CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Jordan says James Harden's streak of 30 straight 30-point games and Russell Westbrook's 10 straight triple-doubles are both impressive and tough to accomplish.But the Charlotte Hornets said Tuesday — flashing a big grin — that there is one accomplishment tougher than both those feats: "Which is harder from the player's standpoint? Six championships by all means."Jordan praised both players for what they're doing, nothing that both streaks are hard to accomplish.Jordan said the milestones show "the talent that we have within the league.""It shows progression in the league," Jordan said during an interview at his Hornets facility while discussing the upcoming All-Star weekend . "I am very proud of how both guys have done because they are making a mark for the league and I think it really helps grow the league."Harden needed a late scoring spree on Monday night to extend his streak to 30 games, scoring 11 points in the final 100 seconds as the Rockets defeated... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Golden State's Kevin Durant should have been called for a discontinued dribble on the Warriors' final possession of what became their 120-118 win over the Miami Heat, the NBA said Monday in a report detailing all calls made in the last 2 minutes of the game.Golden State made a pair of free throws on that possession, the final points of the game.The league, in its Last Two Minute Report that is released after close games, said it reviewed multiple video angles to determine that Durant's dribble was not interrupted by the ball making inadvertent contact with the foot or shin of Heat defender Justise Winslow and "a discontinued dribble should have been called on Durant."Also, the league opted not to fine Heat coach Erik Spoelstra for his postgame comments about the officiating — which were prefaced by Spoelstra beginning his remarks with "Look, NBA, do not fine me. I'm allowed to say this."Spoelstra also said multiple times in his postgame news conference that he was not blaming... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Nik Stauskas has been in Cleveland for a week. He's finally getting a chance to wear a Cavaliers uniform.The Cavaliers have signed the well-traveled guard, who was traded three times and released last week, for the rest of the season.Stauskas was briefly with the Cavs, who acquired him from Portland in the deal for forward Rodney Hood. He never appeared in a game before Cleveland sent him two days later to Houston, which promptly traded Stauskas at the deadline to Indiana. The Pacers then waived the 25-year-old, allowing the rebuilding Cavs to scoop him up.And while being traded twice and then waived, Stauskas never left Cleveland."It's crazy," he said. "I flew to Cleveland. I was able to practice once with the team. I got traded to Houston, but no one ever booked me a flight to Houston. They were thinking they were still going to make some moves and I was possibly going to be traded again. So I stayed in Cleveland, got traded to Indiana, the same thing happened."Stauskas... [More]

To help you with planning for the NBA All Star weekend, here are some of our plans. This advisory will be updated until Sunday's game. Please contact Oscar Dixon (odixon@ap.org) with any questions. All times ET.MONDAYBKN--All-Star-Shoe FashionCHARLOTTE, N.C. _ The NBA All-Star game is coming up this weekend which means players will be unveiling some new shoes for the big game. It seems each pair has its own meaning, whether it's a tribute to cancer survivors, a tip of the hat to Charlotte's auto racing history or a story of how they got in trouble at a local college. By Steve Reed. SENT: 900 words, photos_ With BKN--All-Star-Shoe Fashion-ListBKN--All-Star-Hi-Tech ShoeNike's latest performance basketball shoe, from concept to reality, took about three years to put together. Or 30 years, depending on how you count. The Nike Adapt BB _ a self-lacing smart shoe that can be controlled by a smartphone _ gets released to the public on Sunday, a date that just happens to coincide with the NBA All-Star... [More]

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Victor Oladipo's season-ending injury occurred in the same area of his right knee that forced him to miss 11 games earlier this season.He is uncertain if the two are related. At this point, the star guard for the Indiana Pacers doesn't really think it matters.For now, Oladipo remains in Miami, on crutches, working his way back into shape so he can return to Indianapolis before the end of this season after rupturing the quad tendon in his knee."I can't say it's related, but I really wouldn't know. I can't really say it is related because I wouldn't know that, either," Oladipo said during a conference call. "Sure, it might be connected but who knows. I'm not focused on the past because I have no control over that just like I have no control over the future."There is no timetable for his return to the court.In his first public comments since hurting the knee on Jan. 23, Oladipo acknowledged the soreness he felt in November and December was in the same general area as the... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NBA players once again will be sharing personal stories this weekend during All-Star festivities — and using basketball shoes as a platform to get their message out.When Kevin Durant takes the floor on Sunday he'll be wearing pink Nike KD 11 Aunt Pearls shoes bearing the names of 59 cancer survivors with inspiring stories.Golden State Warriors teammate Stephen Curry decided to poke fun at his own mischievous nature with his shoe selection, unveiling the Under Armour Curry 6 "Coy Fish" colorway depicting the time he and a former college teammate found themselves in a little trouble for pulling a prank at a Japanese steakhouse.All-Star shoe fashion may not be as big as it once was, but it's still a real thing.The shoes players wear are still considered as big of a deal as the All-Star game itself for a loyal niche of fans in the basketball community known as "sneakerheads" — even though the overall market for basketball shoes may not be what it was a decade ago.Regardless,... [More]

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Victor Oladipo says the right knee injury that will force him to miss the rest of this season occurred in the same area he had soreness earlier this season. He is uncertain if the two are connected.The Indiana Pacers guard ruptured the quad tendon as he scrambled back on defense Jan. 23 against Toronto. He had surgery on Jan. 28 and discussed the injury for the first time publicly on Monday.After beating the Raptors, Indiana lost its next four and have since won five straight. They host Charlotte on Monday night.Oladipo says he has not been given a timetable for a return but plans to rejoin the team before the end of this season.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NBA players once again will be sharing personal stories this weekend during All-Star festivities — and using basketball shoes as a platform to get their message out.When Kevin Durant takes the floor on Sunday he'll be wearing pink Nike KD 11 Aunt Pearls shoes bearing the names of 59 cancer survivors with inspiring stories.Golden State Warriors teammate Stephen Curry decided to poke fun at his own mischievous nature with his shoe selection, unveiling the Under Armour Curry 6 "Coy Fish" colorway depicting the time he and a former college teammate found themselves in a little trouble for pulling a prank at a Japanese steakhouse.All-Star shoe fashion may not be as big as it once was, but it's still a real thing.The shoes players wear are still considered as big of a deal as the All-Star game itself for a loyal niche of fans in the basketball community known as "sneakerheads" — even though the overall market for basketball shoes may not be what it was a decade ago.Regardless,... [More]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NBA players will breakout special shoes this weekend during the All-Star game. Here a list of who will be wearing what:NIKEGiannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns, Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Khris Middleton, Dirk Nowitzki, Ben Simmons, Nikola VucevicJORDAN BRANDLaMarcus Aldridge, Blake Griffin, Victor Oladipo, Kemba Walker, Russell WestbrookADIDASJames Harden, Damian Lillard, Kyle LowryUNDER ARMOURStephen Curry, Joel EmbiidNEW BALANCEKawhi LeonardANTAKlay ThompsonLI-NINGDwyane Wade___Source: NBA___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers have signed well-traveled guard Nik Stauskas, who was traded three times and released last week, for the rest of the season.Stauskas was briefly with the Cavs, who acquired him from Portland in the deal for forward Rodney Hood. He never appeared in a game before Cleveland sent him two days later to Houston, which promptly traded Stauskas at the deadline to Indiana. The Pacers then waived the 25-year-old, allowing the rebuilding Cavs scooped him up.Stauskas averaged 6.1 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 44 games as a reserve for the Trail Blazers. He has also played for Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Sacramento, which selected him with the No. 8 overall pick in 2014.Cleveland, which recently welcomed back All-Star forward Kevin Love following foot surgery, is 11-45 going into Monday's game against the New York Knicks.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBAbasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kemba Walker is preparing for his third NBA All-Star game — and his first as a starter — this weekend on his home court in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he once shouted "This is my city!" after a game-winning shot.The big question is how many more he'll play in as a member of the Hornets.The eight-year NBA veteran is set to become one of several All-Star free agents in July and will surely be an attractive option for more than a few teams.On the surface, it seems like Walker re-signing a long-term deal is a no-brainer — he has repeatedly stated his desire to continue playing for the Hornets, and the organization wants him back.But there are other factors at play.For the highly competitive Walker, he hasn't much of a supporting cast and he's only been to the playoffs twice in his previous seven seasons, losing both times to the Miami Heat in the first round. So the chance of going to an established winning team before too much of his career slips away could be luring.The... [More]

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Free agent guard Wesley Matthews has officially signed with the Indiana Pacers.The move was first reported following Thursday's trade deadline, but the Pacers couldn't announce it until Sunday. Matthews was waived by the Knicks after a deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas and cleared waivers on Saturday.Terms of the deal were not announced.Matthews will help fill the void left by All-Star guard Victor Oladipo, who will miss the rest of this season with a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee.In 45 games with Dallas, Matthews made 44 starts and averaged 12.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard called Matthews a "solid professional" who will "fit in well" with Indiana.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Free agent guard Wesley Matthews has officially signed with the Indiana Pacers.The move was first reported following Thursday's trade deadline, but the Pacers couldn't announce it until Sunday. Matthews was waived by the Knicks after a deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas and cleared waivers on Saturday.Terms of the deal were not announced.Matthews will help fill the void left by All-Star guard Victor Oladipo, who will miss the rest of this season with a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee.In 45 games with Dallas, Matthews made 44 starts and averaged 12.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard called Matthews a "solid professional" who will "fit in well" with Indiana.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Jabari Parker is focused on helping the Washington Wizards.His rocky stint with his hometown Chicago Bulls is over.Parker returned to Chicago on Saturday night just three days after he was traded to Washington in a multiplayer deal. The Wizards also got Bobby Portis and a protected 2023 second-round pick in exchange for Otto Porter Jr.Parker scored 20 points to help the Wizards to a 134-125 victory against his former team, and Portis had 10 points and 12 rebounds. Porter scored 17 for the Bulls."I'm looking forward. That's all I can do right now," Parker said before the game. "That's how I've been doing. Looking forward and keep improving. That's where I'm at."Parker made his Washington debut in a 119-106 victory over Cleveland on Friday night, finishing with seven points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in 23 1/2 minutes. He then traveled with the Wizards to Chicago for the opener of a four-game trip."He does a lot of good things for us," Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. "We're... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving sprained his right knee in the second quarter Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers and was declared out for the rest of the game.Irving had 14 points in 14 minutes before leaving the game.The Celtics led 74-53 at the half.Irving appeared to injure himself with about five minutes left in the second quarter while weaving through traffic on defense.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Jabari Parker is focused on helping the Washington Wizards.His rocky stint with his hometown Chicago Bulls is over.Parker returned to Chicago on Saturday night just three days after he was traded to Washington in a multiplayer deal. The Wizards also got Bobby Portis and a protected 2023 second-round pick in exchange for Otto Porter Jr.Parker made his Washington debut in a 119-106 victory over Cleveland on Friday night, finishing with seven points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in 23 1/2 minutes. He then traveled with the Wizards to Chicago for the opener of a four-game trip."I'm looking forward. That's all I can do right now," Parker said before the matchup with the Bulls. "That's how I've been doing. Looking forward and keep improving. That's where I'm at."It was a quick reunion for Parker, Portis and Porter with their old teams. Portis, who scored 30 points against the Cavs, was drafted by Chicago and spent his first three-plus seasons with the Bulls.Porter had been with... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Jabari Parker is focused on helping the Washington Wizards.His rocky stint with his hometown Chicago Bulls is over.Parker returned to Chicago on Saturday night just three days after he was traded to Washington in a multiplayer deal. The Wizards also got Bobby Portis and a protected 2023 second-round pick in exchange for Otto Porter Jr.Parker made his Washington debut in a 119-106 victory over Cleveland on Friday night, finishing with seven points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in 23 1/2 minutes. He then traveled with the Wizards to Chicago for the opener of a four-game trip."I'm looking forward. That's all I can do right now," Parker said before the matchup with the Bulls. "That's how I've been doing. Looking forward and keep improving. That's where I'm at."It was a quick reunion for Parker, Portis and Porter with their old teams. Portis, who scored 30 points against the Cavs, was drafted by Chicago and spent his first three-plus seasons with the Bulls.Porter had been with... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons have signed guard Wayne Ellington and waived 2016 first-round draft pick Henry Ellenson.The Pistons announced the moves Saturday night.The 6-foot-5 Ellington is in his 10th NBA season. He averaged 8.4 points with Miami this season before he was traded to Phoenix and then waived. The Pistons needed outside shooting after trading Reggie Bullock.Ellenson, who was drafted with the 18th pick in 2016, has averaged just 3.8 points in 59 NBA games. The Pistons traded Stanley Johnson, their 2015 first-round pick, earlier in the week.Ellington is the Heat record holder for 3-pointers made in a season. He also won the national championship at North Carolina in 2009, when the Final Four was played in Detroit.The Pistons traded Bullock and Johnson before the deadline, but Detroit still has its formidable frontcourt tandem of Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. The Pistons made it clear they're still hoping to make the playoffs, and team executive Ed Stefanski said Detroit would still be looking to add players .___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons have signed guard Wayne Ellington and waived 2016 first-round draft pick Henry Ellenson.The Pistons announced the moves Saturday night.The 6-foot-5 Ellington is in his 10th NBA season. He averaged 8.4 points with Miami this season before he was traded to Phoenix and then waived. The Pistons needed outside shooting after trading Reggie Bullock.Ellenson, who was drafted with the 18th pick in 2016, has averaged just 3.8 points in 59 NBA games. The Pistons traded Stanley Johnson, their 2015 first-round pick, earlier in the week.Ellington is the Heat record holder for 3-pointers made in a season. He also won the national championship at North Carolina in 2009, when the Final Four was played in Detroit.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Magic Johnson plans to hug it out with the Los Angeles Lakers to help them cope with the fallout from the NBA trade deadline."It's a part of business, it's a part of being a professional athlete," he said Saturday. "I'm going to hug 'em and tell them that we got to come together and our goal is still in reach, which is to make the playoffs."The team president and Hall of Famer spoke with reporters at Michigan State, where he and the 1979 national championship team he led were celebrated before the ninth-ranked Spartans beat Minnesota.The Lakers were in pursuit of disgruntled New Orleans superstar Anthony Davis and many of their players were mentioned as possibly being dealt before the deadline Thursday. The franchise ended up trading Michael Beasley, Ivica Zubac and rookie Svi Mykhailiuk in a pair of deals to acquire Reggie Bullock and Mike Muscala."I love our team. I love the guys," Johnson said. "It's a tough part of our business whether you're mentioned in trade talk, or you get traded. It's a tough part of professional sports, but they came together and played great against Boston. My job is to make sure we stay together as a team and stay focused on the goal, which is to make the playoffs."The Lakers, who are in 10th place in the Western Conference, play at Philadelphia on Sunday.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports