The good, bad and ugly on display for Simmons without KD

Yes, Ben Simmons recorded a season-high 13 assists. But the box score doesn't tell the whole story behind his performance against the Celtics.

Ben Simmons drops season-high in assists for Nets without Kevin Durant

Best potential landing spots for DeMar DeRozan

According to sources, DeMar DeRozan could request a trade next offseason. But with the Bulls struggling, could the five-time All-Star be on the move before then?

Marc Stein explains why USA vs. England is far more than just another game

Marc Stein sets the table for United States vs. England in what is the most highly anticipated group stage match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The secret behind the NBA's most unlikely top marksman

Yes, it's early. But Yuta Watanabe is shooting at a clip that not only leads the NBA, but would be the most accurate 3-point shooting season in NBA history.

Marc Stein breaks down the top storylines for the 2022 World Cup

With the 2022 World Cup finally here, Marc Stein offers his unique perspective to preview all of the top storylines in Qatar including the top teams, players and controversies.

For 1st time in 20 years, USA isn't No. 1 in FIBA World Rankings

After winning EuroBasket 2022, Spain passed the United State for No. 1 in FIBA World Rankings. This is the first time in 20 years that a team other than the USA claimed the top spot.

How Joel Embiid became 2022's Wilt Chamberlain

Joel Embiid uncorked two dominant games in two days, the likes of which nobody has seen since

How to watch Victor Wembanyama today: Free live stream available in Australia exclusively on NBA app

Clear betting favorite emerges in Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva

The public has spoken and one fighter has a clear advantage.

Luka Doncic delivers one of the best passes you'll ever see

The competition for best pass of the year is already over.

Klay Thompson on Charles Barkley criticism: 'It hurt my heart'

Klay Thompson is averaging 12.6 points per game and shooting a career-worst 34.4 percent.

Andrew Wiggins on path to becoming Warriors legend

Andrew Wiggins started in the All-Star Game then won his first championship. He's not done yet.

How not to build around LeBron James

Gone are the shooters and wing defenders that helped LeBron James and Anthony Davis win an NBA title.

Ranking every new team debut from Donovan Mitchell to Ben Simmons

The offseason musical chairs meant plenty of new faces in new places. We ranked the 10 biggest opening week debuts from first to worst.

How KD and Nash plan on helping Ben Simmons bounce back

Can the Aussie rediscover his All-Star form? It won't happen overnight.

Manu Ginobili's Hall of Fame impact in six words or less

In honor of arguably the greatest sixth man of all time being inducted into the Hall of Fame, members of our TSN staff share how they'll remember Manu Ginobili's career.

How good was Manu Ginobili?

With the Spurs legend entering the Hall of Fame, we look beyond the box score to examine how Ginobili compares with others from his generation.

Full details on Ingles contract with Bucks

The sharpshooting forward gives the Bucks another dangerous option alongside two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The most expensive championship team in NBA history

The Warriors spent over $200 million dollars more than the average NBA team on their roster this past season. But how do they compare with past champions? A closer look into the books shows a franchise willing to outspend anyone.

Biggest keys to Warriors vs. Mavs

In anticipation of the Western Conference Finals, members of our NBA staff have identified one matchup to watch and made their picks for the series and the newly-introduced Conference Finals MVP award.

LeBron James, Lakers extend impressive streaks with most popular NBA jerseys in 2022

LeBron James once again leads the way in jersey sales. James now extends his impressive streak to four straight seasons.

Is LeBron James the greatest scorer of all-time? Debating the King's case amongst the NBA's all-time great bucket getters

Barring injury, LeBron James will eventually pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer. But looking beyond career point totals, how does The King stack up with Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Kevin Durant?

Jimmy Butler injury update: Heat forward leaves game vs. Pistons with ankle injury

Jimmy Butler left Miami's game against the Pistons with a sprained right ankle. It's the fourth ankle injury of the season for Butler who has missed 23 games overall due to injury.

Most 60-point games in NBA history: Karl-Anthony Towns becomes 31st member of exclusive club with career high

Karl-Anthony Towns dropped a career-high 60 points vs. the Spurs, setting a franchise record and becoming the 31st player in NBA history to score 60 in a single game.

Will winner of Joel Embiid vs. Nikola Jokic decide the 2022 NBA MVP?

We looked at the 15 closest MVP races in modern NBA history to find out whether head-to-head records matter when it comes to picking MVPs.

Four fixes for Warriors' floundering title odds entering crowded Western Conference playoff race

With just 15 games left in the regular season, we asked four of our writers to identify the four biggest problems plaguing the Warriors along with four possible fixes.

Comparing every 2022 NBA All-Star to members of 75th Anniversary Team

Is LeBron James closer to Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan? Is Giannis Antetokounmpo more like Wilt Chamberlain or Shaquille O'Neal? We compared every 2022 NBA All-Star to one member of the 75th anniversary team.

Trade deadline roundtable: biggest unanswered questions

15 trades, 56 players and 24 draft picks. Making sense of the NBA trade deadline.

CJ McCollum trade details: Trail Blazers close to sending veteran guard to Pelicans

NBA All-Star Mock Draft: Predictions for Team LeBron vs. Team Durant

Two members of our TSN staff took the place of All-Star captains LeBron James and Kevin Durant to draft the 2022 NBA All-Star teams.

SN's picks for All-Star reserves

Picking the reserves for the All-Star Game surely never sparks much of a debate... right?

Is it too soon to sound the alarm for these teams?

Three members of our NBA Global staff break out the panic meter to weigh in on teams that entered the season with high expectations but are off to slow starts.

Giannis' 50-point masterpiece secures 2021 NBA title

In the potential title-clincher, the Greek Freak came up huge by scoring 50 and leading the franchise a 105-98 Game 6 win. Thus, leading them to just their second title in franchise history and first in 50 years.

Every 50-point game in a season opener

Kyrie Irving poured in 50 points in his Nets debut, becoming just the fifth player in NBA history to score at least 50 points in a season opener.

The Dynastic Aussie Anchor

It's easy to overlook given their remarkable five-year run but the Warriors have Andrew Bogut to thank for lying the defensive foundation from which their dynasty grew.

Most individual points in a Finals loss

Only one player in NBA Finals history has scored more points in a loss than Stephen Curry did in Game 3 as he finished with 47.

Casting doubt on LeBron and the Lakers

LeBron James in the clutch. A lack of playoff experience for Anthony Davis. The supporting cast. Plenty of obstacles stand in the way of the Lakers hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy when the season resumes, but how much of it will ultimately matter in the end?

Is the clock ticking on Kawhi's new sidekick?

The Finals MVP left the Raptors for the Clippers in part to team up with Paul George. The problem? When the Clippers have turned to PG-13 with the clock ticking down, the results have been R-rated.

Postseason pressure for Donovan Mitchell?

The third-year guard made his first All-Star team in 2020 but arrives in Orlando with mounting pressure to lead a Jazz team saddled with hazy expectations and teetering on the edge of an uncertain future.

What's at stake for the stars?

What would a 10th trip to the Finals mean for LeBron James? Can Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid reach their vast potential? What would a 2020 encore by Kawhi Leonard mean for his legacy? With the season less than a month away, here's a closer look into what the game's brightest stars are playing for on the court ahead of the restart.

How Rondo injury impacts NBA title chase

LeBron James and the Lakers are still on the short list of championship favourites even after the injury to Rajon Rondo who is expected to miss six to eight weeks. Here are six major questions facing the Lakers as they move forward in their quest for a title.

All-Defensive Team predictions

Could the Bucks snag four of the 10 total spots? Will Kyle Lowry snag that elusive All-D honour? And with four players for two spots at centre, who gets left out between Rudy Gobert, Joel Embiid, Brook Lopez and Marc Gasol?

The 25 best dunkers in NBA history

Who are the best dunkers in NBA history? Vince Carter's retirement brought back memories of his best gravity-defying dunks that left us wondering just how he stacks up all-time against the likes of Michael Jordan, Julius Erving and Dominique Wilkins.

Vince, LeBron and the NBA game changers

The 10-year anniversary of 'The Decision' and the retirement of a YouTube pioneer makes for an opportune time to revisit the NBA's biggest game changers. LeBron James, Vince Carter, Stephen Curry and Wilt Chamberlain are among the select few who transcended the game and forever changed the course of history.

Power Rankings: All 22 starting backcourts

Can Ben Simmons and Josh Richardson elevate the 76ers with championship-level guard play? Do the Lakers have the worst backcourt with the loss of Avery Bradley? And how much does experience matter down in the Disney World bubble?

The greatest trade never talked about

The Warriors traded electricity for stability and set the wheels in motion for one of the greatest runs in NBA history.

Are Celtics a bigger East threat than Raptors?

The defending champs may have the second-best record in the East, but that doesn't mean they're the biggest threat to take out Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Is Simmons ready to lead 76ers on a deep run?

Are the Bucks, Lakers or Clippers in the top spot? Could Aron Baynes or Patty Mills make a late push for the playoffs? Is Ben Simmons ready to lead the 76ers on a deep run?

Giannis > Last 25 MVP winners

The reigning MVP elevates his play against good teams like no player in modern history. Why the number '51.6' debunks the narrative that he's not ready to win big.

Patty among biggest playoff streaks on line

If the NBA ultimately does return to finish the season, how it chooses to do so could impact the status of several historic postseason streaks.

The 1960s All-Decade Team

The greatest champion. The greatest record setter. The walking triple-double. The 1960s featured some of the largest legendary figures in the history of the game. Beyond the biggest names, who else ruled the decade?

You can't tell the story of the 1970s without...

Kareem. Doctor J. Iceman. The Logo. Pistol Pete. The 1970s ushered in a new brand of basketball that marked a significant shift still felt today. These are the the defining moments from the NBA's quintessential fork-in-the-road decade.

Let's talk title contenders

With the NBA targeting a potential return to play, the focus shifts back to the hardwood as players and teams gear up for an unprecedented chase for the championship. Could the time off be what Ben Simmons needs to lead the Sixers towards title contention? How will LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard navigate a new series of circumstances in which the top three contenders no longer benefit from a home-court advantage? Here are the tiers of championship contenders as dreams of postseason play begin to take shape.

You can't tell the story of the 2000s without...

Why did Andrew Bogut symbolize a shift in the NBA's global popularity? Did Kobe, Duncan or Shaq take the crown for best player? A nostalgic look back at the 2000s and the moments, teams and players which defined the decade.

The 1980s All-Decade Team

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were the easy picks, but who else made the cut? Plus, two players from one team, but not the Lakers or Celtics?

Nobody defends stars like Ben Simmons

No player in the NBA guards All-Stars more than Simmons. Here's how one number and two nostalgic trips down memory lane show why the 6'10" Aussie has more star-stopping potential than any player in today's NBA.

How many MVPs should Jordan have won?

On this date in 1998, Michael Jordan won his fifth and final MVP award. Should he have won more of them? Or did he actually win too many? Here's a closer look at the seasons he did and didn't take home the hardware.

What is Reggie Miller's legacy?

"I'm going to retire Michael Jordan." Imagine having the confidence to even think that. Imagine having the confidence to truly believe that. Now imagine having the confidence to say it out loud. Reggie Miller stands as one of his generations iconic figures, a legendary trash-talking, sweet-shooting Hall-of-Famer who pushed His Airness to the absolute edge. But what if there's also some myth behind the mythology?

Is Shawn Marion a Hall of Famer?

136 players have made more All-Star teams, he never finished in the top 10 in scoring and he never made an All-Defence team. Yet if you truly dive into The Matrix, you might discover that there's far more to Shawn Marion than what first meets the eye.

Tougher road in playoffs: MJ or LeBron?

One is 6-0 in the Finals. One is 3-6 in the Finals. One faced a far easier road to get there. One faced a far more daunting task once there. A closer look into the playoff opponents of MJ and LeBron reveals there is far more to the GOAT conversation than 6-0 or 3-6.

Ranking every MJ playoff opponent

What is the greatest team that Michael Jordan ever faced in the postseason? After "The Last Dance" concludes this weekend, we will have relived every seminal moment of MJ's career including the endless tally of iconic one-name postseason opponents. Bird, Magic, Isiah, Clyde, Ewing, Barkley, Shaq, Payton, Mailman, Reggie... the list goes on and on. We went through all 37 playoff series to give you the complete breakdown and answer some of the enduring questions surrounding Jordan's legendary playoff record.

Airball Jordan? How the Magic topped MJ in 1995

A turnover with the chance to win Game 1? An airball with the season on the line? There are dents in the sculpture of Michael Jordan's perception of perfection. Here's a closer look into what happened the last time MJ came up short in the playoffs.

What if the Bulls traded Pippen?

A dynasty in Seattle? Jordan, Ewing and Phil with the Knicks? Pippen vs. Jordan in the NBA Finals? The 1994 near-blockbuster trade that would have sent Pippen to the SuperSonics would have created a landscape-shifting tidal wave felt for years. What if Bulls actually traded Pippen? Here's a look at the completely fictional year-by-year alternate history in which a second Bulls 3-peat never happens.

Best players that didn't make Dream Team

Isiah Thomas isn't the only star who missed out on making the Dream Team.

Kobe voted best scorer since MJ

We picked 16 of the best one-on-one scorers since Michael Jordan, seeded them 1-16 and placed them in a bracket. Each day fans on NBA.com voted for each matchup and we have a winner... Kobe Bryant! In our championship round, Bryant knocked off the No. 1 seeded Kevin Durant. Here's how the whole tournament unfolded!

VOTE NOW! Best one-on-one scorers

KD or LeBron? Kobe or Harden? Up until his retirement with the Bulls in 1998, Michael Jordan was unquestionably the best one-on-one scorer in the NBA. But what about since then? We picked out the top scorers in the post-MJ era and seeded them 1-16. Each day, your votes will determine who moves on to the next round with the simple goal of crowning the one-on-one king. We're down to the final four!

VOTE NOW: Best one-on-one scorers since MJ

Up until his retirement with the Bulls in 1998, Michael Jordan was unquestionably the best one-on-one scorer in the NBA. But what about since then? We picked out the top scorers in the post-MJ era and seeded them 1-16. Each day, your votes will determine who moves on to the next round with the simple goal of crowning the one-on-one king. We're down to the final eight!

VOTE NOW: Best one-on-one scorer since MJ

Kobe Bryant? Kevin Durant? Allen Iverson? LeBron James? Kyrie Irving? Carmelo Anthony? Someone else? When it comes to pure one-on-one scoring chops, there's an abundance of players who could make a claim to be the best one-on-one scorer in recent memory. We picked out the top scorers in the post-MJ era and seeded them 1-16. Each day, your votes will determine who moves on to the next round with the simple goal of crowning the one-on-one king.

Fast facts on Craig Ehlo

Ehlo is most famous for guarding Michael Jordan on his game-winning buzzer-beater in the 1989 playoffs. Here are some other fast facts on the former Cavaliers shooting guard.

Vote on the craziest Dennis Rodman hairdo

From Detroit to San Antonio to Chicago to Los Angeles to Dallas, Dennis Rodman had an unmatched sense for flair and style. Here's a look into some of his most memorable on-court looks.

Is Rodman the best rebounder in NBA history?

Rodman led the NBA in rebounding for seven straight seasons in the 1990s despite standing just 6'7" in an era filled with dominant seven footers. Is he the best rebounder in NBA history?

Which players today compare to Last Dance Bulls?

Who is the current version of Luc Longley? Which Bulls player does Joe Ingles most resemble? And what does Ryan Broekhoff have to do with the six-time champs from the 1990s?

Power Rankings: Best players from the 90s

Michael Jordan ruled the 90s, but where does Scottie Pippen rank among the best players of the decade? There's also a near consensus No. 2... and it's NOT the player who won multiple MVPs!

KG on playoffs: "I don't want to hear any excuses."

"Everyone’s going to be healthy. Everyone’s going to be rested. I don’t want to hear any excuses." Doc Rivers recalls a recent conversation with new Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett on the potential for a memorable postseason

Shaq, Penny and a 'what if' alternate reality

Have you ever played the "what if" game with Shaq and Penny? Have you ever gone year-by-year to see exactly how things could have been different? Welcome to the world where the greatest short-lived duo in NBA history instead stuck together, stayed healthy and prospered side-by-side in the most magical place on Earth.

Four flattering stats: Carmelo Anthony

Wednesday's #NBATogetherLive Classic Game is Carmelo Anthony's career-high 62-point outburst against the Charlotte Bobcats back in January 2014. Forgot just how dangerous Melo was as a scorer? Here are three stats to put in perspective his prolific ability.

Who is the NBA's most clutch player?

LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard? Damian Lillard or Stephen Curry? The debate over who are the league's most clutch players is one that will seemingly never be settled. That's not going to stop us from trying.

Nurse for Coach of the Year?

Who is the front-runner for Coach of the Year to this point of the NBA season? Two members of our NBA.com Staff believe it's Nick Nurse of the Toronto Raptors, but one disagrees.

What if Michael Jordan never faxed "I'm back."

A Shaq and Penny dynasty in Orlando? Tim Duncan with the Bulls? KD still in Seattle? It's almost impossible to imagine what would have happened had Michael Jordan not returned to the Bulls in March 1995. Almost.

Best dunks of Blake Griffin's career

In honour of Blake Griffin's 31st birthday, we're taking a look back at four of his iconic high-flying aerial displays.

LeBron's four-step plan for winning MVP

LeBron James goes up against Giannis Antetokounmpo on Friday and while there's a growing sense that the Greek Freak has wrapped up a second consecutive MVP award, LeBron can still make a late push. Here's how.

Kawhi and Clippers have flipped switch

The reigning Finals MVP is having the best season of his career and the Clippers are a perfect 5-0 with their new starting lineup. Ahead of two big games against the Rockets and Lakers, all signs point to a Clippers team that's finally flipped the switch.

Huge day on NBA League Pass

LeBron. Zion. Kawhi. Those are just some of the biggest names in action today on NBA League Pass. Here's a closer look at some of the biggest storylines in what should prove to be an eventful day across the NBA!

The Bucks are unstoppable... or are they?

They might win 70 games. They might finish with the best scoring margin in NBA history. They have a 25-year-old reigning MVP who is likely going to win it again. So why aren't the Bucks prohibitive favourites to win it all?

Power Rankings out of the All-Star break

Power rankings are back along with the biggest questions facing all 30 teams down the stretch. Will Simmons take over for the 76ers? Who can LeBron trust late in games? And will Houston's small-ball gamble pay off? All of that plus much more!

Kobe's arrival as an All-Star legend

In front of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, an 18-year-old Kobe Bryant once delivered a show-stopping performance for the ages that foreshadowed his rise as a legend forever synonymous with All-Star weekend.

By The Numbers: Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons is set to compete in his second All-Star Game in Chicago. His impact goes far beyond the box score so we took a closer look at some of the numbers behind the Aussie's big season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Is this the most iconic LeBron photo ever?

The sensational photo from Friday brought back memories of the iconic photo of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Both are masterpiece 'message in a bottle' moments which define two different eras.

All-Star Mock Draft

Two of our writers drafted for Team LeBron and Team Giannis and we have to say ... one can only hope the actual All-Star teams are this crazy.

Why the Knicks want Ujiri

Three hints: Carmelo Anthony. Jamal Murray. Andrea Bargnani. The Knicks' interest in Ujiri is about far more than building a winner in Toronto.

Zion vs Ja: Get ready for Round 1

The top two picks in the draft. The rim rattling rookies. The dynamic, electric, explosive, show-stopping, "HE JUST DID WHAT?!?!" pageantry. Zion Williamson and Ja Morant are set to play for the very first time on Friday in what could so far be described as the League Pass Game of the Year. It's a potentially seminal moment for what could be a generational duo.

Kobe's best game against every team

81 against the Raptors. 40 in the second half against the Clippers. 62 in three quarters vs the Mavericks. This week's Power Rankings pays homage to Kobe Bryant with a closer look into his best game against every team.

"He got 60 on me and I didn't give him anything free all night"

"He got 60 on me and I didn't give him anything free all night." Gordon Hayward recalls playing against Kobe Bryant in his final game and opens up about his relationship with the Lakers' legend.

Jordan on Kobe: "like a little brother to me."

Following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, Charlotte Hornets owner and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan released the following statement.

Will Giannis Eurostep from MVP to MIP?

Five years after Giannis Antetokounmpo offered up a fleeting display of MVP potential, the reigning MVP returns to Europe in the midst of yet another massive leap. Could he actually be the NBA's Most Improved Player?

A tale of two Zions and five burning questions

After an underwhelming three quarters left many tempering outsized expectations, all it took was three minutes and eight seconds for Zion Williamson to unleash bedlam and for the moment seemingly validate the impossible hype.

Interact with every dime dropped by Ben Simmons

What would it look like if you dropped every single dime from Ben Simmons into a bucket? Who has scored the most off of his passes? Does he have more in the first or fourth quarter? What about 2s vs 3s? We mapped out every single assist from the towering point guard so far this season.

How much should winning matter in All-Star debate?

Trae Young and Devin Booker are putting up crazy offensive numbers for teams with losing records. Kyle Lowry and Chris Paul aren't as prolific, but are leading teams squarely in the playoff picture. How much should winning ultimately matter when picking the All-Star team?

LeBron is by far the best player in the world

LeBron James has the Lakers off to one of their best starts in franchise history and he's doing it on both ends. One recently released stat reveals how the recently turned 35-year-old is still at the top of his game.

The 20 questions that will define the 2020s

Who will take over in the post-LeBron era? Will Simmons and Embiid forever co-exist? What will be the next major on-the-court trend? Here's a look into the biggest questions that will define the next decade.

Why Melo is the perfect bandaid for Portland

For years, the Blazers have been searching for a way to succeed whenever their superstar needs to rest. As it turns out, letting Melo be Melo might just be the answer Portland's been looking for.

Let's talk about Tacko

What does Tacko Fall have in common with James Harden, Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan?

Alex Caruso, Tacko Fall among fan vote surprises

Caruso has come off the bench in all 32 games he's played for the Lakers while Fall has played a grand total of 11 minutes in three games for the Celtics.

Who should be a 2020 All-Star: Simmons or Harris?

Both Simmons and Harris are having strong seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers, but if you had to pick just one to make the 2020 All-Star team, who would it be?

Report: Luka Doncic will make return

The 20-year-old sophomore sensation has missed each of the last four games with a sprained ankle

Dante Exum: from 'what if' to 'what's now'?

The roller-coaster ride in Utah is over for the 24-year-old Aussie after Tuesday's trade that reportedly sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Making sense of what happened with the Jazz and taking stock of what's in store for Exum in his new NBA home.

NBA presents under the Christmas tree

The unofficial hoops holiday is just around the corner with a quintuple-header NBA extravaganza! A battle between Eastern Conference contenders tips off wall-to-wall action that also features a showdown between Ben Simmons and Giannis Antetokounmpo and a highly anticipated rematch from opening night between the Lakers and Clippers. Need a primer? We've got you covered!

The best game of Simmons's career?

The Aussie is among the most brilliant passers in the NBA and that playmaking was on full display Tuesday as he picked apart the Detroit Pistons. Here are five key stats from what may have been the best game of his career.

Dante Exum: from 'what if' to 'what's now'?

The roller-coaster ride in Utah is over for the 24-year-old Aussie after Tuesday's trade that reportedly sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Making sense of what happened with the Jazz and taking stock of what's in store for Exum in his new NBA home.

LeBron is by far the best player in the world

LeBron James has the Lakers off to their best start in franchise history and he's doing it on both ends. One recently released stat reveals how the soon-to-be 35-year-old is still at the top of his game.

Are Bucks a threat to longest win streak ever?

The Milwaukee Bucks have won 18 straight and are over halfway to the NBA record set by the 1971-72 Lakers. How long can they keep it going and are they a threat to break the all-time record?

All of the game-winners for D-Rose

Inspired by his game-winning shot against the Pelicans, here's a look back at every one of Derrick Rose's game-winners. From Chicago to Minnesota to Detroit, the former MVP has made some memorable clutch shots.

All-Star Moment: AD goes for 50

"An old-school performance... one for the ages." Anthony Davis couldn't be stopped on Monday, thoroughly dominating the Minnesota Timberwolves en route to his fourth career 50-point game.

Is this player the next Kevin Durant?

It's a simple concept ... we provide the stats for two players and you pick which player is better. The catch? You don't know both identities until AFTER you've voted.

Power Rankings: Will the 76ers figure it out?

Will the Bucks or Lakers ignite the debate about 70 wins? How will the 76ers close games? Does Houston have a Russell Westbrook problem? This week's Power Rankings tees up the biggest December storylines.

How Carmelo Anthony looked in Portland debut

The final stats don't tell the whole story on a night where the 10-time All-Star showed his assertiveness from the opening tip. Here's a quarter-by-quarter look at Carmelo Anthony's debut with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Power Rankings: A new No. 1 AGAIN!

Following their resounding win over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Toronto Raptors are the biggest risers in this week's Power Rankings. How far did they climb?

Short-handed Raptors shock Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers entered on a seven-game win streak and the Toronto Raptors entered without Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka. So naturally, the Raptors shocked the Lakers on their home floor and claimed a signature win.

5 reasons why the Lakers are off to a perfect start

The target is off the back, LeBron is still The King, AD's cozying up to the five, Dwight Howard's still smiling and the biggest pre-season concern has been non-existent. It's hard to picture a more perfect start to the 2019-20 season for the Lakers.

Simmons rises in updated MVP odds?

Simmons is rising, Curry is falling and Giannis remains ahead of the pack. Check out the latest MVP odds along with some of the key storylines emerging after the first week of the regular season!

The year of the international superstar

Seven players born outside of the United States made the All-Star team in 2018-19, tied for the most ever in a single season. With All-Star hopefuls like Luka Doncic, Pascal Siakam and Rudy Gobert knocking at the door, 2019-20 could be the year of the international superstar.

Opening Day overreactions

Kyrie Irving will break an untouchable scoring record, Andre Drummond will win the MVP and P.J. Washington will emerge as a sure-fire Hall-of-Famer. Is it reckless to completely overreact to one game? Of course! But it sure is fun so we did it anyways.

Takeaways: Siakam and VanVleet deliver in season opener

No Kawhi Leonard, no problem. The Toronto Raptors overcame a slow start to rally back for a thrilling overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet combined for 68 points, the second-most ever by a Raptors duo in a season opener.

Medical analysis on injury to Zion Williamson

"In most cases losing a portion of the meniscus can leave the knee at risk for degenerative changes and arthritis over time." Dr. Michael S. George, a sports orthopedic surgeon with the KSF Orthopaedic Center in Houston, weighs in on types of meniscus injuries, typical recovery times and risk factors moving forward for the Pelicans' rookie phenom.

Ripple effects of injury to Zion Williamson

New Orleans isn't the only team whose playoff fortunes are altered with news that the No. 1 overall pick is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. Here's how Zion's injury impacts the playoff race as well as Brandon Ingram's next contract and odds for Rookie of the Year.

The 14 players that can win the MVP

Historic levels of star talent spread across a wide-open league sets the stage for an MVP race featuring far more candidates than usual with the potential for unexpected turns around every corner. There are favourites and there are darkhorses. Here's how each and every one of them could win it.

The East's sleeping giant?

The Bulls feature a pair of potential first-time All-Stars, trustworthy veterans, a skilled rim-protecting defensive anchor and a rookie coming off a historic preseason. Are the Chicago Bulls poised to make a significant leap up the Eastern Conference standings?

Biggest reason to watch all 30 teams

Dynamic duos, hidden talents, forgotten stars, potential breakthroughs and mysterious chemistry experiments... the 2019-20 season is going to be a madhouse. Don't know where to begin? We've got you covered.

Do reinforcements make Jazz a title threat?

Donovan Mitchell is among the game's brightest young stars while Rudy Gobert is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Following the offseason additions of Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic, the Utah Jazz enter the season as legitimate championship contenders for the first time in two decades.

Are the Warriors still title contenders?

Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston are gone. Klay Thompson is out indefinitely. For the first time in half a decade, the Warriors enter an NBA season playing an unfamiliar role: underdogs. Can Stephen Curry and Draymond Green keep the Warriors in the mix for a sixth straight trip to the NBA Finals?

The best NBA Jam partners for Zion

A veteran two-way star in the backcourt? Check. A cerebral passer to set up thunderous dunks? Check. A deadeye shooter to punish double teams? Check. A smooth scorer to help relieve the pressure? Check. A skilled and underrated rim protector? Check. The New Orleans Pelicans have surrounded Zion Williamson with the pieces that should help him flourish in Year 1.

Spotlight on Bradley Beal entering 2019-20

The Wizards enter the season at somewhat of a crossroads. Will they continue to build around Bradley Beal with hope that the promising young frontcourt of Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant reach their full potential? Or will they ultimately decide to move their All-Star with an eye towards building for the future?

Do the Cavaliers have the next great backcourt?

Although Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson remain, there's no denying that Cleveland is now focusing its efforts on the development of promising young guards Darius Garland and Collin Sexton who could someday develop into the best backcourt duo in the entire league. How will they look in Year 2 of the post-LeBron era?

The 30 best players in the NBA

Kawhi, Giannis or LeBron? Curry or Harden? Did Ben Simmons make the cut? Our Global NBA.com staff weighed in to select the top 30 NBA players.

NBA Jam Week: ranking all 30 top NBA duos

Is there a world in which LeBron James and Anthony Davis are the two best players in the league? What if Kristaps Porzingis is fully healed and suits up next to an even better version of Luka Doncic? Would it be that crazy if Klay Thompson returned and the Splash Brothers once again rolled as an unstoppable tag-team?

How the Boomers came up short in 2OT

Despite leading by as many as 11 points in the second half, Australia came up short in its bid to reach the gold medal game. How did the Boomers come up short in their bid to make history?

Spain outlasts Australia in 2OT thriller

Australia led by as many as 11 points in the second half, but Spain rallied back to force multiple overtime periods. Marc Gasol's 33 points leads Spain into the gold medal game.

Keys to Australia-Spain at FIBA World Cup

The Boomers face potentially their biggest basketball game ever on Friday as they take on Spain in a rematch of the bronze medal game at the 2016 Olympics. Australia can make history as the men's basketball team has never medaled at either the FIBA World Cup or Olympics.

Where do Mills and Ingles rank among best players left at World Cup?

Patty Mills has been the tournament's most prolific scorer while Joe Ingles has been one of the best all-around performers. With players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Kemba Walker already eliminated, who are the best players still standing? Do Mills and Ingles rank among the top 5?

Winners and losers: France upsets USA

Rudy Gobert is a superstar, USA basketball should look in the mirror and two far different outcomes for the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics. Here's a look at some of the winners and losers from the most stunning result at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Where does Simmons/Richardson rank among all 30 backcourts?

Is the Rocket-fueled backcourt of James Harden and Russell Westbrook undeniably the best in the NBA? Is Utah's buzz-worthy backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley overrated? How good will the duo of Stephen Curry and D'Angelo Russell be while Golden State awaits the return of Klay Thompson? Will Ben Simmons thrive next to his new backcourt partner?

Can Devin Booker become a winner in Phoenix?

In four seasons since entering the NBA, Devin Booker and the Suns haven't had a winning record beyond the 14th game of the season. Although Booker took a step forward last season while averaging career highs in points and assists, the franchise took a step back and won fewer than 20 games for the first time since the 1960s.

Biggest questions facing Joe Ingles in 2019-20

The Jazz currently have an over/under of 54.5 wins for the upcoming season, tied with the Clippers and Rockets for best in the Western Conference. With lofty regular season expectations comes increased pressure to push deep into the playoffs. For a team with legitimate championship aspirations for the first time in two decades, the key to it all might be Joe Ingles who is Utah's ultimate X-factor heading into 2019-20.

Games that will define this season

Of the 1,230 games on the regular season schedule, these are the ones that matter the most beyond simply who wins and who loses. These are the games that transcend the scoreboard to offer up a view on where we've already been, where we are now and where we're going next.

Why everyone is wrong about Chris Paul

He's missed 20 games each of the last three years. He's a 6'0" point guard that just turned 34. He's owed $124 million dollars over the next three seasons. And he was just traded away by a contender in search of a younger, more explosive upgrade. The conventional wisdom suggests that Chris Paul's days as a landscape shifting All-Star are over. But what if conventional wisdom is wrong?

Can Simmons deliver after receiving max contract?

Ben Simmons is an All-Star and a foundational piece on what could be the favourite in the Eastern Conference. He's racked up more triple-doubles through two seasons than any player in NBA history not named Oscar Robertson. But beyond the surface layer comparisons to Big O and Magic Johnson, can Simmons deliver now that he's a max player?

Is it already time to worry about RJ Barrett?

The No. 3 overall pick has struggled through two games in Las Vegas Summer League. But while his play has left much to be desired, history suggests not to read too much into Summer League performance.

2019-20 features most title contenders in over a decade

Entering last season the Toronto Raptors were +1,850 to win the NBA title. Following the free agency frenzy, a whopping eight teams have better odds than that to win next year's championship. Going off of preseason odds, the 2019-20 season looks to be the most competitive in over a decade.

Is Siakam ready to take over the Raptors?

Is the 25-year-old ready to take over in Toronto? Will he rise to the occasion without Kawhi Leonard to lean on? Is he a star in the making or a really nice role player? With Kawhi Leonard off to Los Angeles after delivering a title in his one year with the Raptors, Siakam becomes the most important building block moving forward for the Toronto Raptors. Is he ready to take over the spotlight?

Instant reaction to biggest free agent signings

How do players fit with their new teams? Which players are set up for success? What do the first signings mean for the rest of free agency?

Projecting winners at NBA Awards

The third annual NBA Awards show is upon us! Will Giannis Antetokounmpo beat out James Harden for MVP? Will Trae Young's late-season push be enough to overcome Luka Doncic for Rookie of the Year? Will Pascal Siakam or D'Angelo Russell take home the league's Most Improved Player?

Major takeaways from a busy draft night

After the first three picks went according to plan, madness broke out starting with the fourth overall pick that began with a draft-day blockbuster between the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks. Here's a look into the biggest storylines surrounding an action-packed first round.

Horford declines player option; to become free agent

The veteran centre had a player option for $30.1M next season.

LaMelo Ball to play in NBL

LaMelo Ball announced that he is signing a 'Next Stars' contract with the NBL and will play next season for the Illawarra Hawks.

Initial reactions to Raptors winning the NBA title

What does a second Finals MVP mean for Kawhi Leonard? How does this change the perception of Kyle Lowry? Is this the end of the Warriors' dynasty?

Raptors are most resilient champ in NBA history

They trailed against the Magic. They trailed against the 76ers. They trailed against the Bucks. After falling behind in three different series before even reaching the NBA Finals, the Raptors path towards winning the championship is unlike any other in NBA history.

Valanciunas declines player option, will become free agent

The 27-year-old averaged 19.9 points and 10.7 rebounds per game after being traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Memphis Grizzlies during the season.

This is Kawhi's legend-making moment

Magic Johnson at Boston. Michael Jordan at Utah. Kawhi Leonard at Golden State? Some of the biggest moments by the biggest legends on the biggest stage came on the road. Will Kawhi take advantage of his chance to make history in Game 6?

5 reasons the Raptors are still feeling good

Up 103-97 with under three minutes to go in Game 5, the Raptors were on the verge of winning the NBA title. Now they're heading into Oracle Arena and with a loss, would be facing a pressure-packed Game 7. Here are five reasons that Raptors fans should still feel good about their prospects.

How Warriors forced a Game 6 at Oracle

The Raptors led by six points with under three minutes remaining, but then shot 1-6 down the stretch as the Golden State Warriors fought back to force a Game 6.

Q&A with Leigh Ellis from The Starters

What was reporting from a sea of Raptors fans in Oracle Arena like after Game 4? What makes Kawhi Leonard special against the best competition? Will the Raptors close out the series in Game 5?

How Klay Thompson's return impacts Raptors

The biggest storyline entering Game 4 is the return of Klay Thompson. Will he defend Kawhi Leonard? Will he be the second scorer Golden State sorely missed in Game 3? How effective will be he on that injured hamstring?

How the Raptors punched back in Game 3

Over the course of the second half, the Raptors had 22 possessions in which the Warriors pulled within 10 points. They scored a whopping 33 points on those possessions for an offensive rating of 150.0, shooting 12-18 from the floor including 6-9 from beyond the 3-point line. By not allowing the Warriors to truly get back in the game, they showed the poise and patience of a championship team.

Danny Green shoots up the Finals record book

Danny Green hit more 3-pointers in Game 3 than he did in the entire series against the Milwaukee Bucks. He's once again proving that he's at his very best on the very biggest stage.

Danny Green shoots up the Finals record book

Danny Green hit more 3-pointers in Game 3 than he did in the entire series against the Milwaukee Bucks. He's once again proving that he's at his very best on the very biggest stage.

2014 vs 2019: Déjà vu for Kawhi in Game 3?

Game 3 on the road in a series tied 1-1 against a star-studded yet vulnerable dynasty? We've seen this story before. Five years ago, Kawhi Leonard used this moment to springboard towards Finals immortality. Will history repeat itself?

Looney injury opens door for Bogut

Though he may not be a starter, Kevon Looney's injury is a major development that will have a ripple effect across the rest of the NBA Finals. One potential domino? A bigger role for Andrew Bogut who left his mark in limited action in Game 2.

Raptors waste golden opportunity

If the Raptors end up losing this series, they'll likely look back to Game 2 as the pivotal moment their dreams of winning the NBA title vanished into thin air.

Fast facts on the decisive Game 2 run

The Raptors were 24 minutes away from seizing command of the NBA Finals. The Warriors then uncorked the most dominant run in NBA Finals history. Here are five things to know about the run that decided Game 2.

Anunoby could play in Game 2

The small forward has not played since April 13 following an appendectomy.

Comparing Kawhi and Jordan

Earlier this week, LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers declared that "Kawhi is the most like Jordan we've seen." The numbers suggest that he might be just as good as Jordan ... and potentially even better.

Ranking every player in NBA Finals

Is Kawhi Leonard the best player in this series? How do injuries to Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins impact their standing? We ranked every player that figures to play a role in the 2019 NBA Finals from the end of the bench to the biggest and brightest of stars.

Raptors-Warriors NBA Finals preview

Can Kawhi Leonard keep it up? Does Toronto's 2-0 record in the regular season series matter? Will Kevin Durant return for the Warriors? What are the historical implications for Golden State? Who are the X-factors to watch out for? Most importantly ... who wins?

Kawhi: "I'm not afraid of the moment. I enjoy it."

As he's done the entire season, Kawhi Leonard stepped up when his team needed him the most in Game 5. He's single-handedly rewriting history for a franchise that's finally ready to seize the moment.

Lowry becomes all-time leading postseason scorer

In his sixth postseason run with the Raptors, Kyle Lowry is now the franchise's all-time leading scorer in the playoffs.

Takeaways from the biggest win in Raptors history

The Toronto Raptors are one win away from moving on to the first NBA Finals in franchise history. Entering Game 5 the Bucks were 33-0 at home this season when leading entering the fourth quarter. They're now 33-1.

Rapid Reaction to a wild 1st Half

After falling into a massive hole thanks to a sluggish start, the Toronto Raptors battled back in the second quarter to make it a one-possession game going into the half.

Inside Kawhi's D on Giannis

Kawhi Leonard is reminding everyone that he's the best defender in the world. Over the last two games, he's switched onto guarding the Greek Freak and in doing so, has changed the entire series. Here's what the numbers say about just how dominant he's been defensively.

5 Keys to Raptors-Bucks Game 4

How will Kawhi Leonard look after playing 52 minutes in Game 3? Can the Raptors successfully slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo? Here are the biggest keys to Tuesday's Game 4 as the Raptors look to even the series.

Is the Greek Freak unstoppable?

The Greek Freak is on the verge of doing something that only Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O'Neal have ever pulled off.

Jordan vs Kawhi: Which shot was better?

In all of NBA history, there have only been two series-clinching buzzer-beaters in a winner-take-all game. Which one was better?

Cavaliers to hire John Beilein as new coach

Beilein spent the last 12 seasons as the head coach at the University of Michigan where he reached the national championship game twice.

What's next for the Celtics?

Will Kyrie Irving re-sign? Will Boston make a move for Anthony Davis? What does the future hold for Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward? After a disappointing end to an underwhelming season, what's next for the Boston Celtics?

Every 3OT and 4OT game in NBA playoff history

The Portland Trail Blazers outlasted the Denver Nuggets in the first quadruple overtime game in the playoffs since 1953.

Keys to the Bucks' Game 3 win

The Greek Freak led all players from both teams in points, rebounds, assists and blocks to give the Bucks their second straight win in the series.

It's ugly when Kawhi comes off the floor

In the 27 minutes this series that Kawhi Leonard has rested, the Raptors have been outscored by 32 points while shooting just 24% from the floor. A game-by-game breakdown reveals a simple truth: for the Raptors to get back in this series, they'll need to find ways to score without their superstar on the floor.

Jokic's historic postseason debut

Playing in his first-ever postseason, Nikola Jokic is stuffing the box score better than some of history's biggest names. You might be surprised to find out just how favourably he stacks up with Hall of Famers.

Vince Carter: "I'm coming back."

The eight-time All-Star would become the first player in NBA history to play 22 seasons. He turns 43 next January.

The numbers behind Vinsanity's stint in Toronto

As popular as MJ? As clutch as Kobe? As Vince Carter gets set to play his 227th and potentially final game in Toronto, we look back at some numbers you might not know about his time with the Raptors.

Nuggets-Blazers series preview

This should be a thrilling matchup between two evenly matched teams as all four meetings in the regular season were within five points in the final five minutes of the game.

What's next for the Spurs?

How can the Spurs set a record next season with their 23rd straight playoff appearance? With DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge both under contract, Dejounte Murray returning from injury and a stable of promising young guards, San Antonio's offseason could be one hinged on player development and internal improvement.

Warriors-Rockets series preview

Including the regular season and playoffs, the Rockets are 8-6 against the Warriors over the last two seasons. After coming close to knocking off the champs in last year's Conference Finals, the Rockets will get their shot at redemption. Can they pull it off this time?

Key questions for Wednesday's Game 5s

The Raptors, 76ers and Trail Blazers can close out series wins while the Nuggets or Spurs look to take a 3-2 series lead. In NBA history, the Game 5 winner of a series tied 2-2 has gone on to win the series 90 percent of the time.

Another hot start for Playoff Kawhi

No player in NBA history has more postseasons shooting 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc than Kawhi Leonard who is doing it yet again. Leonard's hot start is yet another indication that he's among the most consistent elite postseason scorers of all-time.

Tips for filling out the perfect bracket

Which teams are most vulnerable to upsets? How many sweeps should you pick? What about Game 7s? In order to help you fill out the perfect bracket, we went through and identified some of the key trends to look out for.

Bucks-Pistons series preview

Giannis Antetokounmpo was six years old the last time the Bucks made it out of the 1st Round. After cruising to an NBA-best 60 wins, does Milwaukee have what it takes to mount a serious challenge for the NBA title?

The reinvention of DeMar DeRozan

With 4:09 left in the fourth quarter on December 27 against the Nuggets, DeRozan hit a 3-pointer to put the Spurs up 15. Since that shot went in, each of his last 302 made shots have come from inside the 3-point line. It's the latest evidence of an All-Star reinventing himself for the second straight season.

Giannis makes MVP statement

With less than one week left in the regular season, the Greek Freak made an emphatic statement with a dominant performance against Joel Embiid.

History of NBA G League awards

Chris Boucher became the first player in NBA G League history to win both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. Who else has won each of the awards?