NBA Basketball

Magic hold off Pistons' late push, grab 2-1 lead

Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane each scored 25 points, and the Orlando Magic watched a 17-point fourth-quarter lead evaporate before rallying to defeat the Detroit Pistons 113-105 Saturday, taking a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.

Durant improving, but G4 status vs. Lakers unclear

Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Saturday that injured star Kevin Durant was doing better, but his status for Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night was still unclear with the Rockets facing elimination.

NBA: Smart committed lane violation on key FT

Marcus Smart should have been called for a lane violation on the final of his three free throws toward the end of regulation in the Lakers' Game 3 win.

Lakers' last-minute magic keys OT win for 3-0 lead

LeBron James scored 29 points, including a tying 3-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, and the Lakers took advantage of a Rockets team missing Kevin Durant for a 112-108 win to take a 3-0 lead in their first-round series.

Udoka calls out Rockets after collapse: 'Grow up'

Rockets coach Ime Udoka called out his team after a late-game collapse that saw Houston fall into a 3-0 series hole against the Lakers. "Horrendous mistakes," he said. "I don't know if you want to say youth or scared of the moment or whatever the case."

Harper stars off bench to rally Wemby-less Spurs

Spurs rookie Dylan Harper had 27 points off the bench and teammate Stephon Castle had a game-high 33 to help the Spurs rally past the Blazers and take a 2-1 series lead.

Alexander-Walker named Most Improved Player

Nickeil Alexander-Walker was named this season's Most Improved Player on Friday, marking the second straight Atlanta Hawks player to win the award.

🏀 NBA coaching carousel: Latest on open jobs

Milwaukee has found its next coach, while Chicago and New Orleans are looking for long-term fits. Here's what lies ahead for each franchise.