Hoops Wire
Total reads
119
This week
4
Rank
#246 of 465
Published
1,814 posts
Last 12 weeks
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
LeBron James after arrest at Los Angeles home: ‘My family is safe’
LeBron James addresses a recent incident at his Brentwood, Los Angeles home where a man was arrested on felony stalking charges. James confirms his family is safe, calling their well‑being the most important issue, and says he is still investigating the situation. The arrest happened Friday while James was in Cleveland for the Sixers’ game against the Cavaliers; police found the suspect on the property but he did not enter the house and was unarmed. James returned to the road trip, scoring 22 points in the Sixers’ 108‑102 win over the Bulls in Chicago on Sunday.
Warriors insider hints at Nuggets player as possible trade target
Warriors insider Tim Kawakami teases a possible trade target from Denver, hinting at "one in Denver" without naming the player. While the comment fuels speculation about a link to Nikola Jokic—who has said he wants to stay with the Nuggets—Kawakami offers no details on negotiations or availability. Analysts note the remark adds to Golden State’s ongoing search for help around Stephen Curry, but concrete trade talks remain unconfirmed.
Lakers’ Bronny James answers heckler: ‘Can you run a mile?’
During the Lakers' 121-116 victory over Detroit on Nov. 9, 2026, rookie Bronny James shut down a courtside heckler with a sarcastic "Can you run a mile?" exchange that quickly went viral. The fan was removed for breaching conduct rules. teammate Austin Reaves also faced a fan before halftime, then exploded for a season‑high 43 points, sealing the win with a late three. The incident highlights the Lakers' on‑court focus amid fan confrontations.
NBA finalizing Miami as 2028 All-Star host after 38-year wait
The NBA is set to bring All-Star Weekend back to Miami in 2028, ending a 38‑year hiatus since the Heat first hosted in 1990. Reports from The Athletic, cited by ESPN, say the league is finalizing details, though an official announcement is pending. The move hinges on the Miami International Boat Show shifting dates, freeing up the Presidents Day weekend traditionally used for the All‑Star festivities. Phoenix hosts the 2027 event (Feb. 19‑21), and Miami will follow, reviving South Florida’s spot on the NBA calendar.
Which Cavs team shows up next? That’s still the question
The Cleveland Cavaliers sit at a .500 mark (5-5) ahead of Monday’s road game against an injury‑laden Charlotte Hornets. Coach and analysts stress that the team’s performance has been erratic—showing brilliance against the 76ers and LeBron James, then collapsing versus the Thunder. With 72 regular‑season games remaining and a stretch of three road trips in five nights, the Cavs must find consistency to stay playoff‑bound. Key injuries and reliability issues remain, but past turnarounds suggest it’s too early to judge their contender status.
Bulls’ lineup changes offer something to build on, even in another loss
The Bulls fell 127-121 to the Sixers on Sunday, slipping to 1-8 and extending their losing streak to seven games, but new lineup tweaks gave coach Tiago Splitter reasons for optimism. With Isaac Okoro starting in place of the injured Norman Powell and Nic Claxton making his season debut, Chicago saw more room for its young talent: Josh Giddey posted 19 points, seven rebounds and 15 assists, while Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson earned increased roles. Claxton contributed four points, four rebounds and two blocks in 18 minutes, highlighting a needed defensive boost. The adjustments suggest a foundation to develop the rebuild despite the loss.
Wizards showing progress, but young core still has plenty to prove
The Wizards improve from last season but remain a work in progress. After a 114-75 drubbing by the Thunder, Washington sits 4-6 in its first ten games, a modest gain from trailing by 22 points seven times last year to just one double‑digit deficit this season. Added stars Trae Young, Anthony Davis and rookie AJ Dybantsa raise expectations, yet injuries and Young’s limited role left the young core—Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson and Will Riley—to shoulder the burden. Their development will determine if this team is more than a better version of the past.
How to watch Cavs at Hornets: TV, streaming, injury report and start time
The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Charlotte on Monday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. ET for a showdown with the Hornets, hoping to climb above .500 after a loss to the Knicks. The game airs locally on DAZN (Cavs) and DAZN‑CHA/WAXN (Hornets), with streaming via Fubo, Prime Video, DAZN or NBA League Pass. Cleveland lists Jarrett Allen as questionable, while Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson and Nae’Qwan Tomlin are out, pushing rookie Meleek Thomas into a larger role. Charlotte battles multiple absences, including Dennis Schröder and Kon Knueppel, and will rely on Coby White, Grayson Allen and Naz Reid. The article also previews the Cavs’ upcoming road slate through mid‑Nov.
Scottie Pippen ripped Michael Jordan over $10 million payday from ‘The Last Dance’
Scottie Pippen accuses Michael Jordan of pocketing a $10 million payday from the 2020 ESPN documentary ‘The Last Dance’ while his teammates earned nothing. In his memoir Unguarded, Pippen says the film glorified Jordan and treated him as a mere prop, despite their six‑title partnership. He recounts Jordan’s text asking to talk, his own disappointment that the doc downplayed his role, and the lingering resentment over the money split. The clash underscores the lingering tension behind one of basketball’s greatest dynasties.
Kevin Porter Jr. drawing interest from Blazers, Kings, Nuggets
Free‑agent guard Kevin Porter Jr. draws interest from three NBA teams as the preseason wraps up. The Trail Blazers, looking to replace injured backs like Ja Morant and Shaedon Sharpe, see Porter as a basketball‑making guard. The Denver Nuggets want extra scoring off the bench, while the Sacramento Kings consider him alongside Gabe Vincent to bolster a backcourt behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Miami has been linked but isn’t pursuing him. No trade has materialized yet, but Porter’s options are widening ahead of the regular season.
Kings eye Kevin Porter Jr., Gabe Vincent for backcourt help
The Sacramento Kings, now $6.4 million under the luxury tax after trading Nique Clifford for two second‑round picks, are scouting guard depth. Reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer say the team is eyeing Kevin Porter Jr. and free‑agent Gabe Vincent to back up rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. A third roster spot could go to converting Leaky Black’s two‑way deal into a standard contract. Adding veteran backcourt help would give Sacramento a reliable option alongside Acuff as injuries linger.
Tom Crean makes pitch to Kings: Sign Victor Oladipo
Coach Tom Crean publicly urges the Sacramento Kings to sign former Indiana star Victor Oladipo, citing his ability to mentor rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and boost the energy of veterans like Domantas Sabonis and Malik LaVine. Crean posted the pitch on X on Nov. 8, 2026, as the Kings clear a roster spot after trading Nique Clifford and contemplate promoting Leaky Black. With the team off to a 1‑8 start, Oladipo could provide veteran leadership and preparation, though Sacramento has yet to indicate interest.
Cavs’ Meleek Thomas is earning a longer look
Rookie Meleek Thomas is catching Cleveland’s eye after shooting 45% (18‑of‑40) from three‑point range and dropping 12 points against Philadelphia. While James Harden struggles at 15.7 points, 5.8 assists and a 36.6% field‑goal rate, the Cavs are weighing whether Thomas can evolve from a spot‑up shooter into a reliable playmaker alongside Donovan Mitchell. Coach Mack Perry suggests a gradual increase in possession time to test Thomas’s pick‑and‑roll reads and passing consistency, offering the team a potential backup ball‑handler without demanding a full Harden role.
Kings considering Leaky Black promotion after Nique Clifford trade
The Sacramento Kings may promote Leaky Black from his two‑way deal after trading wing Nique Clifford to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The trade, reported by James Ham, gives the Kings 13 standard contracts and a $6.4 million luxury‑tax cushion plus a $3.3 million trade exception. Sacramento also receives two second‑round picks (2028 Jazz, 2030 Timberwolves). With the roster spot open, Black could earn a full‑time roster slot while the team stays under the tax, though no final decision has been made.
Kings trading Nique Clifford to Thunder for two second-round picks
The Sacramento Kings trade former second‑year wing Nique Clifford back to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two future second‑round picks – the Jazz’s 2028 and the Timberwolves’ 2030 selections. Clifford, a 24‑year‑old who fell out of the Kings’ rotation after averaging just 6.3 minutes in eight games during the team’s 1‑8 start, originally came to Sacramento via a 2025 draft‑day deal. Oklahoma City will absorb his $3.26 million salary and must clear a roster spot, potentially waiving recent signee Dalen Terry. The move gives the Kings extra cap space and roster flexibility.
Raptors’ interest in Domantas Sabonis comes with tough questions
The Raptors are eyeing Domantas Sabonis for his elite passing and league‑leading 14.6 rebounds per game, hoping his high‑post facilitation will ease the load on Scottie Barnes and complement Kawhi Leonard. However, Sabonis’ defensive flaws, especially against screens, raise concerns. A possible trade could cost RJ Barrett plus either Jakob Poeltl or Immanuel Quickley, reshaping both the backcourt and front‑court. The article weighs whether Toronto can afford to give up those pieces for Sabonis’ offensive upside and if Sacramento would even entertain a deal.
Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell: ‘Nothing’s won in the first 10 games’
Donovan Mitchell insists the Cleveland Cavaliers can’t afford complacency after a 109-97 home loss to the New York Knicks, noting “nothing’s won in the first 10 games.” Despite missing Jarrett Allen, Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson, the Cavs fell 26‑8 in second‑chance points and couldn’t recover from a 20‑point deficit. Mitchell led with 37 points, 21 in the fourth, but limited support left the team at 5-5 overall. Coach Kenny Atkinson praised the squad’s resilience on a tough back‑to‑back schedule, while rookie Peyton Watson echoed the need for an A‑game.
Cavs needed more from James Harden, supporting cast against Knicks
Donovan Mitchell drops 37 points, but the Cavaliers fall 109-97 to the Knicks on Nov. 8, 2026. James Harden sputters with just seven points on 2‑of‑9 shooting, and missing Jarrett Allen, Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson leaves a rebounding void that the Knicks exploit for 16 offensive boards and 26 second‑chance points. Mitchell’s 21 fourth‑quarter points aren’t enough as the supporting cast struggles to score. At 5‑5, Cleveland must tighten shooting and rebounding before their next game in Charlotte.
Knicks make extra chances count against shorthanded Cavs
The Knicks clinch a 109-97 win over a shorthanded Cavaliers squad thanks to a dominant second‑chance game. New York grabs 16 offensive rebounds, turning them into a 26‑8 edge in extra‑point opportunities, which offsets Donovan Mitchell’s 37‑point effort (21 in the fourth). Karl‑Anthony Towns delivers 29 points and 13 boards, while Jalen Brunson adds 31 points, nine assists and six rebounds, achieving a 12‑to‑1 assist‑to‑turnover ratio. The Cavs miss Jarrett Allen, Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson, limiting their margin for error. The victory marks the Knicks’ fifth win in six games, with a rematch slated for Wednesday.
Nuggets get welcome boost from returning pieces in Mexico City win
The Denver Nuggets rally to a 114-102 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Mexico City, improving to 5-3 with their second straight win. Eight players hit double figures, highlighting the impact of returning pieces: Spencer Jones debuts with 13 points on 5‑of‑6 shooting, DeMar DeRozan adds 11 points and five assists, and Cameron Johnson scores 18 on 8‑of‑12. The bench shows promise as Jones meshes with rookie Trevon Brazile, while the team builds depth despite shooting only 10‑of‑35 from three. The win, buoyed by a 27‑point lead at its peak, signals a healthier, more balanced Nuggets rotation.
Hawks get Jalen Johnson back, find another way to keep winning
The Atlanta Hawks bounce back from a 70‑point first‑half deficit to beat the Brooklyn Nets 119‑110 for their fourth straight win, thanks to Jalen Johnson’s return. Johnson scores 30 points on 64% shooting, adds seven rebounds and six assists after missing the past week with an ankle sprain. Atlanta’s defense tightens, forcing 22 Nets turnovers and scoring 70 points in the paint, while a clutch 10‑0 run in the final minute seals the victory. Coach Quin Snyder praised the resilience as the Hawks look to reduce early-game lapses moving forward.
Thunder keep finding help, give Shai Gilgeous-Alexander another early finish
The Oklahoma City Thunder dominate again, beating the Washington Wizards 114-75 for their third straight win and improving to 8-2. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander posts 30 points and nine assists in just 29 minutes before sitting out the fourth quarter, enjoying an early exit. Freshman Jared McCain follows his 21‑point game with 19 points (17 before halftime) after a recent 3‑point slump, while rookie center Aday Mara records a career‑high 18 points on 80% shooting, adds three blocks and hits his first NBA three‑pointer. The supporting cast’s burst lightens the load on the reigning MVP.
Kings keep losing, but lack of progress makes slow start harder to take
At 1‑8 with seven double‑digit defeats, the Sacramento Kings’ rebuilding woes deepen as rookie Nique Clifford (6.3 minutes, 1.6 points) and first‑round pick Alex Karaban (1.4 points) see scant minutes. With veterans Darius Acuff Jr., Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk commanding the lineup, the team struggles to give its potential building blocks meaningful roles, raising questions about its long‑term plan. With 73 games left, the Kings must adjust roles to develop talent and halt the losing streak.
Warriors’ Steph Curry passes LeBron James with another 40-point night
Steph Curry drops 41 points in the Warriors' overtime victory over the Magic, marking his 16th 40‑point game since turning 35 and eclipsing LeBron James for the NBA record. The 38‑year‑old shot 13‑of‑19 from the floor, added six rebounds (including his 5,000th career rebound) and six assists, and sealed the win with a clutch scoop shot in the final minute. Curry now averages 31.3 points in just under 30 minutes per game, as coach Steve Kerr carefully manages his minutes after last season's knee injury.
Blazers’ Micah Nori: ‘We gave in a little bit’ in loss to Spurs
Portland coach Micah Nori admits his team "gave in" to frustration during a 125-103 home defeat by the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. The Blazers struggled to contain Victor Wembanyama, who dropped 29 points on 9‑of‑13 shooting, and a spate of fouls in the second quarter ignited a 10‑point free‑throw run that fueled a 45‑point third‑quarter surge by the Spurs. Deni Avdija led Portland with 15 points, but defensive lapses and inability to stop Wembanyama beyond the restricted area widened the gap, leaving the Blazers down 35 points entering the fourth.
Displaying entries 101-125
of the latest 1,250