Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid says he won't force himself to play more games to meet the NBA MVP requirement if he's not healthy enough to play.

Anthony Edwards had 33 points in 25 minutes and the Minnesota Timberwolves routed San Antonio 151-131, the most points allowed in regulation under Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.

LaMarcus Aldridge has announced he is retiring again from the NBA.

LaMelo Ball had 33 points, nine assists and seven rebounds and the Charlotte Hornets spoiled Kyrie Irving’s first home game of the season by beating the Brooklyn Nets 119-110.

Spencer Dinwiddie made a 3-pointer at the buzzer against his former team, giving the Dallas Mavericks a 113-111 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Kevin Durant scored 18 of his 34 points in Brooklyn’s dominating first half in the Nets’ 129-100 blowout victory over the 76ers on Thursday night in Ben Simmons’ much-hyped return to Philadelphia.

Tyrese Haliburton scored seven of his 12 points in the fourth quarter on his way to a double-double, and the Sacramento Kings handed the stumbling Brooklyn Nets their sixth consecutive loss, 112-101.

Devin Booker scored 35 points, Mikal Bridges added a season-high 27 and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to 11 games by beating the Brooklyn Nets 121-111 on Tuesday night.

James Harden had 37 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, spoiling Dejounte Murray’s ninth triple-double of the season as the Brooklyn Nets overpowered the San Antonio Spurs 117-104 on Friday night.

Spurs fan favorites return to the AT&T Center for their only game in San Antonio this season.

Rookie Cam Thomas made a runner in the lane with 1.4 seeconds left in overtime and the Brooklyn Nets beat the San Antonio Spurs 121-119 to snap a five-game home losing streak.

Kyrie Irving scored 22 points and sparked Brooklyn to a big rally in the second half of his season debut, Kevin Durant had 39 and the Nets beat the Indiana Pacers 129-121.

Ja Morant scored 36 points and five Grizzlies scored in double figures as Memphis extended its winning streak to five games with a 118-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Joel Embiid scored 34 points and the Philadelphia 76ers spoiled Kevin Durant’s return to the lineup by beating the Brooklyn Nets 110-102.

Kyrie Irving is a step closer to making his season debut.

Kyrie Irving’s return to the Brooklyn Nets is starting with a trip to the NBA’s health and safety protocols — and Kevin Durant is joining him.

Kevin Durant scored 34 points, making a four-point play with the game tied and 1:46 left, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-105 for another short-handed victory.

The Brooklyn Nets will be without five players, including starters LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre’ Bembry, on Tuesday night because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

Kevin Durant scored 31 points, including a go-ahead jumper midway through the fourth quarter, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Atlanta Hawks 113-105.

Kevin Durant scored 24 points, James Harden had 23 points and 12 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets beat Dallas 102-99, handing the Mavericks their fifth consecutive home loss.

The Brooklyn Nets beat the Boston Celtics 123-104.

Kevin Durant scored 30 points and James Harden had his 59th career triple double in the Brooklyn Nets’ 123-90 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

Kevin Durant had 29 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists, James Harden scored 20 points and the Brooklyn Nets used a late 13-0 run to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-109.

The Brooklyn Nets look like such a title favorite that James Harden felt the need for a reminder they aren’t a title team.

LeBron James and Russell Westbrook were on one side.

LaMarcus Aldridge has rejoined the Brooklyn Nets, five months after having to retire because of an irregular heartbeat.

The Brooklyn Nets had all the shooting and scoring any team could ever want.

CJ McCollum scored 29 points and the Portland Trail Blazers escaped with a 107-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, who missed three shots on their final possession.

LaMarcus Aldridge has retired from the NBA after saying he experienced an irregular heartbeat during his final game with the Brooklyn Nets.

Less than a month after leaving the San Antonio Spurs and signing with the Brooklyn Nets, LaMarcus Aldridge announced Thursday that he’s retiring from the NBA.

Joel Embiid had 39 points and the Philadelphia 76ers beat Brooklyn 123-117 in an anticipated matchup that fizzled with the Nets missing their biggest stars.

Kevin Durant scored 31 points on 11-for-15 shooting in his most productive performance in 2 1/2 months, as the Brooklyn Nets blew out the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-97.

Andre Drummond had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Dennis Schroder scored 19 points before he and Kyrie Irving were ejected in the third quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Brooklyn Nets 126-101.

Kevin Durant returned from a 23-game absence to spark Brooklyn’s most explosive half of the season, finishing with 17 points and perfect shooting in the Nets’ 139-111 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans.

SAN ANTONIO – LaMarcus Aldridge spoke to the media for the first time Tuesday since his exit from San Antonio and subsequent signing in Brooklyn. The former Spurs all-star power forward said a number of teams reached out to him throughout the buyout process. He told reporters Nets all-star Kevin Durant helped recruit him to Brooklyn. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich reaction to reports LaMarcus Aldridge will sign the Brooklyn Nets after he was bought out by San Antonio earlier this week. #KSATsports #NBA pic.twitter.com/qqBYUR8xqC — RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) March 27, 2021READ MORE: Spurs officially buyout LaMarcus Aldridge

NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs have signed vcenter Gorgui Dieng, adding a nine-year veteran to the front line following the departure of LaMarcus Aldridge. The Spurs waived Marquese Chriss on Sunday to clear a roster spot for Dieng. Spurs make it official and sign Gorgui Dieng. He is out for the season with a leg injury and never appeared in a game for San Antonio.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Bledsoe (5) is blocked by San Antonio Spurs center LaMarcus Aldridge (12) as he tries to score during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)NEW YORK – LaMarcus Aldridge plans to sign with the Brooklyn Nets for the remainder of the season, a person with knowledge of the details said Saturday. After reaching a buyout agreement with the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, the veteran forward quickly became a coveted free agent for contending teams. He decided to become the latest big name on the Brooklyn roster, the person told The Associated Press. He was an All-Star in three of his seasons in San Antonio.

Los Angeles Clippers' Paul George (13) loses the ball as he is fouled by San Antonio Spurs' Derrick White during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, March 25, 2021, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)SAN ANTONIO – Reggie Jackson scored 28 points, Paul George had 24 points and 13 rebounds and the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers rallied in the second half to beat the San Antonio Spurs 98-85 on Thursday night for their fourth straight victory. The Spurs outscored the Clippers 28-19 in the second quarter in taking a 55-49 lead at the half. “Coach Albeck wasn’t just important to the Spurs, he was what I call a lifer,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. … San Antonio acquired Marquese Chriss and cash from Golden State for the rights to Cady Lalanne.

SAN ANTONIO – After more than five seasons in San Antonio, veteran power forward LaMarcus Aldridge will be playing for a new team in the near future. MORE ⤵️ — San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 25, 2021Aldridge appeared in a total of 376 games for the Spurs and averaged 19.5 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.25 blocks for San Antonio. While the Spurs were not able to trade Aldridge, they made a deal with the Golden State Warriors before the deadline. San Antonio reportedly traded for forward Marquese Chriss, however, the third-year player was injured earlier this year and has been ruled out for the season. San Antonio sent Cady Lalanne, a 2015 second-round draft pick, to the Warriors and received some cash compensation.

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) celebrates a three-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)Kyle Lowry wound up staying with Toronto after all. The trade deadline has come and gone. “Anytime you trade a player like Nikola, it is a tough decision to make," Magic President Jeff Weltman said. But Lowry — a free-agent-to-be and considered perhaps the biggest prize on this year's trade market — did not get traded, the Raptors apparently unable to find enough assets to their liking. Questions swirled around Lowry all the way to the 3 p.m. EST deadline, and there were signs that the Raptors were positioning themselves to make the move.

(AP Photo/Darren Abate)SAN ANTONIO – Kawhi Leonard had 25 points and the Los Angeles Clippers never trailed in beating the San Antonio Spurs 134-101 on Wednesday night. The teams meet again Thursday night in the finale of the two-game set in San Antonio. … G Patrick Beverley missed his sixth straight game with a sore right knee. … C Serge Ibaka missed his fifth straight game with tightness in his lower back. If they cannot trade LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio will make him an unrestricted free agent by buying out his remaining contract.

Orlando Magic forward Gary Clark (12) and San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) scramble for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Friday, March 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – Rudy Gay had 19 points, Dejounte Murray and Derrick White each added 17 and the San Antonio Spurs overcame a sluggish start to beat the short-handed Orlando Magic 104-77 on Friday night. San Antonio held an opponent under 80 points for the first time since beating Golden State 89-75 on March 19, 2018. San Antonio closed the first half on a 14-2 run and took its first lead and extending it to 47-39 to close the second quarter. Orlando was held to 10 points in the second quarter, the 19th lowest output in any quarter by a San Antonio opponent under Popovich.

San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (10) prepares to shoot as Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 10, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)DALLAS – Luka Doncic had 22 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in his 33rd triple-double, Kristaps Porzingis had 28 points and 14 rebounds and the Dallas Mavericks used a late run to pull away and beat the San Antonio Spurs 115-104 on Wednesday night. Before the game, coach Gregg Popovich announced that Aldridge, 35, in his sixth season in San Antonio, would no longer be with the team by mutual agreement. Mills added 14 points and Rudy Gay had 13 for San Antonio, which was outrebounded 51-30 and outscored 21-2 on second-chance points. Mavericks: Dallas changed its attendance policy coming out of the All-Star break and admitted about 3,500, an increase of about 1,000.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Bledsoe (5) is blocked by San Antonio Spurs center LaMarcus Aldridge (12) as he tries to score during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)DALLAS – LaMarcus Aldridge has played his final game for the San Antonio Spurs, with coach Gregg Popovich announcing Wednesday night that the team and the seven-time All-Star have mutually agreed to seek opportunities for him elsewhere. The Spurs will try to trade Aldridge before the March 25 deadline. “LaMarcus is not with the team," Popovich said before the Spurs played the Dallas Mavericks. The 35-year-old Aldridge was in his sixth season with the Spurs after playing his first nine NBA seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.

San Antonio Spurs center LaMarcus Aldridge (12) is defended by Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman, middle, and forward Draymond Green during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. SAN ANTONIO – The Spurs announced on Wednesday that veteran power forward LaMarcus Aldridge is no longer with the team as San Antonio tips-off the second half of the 2020-21 regular season. AdAldridge is averaging 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season in 21 games for San Antonio. Aldridge was named to the Western Conference All-Star team three times during his tenure in San Antonio. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Spurs are attempting to trade Aldridge before the March 25 trade deadline.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – 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. “Our guys did a heck of a job hanging in there,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. “We’re not a team that gives up 26 points on turnovers,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. TIP-INSThunder: Hill has not played since Jan. 24 after undergoing what Oklahoma City called a “minor procedure” on his right thumb.

San Antonio Spurs forward Trey Lyles (41) shoots over New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Tuesday, March 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – Trey Lyles scored a season-high 18 points, Dejounte Murray added 17 and the San Antonio Spurs used a balanced effort to beat New York 119-83 on Tuesday night, ending the Knicks’ three-game winning streak. San Antonio had eight players score at least eight points, with Patty Mills and Luka Samanic each adding 14 points in the Spurs' seventh straight home victory over New York. Coming off a 124-113 overtime loss to Brooklyn on Monday night, San Antonio got off to a slow start but was aided by New York’s own troubles. … The Knicks have not won in San Antonio since Jan. 2, 2014.

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)SAN ANTONIO – DeMar DeRozan had 32 points and 11 assists and the short-handed San Antonio Spurs held on to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 117-114 on Saturday night. Brandon Ingram had 29 points and Zion Williamson added 23 points and 14 rebounds for New Orleans. It marked the fifth time DeRozan has had at least 25 points and 10 assists since joining the Spurs in 2018. Dejounte Murray added 18 points, and Lonnie Walker IV had 17 for San Antonio. San Antonio finished 12 for 32 on 3-pointers.

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 – 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.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks to San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)The San Antonio Spurs are still dealing with a coronavirus outbreak, their state is reeling from the aftereffects of a deadly icy blast that has affected millions of Texans, and one of their best players is mourning the death of a parent. Given all that, basketball seems secondary to the Spurs right now. They will be without at least six players when they return to the court Wednesday at Oklahoma City. The NBA initially said last week that four Spurs players had tested positive for COVID-19, without identifying any by name.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 30: Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs #3 drives past Kyle Anderson #1 #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies at AT&T Center on January 30, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs announced on Monday that five players are currently under the NBA’s COVID health and safety protocols and will not be with the team for its next scheduled game at Oklahoma City. The team was placed under quarantine in Charlotte, but some of the players have returned to San Antonio and practiced on Monday afternoon. San Antonio power forward Drew Eubanks was placed under the league’s health protocols earlier this season after the Spurs played at the LA Lakers on Jan. 7.

(AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)ATLANTA – DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points and the San Antonio Spurs capitalized on a dominant finish to the first half to beat Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks 125-114 on Friday night. Young and other Atlanta starters sat out most of the second half after San Antonio stretched its lead to 39. San Antonio led the full game and pulled away with 16 straight points late in the first half. San Antonio led 57-44 before starting the 16-0 run. The Spurs led 77-48 at the break after scoring their most points in any half this season.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. Curry scored 32 points and the Golden State Warriors dominated San Antonio 114-91 on Tuesday night, snapping the Spurs’ three-game winning streak. I did switch hands, so that is the only comparison.”Golden State ended a five-game losing streak in San Antonio. Golden state extended the lead to 86-65 on Kent Bazemore’s 3-pointer off a Curry assist with 2:31 remaining in the period. “When you’re not getting stops, it’s hard to win a game,” Spurs guard Dejounte Murray said.

Kenyon Martin Jr. #6 of the Houston Rockets drives for two over Jakob Poeltl #25 of the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on January 14, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)HOUSTON – DeMar DeRozan scored 30 points and the San Antonio Spurs held off a late charge from the Houston Rockets for a 111-106 victory Saturday night. John Wall made a layup for Houston with less than 30 seconds left, but Patty Mills hit two free throws for San Antonio to extend it to 109-104. Tucker made two free throws for Houston after that, but Rudy Gay made two for San Antonio to secure the victory. A 3-pointer by David Nwaba got Houston within eight in the third, but the Spurs scored the next five points to push it to 82-69.

San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan, right, drives against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021. SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich has spent 25 years preaching that the Spurs need a solid 48-minute effort if they want a chance of winning. Well, 12 good minutes was all it took to pull out a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. DeMar DeRozan scored 30 points and San Antonio rallied from a 16-point deficit to beat Minnesota 111-108 on Wednesday night. San Antonio trailed until the final four minutes, closing the game on a 30-11 run.

SAN ANTONIO – Gorgui Dieng scored 19 points, Brandon Clarke had 18 and the Memphis Grizzlies routed the San Antonio Spurs 133-102 on Monday night to extend their winning streak to seven games. Keldon Johnson had 25 points and 11 rebounds for San Antonio, which has dropped two straight after winning its previous three. The Spurs pulled their starters and key reserves midway through the fourth quarter with the Grizzlies up 111-90. AdJust as they did in Saturday’s game, the Grizzlies bullied the Spurs defensively and outworked them offensively. The Grizzlies closed the first half on a 29-12 run and outscored the Spurs 36-22 in the second quarter.

San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (10) scores past Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. SAN ANTONIO – DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points, Keldon Johnson had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs held on to beat the Boston Celtics 110-106 on Wednesday night. Tatum had 25 points, Brown added 24, and Smart and Walker had 14 apiece. San Antonio made 14 of its last 15 shots in the first half during a 29-6 run. San Antonio had a season-high 20 turnovers, including five during Boston’s 13-1 run to close the third.

The Wizards had their previous six games postponed because they did not have enough eligible players due to the league’s COVID-19 protocols. LaMarcus Aldridge added 15 points, Devin Vassell had 14 points and Keldon Johnson had 13 for San Antonio. Washington was 14 for 42 overall on 3-pointers, helping it stay with San Antonio through three quarters. San Antonio finished 15 for 31 on 3-pointers in securing its largest margin of victory this season. Spurs: Vassell is the first Spurs rookie with four or more 3-pointers in a game since Gary Neal in 2011.

SAN FRANCISCO – Stephen Curry had 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, and the Golden State Warriors beat the San Antonio Spurs 121-99 on Wednesday night while honoring new Vice President Kamala Harris and her Oakland roots. Golden State made it consecutive impressive wins after erasing a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter of a 115-113 road victory against the Lakers on Monday. San Antonio was coming off its biggest win of the season, beating the Trail Blazers 125-104 at Portland on Monday. While Golden State did hold a morning shootaround, coach Steve Kerr found time to watch some of the inauguration, which he called “beautiful. He definitely would be in the talk of 6th Man of the Year.”TIP-INSSpurs: San Antonio shot 4 of 33 from 3-point range overall.

San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan, right, drives to the basket on Portland Trail Blazers guard Rodney Hood, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. PORTLAND, Ore. – LaMarcus Aldridge had 22 points, DeMar DeRozan had 20 points and 11 assists and the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 125-104 on Monday. Rudy Gay and Patty Mills came off the bench for 21 points apiece as the Spurs reserves outscored Portland backups 59-24. Carmelo Anthony's basket with 2 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter gave the Trail Blazers an 80-78 lead. The Spurs took over from there, later using an 11-0 run for a 95-82 lead early in the fourth period.

OKLAHOMA CITY – 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.”Shai 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.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: The Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs lock arms during the national anthem prior to a game at Staples Center on January 07, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. “It was just crazy to see that many people storming the Capitol and people have guns drawn but don’t do anything. Before the game, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich blasted Trump, rioters and the lack of police force at the Capitol saying he believed that “Trump enjoyed” the events that took place. READ MORE:Spurs snaps Lakers 4-game winning streakTony Parker documentary about life in France and with Spurs now streaming on Netflix

San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge, left, defends against Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES – A trip to Los Angeles proved to be just what the San Antonio Spurs needed to snap out of an early-season slump. Two nights after beating the Clippers to snap a four-game losing streak, the Spurs picked up another win at Staples Center on Thursday, this time defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 118-109. LaMarcus Aldridge led San Antonio with a season-high 28 points and was one of five in double figures. LeBron James scored 27 points and Anthony Davis added 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who had their four-game winning streak snapped.

He had 11 points in the third, when Patrick Beverley made three 3-pointers, and the Clippers closed within one. “We knew they couldn't get an open 3 off.”The Clippers scored 40 points in the third to pull to 85-84. Leonard had 11 points and Beverley hit three 3-pointers to help them rally from 19 down at halftime. Leonard scored the Clippers’ final 11 points. UP NEXTSpurs: Stay in Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Thursday.

Los Angeles Lakers' Anthony Davis, right, keeps the ball from San Antonio Spurs' Rudy Gay, left rear, and Drew Eubanks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)SAN ANTONIO – Anthony Davis had 35 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James added 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to beat the San Antonio Spurs 109-103 on Friday night. The Lakers closed the game with a 9-0 run for their second win against the Spurs in three days. Keldon Johnson had a career-high 26 points and added 10 rebounds and DeMar DeRozan had 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for San Antonio. Johnson blocked James’ layup attempt, but Kyle Kuzma tipped in the follow to give the Lakers a 105-103 lead with 53.9 seconds remaining.

NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 131-119 to open the regular season in impressive fashion. San Antonio had seven players in double figures led by DeMar DeRozan’s 28 points. San Antonio next hosts the Raptors on Dec. 26 at the AT&T Center. San Antonio is opening the 2020-21 season Wednesday night on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies.

SIGN UP FOR THIS FREE SPURS NEWSLETTER HEREAt this moment, many experts and the oddsmakers in Las Vegas do not have much faith in San Antonio. If San Antonio struggles, he or possibly Aldridge could be traded by the deadline. Last season, the bubble Spurs went 5-3 providing some genuine hope for this season. I think San Antonio can finish with about a .500 record, but they can’t afford to lose to bad teams. San Antonio Spurs reveal Fiesta jerseys for 2020-2021 season.

SAN ANTONIO – Gregg Popovich spoke to the media Tuesday ahead of the start of Spurs training camp for the 2020-21 regular season. Popovich said there were currently no positive COVID-19 cases among Spurs players, but he expected three players to be limited to start individual workouts. Gregg Popovich on DeMar, Rudy buying into bubble #Spurs style, moving forward w/that approach. “The bottom line, in all frankness, is I don’t remember winning the championship last year,” Popovich said. “I don’t I don’t remember being in the playoffs.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio boosted its backcourt in the NBA draft Wednesday night, taking Florida State’s Devin Vassell at No. #Spurs lottery draft pick Devin Vassell discusses being selected by San Antonio, what he brings to the table, the opportunity to play for Gregg Popovich and moving to SA. Trade questions involving veterans DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge were rampant prior to the draft, but San Antonio did not complete any deals. The quartet led San Antonio to a 5-3 record during the restart, finishing 1 1/2 games behind Portland for eighth in the Western Conference. “I’m very excited for the opportunity and very thankful for the San Antonio Spurs organization for believing in me,” Jones said.

For the first time in more than two decades, the San Antonio Spurs will have a draft lottery selection. This year, San Antonio has been rumored in several possible draft day deals. Draft goes virtual, Spurs hosting virtual draft partyThe draft is usually held in June in New York, where Adam Silver announces the first-round picks. The Spurs are hosting a virtual draft party of their own with fan giveaways. We’re revealing our brand new #SpursFiesta court this Wednesday during the 2020 Spurs Virtual Draft Watch Party pres.

SAN ANTONIO – With the NBA Draft and free agency around the corner, the Spurs trade rumor mill is in overdrive. DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and stalwart guard Patty Mills have all been linked to possible deals with other teams. If DeRozan wants a new deal, he can do a sign-and-trade with the Spurs and another team. It’s been reported that the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks have expressed interest in trading for Mills. NBA free agency starts on Nov. 20.

The future is bright, said Dejounte Murray, one of those young guards. While the Spurs had seven players average in double figures, DeRozan and Aldridge averaged almost twice as many points as the rest of them. ANOTHER YOUNG ONE TO WATCHKeldon Johnson averaged 14.1 points in the bubble after the 20-year-old was under 9 per game before the shutdown. DeRozan is also high on Trey Lyles, a starter who missed the restart after undergoing an appendectomy. As the vets continue to allow us to grow and develop, it flows from there.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A win by the Trail Blazers over Philadelphia would eliminate New Orleans from postseason consideration. Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry called it a Game 7-type game beforehand but stayed with the plan of playing Williamson in short bursts. In the fourth, Gentry took Williamson out with 6:53 left, putting him back in for the last-ditch try about two minutes later. Williamson scored the next eight points by himself, kick-starting what became a 28-12 run by the Pelicans to end the quarter. DeRozan scored inside on the next San Antonio possession, and a late 8-0 spurt by the Spurs sealed the deal.

Popovich was not serving as head coach for the game against the Milwaukee Bucks. It is unclear if Popovich will wear a mask for the entirety of the Spurs time at Disney. Popovich was the coach who spoke in the teams pregame news conference and followed NBA rules by wearing a mask in that availability. GIANNIS' FOULSBucks star and reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had five first-half fouls in his team's scrimmage opener against San Antonio. The last time a player had five first-half fouls in an NBA game that counted was Dec. 7, 2013, when Utah's Mike Harris did it against Sacramento.

SAN ANTONIO – The Spurs’ hopes of keeping their remarkable, 22-season playoff streak alive have taken a major hit. On Monday afternoon, the Spurs announced that forward LaMarcus Aldridge would miss the remainder of the season after undergoing “arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff debridement” on his right shoulder. “Disappointed I won’t get to finish the season with my teammates, but excited that I’ll be fully ready to go next season and beyond,” Aldridge said. In the meantime, the Spurs are one of 22 NBA teams that will finish the regular season in Orlando at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex this summer. Exact dates and times for the remaining regular season games are still to be determined.

FILE - In this March 10, 2020, file photo, San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) celebrates as he scores against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio. Aldridge will miss the remainder of San Antonios season while he recovers from surgery on his right shoulder. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)Seven-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge will miss the remainder of San Antonios season while he recovers from surgery on his right shoulder, a major blow to the Spurs' postseason chances, assuming the season continues as planned. The Spurs announced Monday that Aldridge had the surgery on April 24, stemming from an injury he suffered in a game at Utah on Feb. 21. The Spurs say Aldridge is expected to be fully cleared for all basketball activities in time for training camp ahead of next season.

SAN ANTONIO Blackout Tuesday is an initiative started in the music industry that has gained steam across social media in an effort to memorialize George Floyd and to raise awareness to help combat systemic racism. Blackout Tuesday posts consist of sharing an all-black, or blackout, photo with the hashtag #BlackoutTuesday on social media platforms. In South Texas, the San Antonio Spurs and San Antonio Football Club, which has the same parent company as the Spurs, have posted for Blackout Tuesday and included the caption Black Lives Matter.Spurs player LaMarcus Aldridge posted a black image on social media with a fist emoji showing solidarity. A number of artists have also canceled listening parties or fan events in response, according to a CNN article shared Tuesday morning. Other San Antonio businesses who are participating in Blackout Tuesday can be found on Instagram with the following handles:*Please note this list is not all-inclusive.

San Antonio Spurs acting head coach Tim Duncan, left, talks to San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, March 3, 2020. He got his first victory as an acting head coach on Tuesday night. “It's night and day to be in the big boy chair,” said Duncan, who normally serves as an assistant coach. “I wouldn't be sitting here (as a head coach) if it wasn't for that guy,” Borrego said. The Hornets came back and Rozier cut the Spurs' lead to one with a driving layup with 42 seconds left.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Indiana found its bearing in the paint after losing its composure late against San Antonio. Malcolm Brogdon scored 26 points, T.J. Warren added 23 and the Pacers rallied to beat the Spurs 116-111 on Monday night after blowing a 15-point lead. Patty Mills scored 24 points to lead San Antonio and Trey Lyles added 20. “It’s all about being competitive and executing and you’ve got to do it for more of the 48 minutes than your opponent,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. “We didn’t do anything in the second quarter to help ourselves.

Trey Lyles had 20 points and the Spurs overcame a shaky fourth quarter to beat Orlando 114-113 on Saturday night, snapping the Magic’s three-game winning streak. “They don’t tell you how you won, they just show how many you got,” San Antonio guard Derrick White said. San Antonio led by as many as 16 points in snapping a two-game skid but came within seconds of another defeat. The Magic outscored the Spurs 60-53 in the second half to overcome a dismal start. … The Magic swept the season series against the Spurs last season but have lost 16 of 21 overall and nine of 11 in San Antonio.

We switched gears this week on the KSAT.com Spurs newsletter. RJ Marquez recently interviewed San Antonio native, best-selling author, Ringer staff writer and unabashed Spurs fan Shea Serrano. Here's what Shea had to say about the current state of the team.

PORTLAND, Ore. – With the trade deadline past and a playoff race ahead, the Portland Trail Blazers understood the importance of their game against the San Antonio Spurs. Trent’s points late were important as he hit four 3-pointers and scored 12 points in the fourth quarter as Portland rallied from a 92-86 deficit. San Antonio built a 10-point lead multiple times in the first half, but Portland stayed within reach on the strength of the play of Lillard (14 points) and McCollum (11 points), trailing 60-59 at halftime. TIP-INSSpurs: Thursday’s loss was the third straight for the Spurs, but Lyles having a big night was a bright spot for San Antonio. “It took me a little bit while longer than I expected to get comfortable (in San Antonio),” Lyles said.

This week’s KSAT.com Spurs newsletter is dedicated to Kobe Bryant, an iconic figure who had numerous and memorable battles with the Spurs. He will be missed.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots against San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. – Zion Williamson scored the final point of his first NBA regular season game as a packed and standing crowd belted out chants of “M-V-P!”Then the NBA's No. With Spurs coach Gregg Popovich sending double-teams at Williamson, the rookie struggled to find his shot during the first three quarters. Williamson came into the game knowing his playing time would be limited — even though he started. Pelicans: Jrue Holiday scored 12 points.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points, DeMar DeRozan added 20 and the San Antonio Spurs held off the Miami Heat 107-102 Sunday. Bam Adebayo had 21 points, 16 rebounds and six assists for Miami, which had won its previous two games. The Spurs rebounded - barely - after blowing a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter against Atlanta in a 121-120 defeat Friday. Mills rallied the Spurs with 14 points bridging the first and second quarters, including 3-for-5 shooting on 3-pointers. Johnson had 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals in the Heat’s 110-105 victory March 20, 2019.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 24 points, Ja Morant added 22 points and a season-high 14 assists and the Memphis Grizzlies won their fourth-straight game, beating the San Antonio Spurs 134-121 on Friday night. Dillon Brooks also scored 22 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 21 as six Memphis players scored in double figures. The victory put the Grizzlies percentage points ahead of the Spurs for eighth place in the Western Conference. DeMar DeRozan matched his season-high with 36 points, and added nine assists for the Spurs. Unlike when the Spurs defeated the Grizzlies 145-115 on Dec. 23, Memphis charged to a double-digit lead in the first half, with the advantage reaching 15 points.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by San Antonio Spurs' LaMarcus Aldridge during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE, WI – San Antonio kept Giannis Antetokounmpo under control for one half. “I thought we did a really good job in the first half, but he (Antetokounmpo) got away from us,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “With the wings and the depth (the Bucks have), it’s just a great opportunity to keep Donte healthy,” Budenholzer said. … Bucks veteran guard George Hill started his NBA career in 2008 with the Spurs and played three seasons under Popovich.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – DeMar DeRozan had 29 points, LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and 12 rebounds and the San Antonio Spurs hit a season-high 18 3-pointers in beating the Detroit Pistons 136-109 on Saturday night. San Antonio was 18 for 35 from 3-point range, including a career-high five by Aldridge. Andre Drummond had 21 points and 18 rebounds for the short-handed Pistons, who played with an 11-man roster due to injuries and illness. Bryn Forbes finished with 18 points on 3-for-5 shooting on 3s. His most memorable was helping Memphis oust San Antonio in the first round of the 2011 playoffs as the Grizzlies became just the fourth No.

The Kings missed four shots on their final possession of overtime, including a pair of 3-point attempts by Trevor Ariza. It was the Spurs’ second straight overtime game. The Spurs forced overtime by outscoring the Kings 11-2 in the final 1:50 of the fourth quarter. Sacramento scored nine straight points after the Spurs tied the game at 89 with 3:44 remaining on DeRozan’s third 3-pointer. … Forward Marvin Bagley III missed his 20th straight game with a fractured right thumb.

San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV (1) drives around Houston Rockets forward Thabo Sefolosha during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. Walker had a career-high 28 points and the San Antonio Spurs overcame Harden’s 50 points by rallying from a late 10-point deficit to beat Houston 135-133 in double overtime Tuesday. Harden played a season-high 49 minutes coming off a 60-point outing Saturday over three quarters against Atlanta, but he was whistled for two charges in the second overtime. That followed a bizarre moment in the fourth quarter, when officials erased Harden’s dunk with 7:53 remaining and Houston leading 102-89. San Antonio responded with a group effort to beat the Rockets four days after knocking off the Los Angeles Clippers at home.

NEW YORK (AP) – LaMarcus Aldridge scored 23 points and the San Antonio Spurs snapped their longest losing streak under coach Gregg Popovich at eight games with a 111-104 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday night. San Antonio was in control until deep into the second half, even while playing on the second night of back-to-back games. The eight-game skid was the Spurs’ longest since early in the 1996-97 season under Bob Hill, when Popovich was the general manager. ... San Antonio improved to 2-7 on the road. Come on, it’s the Spurs,” Popovich joked.

SAN ANTONIO – CJ McCollum scored 32 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the San Antonio Spurs 121-116 on Saturday night to spoil Tim Duncan’s first shot at coaching following Gregg Popovich’s ejection. Damian Lillard added 22 points and Hassan Whiteside had 21 points for Portland (5-8), which snapped a four-game skid in San Antonio. San Antonio rallied to take a 111-104 lead with 4 minutes remaining but couldn’t hold on. … The Blazers lost 113-110 in San Antonio on Oct. 28 when Lillard’s 3-pointer at the buzzer rattled out of the rim. Spurs: The Spurs entered the season with a losing record for only 65 days since 1998.

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs look to bounce back from a rare loss when they host the road-weary Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. The game will be the second to the last time Spurs fans will see future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant in a Lakers uniform in the Alamo City. ABOUT THE SPURS (18-5): San Antonio is hoping small forward Kawhi Leonard will be back to full strength after a Philly cheesesteak sandwich prompted a bout of gastroenteritis. The Lakers split two visits to San Antonio last season, with the victory being a 112-110 overtime win. Los Angeles SF Kobe Bryant has scored 14 or fewer points in three of the past four games.