WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Wizards came into the season aiming for 50 wins. They finished with 50 losses.There was poor play. There was little defense. There was the embarrassing 10-31 road record, part of a 32-50 overall mark, the team's worst in six seasons. And the fallout from missing the playoffs already has begun, with team president Ernie Grunfeld's firing."I take the responsibility of I could have done better," coach Scott Brooks said Monday at the club's practice facility. "And going forward, I need to be better."He also said it was too soon for him to say in what ways he can improve.Now the Wizards head into a pivotal offseason, with very few certainties other than this: Bradley Beal is the key piece.He became Washington's unquestioned leader and best player as John Wall missed more than half of the season because of heel surgery. Wall will sit out most — and perhaps all — of next season, too, because of a later operation to repair a torn Achilles tendon."It's been a rocky... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — In a story April 9 about the renaming of the Cleveland Cavaliers' arena, The Associated Press erroneously reported when the team will host the NBA All-Star Game. It is 2022, not 2020.A corrected version of the story is below:Cavaliers' arena renamed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouseCleveland Cavaliers rename their downtown arena Rocket Mortgage FieldHouseBy TOM WITHERSAP Sports WriterCLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers have changed dramatically and so has their downtown home.Quickens Loans Arena is no more.The team will no longer play at "The Q," but inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which is undergoing a $185 million renovation funded by the city and team.The Cavaliers, who have had a difficult first season since LeBron James left for Los Angeles, announced the name change on Tuesday, hours before they hosted the Charlotte Hornets in their season finale.Dan Gilbert, who has owned the Cavaliers since 2005, said he understands if fans are unhappy with the new name. There was a similar... [More]

The final day of the regular season has arrived, with one playoff spot to decide, seven of the eight first-round matchups still unknown and nine different seeds still not clinched.It also is the last day that Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki and Miami's Dwyane Wade will be NBA players before retirement. Dallas is in San Antonio, Miami is at Brooklyn. Nowitzki and Wade played their final home games on Tuesday night, both scoring 30 points apiece.It is the first day of the offseason for a few teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers — whose season ended Tuesday with a loss to Portland and team president Magic Johnson stepping down in a move that few could have predicted. Washington, Cleveland, New Orleans and Phoenix also are done.The only known first-round matchup is in the Eastern Conference, where Indiana and Boston meet in Round 1. Every other matchup remains to be determined.There are no major individual races left to decide: Houston's James Harden is the scoring champion, Detroit's Andre Drummond... [More]

DALLAS (AP) — Dirk Nowitzki notched season highs in points, shots and minutes before telling Dallas Mavericks fans that his record 21st season with the same franchise would be his last.Then the 40-year-old said he gave just about all he had in what he knew would be his final home game , which might make the last game of his career at San Antonio on Wednesday night little more than a curtain call. It's a fitting finale in some regards because the Spurs were probably Nowitzki's biggest rivals."I'm going to try to play a little bit tomorrow and still enjoy and hoist a few jumpers," said Nowitzki, who had 30 points on 31 shots in 33 minutes in a 120-109 win over Phoenix. "Tonight for me, of course, was the big night. One more time in front of these amazing fans that have supported me and pushed me over two decades."The 14-time All-Star said the Mavericks bought more than 300 tickets in order for employees to attend what everyone now knows will be his final game. And the most accomplished European... [More]

The final day of the season has arrived, with one playoff spot to decide, seven of the eight first-round matchups still unknown and nine different seeds still not clinched.It's also the last day that Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki and Miami's Dwyane Wade will be NBA players before retirement. Dallas is in San Antonio, Miami is at Brooklyn. Nowitzki and Wade both played their final home games on Tuesday night — both scoring exactly 30 points apiece.It's the first day of the offseason for a few teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers — whose season ended Tuesday with a loss to Portland, and team president Magic Johnson stepping down in a move that hardly anyone could have predicted. Washington, Cleveland, New Orleans and Phoenix are also done.The only known first-round matchup is in the Eastern Conference, that being Indiana and Boston meeting in Round 1. Every other matchup is a mystery.At least there's no major individual races left to decide: Houston's James Harden is the scoring champion, Detroit's... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations Tuesday night, citing his desire to return to the simpler life he enjoyed as a wealthy businessman and beloved former player before taking charge of this tempestuous franchise just over two years ago.Johnson didn't tell owner Jeanie Buss or general manager Rob Pelinka about his shocking decision before he announced it in front of reporters about 90 minutes before the final game of the Lakers' sixth consecutive losing season.Los Angeles, which is missing the NBA playoffs yet again despite the offseason addition of LeBron James, played well after Johnson's announcement, but still lost 104-101 to Portland."I want to go back to having fun," Johnson said, fighting off tears. "I want to go back to being who I was before taking on this job. We're halfway there with LeBron coming (last summer). I think this summer, with that other star coming in, whoever is going to bring him in, I think... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations Tuesday night, citing his desire to return to the simpler life he enjoyed as a wealthy businessman and beloved former player before taking charge of this tempestuous franchise just over two years ago.Johnson didn't tell owner Jeanie Buss or general manager Rob Pelinka about his shocking decision before he announced it in front of reporters about 90 minutes before the final game of the Lakers' sixth consecutive losing season. Los Angeles was 37-44 heading into its game against Portland, missing the playoffs yet again despite the offseason addition of LeBron James."I want to go back to having fun," Johnson said before fighting off tears. "I want to go back to being who I was before taking on this job. We're halfway there with LeBron coming (last summer). I think this summer, with that other star coming in, whoever is going to bring him in, I think this team is really going to be in... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Dwyane Wade's final home game was memorable for countless reasons.All of his children were there. Former President Barack Obama sent a video, one of many tributes. Fans came early and stayed late, chanting his name. His wife slapped his backside in recognition of his making a 3-pointer. He crashed into John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, dousing them with a beverage. He slipped twice as he tried to make his signature leap onto a courtside table postgame.Oh, and he started.And he scored 30 points.And the Miami Heat won, beating the Philadelphia 76ers 122-99.Wade has played his last game in Miami, and on Wednesday will play his last game in the NBA when the Heat close this season in Brooklyn. There's no playoff appearance awaiting, no last postseason waltz to cap this season-long "One Last Dance" of his. He wakes up Wednesday as a basketball player for the final time. He wakes up Thursday as a retired basketball player."It's like everything I've done has led up to this moment," Wade... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations Tuesday night, citing his desire to return to the simpler life he enjoyed as a wealthy businessman and beloved former player before taking charge of this tempestuous franchise just over two years ago.Johnson didn't tell owner Jeanie Buss or general manager Rob Pelinka about his shocking decision before he announced it in front of reporters about 90 minutes before the final game of the Lakers' sixth consecutive losing season. Los Angeles was 37-44 heading into its game against Portland, missing the playoffs yet again despite the offseason addition of LeBron James."I want to go back to having fun," Johnson said before fighting off tears. "I want to go back to being who I was before taking on this job. We're halfway there with LeBron coming (last summer). I think this summer, with that other star coming in, whoever is going to bring him in, I think this team is really going to be in... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — John Wall would not be bothered if the Washington Wizards pick a point guard in the first round of the upcoming NBA draft."You have to do what's best for the team and make sure that we have pieces," Wall told reporters Tuesday night at halftime of Washington's regular-season finale, then added with a smile: "And when I come back, he can be a great backup to me."Wall is not entirely sure whether he will be able to play at all next season as he recovers from a torn left Achilles tendon that was operated on in February."I have no idea just yet. That's my goal. ... That's my mindset, where I'm pushing toward," he said. "But whenever the doctors clear me and get to that point, then I will know."Wall appeared in only 32 games this season, averaging 20.7 points and 8.7 assists, before having surgery on his left heel in January. Then he ruptured his tendon in a fall at home, requiring an additional procedure."I think it was finally at the point when it was weaker and it was going... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Come Thursday, Dwyane Wade will have no games left.That is the reality, like it or not. After 16 seasons as an NBA player, after three championships, an almost-annual spot in the All-Star Game, a scoring title, three franchises, four children, an Olympic gold medal and 161 teammates, the end is here.On Tuesday, Wade was playing his final regular-season home game when the Miami Heat hosted the Philadelphia 76ers — with Wade in the starting lineup for the first time all season. On Wednesday, it'll be a game at Brooklyn to end the season. The Heat started Tuesday with a slim playoff chance, which ended when Detroit beat Memphis."I gave this game everything I had," Wade said. "And I have appreciated every bit of it."So Tuesday was the farewell in Miami for Wade. It was the 576th and final time he played at AmericanAirlines Arena, all but one of those coming in a Heat uniform."It's been incredible. It's been amazing," Wade said. "A lot of people in that arena have watched me grow,... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Wizards point guard John Wall says he is not sure whether he will be able to play next season as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon.Wall spoke to reporters at halftime of the Wizards' last regular-season game Tuesday night.He said his goal is to return next season, "but whenever the doctors clear me and get to that point, then I will know."Wall appeared in only 32 games this season, averaging 20.7 points and 8.7 assists, before having an operation on his left heel in January. Then he ruptured his tendon in a fall at home in February.Wall said he will rehab his Achilles in Miami during the offseason.The five-time All-Star was wearing a gray walking boot on his left foot and lower leg."It's my job to get myself back to where I think I can be," he said.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Warriors guard Stephen Curry left Tuesday night's game against the Pelicans with what team officials say is a mild sprain of his right foot.The club says Curry was ruled out for the remainder of the game for precautionary reasons.Curry played nine minutes during the first quarter, scoring five points. When he subbed out of the game with less than three minutes remaining in the period, he walked past the bench and straight down the tunnel leading to the locker room.Curry joined several other Warriors stars who already had been ruled out before the game, including Kevin Durant with the flu, Klay Thompson with right knee soreness, Andre Iguodala with a sore toe on his left foot and Andrew Bogut for rest.The Warriors already have clinched the top playoff seed in the Western Conference and wrap up their regular season at Memphis on Wednesday night.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MIAMI (AP) — By Thursday, Dwyane Wade may not be employed as a basketball player anymore.That is the reality, like it or not. After 16 seasons as an NBA player, after three championships, an almost-annual spot in the All-Star Game, a scoring title, three franchises, four children, an Olympic gold medal and 161 teammates, the end may have arrived.On Tuesday, Wade was playing his final home regular-season game when the Miami Heat hosted the Philadelphia 76ers — with Wade in the starting lineup for the first time all season. On Wednesday, it'll be a game at Brooklyn to end this season. Unless the Heat win both and get a lot of help in the final two days of the season, the career of Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. will be finished."I gave this game everything I had," Wade said. "And I have appreciated every bit of it."The Heat still have a faint pulse in the playoff race. Of the 64 possible remaining scenarios involving Brooklyn, Orlando, Detroit, Charlotte and Miami — the five teams still vying for... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Larry Drew survived one of his most challenging seasons as a coach. He's not sure he wants another one — or if he'll even get it.Before Cleveland's season finale against Charlotte on Tuesday night, Drew said "let's hope not" when asked if it would be last game as the Cavs coach. The 61-year-old Drew took over seven games into the season after Tyronn Lue was fired, and led the Cavs through a season loaded with losses and injuries to top players.Drew intends meet soon with general manager Koby Altman to discuss his future. The two have not scheduled a meeting.Asked if he wanted to come back as coach, Drew gave a vague answer."I really don't want to get into that part of it right now," said while standing in a hallway inside newly named Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. "What I really want to do is just finish this game tonight and Koby and I will sit down and talk about it. We're going to give it a few days and we'll sit down and discuss it."Drew, who joined the Cavs as an associate... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Larry Drew did his best coaching the Cavaliers through a troubling season, but doesn't know if it was enough to keep his job.Before the season finale on Tuesday night, Drew said "let's hope not" when asked if it was last game as Cleveland's coach. The 61-year-old Drew took over seven games into the season after Tyronn Lue was fired, and led the Cavs through a season filled with injuries and losses.Drew said he plans to meet with general manager Koby Altman in a few days to discuss his future. The two have not scheduled a meeting.The Cavs gave Drew a raise when he replaced Lue and the team has an option on the coach for next season.Drew feels proud that he was able to develop several of Cleveland's young players, including rookie point guard Collin Sexton."I can clearly say that I checked the boxes of what I had to accomplish," Drew said. "I'm comfortable with what took place."___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Clippers have claimed guard Rodney McGruder off waivers, although he won't be eligible to play for Los Angeles in the postseason.McGruder averaged 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 66 games for the Miami Heat this season. He's been with them for three seasons.The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder previously played two seasons in the G League with the Maine Red Claws and Sioux Falls Skyforce. McGruder played four seasons at Kansas State.The Clippers announced the move Tuesday, two days after they waived forward Luc Mbah a Moute.He only played four games this season because of a sore left knee that required surgery late last month.The 11-year veteran has career averages of 6.4 points and 4.1 rebounds.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MIAMI (AP) — By Thursday, Dwyane Wade may not be employed as a basketball player anymore.That is the reality, like it or not. After 16 seasons as an NBA player, after three championships, an almost-annual spot in the All-Star Game, a scoring title, three franchises, four children, an Olympic gold medal and 161 teammates, the end may have arrived.On Tuesday, Wade plays his final home regular season game when the Miami Heat host the Philadelphia 76ers. On Wednesday, it'll be a game at Brooklyn to end this season. Unless the Heat win both and get a lot of help in the final two days of the season, the career of Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. will be finished."I gave this game everything I had," Wade said. "And I have appreciated every bit of it."The Heat still have a faint pulse in the playoff race. Of the 64 possible remaining scenarios involving Brooklyn, Orlando, Detroit, Charlotte and Miami over the next two days — the five teams still vying for various spots on the bracket, with the Nets and Magic... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers have changed dramatically and so has their downtown home.Quickens Loans Arena is no more.The team will no longer play at "The Q," but inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which is undergoing a $185 million renovation funded by the city and team.The Cavaliers, who have had a difficult first season since LeBron James left for Los Angeles, announced the name change on Tuesday, hours before they hosted the Charlotte Hornets in their season finale.Dan Gilbert, who has owned the Cavaliers since 2005, said he understands if fans are unhappy with the new name. There was a similar sentiment when the 19,000-seat building, which opened in 1994, went from being Gund Arena to Quicken Loans."I know that sometimes (with) change, you get a little resistance and people say, 'Why are they changing it?' and 'How's that name going to work?'" Gilbert said. "We heard that initially when it was the Gund Arena to Quicken Loans Arena. I think after time there will probably be some kind... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — By Thursday, Dwyane Wade may not be employed as a basketball player anymore.That is the reality, like it or not. After 16 seasons as an NBA player, after three championships, an almost-annual spot in the All-Star Game, a scoring title, three franchises, four children, an Olympic gold medal and 161 teammates, the end may have arrived.On Tuesday, Wade plays his final home regular season game when the Miami Heat host the Philadelphia 76ers. On Wednesday, it'll be a game at Brooklyn to end this season. Unless the Heat win both and get a lot of help in the final two days of the season, the career of Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. will be finished."I gave this game everything I had," Wade said. "And I have appreciated every bit of it."The Heat still have a faint pulse in the playoff race; out of the 64 possible remaining scenarios involving Brooklyn, Orlando, Detroit, Charlotte and Miami over the next two days — the five teams still vying for various spots on the bracket, with the Nets and... [More]