BASKETTBALL

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Superstar LeBron James warned Thursday that Kevin Durant isn’t the only threat the depleted Los Angeles Lakers must be wary of in their NBA playoffs first-round clash with the Houston Rockets.

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The Denver Nuggets, fueled by 23 first-half points from Nikola Jokic, beat the San Antonio Spurs 128-118 on Sunday, notching their 12th straight victory to clinch the Western Conference third seed on the last day of the NBA regular season.

On a day when coaches rested dozens of players in preparation for the looming playoffs, three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic had to play at least 15 minutes to be eligible for end of season awards, including MVP.

The Serbian big man played just over 18, propelling the Nuggets to a 70-56 halftime lead that they wouldn't relinquish against a Spurs team whose own MVP contender Victor Wembanyama sat out with a rib injury.

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The Minnesota Lynx are set to retain one of their key stars, with Napheesa Collier reportedly agreeing to a one-year supermax contract worth $1.4 million, according to ESPN. Once finalized, the deal will place Collier among a select group of players earning top-tier salaries in the league.

With the agreement, Collier joins Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever and A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces as the only active players currently on supermax contracts. The move reflects both her elite production and her importance to the Lynx as they continue building around a proven core.

Now 29, Collier is coming off another outstanding season despite dealing with injuries. In 2025, she averaged 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists across 33 games, finishing second in Most Valuable Player voting behind Wilson for the second consecutive year. Her efficiency also stood out, as she became only the second player in league history to record a 50 40 90 shooting season.

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Cooper Flagg's spectacular rookie NBA season ended in injury Sunday as he left the court with an ankle sprain during the Dallas Mavericks' win against the Chicago Bulls.

The 19-year-old forward who was the top pick in last year's NBA Draft departed during the second quarter of the Mavericks' final game, having played less than 10 minutes and scored 10 points.

"Cooper Flagg (left ankle sprain) will not return to tonight's game against the Chicago Bulls," said the Mavericks' social media account.

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LaMelo Ball was hero and villain as the Charlotte Hornets lifted their curse to send the Miami Heat tumbling out of the NBA play-in tournament with a thrilling 127-126 overtime victory on Tuesday.

Charlotte had never won a win-or-go-home postseason game in 12 previous attempts and looked in danger of extending that record after blowing a 125-120 lead with 26 seconds remaining to allow Miami to edge ahead 126-125.

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Sophie Cunningham has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Indiana Fever, the team announced Sunday, keeping a key contributor in place following last season's playoff run.

Cunningham is among several players rejoining Indiana after helping the team reach the semifinals. Guards Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull are also returning, providing continuity as the Fever look to build on their recent progress.

The roster already includes young standouts Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, both of whom remain under contract. Indiana has also strengthened its lineup through free agency by adding Monique Billings and Ty Harris.

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The New York Liberty have reached one-year agreements with free agent Rebecca Allen and undrafted rookie Pauline Astier, a source confirmed to ESPN on Monday.

Both players are expected to provide depth off the bench as the Liberty aim to secure a second WNBA championship within a three-year span. Their additions strengthen a roster that continues to build around a core of established stars and experienced contributors.

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The Orlando Magic kept up their bid for an automatic playoff berth with an 123-107 upset over the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Monday.

Paul Reed and Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 25 as six Orlando players finished in double figures to overpower a Detroit side still missing the injured Cade Cunningham.

Jalen Duren and Daniss Jenkins led the Detroit scoring with 18 points apiece, but the Pistons, who have already clinched the top seeding from the East, were shut down by the Orlando defense.

“Everything with our team starts on the defensive end,” Bane said. “When we get stops, we get out in transition.

“The way we’ve been sharing the ball – a lot of different guys contributing up and down the roster.”

Orlando’s victory left them tied with the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers – all three teams are on 43-36 with four games of the regular season remaining.