just really appreciative of this group of guys from top to bottom &mdash; the way they come to work every day, how professional they are, how they try to keep themselves ready, how it's all about the team, it's all about winning and what each individual can do to impact and help in winning," Bulls coach Billy Donovan said.
KINGS FALL
De&rsquo;Aaron Fox led Sacramento with 33 points and nine assists. Domantas Sabonis added 22 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in his fourth game since a trade from Indiana.
Justin Holiday made six 3s and scored 18 points. Harrison Barnes added 17 points, but the Kings dropped their second straight after winning two in a row.
&ldquo;I know that stigma or whatever is out there, but being here with this team, that&rsquo;s not what this organization is about,&rdquo; said Holiday, acquired with Sabonis from Indiana. "They want to win.&rdquo;
BULLS PREVAIL
DeRozan hit the 30-point mark when he nailed a 15-footer off a crossover to make it 107-98 with 7:10 left. And he made several big shots down the stretch.
DeRozan hit a 3 with about 5:15 left after Sacramento pulled within two. He also converted a three-point play to bump the lead to 115-109 with 3:51 remaining, and the Bulls remained in control the rest of the way.
THOMPSON TO CHICAGO?
The Bulls apparently are about to sign Tristan Thompson.
Indiana coach Rick Carlisle announced the Pacers are waiving the veteran big man and that he is headed to Chicago.
&ldquo;He'll be joining a contending team in the East &mdash; a little bit north if anybody wants to tweet, starts with a C and ends with an O,&rdquo; Carlisle said after Thompson scored 17 points in the Pacers' win over Washington.
In case there was any doubt, Carlisle clarified: &ldquo;Chicago, if anybody didn't get that.&rdquo;
Thompson, in his 11th season, won a championship with Cleveland in 2016. He was traded to the Pacers last week as part of the deal for Sabonis.
The Bulls are looking for frontcourt help.
Donovan said he had not heard &ldquo;anything along the lines of that happening&rdquo; and said it was &ldquo;the first I'm hearing of it.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Kings: Interim coach Alvin Gentry said G Davion Mitchell (bruised right hand) has &ldquo;just a little contusion&rdquo; and wasn't sure if the No. 9 overall draft pick will play in the Rising Stars game in Cleveland on Friday during All-Star weekend.
Bulls: LaVine has been cleared medically to participate in All-Star festivities this weekend in Cleveland and return to the lineup after the break. LaVine got the OK after having his left knee drained and a lubricant injected in Los Angeles, Donovan said. LaVine can resume activities after about 48 hours. ... Donovan said he expected G Alex Caruso (broken right wrist) to start dribbling and shooting in a week to 10 days.
&nbsp;
UP NEXT
Kings: Host the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 24.
Bulls: Host the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 24.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) &mdash; DeMar DeRozan's spectacular run is now one for the NBA record book.
DeRozan scored 38 points in breaking a mark set by Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Sacramento Kings 125-118 on Wednesday night.
DeRozan, who made 16 of 27 field goals, became the first player in NBA history to score 35 or more points and shoot 50% or better in seven consecutive games. Chamberlain did it in six straight twice &mdash; during the 1960-61 and 1962-63 seasons.
It was also DeRozan&rsquo;s eighth game in a row with 30 or more points. It&rsquo;s the longest such streak by a Bulls player since Michael Jordan did it in eight straight in January 1996.
DeRozan had difficulty describing just how locked in he is. And when it came to the record, he was &ldquo;speechless.&rdquo;
&ldquo;As a kid, as a fan of the history of the game, being in the league as long as I've been in this league &mdash; things like that continue to make me even more humble,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Being an NBA player and being able to have the privilege to be able to play this long and have these opportunities, man, it's something I never take for granted. And the crazy thing is I felt like I missed eight easy shots I normally would have made.&rdquo;
Coby White set a season high with 31 points and matched one with six 3-pointers. Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 10 rebounds as the Bulls won their fifth straight.
They also moved a half-game ahead of Miami for the Eastern Conference lead even though Zach LaVine missed his third in a row because of soreness in his left knee. They are guaranteed at least a share of first place at the All-Star break, with the Heat visiting Charlotte on Thursday.
&ldquo;I'm just really appreciative of this group of guys from top to bottom &mdash; the way they come to work every day, how professional they are, how they try to keep themselves ready, how it's all about the team, it's all about winning and what each individual can do to impact and help in winning," Bulls coach Billy Donovan said.
KINGS FALL
De&rsquo;Aaron Fox led Sacramento with 33 points and nine assists. Domantas Sabonis added 22 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in his fourth game since a trade from Indiana.
Justin Holiday made six 3s and scored 18 points. Harrison Barnes added 17 points, but the Kings dropped their second straight after winning two in a row.
&ldquo;I know that stigma or whatever is out there, but being here with this team, that&rsquo;s not what this organization is about,&rdquo; said Holiday, acquired with Sabonis from Indiana. "They want to win.&rdquo;
BULLS PREVAIL
DeRozan hit the 30-point mark when he nailed a 15-footer off a crossover to make it 107-98 with 7:10 left. And he made several big shots down the stretch.
DeRozan hit a 3 with about 5:15 left after Sacramento pulled within two. He also converted a three-point play to bump the lead to 115-109 with 3:51 remaining, and the Bulls remained in control the rest of the way.
THOMPSON TO CHICAGO?
The Bulls apparently are about to sign Tristan Thompson.
Indiana coach Rick Carlisle announced the Pacers are waiving the veteran big man and that he is headed to Chicago.
&ldquo;He'll be joining a contending team in the East &mdash; a little bit north if anybody wants to tweet, starts with a C and ends with an O,&rdquo; Carlisle said after Thompson scored 17 points in the Pacers' win over Washington.
In case there was any doubt, Carlisle clarified: &ldquo;Chicago, if anybody didn't get that.&rdquo;
Thompson, in his 11th season, won a championship with Cleveland in 2016. He was traded to the Pacers last week as part of the deal for Sabonis.
The Bulls are looking for frontcourt help.
Donovan said he had not heard &ldquo;anything along the lines of that happening&rdquo; and said it was &ldquo;the first I'm hearing of it.&rdquo;
TIP-INS
Kings: Interim coach Alvin Gentry said G Davion Mitchell (bruised right hand) has &ldquo;just a little contusion&rdquo; and wasn't sure if the No. 9 overall draft pick will play in the Rising Stars game in Cleveland on Friday during All-Star weekend.
Bulls: LaVine has been cleared medically to participate in All-Star festivities this weekend in Cleveland and return to the lineup after the break. LaVine got the OK after having his left knee drained and a lubricant injected in Los Angeles, Donovan said. LaVine can resume activities after about 48 hours. ... Donovan said he expected G Alex Caruso (broken right wrist) to start dribbling and shooting in a week to 10 days.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
UP NEXT
Kings: Host the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 24.
Bulls: Host the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 24.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DeRozan scored 38 points, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Sacramento Kings 125-118 on Wednesday night.

DeRozan breaks Wilt's record as Bulls beat Kings 125-118

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 50 points, two off his career best, and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks past the skidding Indiana Pacers 128-119 on Tuesday night. 
The Bucks (36-23) swept the four-game season series from the Pacers and have won eight straight against their Central Division foe.
Antetokounmpo, who didn’t play in Milwaukee’s loss to Portland on Monday night because of a sore left ankle, showed no ill effects as he racked up 12 first-quarter points that included a pair of thunderous dunks and a 3-pointer.
Antetokounmpo set a career high with his seventh 40-point game of the season and scored 50 for the first time since the memorable title-clinching game in the NBA Finals last season, which gave the Bucks their first championship in 50 years. 
Milwaukee bounced back after consecutive double-digit losses to hand Indiana (19-40) its seventh consecutive defeat.
Both teams had only 10 players available due to injuries.
Buddy Hield scored a season-high 36 points and Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points and eight assists for Indiana.
The Bucks led 34-27 after the first quarter before the Pacers grabbed a short-lived lead midway through the second. A pair of 3-pointers by reserve guard Lindell Wigginton sparked a 12-2 surge that grew the lead to double digits. Milwaukee led 69-63 at halftime, paced by Antetokounmpo’s 18 points.
Milwaukee built a pair of nine-point leads in the third but couldn’t shake the Pacers. When Indiana got close again in the fourth, Antetokounmpo swished a 3-pointer and added a pair of free throws after a clear-path foul and Milwaukee eventually increased its lead to 14 before holding off the Pacers down the stretch.
TIP-INS
Pacers: G Chris Duarte (sore left big toe), F Isaiah Jackson (right ankle sprain), G Malcolm Brogdon (sore right Achilles) and C Myles Turner (left foot issue) all sat out. … Haliburton didn’t attempt a shot from the field until sinking a 3-pointer about four minutes into the second quarter. … Scored 13 points off nine Milwaukee turnovers in the first half. … Keifer Sykes had 10 points off the bench. … Lance Stephenson was whistled for a flagrant 1 foul after hitting Antetokounmpo in the face battling for a loose ball. ... Jalen Smith fouled out while playing only 17 minutes. 
Bucks: G Wesley Matthews didn’t play due to right toe soreness and G George Hill missed his eighth consecutive game with a neck issue. …Wigginton scored a career-high 12 points, topping his previous mark of 11 set a night earlier. ... Serge Ibaka, who started in place of Antetokounmpo on Monday, had nine points in 24 minutes in his second game with Milwaukee after being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers. 
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MILWAUKEE (AP) &mdash; Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 50 points, two off his career best, and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks past the skidding Indiana Pacers 128-119 on Tuesday night.
The Bucks (36-23) swept the four-game season series from the Pacers and have won eight straight against their Central Division foe.
Antetokounmpo, who didn&rsquo;t play in Milwaukee&rsquo;s loss to Portland on Monday night because of a sore left ankle, showed no ill effects as he racked up 12 first-quarter points that included a pair of thunderous dunks and a 3-pointer.
Antetokounmpo set a career high with his seventh 40-point game of the season and scored 50 for the first time since the memorable title-clinching game in the NBA Finals last season, which gave the Bucks their first championship in 50 years.
Milwaukee bounced back after consecutive double-digit losses to hand Indiana (19-40) its seventh consecutive defeat.
Both teams had only 10 players available due to injuries.
Buddy Hield scored a season-high 36 points and Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points and eight assists for Indiana.
The Bucks led 34-27 after the first quarter before the Pacers grabbed a short-lived lead midway through the second. A pair of 3-pointers by reserve guard Lindell Wigginton sparked a 12-2 surge that grew the lead to double digits. Milwaukee led 69-63 at halftime, paced by Antetokounmpo&rsquo;s 18 points.
Milwaukee built a pair of nine-point leads in the third but couldn&rsquo;t shake the Pacers. When Indiana got close again in the fourth, Antetokounmpo swished a 3-pointer and added a pair of free throws after a clear-path foul and Milwaukee eventually increased its lead to 14 before holding off the Pacers down the stretch.
TIP-INS
Pacers: G Chris Duarte (sore left big toe), F Isaiah Jackson (right ankle sprain), G Malcolm Brogdon (sore right Achilles) and C Myles Turner (left foot issue) all sat out. &hellip; Haliburton didn&rsquo;t attempt a shot from the field until sinking a 3-pointer about four minutes into the second quarter. &hellip; Scored 13 points off nine Milwaukee turnovers in the first half. &hellip; Keifer Sykes had 10 points off the bench. &hellip; Lance Stephenson was whistled for a flagrant 1 foul after hitting Antetokounmpo in the face battling for a loose ball. ... Jalen Smith fouled out while playing only 17 minutes.
Bucks: G Wesley Matthews didn&rsquo;t play due to right toe soreness and G George Hill missed his eighth consecutive game with a neck issue. &hellip;Wigginton scored a career-high 12 points, topping his previous mark of 11 set a night earlier. ... Serge Ibaka, who started in place of Antetokounmpo on Monday, had nine points in 24 minutes in his second game with Milwaukee after being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers.
___
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MILWAUKEE (AP) &mdash; Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 50 points, two off his career best, and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks past the skidding Indiana Pacers 128-119 on Tuesday night.
The Bucks (36-23) swept the four-game season series from the Pacers and have won eight straight against their Central Division foe.
Antetokounmpo, who didn&rsquo;t play in Milwaukee&rsquo;s loss to Portland on Monday night because of a sore left ankle, showed no ill effects as he racked up 12 first-quarter points that included a pair of thunderous dunks and a 3-pointer.
Antetokounmpo set a career high with his seventh 40-point game of the season and scored 50 for the first time since the memorable title-clinching game in the NBA Finals last season, which gave the Bucks their first championship in 50 years.
Milwaukee bounced back after consecutive double-digit losses to hand Indiana (19-40) its seventh consecutive defeat.
Both teams had only 10 players available due to injuries.
Buddy Hield scored a season-high 36 points and Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points and eight assists for Indiana.
The Bucks led 34-27 after the first quarter before the Pacers grabbed a short-lived lead midway through the second. A pair of 3-pointers by reserve guard Lindell Wigginton sparked a 12-2 surge that grew the lead to double digits. Milwaukee led 69-63 at halftime, paced by Antetokounmpo&rsquo;s 18 points.
Milwaukee built a pair of nine-point leads in the third but couldn&rsquo;t shake the Pacers. When Indiana got close again in the fourth, Antetokounmpo swished a 3-pointer and added a pair of free throws after a clear-path foul and Milwaukee eventually increased its lead to 14 before holding off the Pacers down the stretch.
TIP-INS
Pacers: G Chris Duarte (sore left big toe), F Isaiah Jackson (right ankle sprain), G Malcolm Brogdon (sore right Achilles) and C Myles Turner (left foot issue) all sat out. &hellip; Haliburton didn&rsquo;t attempt a shot from the field until sinking a 3-pointer about four minutes into the second quarter. &hellip; Scored 13 points off nine Milwaukee turnovers in the first half. &hellip; Keifer Sykes had 10 points off the bench. &hellip; Lance Stephenson was whistled for a flagrant 1 foul after hitting Antetokounmpo in the face battling for a loose ball. ... Jalen Smith fouled out while playing only 17 minutes.
Bucks: G Wesley Matthews didn&rsquo;t play due to right toe soreness and G George Hill missed his eighth consecutive game with a neck issue. &hellip;Wigginton scored a career-high 12 points, topping his previous mark of 11 set a night earlier. ... Serge Ibaka, who started in place of Antetokounmpo on Monday, had nine points in 24 minutes in his second game with Milwaukee after being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 50 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead the Bucks past the Pacers, 128-119.

Giannis has season-high 50 points to lead Bucks past Pacers 128-119

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 26 of his 29 points in the first half and the Boston Celtics won their ninth in a row, dominating the Philadelphia 76ers 135-87 on Tuesday night. 
Jayson Tatum added 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for the Celtics, who have closed ground in the Eastern Conference with their stellar play of late. Boston entered sixth in the East, 4 ½ back of first-place Miami. They have won 11 of 12.
The margin of victory was the largest by the Celtics over Philadelphia in a rivalry that has been played 457 times. Boston’s previous biggest win was a 124-87 drubbing of Philadelphia on Dec. 20, 1987.
Joel Embiid had 19 points and nine rebounds for the 76ers. The NBA’s leading scorer entering the contest averaging 29.5 points. Embiid had his string of games with at least 25 points end at 31 in a row.
James Harden made his first appearance in Philadelphia — but in street clothes. The recently acquired star continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Harden is expected to make his 76ers debut on Feb. 25 at Minnesota.
Earlier Tuesday, Philadelphia introduced Harden at a press conference at the team’s training center in Camden, New Jersey, following last week’s blockbuster trade that sent disgruntled guard Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets. Harden drew a loud ovation when he came onto the court unannounced during pregame warmups, and the arena erupted when he rang the ceremonial Liberty Bell prior to the home introductions.
The 76ers sure could’ve used the 10-time All-Star, three-time scoring champ and former MVP during the game. His first in-person look at his new teammates came in their worst game of the season.
Boston torched Philadelphia in the opening 24 minutes, building a 27-point halftime lead. It got even worse for Philadelphia in the second half.
The Celtics did little wrong to start while making 22 of 39 first-half shots and silencing the previously frenzied crowd. Brown made all five of his 3-point attempts and Tatum added 16 at the break.
The 76ers got a little life on Embiid’s jumper that pulled them within 58-41 with 2:26 left before halftime, resulting in a Celtics timeout and Harden — dressed in cut-up jeans and a long pink blazer with yellow sleeves — raising both arms to implore the crowd to get loud. 
But Boston closed the half by scoring 11 of the final 12 points, capped by Brown’s 3-pointer at the buzzer that had him dancing back to the locker room and the Celtics ahead 69-42.
The Celtics led by as many as 51 in a second half that featured booing from the dissatisfied home fans.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Celtics: Marcus Smart limped off the court after getting hurt on a drive to the basket with 5:15 left in the second quarter. He appeared to injure his right ankle by stepping on Embiid’s foot and didn’t put any pressure on the ankle while being helped back to the bench. He stayed in the game briefly to shoot the free throws, missing both, before heading to the locker room and not returning. … Robert Williams III (right calf tightness) didn’t play. Williams entered Tuesday averaging 10.0 points and a team-best 9.7 rebounds. He’ll be evaluated on Wednesday to determine his status for the night’s game versus Detroit.
76ers: Embiid again played with a bandage wrapped around his right wrist. He has had his wrist heavily wrapped following Philadelphia’s last two contests, though he downplayed the injury. … Harden missed his final four games with the Nets due to the hamstring injury and hasn’t played in any of the three contests since the 76ers acquired him on Feb. 10, although he did participate in practice on Monday and Tuesday. He’ll also sit out Thursday’s game at Milwaukee.
TIP-INS
Celtics: Derrick White, playing in his third game with Boston after a trade with San Antonio, had 11 points. … Improved to 14-15 on the road. … The teams tied the four-game season series at two apiece. Boston split a pair of home games, losing 108-103 on Dec. 20 and winning 88-87 on Dec. 1. Philadelphia recorded a 111-99 home win on Jan. 14.
76ers: Shot 28.7% (23 of 80) from the field. … Philadelphia’s previous largest margin of defeat this season was a 35-point loss at Utah on Nov. 10. Embiid wasn’t in the lineup for that game, and their worst loss with their star big man before Tuesday was a 22-point home defeat to the Jazz on Dec. 9. … Veteran Paul Millsap, also part of the deal that brought Harden to Philadelphia, started the fourth quarter and finished with nine points.
UP NEXT
Celtics: Host Detroit on Wednesday night.
76ers: At Milwaukee on Thursday night.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) &mdash; Jaylen Brown scored 26 of his 29 points in the first half and the Boston Celtics won their ninth in a row, dominating the Philadelphia 76ers 135-87 on Tuesday night.
Jayson Tatum added 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for the Celtics, who have closed ground in the Eastern Conference with their stellar play of late. Boston entered sixth in the East, four-and-a-half back of first-place Miami. They have won 11 of 12.
The margin of victory was the largest by the Celtics over Philadelphia in a rivalry that has been played 457 times. Boston&rsquo;s previous biggest win was a 124-87 drubbing of Philadelphia on Dec. 20, 1987.
Joel Embiid had 19 points and nine rebounds for the 76ers. The NBA&rsquo;s leading scorer entering the contest averaging 29.5 points. Embiid had his string of games with at least 25 points end at 31 in a row.
James Harden made his first appearance in Philadelphia &mdash; but in street clothes. The recently acquired star continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Harden is expected to make his 76ers debut on Feb. 25 at Minnesota.
Earlier Tuesday, Philadelphia introduced Harden at a press conference at the team&rsquo;s training center in Camden, New Jersey, following last week&rsquo;s blockbuster trade that sent disgruntled guard Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets. Harden drew a loud ovation when he came onto the court unannounced during pregame warmups, and the arena erupted when he rang the ceremonial Liberty Bell prior to the home introductions.
The 76ers sure could&rsquo;ve used the 10-time All-Star, three-time scoring champ and former MVP during the game. His first in-person look at his new teammates came in their worst game of the season.
Boston torched Philadelphia in the opening 24 minutes, building a 27-point halftime lead. It got even worse for Philadelphia in the second half.
The Celtics did little wrong to start while making 22 of 39 first-half shots and silencing the previously frenzied crowd. Brown made all five of his 3-point attempts and Tatum added 16 at the break.
The 76ers got a little life on Embiid&rsquo;s jumper that pulled them within 58-41 with 2:26 left before halftime, resulting in a Celtics timeout and Harden &mdash; dressed in cut-up jeans and a long pink blazer with yellow sleeves &mdash; raising both arms to implore the crowd to get loud.
But Boston closed the half by scoring 11 of the final 12 points, capped by Brown&rsquo;s 3-pointer at the buzzer that had him dancing back to the locker room and the Celtics ahead 69-42.
The Celtics led by as many as 51 in a second half that featured booing from the dissatisfied home fans.
TRAINER&rsquo;S ROOM
Celtics: Marcus Smart limped off the court after getting hurt on a drive to the basket with 5:15 left in the second quarter. He appeared to injure his right ankle by stepping on Embiid&rsquo;s foot and didn&rsquo;t put any pressure on the ankle while being helped back to the bench. He stayed in the game briefly to shoot the free throws, missing both, before heading to the locker room and not returning. &hellip; Robert Williams III (right calf tightness) didn&rsquo;t play. Williams entered Tuesday averaging 10.0 points and a team-best 9.7 rebounds. He&rsquo;ll be evaluated on Wednesday to determine his status for the night&rsquo;s game versus Detroit.
76ers: Embiid again played with a bandage wrapped around his right wrist. He has had his wrist heavily wrapped following Philadelphia&rsquo;s last two contests, though he downplayed the injury. &hellip; Harden missed his final four games with the Nets due to the hamstring injury and hasn&rsquo;t played in any of the three contests since the 76ers acquired him on Feb. 10, although he did participate in practice on Monday and Tuesday. He&rsquo;ll also sit out Thursday&rsquo;s game at Milwaukee.
TIP-INS
Celtics: Derrick White, playing in his third game with Boston after a trade with San Antonio, had 11 points. &hellip; Improved to 14-15 on the road. &hellip; The teams tied the four-game season series at two apiece. Boston split a pair of home games, losing 108-103 on Dec. 20 and winning 88-87 on Dec. 1. Philadelphia recorded a 111-99 home win on Jan. 14.
76ers: Shot 28.7% (23 of 80) from the field. &hellip; Philadelphia&rsquo;s previous largest margin of defeat this season was a 35-point loss at Utah on Nov. 10. Embiid wasn&rsquo;t in the lineup for that game, and their worst loss with their star big man before Tuesday was a 22-point home defeat to the Jazz on Dec. 9. &hellip; Veteran Paul Millsap, also part of the deal that brought Harden to Philadelphia, started the fourth quarter and finished with nine points.
UP NEXT
Celtics: Host Detroit on Wednesday night.
76ers: At Milwaukee on Thursday night.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHILADELPHIA (AP) &mdash; Jaylen Brown scored 26 of his 29 points in the first half and the Boston Celtics won their ninth in a row, dominating the Philadelphia 76ers 135-87 on Tuesday night.
Jayson Tatum added 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists for the Celtics, who have closed ground in the Eastern Conference with their stellar play of late. Boston entered sixth in the East, four-and-a-half back of first-place Miami. They have won 11 of 12.
The margin of victory was the largest by the Celtics over Philadelphia in a rivalry that has been played 457 times. Boston&rsquo;s previous biggest win was a 124-87 drubbing of Philadelphia on Dec. 20, 1987.
Joel Embiid had 19 points and nine rebounds for the 76ers. The NBA&rsquo;s leading scorer entering the contest averaging 29.5 points. Embiid had his string of games with at least 25 points end at 31 in a row.
James Harden made his first appearance in Philadelphia &mdash; but in street clothes. The recently acquired star continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Harden is expected to make his 76ers debut on Feb. 25 at Minnesota.
Earlier Tuesday, Philadelphia introduced Harden at a press conference at the team&rsquo;s training center in Camden, New Jersey, following last week&rsquo;s blockbuster trade that sent disgruntled guard Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets. Harden drew a loud ovation when he came onto the court unannounced during pregame warmups, and the arena erupted when he rang the ceremonial Liberty Bell prior to the home introductions.
The 76ers sure could&rsquo;ve used the 10-time All-Star, three-time scoring champ and former MVP during the game. His first in-person look at his new teammates came in their worst game of the season.
Boston torched Philadelphia in the opening 24 minutes, building a 27-point halftime lead. It got even worse for Philadelphia in the second half.
The Celtics did little wrong to start while making 22 of 39 first-half shots and silencing the previously frenzied crowd. Brown made all five of his 3-point attempts and Tatum added 16 at the break.
The 76ers got a little life on Embiid&rsquo;s jumper that pulled them within 58-41 with 2:26 left before halftime, resulting in a Celtics timeout and Harden &mdash; dressed in cut-up jeans and a long pink blazer with yellow sleeves &mdash; raising both arms to implore the crowd to get loud.
But Boston closed the half by scoring 11 of the final 12 points, capped by Brown&rsquo;s 3-pointer at the buzzer that had him dancing back to the locker room and the Celtics ahead 69-42.
The Celtics led by as many as 51 in a second half that featured booing from the dissatisfied home fans.
TRAINER&rsquo;S ROOM
Celtics: Marcus Smart limped off the court after getting hurt on a drive to the basket with 5:15 left in the second quarter. He appeared to injure his right ankle by stepping on Embiid&rsquo;s foot and didn&rsquo;t put any pressure on the ankle while being helped back to the bench. He stayed in the game briefly to shoot the free throws, missing both, before heading to the locker room and not returning. &hellip; Robert Williams III (right calf tightness) didn&rsquo;t play. Williams entered Tuesday averaging 10.0 points and a team-best 9.7 rebounds. He&rsquo;ll be evaluated on Wednesday to determine his status for the night&rsquo;s game versus Detroit.
76ers: Embiid again played with a bandage wrapped around his right wrist. He has had his wrist heavily wrapped following Philadelphia&rsquo;s last two contests, though he downplayed the injury. &hellip; Harden missed his final four games with the Nets due to the hamstring injury and hasn&rsquo;t played in any of the three contests since the 76ers acquired him on Feb. 10, although he did participate in practice on Monday and Tuesday. He&rsquo;ll also sit out Thursday&rsquo;s game at Milwaukee.
TIP-INS
Celtics: Derrick White, playing in his third game with Boston after a trade with San Antonio, had 11 points. &hellip; Improved to 14-15 on the road. &hellip; The teams tied the four-game season series at two apiece. Boston split a pair of home games, losing 108-103 on Dec. 20 and winning 88-87 on Dec. 1. Philadelphia recorded a 111-99 home win on Jan. 14.
76ers: Shot 28.7% (23 of 80) from the field. &hellip; Philadelphia&rsquo;s previous largest margin of defeat this season was a 35-point loss at Utah on Nov. 10. Embiid wasn&rsquo;t in the lineup for that game, and their worst loss with their star big man before Tuesday was a 22-point home defeat to the Jazz on Dec. 9. &hellip; Veteran Paul Millsap, also part of the deal that brought Harden to Philadelphia, started the fourth quarter and finished with nine points.
UP NEXT
Celtics: Host Detroit on Wednesday night.
76ers: At Milwaukee on Thursday night.

Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers.