WASHINGTON (AP) — For a team that entered the season thinking it was ready to win 50 games and reach the Eastern Conference finals, John Wall's Washington Wizards sure did lose a lot of games against teams that didn't even make the playoffs.And everything revealed by those defeats against the likes of the Hawks and Magic, or the Mavericks and Suns, or the Nets and Bulls — a lack of consistency, for example, or an inability to close out opponents — were the same sorts of problems that failed the Wizards in their first-round exit as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference."We had some great moments. Then we showed bad moments," Wall said Saturday, the day after a 102-92 loss in Game 6 against the No. 1 seed Toronto Raptors ended Washington's season. "Just kind of not respecting some of the opponents that we went against."Asked why that happened, forward Markieff Morris said: "Sometimes it felt like it was immaturity. ... Not coming in and doing our job."The issue might have been as much... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — For a team that entered the season thinking it was ready to win 50 games and reach the Eastern Conference finals, coach Scott Brooks' Washington Wizards sure did lose a lot of games against teams that didn't even make the playoffs.And everything revealed by those defeats against the likes of the Hawks and Magic, or the Mavericks and Suns, or the Nets and Bulls — a lack of consistency, for example, or an inability to close out opponents — were the same sorts of problems that failed the Wizards in their first-round exit as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference."I don't know if we're too casual or something that was keeping us from being able to compete at the high level against all teams," Brooks said Saturday, the day after a 102-92 loss in Game 6 against the No. 1 seed Toronto Raptors ended Washington's season. "Got to figure that out."They sure do."Sometimes it felt like it was immaturity," forward Markieff Morris said. "It's not coming in and doing our job."The issue... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Forward Otto Porter Jr. missed a must-win Game 6 for the Washington Wizards in their playoff series against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night because of an injured left leg."It's hard on him," Washington coach Scott Brooks said. "It's hard on all of us."The No. 8 seed Wizards entered Friday trailing 3-2 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series. They announced a few hours before the scheduled tipoff that Porter is sidelined indefinitely after having a medical procedure earlier Friday to prevent permanent damage to muscles in the leg because of compartment syndrome.Porter has averaged only 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists while making just five 3-pointers during the playoffs.He was Washington's third-leading scorer during the regular season, behind John Wall and Bradley Beal, averaging a career-high 14.7 points, along with 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists. He was third in the NBA in 3-point field-goal percentage at 44.1, another personal best."He... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Wizards say forward Otto Porter Jr. will miss Game 6 of the team's playoff series against the Toronto Raptors because of an injured left leg.The Wizards announced a few hours before the scheduled start of the game that Porter is sidelined indefinitely after having a medical procedure earlier Friday to prevent permanent damage to muscles in the leg because of compartment syndrome.The No. 1 seed Raptors lead the Eastern Conference first-round series 3-2 and can end it by winning Friday.Porter has averaged only 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists while making just five 3-pointers during the playoffs. He was Washington's third-leading scorer during the regular season, behind John Wall and Bradley Beal, averaging 14.6 points, along with 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists.He was third in the NBA in 3-point field-goal percentage at 44.1.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball

LeBron James saved a game. Russell Westbrook and Paul George saved a season.And now, Game 6 awaits them all.A trio of possible series-ending games are on Friday night's NBA playoff schedule: Cleveland at Indiana, Toronto at Washington and Oklahoma City at Utah. For the Cavaliers and Raptors, the scenario is they advance with a road win or head back home for Game 7 on Sunday. The Thunder don't have such a safety net; they must win in Salt Lake City, or it'll be the Jazz going to the second round.James went from goaltending to game-winning in a matter of seconds in Game 5 on Wednesday night, his straightaway 3-pointer at the buzzer giving Cleveland a three-point win and a 3-2 series lead. Westbrook and George looked well on their way to summer vacation in their Game 5 matchup with the Jazz , before they combined for 54 points in a 61-28 Oklahoma City run that rallied the Thunder from a 25-point second-half deficit.The stars carried the Cavs and Thunder.The Raptors, they have a 3-2 lead thanks... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Less than three weeks ago, Ty Lawson was playing professional basketball in China.Nowadays, he's one of the first subs off the bench for the Washington Wizards in their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Toronto Raptors.Lawson is hardly the only player who went from not having a spot on an NBA roster to getting some run, and maybe even filling a key role, during these playoffs. As much as teams develop plans for acquiring talent via the draft, free agency or trades, sometimes a late pickup can become a piece that completes the puzzle."It's not ideal," Wizards coach Scott Brooks said about adding someone on short notice. "It (requires) a lot of work that has to be done in trying to figure it out and try to incorporate him and integrate him into our offense and defensive schemes."With Lawson, though, Brooks added, "It probably is not as much of a disadvantage because he's been in the league, understands the NBA and understands the schemes. A lot of the schemes... [More]

LeBron James is keeping his thoughts to himself.Whatever concerns — or confidence — he might harbor about his Cleveland Cavaliers facing a 2-1 first-round Eastern Conference series hole heading into Game 4 at the Indiana Pacers on Sunday were not going to be made available for public consumption.James decided not to speak to reporters on Saturday.And he did not have a whole lot to say in the immediate aftermath of Game 3, either, when Indiana erased a 17-point deficit and then held on for a 92-90 victory over the Cavs.Not only has the four-time MVP and three-time NBA champ never lost an opening NBA postseason series, going 12-0 in the past, he had never even trailed in the first round until this one, when Cleveland dropped Game 1 at home.Now he is behind again."We've had some good quarters," James said Friday, "and we didn't have some good quarters."Well, that explains a lot.Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue's synopsis?"They won a game we should have won," Lue said. "That's what's disappointing.... [More]

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers look loose and sound confident.They were laughing, smiling and joking around at practice Thursday as turned to a new task — protecting their home court this weekend against LeBron James.Sure, his sensational 46-point, 12-rebound effort in Game 2 exposed flaws in Indiana's defense and allowed Cleveland to even the series, but it sure didn't shake the faith of the fearless Pacers."It's a good sign when you lose by three and the best player in the world has a game like that," Indiana point guard Darren Collison said.The Pacers shouldn't be rattled.They are 4-2 against the three-time defending Eastern Conference champs this season, fought back from an early 18-point deficit Wednesday with Victor Oladipo in foul trouble and still had a chance to tie the score on Oladipo's wide-open 3-pointer with 27 seconds left.They still can seize control of the series by winning the next two in Indianapolis.To avoid such a plight, the Cavs could give their star player... [More]

WASHINGTON -- Otto Porter scored 26 points and Bradley Beal had 21 as the Washington Wizards handed the Houston Rockets their fifth consecutive loss with a 121-103 win on Friday night.Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter for the Wizards (20-16), who turned a nine-point lead entering the fourth quarter into a rout. John Wall finished with 17 points.James Harden led the Rockets (25-9) with 20 points. Chris Paul started and scored eight points in 25 minutes after sitting out the previous three games with a left adductor strain.The Rockets, who average more 3-point attempts than any team, shot 5-for-25 from beyond the arc in the first half and finished 14 of 48.Porter sank 7 of 11 shots from long distance and the Wizards shot 18 of 36 on 3-pointers. Washington finished at 53.4 percent from the field compared to Houston's 42.7 percent.Hornets 111, Warriors 100OAKLAND, Calif. -- Dwight Howard totaled a season-high 29 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists to propel... [More]

Otto Porter Jr. is officially back as a member of the Washington Wizards.The Wizards announced Thursday that they matched the offer sheet to the 24-year-old forward. Porter agreed on a reported four-year, $106 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets while he was a restricted free agent and Washington matched the offer to retain his services.Porter established career bests last season by averaging 13.4 points and 6.4 rebounds and shooting 43.4 percent from 3-point range."Otto has developed into a vital part of our young core, which is why we made it clear that our priority was to keep him here to maintain continuity and build on the success of this group heading into next season and beyond," team president Ernie Grunfeld said in a statement. "His versatility, basketball IQ and 3-point shooting combine to make him a great fit for us on the floor while his character and work in the community show why we're so pleased to have him as a cornerstone of our franchise."Porter, the third overall pick... [More]

The New York Knicks have reached agreement with Sacramento Kings vice president of basketball operations Scott Perry to become the club's new general manager, CSN Chicago reported Thursday.The Knicks met with Perry on Thursday, as the team continues to rebuild its front office following the departure of Phil Jackson last month. If Perry is hired, he apparently would report to Knicks president Steve Mills.The Kings are seeking cash compensation in exchange for Perry's departure to New York, according to Sam Amick of USA Today. A number of people were rumored to be possible replacements for Jackson, including former Knicks coach and executive Isiah Thomas.Former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin apparently was close to joining the Knicks front office, but the sides could not reach agreement on Griffin's exact role and whether he could bring his own staff with him.--Point guard Rajon Rondo and the New Orleans Pelicans met in Louisville to discuss a short-term contract.ESPN... [More]

Otto Porter left a meeting with the Sacramento Kings feeling wanted.The restricted free agent forward from the Washington Wizards was offered a maximum salary contract from the Kings. The four-year contract would net Porter more than $20 million per season with a total value of approximately $106.5 million. Porter, the third overall pick in 2013, did not make a major impact until the 2016-17 season, when he became a perimeter marksman for the Wizards. He established new career highs, averaging 13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 43.4 percent from 3-point range last season.Porter is scheduled to meet with two other teams before making his decision.The Wizards, who view Porter as a No. 3 scoring option alongside guards John Wall and Bradley Beal, could help facilitate a deal if the franchise is unwilling to match the lofty price tag set by the Kings. Porter, 6-8, 200, averaged 32.6 minutes per game last season and ended the year with a 20-point, 10-rebound effort in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Celtics. Washington met with Porter at the outset of free agency on Saturday but the two sides did not agree to a long-term deal. Still, the Wizards insisted they would match any and all offers for Porter to keep the 24-year-old as part of the core.

The Washington Wizards reached a contract agreement Sunday with free agent shooting guard Jodie Meeks in an attempt to bolster their bench, according to the firm that represents Meeks.The ASM Sports agency tweeted a message that said their client is committed to signing with Washington.According to multiple media reports, the contract will be for two years and $7 million.Meanwhile, multiple media outlets reported that Washington restricted free agent small forward Otto Porter Jr. received a maximum contract offer from the Sacramento Kings after a meeting. The Wizards would have until Saturday to match what the Kings are offering, four years and approximately $106.5 million.The Wizards finished 49-33 during the regular season in 2016-17 and lost to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series.Washington currently has one of the best guard combinations in the NBA with All-Star John Wall and Bradley Beal.The injury-prone Meeks averaged 9.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and... [More]

BOSTON -- Isaiah Thomas scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, leading Boston on a late surge that put the Celtics in command of the game and back on top in their first-round playoff series with a 108-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.Avery Bradley also scored 24 for Boston. Al Horford finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as the Celtics won their third straight and took a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference series.After losing the first two games, the top-seeded Celtics can advance with a win in Game 6 on Friday night in Chicago.Dwyane Wade had 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Bulls, who sputtered down the stretch and were outscored 29-16 in the fourth quarter. Jimmy Butler and Robin Lopez added 14 points apiece for Chicago, which was without point guard Rajon Rondo (broken thumb).Wizards 103, Hawks 99WASHINGTON -- Bradley Beal scored 27 points, and John Wall had 20 points and 14 assists as Washington regained control of its... [More]

Porter led all players with 22 points (8-10 FG, 4-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) in Tuesday's exhibition win over the Sixers.

It was a hyper-efficient game for Porter, who did all his damage in just 24 minutes. The four made threes exceeded his total from any regular-season game in his first two seasons in the league, and could embolden Porter to develop his long-range game after he shot a modest 33.7 percent from in 2014-15. The Georgetown product looks like the top growth stock on the Wizards during the upcoming season, as he's the odds-on favorite to assume the starting small forward job following the offseason departure of Paul Pierce. Tuesday's performance only further burnishes his credentials.

Porter is the favorite to replace Paul Pierce as the Wizards' starter at small forward this season, Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post reports.

After seeing scant playing time with the Wizards as a rookie, Porter emerged as a key reserve in 2014-15, averaging 19.4 minutes and contributing six points and three rebounds per game. The team appears convinced that the former No. 3 overall pick is capable of taking a leap forward in responsibility this season, as he ranks ahead of Alan Anderson, Jared Dudley, Martell Webster, and Kelly Oubre in the competition for the starting role. The preseason should ultimately determine whether Porter or one of the other candidates is best suited to fill Pierce's shoes, but an uptick in minutes should await for Porter regardless of what materializes. If the 6-foot-9 Porter doesn't win the starting job, he'll be a top reserve off the bench and can also move over to power forward when the Wizards employ small-ball lineups.

Porter had his 2016-17 contract option exercised by the Wizards earlier this week, Real GM reports.

Unsurprisingly, the Wizards will retain Porter for a fourth year, after he was able to take a modest step forward for the team in 2014-15. The Georgetown product was able to claim a meaningful spot in coach Randy Wittman's rotation, averaging six points on 45 percent shooting over 19.4 minutes per game. He's in line to start at small forward for the Wizards this season, while likely noticing an uptick in his minutes count.

Porter averaged 10.0 points (44% FG, 38% 3Pt, 48% FT), 8.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 33 minutes per game during 10 postseason games.

The sophomore from Georgetown averaged 6.0 points (45% FG, 34% 3Pt, 73% FT), 3.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 19 minutes per game during 74 regular season games in 2014-15. Nene Hilario made it clear he's willing to come off the bench next year, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Regardless of whether Paul Pierce opts to remain with the Wizards or not, Porter figures to see considerable time at both forward positions in 2015-16.

Porter continued his breakout playoff campaign, leading the Wizards in scoring with 17 points (7-15 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds, four assists and one steal in 40 minutes.

Porter has been a revelation throughout the playoffs, making his lack of minutes in the regular season even more baffling. In his three games against the Hawks, Porter has averaged 14.0 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 9.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 35 minutes. At this point, it doesn't appear to be a fluke, so Porter can be used in playoff fantasy formats with relative confidence.

Porter had 15 points (6-8 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-4 FG), nine rebounds, and an assist in 35 minutes off the bench Tuesday against the Raptors.

Porter has been getting a good amount of minutes through the first two games this postseason with 34 and 35 minutes in Games 1 and 2 respectively. He should continue to have a consistent role with Paul Pierce unable to log a high volume of minutes guarding quicker players.