LAKE BUENA VISTA (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 29 points and the Boston Celtics ran past Memphis 122-107 on Tuesday, putting the Grizzlies in further danger of missing the playoffs. The Grizzlies missed another chance to guarantee themselves a spot in the Western Conference play-in series, …

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Gordon Hayward showed early just how aggressive he would be as he drove the lane. He provided another reminder late of how dangerous he can be with the ball in his hands. Hayward hit three free throws with 2:29 left in overtime, and the Boston Celtics beat …

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The way the NBA standings look right now, there's a reasonable chance that the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors could be slotted to see each other in the Eastern Conference semifinals. And Celtics coach Brad Stevens is already making it clear — if that …

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 21 points, Robert Williams had a career-high 18 points in 19 minutes, and the Boston Celtics rolled past the Brooklyn Nets 149-115 on Wednesday night without All-Star point guard Kemba Walker. Williams was 7 of 7 from the field and 4 of 4 …

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Fred VanVleet had 21 points and 10 assists, and the Toronto Raptors held on to beat the Orlando Magic 109-99 on Wednesday night. Pascal Siakam added 15 points and Kyle Lowry finished with eight points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. Toronto (49-18) has won …

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — With or without Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat felt they needed to send a message to the Boston Celtics. Bam Adebayo had 21 points and 12 rebounds, and the Heat never trailed in beating the Celtics 111-106 on Tuesday to remain alone in the fourth spot in the …

SAN BRUNO, Calif. (AP) — The West Coast Conference is implementing a new rule aimed at increasing diversity in hiring for key positions. The conference announced Monday the adoption of the “Russell Rule” named after former University of San Francisco and Boston Celtics star Bill …

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 34 points, Jaylen Brown added 30 and the Boston Celtics built a big early lead before holding on for a 128-124 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. “That was a playoff-level energy that we had to play with at the end of the …

NEW YORK (AP) — Marcus Smart was fined $15,000 by the NBA on Saturday for criticizing referees after the Boston Celtics guard claimed the officials changed a call Friday night to keep Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo from fouling out. Antetokounmpo appeared to have picked up a sixth …

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared on his way out of the game. Moments later, he was instead on his way to the foul line. A replay overturned what would have been the NBA's MVP sixth foul with 1:28 left and he made the most of his second chance, helping the …

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world: ___ The Chicago Bears placed defensive tackle John Jenkins on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday, meaning he tested positive for the coronavirus or is being quarantined after coming in close contact with …

BOSTON (AP) — Before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the NBA to pause its season in March, the Celtics were a team still trying to figure out what it could be. Boston was one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. It also had one of the league’s hottest players in 22-year-old Jayson …

The Milwaukee Bucks believe they can build on the momentum they established while putting up the NBA’s best record before the pandemic-imposed hiatus — even if it has been months since they played a meaningful game. Milwaukee is 53-12 and virtually assured of entering the postseason as …

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world: ___ AJ Pollock says he considered not playing this season after enduring a bout with COVID-19 and the premature birth of his daughter. The Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder was late arriving to summer …

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed Eric Bledsoe tested positive for COVID-19, but remains cautiously optimistic the veteran point guard will be ready for the start of the season’s resumption. “With the virus you’re never sure,” …

Kara Lawson has always wanted to coach at Duke — a fact the first-time college coach hadn't shared with many people. Once the job opened up earlier this month, the Boston Celtics assistant jumped at the opportunity. “I knew that if it ever came open I’d try and put my best foot …

Duke has turned to Boston Celtics assistant coach and former WNBA All-Star Kara Lawson to lead its women’s basketball program. The school announced the hiring in a social media post Saturday, a little more than a week after Joanne P. McCallie announced she wouldn’t return for a 14th …

Duke is in talks with Boston Celtics assistant coach and former WNBA All-Star Kara Lawson to lead its women’s basketball program, a person familiar with the situation said Friday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the school hasn’t commented …

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world: ___ Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Junior Guerra has returned to the team after missing the start of summer camp because of a positive coronavirus test. Guerra is one of four Arizona players to test …

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown is encouraged by the steps the NBA is taking to connect with its players’ desire to support social justice causes. He also wants to see the league go further with some of those plans as it prepares to restart the season later this month in Florida. One of …