Gordon Hayward retires after 14 NBA seasons with Utah, Boston, Charlotte and Oklahoma City
Gordon Hayward, who nearly gave Butler a national title over Duke with a half-court shot that just missed on the final play of the 2010 NCAA menโs basketball championship game, retired from the NBA after 14 seasons on Thursday.
Thunder trade guard Josh Giddey to Bulls for Alex Caruso, AP source says
The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Alex Caruso, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.
The sequel has been much better for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as Mavs head to West finals
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are headed to the Western Conference finals in their first trip to the playoffs together.
Doncic posts 31-point triple-double as Mavericks top Thunder to take 3-2 series lead
Luka Doncic scored 31 points in a triple-double to help the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-92 and take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 34, Thunder overcome Mavs defense to even series 2-2
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a Dallas franchise playoff record of 13 blocks, rallying for a 100-96 victory to even their Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2.
Doncic scores 29 points as Mavericks top Thunder 119-110 to tie series at 1-1
Luka Doncic had 29 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, and the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-110 to even their Western Conference semifinals series at one win apiece.
Mavericks star Luka Doncic looks to bounce back from rough Game 1 against the Thunder
Lu Dort was the defensive catalyst as the Oklahoma City Thunder held Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic to 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series.
Gilgeous-Alexander has 29 points to help Thunder roll past Mavericks in Game 1 of West semifinals
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points to help the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Dallas Mavericks 117-95 in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series.
Thunder brushed off questions about youth, inexperience, in first-round playoff sweep of Pelicans
The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the playoffs facing questions about their relative youth and playoff inexperience.
Williams, Gilgeous-Alexander, lead OKC to a 97-89 Game 4 victory -- and sweep of the Pelicans
Jalen Williams highlighted a 24-point performance with a back-breaking 3 with three minutes left, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 97-89 to complete a four-game sweep of their first-round playoff series.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder roll to 3-0 series lead with 106-85 win over the Pelicans
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 106-85 on Saturday to take a 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 33 points lead Thunder past Pelicans 124-92 as OKC takes a 2-0 lead
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 124-92 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff series.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 28 points as top-seeded Thunder edge Pelicans 94-92 in Game 1
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points, including the go-ahead basket in the final minute, and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 94-92 in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series.
Phoenix Suns and Grayson Allen finalize contract extension after career-best season
The Phoenix Suns and guard Grayson Allen have finalized a multi-year deal that will keep him with the franchise following the best season of his NBA career.
Gilgeous-Alexander scores 26 as Thunder roll past Wembanyama-less Spurs, 127-89
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points in 26 minutes, and the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled past the Victor Wembanyama-less San Antonio Spurs 127-89.
Joel Embiid scores 24 points in his return from knee surgery. Sixers top Thunder 109-105
Joel Embiid put Philadelphia ahead with four free throws in the final 40 seconds and finished with 24 points in his first game in nine weeks following knee surgery, leading the 76ers to a 109-105 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Thunder clinch first playoff spot since 2020, beat Knicks on Gilgeous-Alexander's jumper
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made the go-ahead jumper from the corner with 2.6 seconds left, sending the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 with a 113-112 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday night.
Wembanyama drops five triples and one heartfelt expletive en route to victory over OKC
The San Antonio Spurs (12-48) returned to their home arena after a near month-long road trip on Thursday with a 132-118 win over Oklahoma City, the second-best team in the Western Conference.
Wembanyama, Spurs beat Thunder 132-118 to snap 5-game skid
Victor Wembanyama had 28 points and 12 rebounds, Devin Vassell also scored 28 points and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 132-118 on Thursday night to snap a five-game skid.
Edwards scores 27 as Timberwolves top Thunder 107-101 in a matchup of Western Conference leaders
Anthony Edwards scored 27 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 107-101 in a matchup of teams that entered the night tied atop the Western Conference standings.
Gilgeous-Alexander helps Thunder overcome Wembanyama, Spurs, to win 4th straight 140-114
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 points and 10 assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame 24 points and 12 rebounds from Victor Wembanyama to beat the San Antonio Spurs 140-114.
Thunder roll past Trail Blazers 139-77, tie fifth-biggest victory margin in NBA history
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, Josh Giddey had a triple-double and Oklahoma City rolled past the Portland Trail Blazers 139-77 on Thursday night, a 62-point victory that matched the fifth-largest rout in NBA history.
LeBron James scores season-high 40 points, Lakers beat Thunder to end 4-game skid
LeBron James scored a season-high 40 points and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 129-120 on Saturday night to snap a four-game losing streak.
Oklahoma City voters approve sales tax for $900 million arena to keep NBAโs Thunder through 2050
Oklahoma City voters have approved a 1% sales tax for six years to help fund a new downtown arena for the NBAโs Thunder that is estimated to cost a minimum of $900 million.
Thunder rally after allowing late 30-0 run and defeat Mavericks 126-120
Jalen Williams scored 23 points and Oklahoma City rallied after allowing Dallasโ NBA-record 30-0 run in the fourth quarter to beat the Mavericks 126-120.
Several surprises play their way into early season MVP discussion with the usual suspects
There are a few surprises who have played their way into the early season MVP conversations, joining the list usual list of NBA stars that includes Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
Gilgeous-Alexanderโs 28 points, career-best 7 steals help Thunder dominate Spurs 123-87
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 28 points and seven steals and the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled past the San Antonio Spurs 123-87.
Jokic's 28 points lead Nuggets past Thunder 128-95 in Holmgren's 1st regular-season home game
Nikola Jokic had 28 points and 14 rebounds to help the Denver Nuggets roll past the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-95.
๐ Spurs notebook: Wemby shines in preseason debut; team releases broadcast schedule; ESPN releases player rankings
Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spursโ No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and perhaps the most hyped prospect since LeBron James, made his preseason NBA debut, scoring 20 points in a 122-121 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.
Oklahoma Cityโs Holmgren, San Antonioโs Wembanyama shine in preseason matchup of high draft picks
San Antonioโs Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma Cityโs Chet Holmgren lived up to the hype in their first-ever preseason games.
Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder past Pelicans in play-in
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted his 32-point night with a go-ahead baseline jumper and four clutch free throws in the final 29 seconds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 123-118 to remain alive in the Western Conference play-in tourament.
Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder rebuild after stars exodus
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is doing his best to fasttrack the re-building schedule for the Oklahoma City Thunder after the NBA franchise lost Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Chris Paul to trades in the past seven years.
Williams lifts Thunder past Spurs and into Westโs 10th seed
Jalen Williams scored 21 points and Oklahoma City used a balanced effort on offense without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to beat the San Antonio Spurs 102-90 as they compete for a berth in the Western Conference play-in tournament.
Thompson scores 42 points with 12 3s, Warriors beat Thunder
Klay Thompson scored 42 points with a season-high 12 3-pointers, Jordan Poole added 21 points and 12 assists starting in Stephen Curryโs place, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 141-114.
Butler, Heat set NBA free throw record, beat OKC 112-111
Jimmy Butlerโs three-point play with 12.9 seconds left capped an NBA-record performance by the Miami Heat and gave them a 112-111 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
Embiid has triple-double in 76ers' road victory over Thunder
Joel Embid had 16 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his fifth career triple-double and the Philadelphia 76ers never trailed in beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 115-96 on Saturday night.
Thunder beat Spurs 130-114 to wrap up seven-game homestand
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 28 points, eight assists and six rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder closed a season-high, seven-game homestand by beating the San Antonio Spurs 130-114.
Williams scores 27 points, Thunder push Spursโ skid to 9
Rookie Jalen Williams scored a season-high 27 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 20-point second-half deficit to hand the San Antonio Spurs their ninth straight loss, 119-111 on Wednesday night.
Bucks top OKC for franchise-record 9th straight to open year
Brook Lopez scored 25 points and the Milwaukee Bucks extended their season-opening winning streak to a franchise record nine games with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the bench, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-94.
๐ Spurs notebook: Team falls to Thunder 118-112 in final preseason game; renovates neighborhood court for Play SA
The San Antonio Spurs had five players again score in double digits on Thursday, but it wasnโt enough as the team lost at home 118-112 to the Oklahoma City Thunder to close out the preseason.
Spurs to propose playing multiple home games away from AT&T Center over next two regular seasons
The San Antonio Spurs are proposing playing regular season home games away from the AT&T Center over the next two regular seasons, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff confirmed to KSAT 12 News on Monday.
Booker has 25 points, Suns beat Thunder for 8th straight win
Devin Booker had 25 points, 12 assists and a career-high six steals to help the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-104 on Thursday night.
NBA-leading Suns win 5th straight, beating Thunder 113-101
Devin Booker scored 30 points, Cam Johnson added 21 while making all five of his 3-point attempts and the Phoenix Suns won their fifth straight game, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-101.
Curry makes 11 3s, scores 49 points to help Warriors roll
Stephen Curry scored 49 points in 29 minutes and matched his season best with 11 3-pointers and the Golden State Warriors beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 136-97 on Saturday night.
Rockets lose team-record 20th straight game, fall to Thunder
(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)HOUSTON โ Mired in a long losing streak, the Houston Rockets twice put the ball in John Wall's hands in the waning moments. The Rockets lost their team-record 20th straight game, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 114-112 Sunday when Wall missed two shots in the final 10 seconds. This one hurts.โDort scored 23 points and Isaiah Roby had 18 for the Thunder, who led by as many as 13 points. They shot a sizzling 14 of 21 on 3s in the second quarter, however, and Oklahoma City led 66-62 at halftime. The Rockets hit a franchise-record 28 3s in a win against the Thunder on Feb. 1, just three days before their last win.
Heat trade Meyers Leonard to Thunder for Trevor Ariza
FILE - Miami Heat forward Meyers Leonard, center, greets his teammates before an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, file)MIAMI โ The Miami Heat have turned Meyers Leonard's contract into an opportunity to see if Trevor Ariza can help them for the rest of this season. AdThe Heat also said they wish Leonard and his wife Elle โthe best of luck in the future.โโHe's going to do everything that he possibly can to grow and get better from everything this week," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. Ariza has not played an NBA game since March 10, 2020, but the Heat clearly felt he was worth the low-risk gamble. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver fined Leonard $50,000 and barred him from being around the Heat for one week.
Gilgeous-Alexander has 33, helps Thunder rally past Spurs
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO โ Oklahoma City and San Antonio are fighting fatigue and injuries, but the Thunder found a way to win a battle of attrition heading into the All-Star break. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points and Oklahoma City rallied in the second half to beat San Antonio 107-102 on Thursday night and snap a two-game losing streak. โOur guys did a heck of a job hanging in there,โ Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. โWeโre not a team that gives up 26 points on turnovers,โ Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. TIP-INSThunder: Hill has not played since Jan. 24 after undergoing what Oklahoma City called a โminor procedureโ on his right thumb.
Mavs star Doncic sits out against Thunder with back issue
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic walks off the court following the team's NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Dallas, Wednesday, March 3, 2021. It was the sixth game of the season of at least 30 points for Doncic, who turned 22 on Sunday. The second missed game of the season for Doncic was Dallas' last before the All-Star Game on Sunday in Atlanta. Carlisle said Doncic has been battling a back issue recently and has worn a heat massage belt in two recent practices. AdโIt's something he needs to take a game,โ Carlisle said.
Gilgeous-Alexander scores 42 as Thunder top Spurs 102-99
San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV goes to the basket between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), Spurs' Jakob Poeltl (25) and Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)OKLAHOMA CITY โ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 42 points and Lu Dort hit a 3-pointer as time expired to give the Oklahoma City Thunder a 102-99 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. San Antonio turned the ball over with 3.9 seconds remaining, giving Oklahoma City the ball with the score tied. San Antonio hadn't played since Feb. 14 because of health and safety protocols, and the Spurs were still depleted. His layup at the end of the third as time expired put Oklahoma City up 76-73.
NBA says strict protocols will be in place for All-Stars
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)Parties may be part of NBA All-Star weekend next month. They just wonโt include NBA All-Stars. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association agreed on those rules, the league said in the memo laying out the health and safety protocols that will apply during the break. The league plans to announce starters for the All-Star Game on Thursday, and the reserves on Feb. 23.
LeBron leads Lakers past Thunder again in OT, 114-113
Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker (5) takes the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES โ LeBron James hit the tying 3-pointer late in regulation and then broke up the Thunder's final possession in overtime to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their sixth consecutive victory, 114-113 over Oklahoma City on Wednesday night. James had 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the defending NBA champions, who survived their third consecutive overtime game. OVERTIME FEATSThe Lakers became the seventh team in NBA history to win three consecutive overtime games. AdLos Angeles hadn't played three straight overtime games since 1991.
Wolves' Beasley gets 120-day sentence for gun threat
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley (5) dunks in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)MINNEAPOLIS โ Minnesota Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley was sentenced Tuesday to 120 days in jail after pleading guilty to a felony charge of threats of violence for pointing a rifle at a family outside his home last fall. COVID-19 precautions could require the county to release him on electronic home monitoring for the duration of the sentence. Beasley approached their vehicle and pointed a rifle as he told them to leave. I humbly apologize for my actions.โAs part of the conditions of the sentencing, Beasley was given three years of probation with no use of alcohol or drugs and completion of an anger management program.
Nets' Harden to sit out Sunday vs Westbrook, Wizards
Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) goes to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Aleksej Pokusevski, left, in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)NEW YORK โ James Harden will sit out the Brooklyn Nets' game Sunday at Washington, preventing his first matchup with Russell Westbrook since both left Houston. The NBA's leader in assists, Harden had 25 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds Friday when the Nets routed Oklahoma City 147-125. Harden and Westbrook played together last season, helping the Rockets reach the second round of the playoffs. Harden then pushed to be traded but Westbrook was dealt first to Washington for John Wall.
Clippers beat Thunder 108-101, tie for NBA's best record
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Theo Maledon (11) defends against Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES โ Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Oklahoma City 108-101 on Sunday for their seventh consecutive victory and second straight over the Thunder. Serge Ibaka added 17 points. At 13-4, the Clippers are tied with the Lakers for the best record in the NBA. Oklahoma City has lost three in a row and five of six.
LeVert, Pacers await test results before plotting next move
He was eager to meet his new teammates, join the starting lineup and make his Pacers debut. LeVert spent his first 4 1/2 seasons with the Nets after the Pacers selected him in the first round of the 2016 NBA draft. Though teams conduct physicals at the start of each season, LeVert wasn't sure if the Nets ever scanned his lower back. That changed when he joined the Pacers, who came up with a diagnosis LeVert never expected. And until LeVert does return, first-year coach Nate Bjorkgren will be dealing with a short-handed roster.
Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder past Donovan, Bulls in OT
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots between Chicago Bulls guard Garrett Temple (17) and forward Lauri Markkanen during overtime of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)OKLAHOMA CITY โ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 33 points and dropped 10 assists to help Oklahoma City beat the Chicago Bulls and former Thunder coach Billy Donovan 127-125 in overtime Friday night. Donovan knew all too well how good Oklahoma City can be under challenging circumstances. ... Oklahoma City scored 19 points off Chicago's nine turnovers in the third quarter. ... Oklahoma City shot 56% in the third quarter and outscored the Bulls 37-27.
LeBron James scores 26 points, Lakers roll past Thunder
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, moves around Oklahoma City Thunder forward Isaiah Roby (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)OKLAHOMA CITY โ LeBron James scored 26 points and the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-99 on Wednesday night for their franchise-record seventh straight road victory to start the season. The Lakers led by 24 in the second quarter before the Thunder cut it to 58-46 at halftime. James scored 15 points in the half. James made 4 of 6 shots and scored 11 points in the third quarter to help the Lakers take a 93-71 lead.
Spurs finish strong road trip with 112-102 win over Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY โ Lonnie Walker IV scored 24 points and San Antonio beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-102 on Tuesday night, allowing the Spurs to finish a five-game trip with four wins. A road trip like this, we just kept fighting and staying together.โShai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 20 points while Hamidou Diallo scored 16. The Spurs led 51-43 at halftime before Oklahoma City started the third quarter on an 11-3 run to tie the game. ... Dejounte Murray received a technical foul with 9:13 left in the third quarter after the Spurs had rebounded a missed Oklahoma City shot. Thunder: Oklahoma City entered the game averaging 13.6 3-pointers per game but went 7 of 26 from behind the arc.
OKC-Houston game postponed, Harden out after COVID violation
Houston Rockets' James Harden reacts during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in Houston, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. The drama began when reports surfaced that Harden and Russell Westbrook both wanted out of Houston. While the rest of the Rockets were preparing for the season, Harden was photographed partying in Atlanta at a rapper's birthday party and at a nightclub in Las Vegas. That would have left eight eligible players, which is the league minimum to start a game. Harden, according to the protocols, may now be ordered into quarantine and could lose more than $500,000 for each game missed because of protocol violations.
James, Davis back on court for Lakers as season draws near
The Lakers, who beat Miami to win the championship Oct. 11, start the new season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. Also on Wednesday, Chicago beat Oklahoma City 124-103, and Portland played at Denver. BULLS 124, THUNDER 103At Oklahoma City, the Bulls took control in the second quarter and didnโt let up. LaVine scored 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting in the first quarter while Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 for Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City couldnโt get into a flow, but part of that was because first-year coach Mark Daigneault gave minutes to 13 players.
The Latest: Washington-Oregon football game canceled
___Utah Stateโs menโs basketball team is pausing full team activities and has canceled its game against Weber State on Saturday due to positive COVID-19 tests within the program. Texas (6-3, 5-3) returned three positive tests after blowing out Kansas State last week, prompting school officials to shut down practice. ___Citing a surge of positive COVID-19 cases and contact tracing in the football program, West Virginia has paused all football activities for the next seven days and will not host No. ___South Carolina has called off its menโs basketball game at George Washington on Monday because of a positive COVID-19 test. ___Georgia has canceled its womenโs basketball game against Radford because of a positive COVID-19 test within the Highlandersโ program.
Play-in tourney on, Olympics likely out for NBA in 2020-21
FILE - In this Aug. 15, 2020, file photo, Portland Trail Blazers' Jusuf Nurkic (27) and Memphis Grizzlies' Jonas Valanciunas (17) reach for the opening tip in an NBA basketball play-in game in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The 2020-21 NBA schedule will feature a play-in tournament and an NBA Finals that could run all the way until July 22 keeping some players from competing in the Olympics. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP, File)NEW YORK โ The 2020-21 NBA schedule will feature a play-in tournament and an NBA Finals that could run all the way until July 22 โ keeping some players from competing in the Olympics. The league debuted the play-in tournament this year at Walt Disney World, though it only featured the Nos. The second half is March 11 to May 16, with the play-in tournament May 18-21.
All-Star guard Chris Paul sent to Suns in blockbuster trade
A person with knowledge of the situation says All-Star guard Chris Paul is being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Phoenix Suns, where he'll play alongside one of the league's most dynamic young scorers in fellow All-Star Devin Booker. The Phoenix Suns werenโt deterred. โWe are excited to welcome Chris Paul and Abdel Nader to Phoenix,โ Suns general manager James Jones said. That trade, along with the Paul trade, could give the Thunder as many as 17 first-round picks in the next seven drafts. The trade reunites him with Suns coach Monty Williams; Paul played for Williams in 2010-11 when Williams was in his first season coaching the New Orleans Hornets.
For Donovan, job with Bulls 'came out of left field'
CHICAGO โ The Chicago Bulls weren't on Billy Donovan's radar when he and the Oklahoma City Thunder parted ways after five successful seasons. So this kind of came out of left field for me.โThe Bulls introduced Donovan as their coach on Thursday, two days after they announced they landed arguably the most attractive candidate on the market to help turn around a struggling team with new management. Donovan met in person with Karnisovas and Marc Eversley for 5 1/2 hours to get the process in gear. And when Donovan accepted the job, Karnisovas said, โI could not stop smiling.โHiring Donovan was a rare big and bold move for the Bulls. Donovan said he was โtaken abackโ by Karnisovas' vision and is looking forward to โworking hand in handโ with him.
Chicago Bulls hire Billy Donovan as coach, replaces Boylen
CHICAGO โ The Chicago Bulls hired Billy Donovan as their coach Tuesday, landing one of the top candidates on the market to lead a rebuilding team with an overhauled front office. The Bulls also brought in general manager Marc Eversley to replace the fired Gar Forman, and they let Boylen go last month. Donovan went 243-157 as coach of the Thunder and reached the playoffs each year. Before his time with the Thunder, Donovan coached for 19 seasons at the University of Florida, winning two NCAA titles. โWe are very pleased to welcome Billy and his family to the Chicago Bulls,โ Karnisovas said.
Billy Donovan out as Thunder coach after 5 seasons
Billy Donovan won't return as coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder after five seasons, the team announced Tuesday night. Donovan went 243-157 with Oklahoma City. Before that, he led the University of Florida to two national championships and four Final Four appearances in 19 seasons. The team and Donovan described his departure as a mutual decision. Thunder general manager Sam Presti said he couldnt give Donovan the assurances he wanted about the future.
Harden scores 31 points, Rockets beat Thunder for 3-2 lead
Houston Rockets' P.J. That was a fortunate turn of events for the Houston Rockets. We need him.Schroder led the Thunder with 19 points 18 of them in the second quarter, when Oklahoma City had its only lead of the game. Steven Adams had 12 points and 14 rebounds, and Darius Bazley had 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder. Houston scored 20 of the games first 27 points, but the Thunder erased the deficit in the second -- taking a brief lead of as many as five points -- before the Rockets took a 48-45 lead into the half.
Tucker, Schroder ejected from Rockets-Thunder playoff game
Tucker, center, his held back by Oklahoma City Thunder's Steven Adams, right, as he confronts Dennis Schroder (17) after a foul during the second half of an NBA basketball first round playoff game Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Both Schroder and Tucker were ejected from the game. Tucker and Oklahoma City's Dennis Schroder were ejected from Game 5 of their first-round playoff series Saturday night after a tussle following a hard pick that sent them both to the floor. When the two players stood back up, Tucker approached Schroder and head-butted him from behind. After checking the video, referee James Capers called a flagrant 2 foul on Schroder and ejected him.
Rockets can advance, Thunder look to force a Game 7
The Rockets will take a 3-2 series lead into Game 6 against the Thunder in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Monday night. Dennis Schroder led the Thunder with 19 points in Game 5 18 in the second quarter, when Oklahoma City had its only lead of the night. If the Rockets win Monday, they would play Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. INJURY WATCH: Rockets G Russell Westbrook (quad) returned for Game 5, with seven points and seven assists in just under 24 minutes. The Lakers would get nearly a full week to rest if the Rockets dont win Game 6.
Schroder scores 30; Thunder top Rockets to even series
Eric Gordon scored 23 points and Danuel House added 21 for the Rockets, who won the first two games of the series. The Thunder shot 47.8% and the Rockets 47.7% before the break. The Rockets led 93-80 before Schroder made a 3-pointer and Houston's Austin Rivers was called for a foul away from the shot. Schroder hot a deep 3-pointer at the buzzer, and the Oklahoma City climbed within 93-92 at the end of the third. Thunder: Shot 61% in the first quarter.