Joe Mazzulla and Ime Udoka, former colleagues on the Celtics’ coaching staff, now lead the teams with similar defensive schemes. Their shared history and coaching philosophies were evident in this game,

Mazzulla says the pressure on the Celtics is coming from comparisons to Cavs and Thunder: "Oh, you're not as good because you're not them."

With Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kornet guarding the rim, Houston and coach Ime Udoka had a rough time in Boston's 109-86 win.

Atkinson took over essentially the same roster as a season ago and has turned it into an East-leading contender.

The Wizards are squarely in the driver's seat for the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. They rank dead last in the league in both offensive rating and defensive rating and Washington's focus for 2024-25 should be on moving the veterans and developing the youngsters.

The Boston Celtics took more three-point shots than any title-winning team in NBA history last season. As they arrive in Toronto to face the Raptors on Wednesday, they're continuing to employ what appears to be a trend-setting strategy.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Joe combined for 70 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back to winning ways with a 126-101 drubbing of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

While still in second in the Eastern Conference, the defending champions look less dominant than a season ago and are 5.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (33-5).

The 126-101 drubbing had been billed as a potential National Basketball Association Finals preview. Read more at straitstimes.com.

In other games Friday, there was an upset in Boston as the reigning champion Celtics stumbled to a 114-97 loss to the Sacramento Kings.

The Kings and Pacers are among two of the hottest teams in the NBA power rankings ahead of the trade deadline after their dreaded starts.

The Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 120-118 last night, furthering its gap as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Jalen Green has been phenomenal so far in 2025. He's had great ...