UConn star Paige Bueckers is entering the 2025 WNBA Draft, she told ESPN's Rebecca Lobo.  Buecker...

UConn star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/92277" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/92277">Paige Bueckers</a> is entering the 2025 WNBA Draft, she told <a href="https://x.com/RebeccaLobo/status/1905667909462229088">ESPN's Rebecca Lobo</a>.Bueckers is widely expected to be the first player selected. The Dallas Wings hold the top pick in the WNBA draft.Bueckers averaged 19.2 points, 4.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals in her final season with the Huskies. The former No. 1 prospect dealt with knee injuries in her sophomore campaign and missed the entire 2022-23 season after she tore her ACL during the offseason.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>She bounced back strong after the injury, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 steals last campaign.The Huskies <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3250293" href="https://thescore.com/news/3250293">will</a> have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97669" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97669">Azzi Fudd</a> return for her senior season next campaign.No. 2 UConn faces No. 3 Oklahoma in the Sweet 16 on Saturday.The WNBA draft will take place April 14.

UNCASVILLE, CT - MARCH 09: UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts during the Women's Big East Tournament game between Villanova Wildcats and UConn Huskies on March 9, 2025, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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Paige Bueckers declares for 2025 WNBA Draft

Khris Middleton believes the playoffs are within reach for the Washington Wizards.  "I think this...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4789" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4789">Khris Middleton</a> believes the playoffs are within reach for the Washington Wizards."I think this team could definitely be a playoff team," Middleton said, according to <a href="https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-intel-trae-young-dyson-daniels-caris-levert-khris-middleton-wizards-grizzlies-okc/">HoopsHype's Michael Scotto</a>. "I think we had a stretch recently where we were competing against some of the playoff teams in some games, where we won some games and lost some others."I think if you give us a full offseason and give us a full season together, with the improvement of the young core, which is going to be huge, I think they can take a big step because of the way they work, how talented they are, and how smart they are."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Wizards have the worst record in the league at 16-58. But they've been slightly better since the All-Star break, going 7-12 while owning the league's 18th-best defense, according to <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/advanced?SeasonSegment=Post%20All-Star&amp;dir=D&amp;sort=DEF_RATING">NBA.com</a>.Middleton, who joined the team via trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, is giving the younger players advice and is impressed with what he's seen from his new teammates so far."I've learned how skillful they are for their age," Middleton said. "These are first and second-year players with confidence. They have all the intangibles, like how quickly they pick up on things. The results haven’t shown, but I think they play at a high level."The Wizards selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121720" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121720">Alex Sarr</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121678" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121678">Bub Carrington</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121677" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121677">Kyshawn George</a> in the first round of last year's draft and acquired <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110256" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110256">Bilal Coulibaly</a> in the 2023 draft.Washington, along with the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets, will have a 52.1% to land a top-four pick in the draft lottery.The Wizards take on the Nets on Saturday.

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 1: Khris Middleton #32 and Bilal Coulibaly #0 of the Washington Wizards look on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 1, 2025 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Middleton: Wizards 'could definitely be a playoff team'

The Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins, the team announced Friday.  Jenkins' forme...

The Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins, the team announced Friday.Jenkins' former assistant, Tuomas Iisalo, will act as interim coach, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1905684467328733204">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>. Iisalo was named EuroCup Coach of the Year last season after guiding LNB Elite side Paris Basketball to the EuroCup title.Memphis also parted ways with assistant coaches Noah LaRoche and Patrick St. Andrews, <a href="https://x.com/espn_macmahon/status/1905716320517361879">ESPN's Charania and Tim MacMahon</a> report.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I'm genuinely appreciative of Taylor's contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons," Grizzlies president and GM of basketball operations Zach Kleiman said in a statement."This was a difficult decision, given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor's leadership. I wish Taylor the very best going forward."The Grizzlies rank fifth in the Western Conference with a 44-29 record. They're 8-11 since the All-Star break and have the ninth-hardest schedule remaining with nine games left to play, according to <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/remaining_schedule_strength">Tankathon</a>. Memphis has struggled against teams over .500, going 11-20 on the season.The Grizzlies hired Jenkins, a former Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks assistant, in 2019. He led Memphis to three straight playoff appearances from 2021-23, including a Western Conference semifinals appearance in 2022.Jenkins accumulated 250 wins with the Grizzlies, the most in franchise history.His dismissal is the NBA's second in-season coaching change of 2024-25 after the Sacramento Kings fired Mike Brown in December.

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 17: Head Coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 17, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Grizzlies dismiss coach Jenkins

Arkansas coach John Calipari said he considered calling timeout on the last possession of the No....

Arkansas coach John Calipari said he considered calling timeout on the last possession of the No. 10 Razorbacks' 85-83 overtime loss to No. 3 Texas Tech in the Sweet 16, but he decided against it."In my career I let that go," Calipari said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/CBBonFOX/status/1905492937032781981">FOX College Hoops</a>. "Let the guy get to the rim, they're not going to foul you. ... When you call timeout now you gotta worry about what (the opposing coach is) doing, how he's playing, the inbound, what you are doing, so I usually let that go."Now because it ended the way it is, yeah, I wish I called a timeout. But 99% of the time I let that go. Because I know what they're doing, they know what we're doing. That's why we did it."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Texas Tech forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103687" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103687">Darrion Williams</a> made a turnaround layup with 7 seconds left in overtime. Arkansas inbounded the ball and advanced the possession, leading to a missed shot at the buzzer by Razorbacks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110506" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110506">D.J. Wagner</a> - who had made the game-tying shot with 34 seconds left in the extra period.Arkansas relinquished a 16-point lead in the defeat.Calipari hadn't made the Sweet 16 since 2019, when he took Kentucky to the Elite Eight. Since then he suffered three consecutive defeats in the first or second round with the Wildcats, leading him to join the SEC-rival Razorbacks.In his first season with Arkansas, the team finished with a 22-14 record and was 8-10 in conference play. The Razorbacks pulled off upset wins over No. 7 Kansas and No. 2 St. John's to reach the Sweet 16.Despite the defeat, Calipari still believes the season was a positive experience."I feel like crap right now, but this was as rewarding a year as I've had in all my years," Calipari said, according to <a href="https://x.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1905501701114593670">March Madness</a>. "I've had teams that were better and have finished better and were national champions and all that stuff - this was a different reward."

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Head coach John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks reacts after losing to the Texas Tech Red Raiders 85-83 during overtime in the West Regional Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Chase Center on March 27, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Arkansas' Calipari: 'I wish' I called timeout in OT loss to Texas Tech

NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the league plans to explore a new basketball league in Eur...

NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the league plans to explore a new basketball league in Europe with FIBA as a partner."We feel now is the time to move to that next stage," Silver told media Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeVorkunov/status/1905330788134256836">The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov</a>. "At our board meeting today, there was enthusiastic support from our club owners about continuing to explore this opportunity."Silver announced the venture after the NBA's board of governors met. FIBA general secretary Andreas Zagklis attended the meeting and the press conference.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's early days. Literally nothing has been agreed upon yet," Silver said, per <a href="https://x.com/MarcJSpears/status/1905332616661733719">Marc J. Spears of Andspace</a>. The commissioner added that he wants to honor the current FIBA and European system, which includes 40-minute games.Silver said he expects the European league would include 16 teams, with 12 of them permanent members, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeVorkunov/status/1905336526395076798">Vorkunov</a>. Four other clubs could qualify to play each season. Silver also said he would like a salary-cap system and would allow existing NBA owners to possess equity in the league, but not in individual teams.The NBA <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3250617" href="https://thescore.com/news/3250617">confirmed</a> plans for a potential European league Wednesday after initial reports.The NBA and FIBA have partnered before, launching the Basketball Africa League in 2021.The NBA started playing regular-season games in Europe in 2011. Paris has regularly hosted games since 2020, including two contests between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers this season.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks to media at a press conference during 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend at Chase Center on February 15, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Silver confirms NBA exploring European league with FIBA

Golden State Warriors wing Gary Payton II sustained a torn ligament in his thumb and will be out ...

Golden State Warriors wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37868" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37868">Gary Payton II</a> sustained a torn ligament in his thumb and will be out for at least one week, the team announced Thursday.Payton is averaging 6.6 points and three rebounds in 58 games - including 11 starts - for the Warriors this season.The 32-year-old has suited up for 190 contests over five seasons with Golden State, averaging 6.2 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. He's in the final season of a three-year, $26-million contract signed in 2022.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Warriors rank seventh in the Western Conference with a 41-31 record. They face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 25: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center on March 25, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Payton out at least 1 week due to torn thumb ligament

Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson will miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing a proce...

Utah Jazz guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6245" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6245">Jordan Clarkson</a> will miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing a procedure to address plantar fasciitis in his foot, the team announced Thursday.Clarkson averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.2 rebounds this season. He was limited to 37 games due to foot injuries, his lowest number of appearances over 11 seasons in the NBA.The 32-year-old signed a two-year, $28.3-million extension with the Jazz in 2023. He won Sixth Man of the Year in 2021 after his first full season with the club.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Clarkson holds career averages of 16 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.Utah has the worst record in the Association at 16-57. It faces the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 19: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the first half of a game against the Washington Wizards at Delta Center on March 19, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Clarkson done for season after foot procedure

The Lakers have signed two-way guard Jordan Goodwin to a standard contract and waived Cam Reddish...

The Lakers have signed two-way guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96088" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96088">Jordan Goodwin</a> to a standard contract and waived <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69535" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69535">Cam Reddish</a>, the team announced Thursday.Goodwin has averaged 6.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 steals in 19 games for the Lakers this season. The move will make him eligible to play in the playoffs, as Goodwin used his final two-way day in Wednesday's win over the Indiana Pacers.The 26-year-old will sign a two-year deal with a team option for the 2025-26 campaign, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1905287392367722710">NBA insider Chris Haynes</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Reddish averaged 3.2 points and two rebounds in 33 contests this season. He signed a two-year deal with the Lakers in 2023, recording 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, one assist, and one steal last season.Los Angeles ranks fourth in the Western Conference with a 44-28 record.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 20: Jordan Goodwin #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Lakers convert Goodwin, waive Reddish

Koa Peat, the No. 9 prospect on the 2025 ESPN 100, announced his commitment to Arizona in an appe...

Koa Peat, the No. 9 prospect on the 2025 ESPN 100, announced his commitment to Arizona in an appearance on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7p9r5fvf2w">"The Pat McAfee Show"</a> on Thursday.The five-star forward picked the Wildcats over a list of finalists including Arizona State, Houston, Texas, and Baylor.Peat helped Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona, win four consecutive state championships.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Arizona's 2025 recruiting class includes four-star forward Dwayne Aristode (No. 38) and four-star guard Bryce James - the son of the NBA's all-time leading scorer, LeBron James.The No. 4 Wildcats play No. 1 Duke in the Sweet 16 later Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 20: Koa Peat of Perry (10) during the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between Columbus and Perry on January 20, 2025 at Blake Arena in Springfield, MA

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Top-10 prospect Koa Peat commits to Arizona

LeBron James knows what the Los Angeles Lakers need to do to have a successful season.  "Luka (Do...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> knows what the Los Angeles Lakers need to do to have a successful season."Luka (Doncic), myself, and AR15 (Austin Reaves), we got to be all clicking at the same time," James said on "<a href="https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1904953497679741260">The Pat McAfee Show</a>" on Wednesday. "We have to be in tune on what we gotta do every single night, because we have to make sure everyone is in the right place every single game. The playoffs is literally - one possession will have you losing a series."He added: "It's up to us three. Obviously, I know my voice and what I command out of guys, that's going to be heard. Luka's play, some people lead by example, and the way AR - his infectious play, we have to make sure we have everybody in tune."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>James, Doncic, and Reaves have a minus-5.1 net rating in 199 minutes together, according to <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/lineups/advanced?slug=advanced&amp;GroupQuantity=3&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;DateFrom=02%2F10%2F2025&amp;DateTo=03%2F26%2F2025">NBA.com</a>.Los Angeles' defense has also struggled: The team has lost by an average of 24 points over its three-game skid. Head coach JJ Redick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3250069" href="https://thescore.com/news/3250069">said</a> L.A. has developed "some bad habits" due to players prioritizing rest and a lack of court time.The Lakers have also been playing without some key pieces over the past few weeks: James himself missed seven contests due to a groin injury, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53163" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53163">Rui Hachimura</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70968" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70968">Jaxson Hayes</a> also had multi-game absences.L.A. ranks fifth in the Western Conference with a 43-28 record. The Lakers will take on the Indiana Pacers later on Wednesday.

Los Angeles, CA - March 19: LeBron James, left, reacts on the bench along teammates including Luka Doncic, center, of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of a NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

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LeBron: Lakers need 'everybody in tune' to be successful

West Virginia is hiring North Texas coach Ross Hodge on a five-year contract, the school announce...

West Virginia is hiring North Texas coach Ross Hodge on a five-year contract, the school announced Wednesday.Hodge is 46-23 through two seasons with North Texas. The Mean Green are competing in the National Invitational Tournament and will face either UC Irvine or UAB in the semifinals April 1. Hodge will continue to coach North Texas in the NIT, a source told <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/west-virginia-hires-ross-hodge-north-texas-coach-to-depart-following-mean-greens-nit-run/">CBS Sports' Matt Norlander</a>."It is with great honor and humility that I accept the head men's basketball coaching position at West Virginia University," Hodge said in a statement. "I have such respect for the toughness, grit and pride of the people of West Virginia, and my hope is that we can reflect that with how our team competes on the court. I understand the great responsibility of continuing the tradition of Mountaineer basketball and sincerely appreciate the trust and belief of (athletic director) Wren Baker, presidents (Gordon) Gee and (Michael) Benson and the rest of the administration."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 44-year-old has spent more than 20 years as an assistant coach, including stints at Colorado State and Arkansas State. He joined North Texas as associate head coach in 2017 and was elevated to head coach in 2023.Baker previously held the same position at North Texas while Hodge was on Grant McCasland's bench.Hodge is replacing Darian DeVries, who left to fill Indiana's vacancy after just one season with the Mountaineers. He became the top target after Ben McCollum and Richard Pitino were hired by Iowa and Xavier, respectively.

FORT WORTH, TX - MARCH 15: North Texas Mean Green head coach Ross Hodge points as he walks the sideline during the American Athletic Conference Championship tournament game between the North Texas Mean Green and Florida Atlantic Owls on March 15, 2024 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

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West Virginia hires North Texas coach Ross Hodge on 5-year deal

Joson Sanon is transferring to St. John's to play for Rick Pitino, the former Arizona State wing ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121787" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121787">Joson Sanon</a> is transferring to St. John's to play for Rick Pitino, the former Arizona State wing told <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44413840/transfer-joson-sanon-chooses-st-johns-rick-pitino">ESPN's Jonathan Givony</a>."Coach Pitino believes in me and my potential and what he can do for me," Sanon said. "He preaches working hard, and I want to show him I'm the hardest-working player that's ever played for him. The way Coach P teaches defense is something I want to invest my time into."The 19-year-old averaged 11.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in his freshman season at Arizona State. He shot 36.9% from three in his first collegiate campaign.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sanon was originally a five-star prospect in the 2025 class. He committed to Arizona and reclassified to the 2024 class, but he flipped commitments to the Sun Devils after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87457" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87457">Caleb Love</a> returned to the Wildcats.Arizona State finished with a 13-19 record, including going 4-16 in the Big 12.No. 2 St. John's lost in the second round of March Madness to No. 10 Arkansas. The Red Storm are projected to lose three starters in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/88725" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/88725">Kadary Richmond</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87096" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87096">Deivon Smith</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96228" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96228">Aaron Scott</a>. The team could also potentially lose two players to the NBA draft - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103049" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103049">Zuby Ejiofor</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103426" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103426">RJ Luis</a>.

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 11: Arizona State Sun Devils guard Joson Sanon (3) brings the ball up court in the second half of a Big 12 tournament game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and Kansas State Wildcats on March 11, 2025 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO.

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St. John's lands former 5-star wing Joson Sanon

Golden State Warriors veteran Jimmy Butler said he remained even-keeled in his first game against...

Golden State Warriors veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> said he remained even-keeled in his first game against his former team, the Miami Heat.The Heat honored the former star with a tribute video before tipoff. Miami eventually beat the Warriors 112-86 in the highly anticipated contest."I got a lot of love in the city for the fan base here," Butler said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44410622/heat-handle-warriors-spoil-jimmy-butler-return-miami">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>. "Video was nice. I won't say that there was a lot of emotions, though. I think I went into this thing level-headed. We wanted to win a game. It didn't go the way that we planned. We'll be all right.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I mean (the video) took me back to some good times when I was wearing a Miami Heat jersey. Very appreciative of those times, to help me become the player that I am, the individual that I am in this league, the teammate, the leader, all of those things. I don't think I could be who I am today without my opportunity here."Butler finished the game with 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists after missing five of his first six shots. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph Curry</a> sat out of the contest due to a pelvic contusion.The Heat sent Butler to the Warriors in a multi-team deal before the trade deadline, ending a tumultuous saga between the two parties. The six-time All-Star expressed his desire to be traded after not receiving an extension on his contract and said he didn't think it was possible to regain his joy for playing basketball in Miami."A chapter has ended," Butler said. "What I will say is I always say I'm very appreciative for the time here, the bonds that I've built here and when you look down the road, it's just a huge part of my career."So, I continue to say that I'm very grateful. I ain't spiteful towards nobody. Always grateful for the opportunity. A lot of the fan base. ... It's not bad. It's not all bad."The Warriors face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 25: Jimmy Butler #10 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on March 25, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Butler: Not a lot of emotions in 1st game vs. Heat

Drake guard Bennett Stirtz will enter the transfer portal and follow former Bulldogs coach Ben Mc...

Drake guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/163707" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/163707">Bennett Stirtz</a> will enter the transfer portal and follow former Bulldogs coach Ben McCollum to Iowa, Stirtz told <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1904563790651306075">Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68</a>.Stirtz cited McCollum's system and his loyalty to his coach as reasons to transfer, according to <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1904565171671965995">Goodman</a>.The 6-foot-4 point guard won MVC Player of the Year after averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals this past campaign. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Drake enjoyed its first 30-win season with Stirtz and McCollum. The Bulldogs lost to No. 3 Texas Tech in the second round of March Madness.Stirtz also plans to test the NBA draft waters but will maintain college eligibility to play for Iowa next season, he told <a href="https://x.com/Tyler_T15/status/1904569904583303375">Tyler Tachman of the Des Moines Register</a>.The Hawkeyes hired McCollum on Monday to replace longtime coach Fran McCaffery.Stirtz also followed McCollum from DII Northwest Missouri State to Drake last season.

WICHITA, KANSAS - MARCH 22: Bennett Stirtz #14 of the Drake Bulldogs looks on during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 22, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas.

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Drake's Stirtz following McCollum to Iowa

Azzi Fudd is returning to UConn next season for her final year of college basketball, the star gu...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcbk/players/97669" href="https://thescore.com/wcbk/players/97669">Azzi Fudd</a> is returning to UConn next season for her final year of college basketball, the star guard announced on social media.Fudd believes returning to school will allow her to "work on everything I need to work on," before joining the WNBA, she told <a href="https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44400274/azzi-fudd-passing-wnba-draft-another-year-uconn">ESPN's Alexa Philippou</a>.A recent conversation with Huskies coach Geno Auriemma solidified Fudd's decision to stay in Storrs, as the Hall of Famer told her that she has much more to give to the program.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Having someone of Azzi's ability and the way she can just control a game, she just hasn't had an opportunity, at this point, to fully show who she is, what she can do, what impact she can have on our program and on college basketball," Auriemma said. "So hopefully being here another year, having an injury-free year, knock on wood, can remind everybody this is the Azzi Fudd that was coming out of high school, and can we get a full year out of that?"Fudd was limited to 17 total games in her sophomore and junior seasons due to knee injuries, including an ACL tear in November 2023. She averaged 13.4 points, two rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 steals during the regular season, increasing her scoring output to 16.4 points in the NCAA Tournament.The former No. 1 overall prospect hopes to be an All-American and win national championships in both of her final years in college."I don't want to take any second, any possession, for granted," Fudd said. "I don't want to have that kind of passive mindset, not once this tournament. I'm playing for my teammates. I'm playing for me, who couldn't play last year, and (UConn's current injured players)."I know what it feels like to be on the outside, so I don't want to take even a possession for granted or lightly at all, but especially now during the tournament."

STORRS, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 22: Azzi Fudd #35 of the Connecticut Huskies plays against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during a first round game of the women’s NCAA basketball tournament at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on March 22, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut.

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Azzi Fudd returning to UConn next season

Anthony Davis could be returning soon.  The Dallas Mavericks star is aiming to return from his ad...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> could be returning soon.The Dallas Mavericks star is aiming to return from his adductor strain either Tuesday against the New York Knicks or Thursday versus the Orlando Magic, NBA insider <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1903989700429271476">Marc Stein</a> reports.Davis is officially listed as doubtful Monday against the Brooklyn Nets, an upgrade from his previous designation of out.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 32-year-old has missed Dallas' last 16 contests after getting hurt against the Houston Rockets in his Mavericks debut. Davis recorded 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks before leaving the contest.Since Davis' injury, the Mavs have gone 3-13 - including a pair of losing streaks, one of which lasted four games while the other lasted seven. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110269" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110269">Olivier-Maxence Prosper</a> also went down with season-ending injuries while Davis has been on the mend.Dallas only had eight available rotation players for three contests in March.The Mavericks rank 11th in the Western Conference with 11 games left in the season.

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 03: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the first half of the game against the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Center on March 03, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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Report: Anthony Davis targeting games vs. Knicks, Magic for return

The Pitino family continues to make history.  With No. 10 New Mexico's victory over No. 7 Marquet...

The Pitino family continues to make history.With No. 10 New Mexico's victory over No. 7 Marquette on Friday, Richard and Rick Pitino become the first father-son coaching duo to both win an NCAA Tournament game in the same season, according to <a href="https://x.com/John_Fanta/status/1903262559521681831">John Fanta of FOX Sports</a>.No. 2 St. John's beat Omaha on Thursday, so the elder Pitino will face off against friend-turned-rival John Calipari and No. 10 Arkansas on Saturday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Red Storm are in the Big Dance for the first time since 2015.Meanwhile, the younger Pitino's Lobos will either face No. 2 Michigan State or No. 15 Bryant in the second round Sunday.Richard Pitino took over for Paul Weir at New Mexico in 2021 after spending eight seasons at Minnesota. The Lobos made March Madness last year but lost to Clemson in the first round.

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 12: Father and son Head coach Richard Pitino of the New Mexico Lobos and Rick Pitino of the St. Johns Red Storm before a college basketball game at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Pitinos become 1st father-son duo to win games in same NCAA tourney

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry missed the rest of Thursday's 117-114 win over the Toron...

Golden State Warriors star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a> missed the rest of Thursday's 117-114 win over the Toronto Raptors due to a pelvic contusion.Curry suffered the injury falling hard on his back following a contested drive to the basket. He went to the locker room during a timeout.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/ukGD2KORzn">pic.twitter.com/ukGD2KORzn</a>— WarriorMedia (@WarriorMedia_) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarriorMedia_/status/1902930570247802972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 11-time All-Star underwent an MRI following the contest.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Hopefully it's not bad, but he's getting imaging right now," Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters postgame.Before exiting, Curry recorded 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting along with two rebounds.The 37-year-old missed the Warriors' win over the Bucks on Tuesday to rest.Golden State has been red-hot since the All-Star break, recording 12 wins in 14 games.The Warriors veteran is averaging 24.3 points, 6.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per contest this season.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 20: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 20, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Curry undergoes MRI after suffering pelvic contusion

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is out four-to-six weeks after undergoing an ar...

Portland Trail Blazers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53244" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53244">Robert Williams III</a> is out four-to-six weeks after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure to address inflammation in his knee, the team <a href="https://x.com/trailblazers/status/1902850199787376686">announced</a> Thursday.Williams' timeline likely sidelines him for the rest of the season. He's expected to make a full recovery.The 27-year-old has missed the Blazers' last 12 games. In 20 contests, he averaged 5.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.1 assists.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Since his All-Defensive second-team selection in 2022 as a member of the Boston Celtics, Williams has only played in 61 games over three seasons.Portland acquired Williams from the Celtics in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/383" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/383">Jrue Holiday</a> trade in 2023.The Blazers rank 12th in the Western Conference with a 31-39 record.

PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 20:Robert Williams III #35 of the Portland Trail Blazers passes the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 20, 2025 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Robert Williams likely done for season after knee procedure

Indiana is hiring West Virginia's Darian DeVries as its next head coach, the school announced Tue...

Indiana is hiring West Virginia's Darian DeVries as its next head coach, the school announced Tuesday."This is unquestionably one of the top jobs in America. As someone who grew up in the Midwest loving the game of basketball, I've always admired the IU Basketball program for its championship-level success, tradition, and fan support," DeVries said in a statement. "There's a passion to succeed at the very highest levels both within the Big Ten and in the NCAA Tournament, and that's a desire that as a coach I share. On top of that, the alignment is there on a department and university level to make that happen."I'm excited for this opportunity and am ready to work relentlessly to assemble a staff and a roster that competes for championships."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>DeVries spent one year with West Virginia, going 19-13 this campaign. The Mountaineers missed out on March Madness, <a href="https://x.com/WVUhoops/status/1901659315699634384">prompting</a> him to release a statement commending his team's effort."We went into this coaching search with some very specific things we were looking for in our next head coach, and Darian emerged as someone who, on paper, met and often exceeded our criteria," athletics director Scott Dolson said. "Once we had a chance to talk to him, we knew we had the right person. Darian has a plan for building a championship culture that can compete at the highest level on a year-in, year-out basis."Indiana coach Mike Woodson <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3212636" href="https://thescore.com/news/3212636">announced</a> in February that he would step down at the end of the season. The Hoosiers finished with a 19-13 record, ranking ninth in the Big Ten.Prior to his time at West Virginia, DeVries led Drake to three NCAA Tournaments in four years.Indiana last made the Sweet 16 in 2016. In the past nine seasons, the Hoosiers have only two March Madness appearances - both under Woodson.

MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA - JANUARY 18: Head coach Darian DeVries of the West Virginia Mountaineers watches the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at WVU Coliseum on January 18, 2025 in Morgantown, West Virginia.

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Indiana hires WVU's DeVries as head coach

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