“He Should Be Paying Them”: Stephen A. Smith Goes Off on Ben Simmons’ NBA Comeback

“He Should Be Paying Them”: Stephen A. Smith Goes Off on Ben Simmons’ NBA Comeback

Knicks say they are pausing contract negotiations and will focus solely on preparing for the season

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks are focused on their NBA title defense now and will worry about contract negotiations later.

LeBron James has a strong start in his first game with the 76ers and expects things to get better

NEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James knew Thursday night was going to feel different, playing in a game for the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time.

NBA star Gilgeous-Alexander takes stake in Spanish soccer giant Atletico Madrid

MADRID (AP) — NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has joined the ownership group at Atletico Madrid, the Spanish top-flight club said Friday.

Bucks entering uncertain new era as they adjust to life without Giannis Antetokounmpo

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Tyler Herro understands the skepticism surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks now that they’ve traded away Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP who led the franchise to its first title in half a century.

NBA, FIBA reiterate plan for new Europe league whether EuroLeague merger happens or not

LONDON (AP) — The NBA was pressing ahead with plans to launch a new European basketball league, saying on Thursday the current model was seriously undervalued.

Trail Blazers owner says he intends to bring a championship to Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — New Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon told season ticket holders that he intends to bring a championship to Portland.

Djokovic plans to reach out to Sinner after injury ended the No. 1 player's season

Novak Djokovic plans to reach out to Jannik Sinner after an injury ended the top-ranked player's season, saying Thursday he knows how difficult it is to come back after a lengthy layoff.

Heat center Bam Adebayo kept the secret that A'ja Wilson was the WNBA's MVP again

MIAMI (AP) — A'ja Wilson found out Thursday that she was the WNBA's Most Valuable Player.

Down 2-0 to Valkyries in WNBA semifinals, defending champion Aces face elimination at home

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Becky Hammon is blunt and brutally honest.

Caitlin Clark denounces the hateful messages Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell says she received

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark still wants Kelsey Mitchell as a teammate — even though Clark understands that's not always easy.

Jaguars CB Jarrian Jones relives Saquon Barkley's backward hurdle two years later

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones remembers a steady stream of messages and questions about Saquon Barkley’s extraordinary backward hurdle.

Golden Knights in action against the Kings following shootout victory

Los Angeles Kings (0-2-1, in the Pacific Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (4-1, in the Pacific Division)

Hilllmon's late bucket, Reese heroics lead Dream to an OT win over Liberty

ATLANTA (AP) — Angel Reese scored 23 points, Naz Hillmon made the go-ahead layup with 20.8 seconds left in overtime and the Atlanta Dream beat the New York Liberty 101-98 on Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinals.

Ex-college basketball player Kerr Kriisa admits demanding $9,000 from victim in fraud scheme

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (AP) — Former college basketball player Kerr Kriisa admitted Thursday to demanding $9,000 from a victim as part of a fraud scheme.

49ers DE Mykel Williams excited to get back on the field for 1st time since knee surgery

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Defensive end Mykel Williams has spent nearly a year working his way back after a torn knee ligament cut short his rookie season for the San Francisco 49ers.

Jefferson aims to rejoin the Vikings this week, with a long-awaited trip to play his hometown Saints

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Justin Jefferson began developing his exceptional pass-catching skills as the youngest of three boys in a football-loving family in the New Orleans area, before following both of his older brothers to LSU a little more than an hour up the road.

Golden State looks to finish out semifinals against Las Vegas in game 3

Golden State Valkyries (32-12, 15-8 Western Conference) at Las Vegas Aces (31-13, 17-6 Western Conference)

Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts are facing their toughest test with the Eagles

Injuries are piling up for the Philadelphia Eagles. Key starters are gone. A new offensive coordinator is off to a rough start. The head coach is hearing more criticism.

Bayern Munich ready to smash their own transfer rules to keep Michael Olise

Michael Olise's sparkling form for the France national team has reportedly forced Bayern Munich into a major contract concession. The German club are prepared to break from tradition by inserting a €200 million release clause into his new deal to fend off interest from Real Madrid.

Undermanned Eagles head overseas to face the Jaguars, winners of 11 of 12 in the regular season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles look as if they will be undermanned overseas.