Dominican Republic shocks USA Basketball in World Cup qualifier, raising stakes for 2027 While a disappointing loss, the U.S. remains likely to qualify for the World Cup in 2027.

These losses happen, but Dominican Republic shocking USA Basketball in World Cup qualifier is a reminder it’s way too early for players to be thinking Olympics www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...

Dominican Republic shocks USA Basketball in World Cup qualifier, raising stakes for 2027 While a disappointing loss, the U.S. remains likely to qualify for the World Cup in 2027.

They were Davids hopping over a stumbled Goliath. Dominican Republic shocks USA Basketball in World Cup qualifier, raising stakes for 2027 while stars thinking about ‘28 Olympics www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...

James Harden upgrades the Cavaliers, but Jarrett Allen was already surging With Evan Mobley hurt, Cleveland needed Allen to step up. He has, averaging nearly 21 points and more than 11 rebounds since Jan. 28.

Yes, James Harden upgrades the Cavaliers, and they’re breathing easier that he can play with that thumb fracture. But Jarrett Allen was already surging before Harden showed up www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...

Thunder's short-handed win over Cavaliers shows NBA markets stars too much

You say it was a bad loss. I say it was a system win. Thunder’s short-handed win over Cavaliers shows NBA markets stars too much www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

Debate, confusion and a 'message' sent: Inside the NBA's call with GMs on tanking

‘He sounded more like Stern than Silver.’ Debate, confusion and a ‘message’ sent: Inside the NBA’s call with GMs on tanking w @samamick.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

NBA All-Star is fun again? First-of-its-kind format leads to surprisingly competitive event The NBA's round-robin tournament on Sunday was a true success: The players actually tried (for the most part) and the event was lively.

NBA All-Star is fun again? First-of-its-kind format leads to surprisingly competitive event, with historic performances, happier players and fans, and…effort www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

Adam Silver: 'Every possible remedy' on table to stop tanking

NBA commissioner Adam Silver: ‘Every possible remedy’ on table to stop tanking — as in…everything @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

Inside the NBA’s relationship with the firm that investigates its biggest scandals For the past two decades, when the NBA has needed a sensitive issue investigated, it's repeatedly called on the same law firm.

Gambling. Racism. Gambling again. And now, alleged salary cap circumvention by the Clippers. When the NBA has problems of this magnitude, it calls the same law firm. W @mikevorkunov.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

Inside the NBA’s relationship with the firm that investigates its biggest scandals For the past two decades, when the NBA has needed a sensitive issue investigated, it's repeatedly called on the same law firm.

When there’s somethin weird in the NBA’s neighborhood, who does the league call? Its Ghostbusters — Wachtell Lipton. Inside the NBA’s relationship with the firm that investigates its biggest scandals, w @mikevorkunov.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

When the NBA has a big problem, it calls Wachtell Lipton, a major law firm in New York City. Now, Wachtell Lipton is looking into the Clippers/Aspiration allegations and gambling.

A story on the NBA's go-to problem solvers, with @joevardon.bsky.social.

A free link: www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

After Luka Dončić’s injury, Cavaliers change court due to safety concerns After Luka Dončić injured his ankle falling off of the Cavaliers' raised court, the team and NBA said they would address the issue.

Well, the Cavs fixed their floor. After Luka Dončić’s injury, Cleveland change court due to safety concerns www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...

NBA Hall of Famers. A Splash Father. Inside the single 3-pointer club Two-time NBA champion Mychal Thompson only attempted 12 3-pointers his entire career. He made one. His son Klay has made 2,836 and counting.

Representing one of the greatest ironies in league history, Mychal Thompson, father of one of the greatest 3-point shooters ever, is one of a handful of players to have played at least one full NBA season and made only one 3 www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...

NBA Hall of Famers. A Splash Father. Inside the single 3-pointer club Two-time NBA champion Mychal Thompson only attempted 12 3-pointers his entire career. He made one. His son Klay has made 2,836 and counting.

NBA Hall of Famers. A Splash Father. And three guys traded at the deadline last week. Inside the single 3-pointer club www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...

Luka Dončić, Dirk Nowitzki-backed group to buy Italian team with NBA Europe hopes: Sources

Luka Dončić, Dirk Nowitzki-backed group to buy Italian team with NBA Europe hopes. Story with @samamick.bsky.social @mikevorkunov.bsky.social @danwoikesports.bsky.social

www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...

2026 NBA trade deadline winners and losers: Bucks, Cavs, Wizards top list It was a chaotic deadline, especially at the end, with former All-Stars switching teams and two of the biggest names staying put.

The deadline buzzer has sounded. Who won? How about Bucks, Wizards, and Cavs, for a start. My annual thoughts on everything that happened during the NBA’s trade window www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...

Inside the Cavs' bold decision to swap Darius Garland for James Harden

Why did the Cavs trade Darius Garland for James Harden? ⁦‪My friend @jasonlloyd.bsky.social‬⁩ and I dive into injuries, size, Donovan Mitchell, and the potential for a wild roster reset www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...

Cavaliers, NBA to discuss changes to unusual raised court after Luka Dončić’s injury The raised floor in the Cavaliers' arena has long been an oddity — and potential hazard — in the NBA.

One day after Lakers star Luka Dončić narrowly avoids serious injury, NBA and Cavs agree to look for solutions to Cleveland’s unique, potentially dangerous court design, with @danwoikesports.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...

Cavaliers, NBA to discuss changes to unusual raised court after Luka Dončić’s injury The raised floor in the Cavaliers' arena has long been an oddity — and potential hazard — in the NBA.

NEWS: Cavs, NBA to discuss court changes in Cleveland after Luka narrowly avoids injury. Story with @danwoikesports.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...

Basketball isn’t a priority in London. The NBA believes it can change that The British government has historically funded almost any sport — including lawn tennis — more than basketball. But that is changing.

NBA Europe wants a billion dollars (more, actually) from its London team. The number prices out the London Lions, but there is plenty of room among 9 million people for two teams, if interest goes up, ⁦‪@TheAthleticNBA‬⁩ www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...

Basketball isn’t a priority in London. The NBA believes it can change that The British government has historically funded almost any sport — including lawn tennis — more than basketball. But that is changing.

I spent a week in London, speaking privately with Adam Silver, heads of city and state, deep-pocketed investors, and the London Lions. Here is what NBA Europe wants — and doesn’t want — for foggy Londontown

www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...

Resurgent Clippers give executive Lawrence Frank multiyear contract extension: Sources The Clippers began the season 6-21, but are 15-3 in their last 18 games and have climbed into playoff contention.

Clippers, team president of basketball ops Lawrence Frank reach agreement on multiyear extension, with @samamick.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...

Pau Gasol could have large role as vision for NBA Europe takes shape

New: Pau Gasol could have key role in NBA Europe, as well as Saudi PIF. Adam Silver’s league is taking shape

www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...

Possible sovereign wealth investment in NBA Europe could change U.S. rules

NBA commissioner Adam Silver suggests the sovereign wealth funds that invest in NBA Europe could lead to rule change in U.S. www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...

Why Alba Berlin is a frontrunner for the NBA’s new European league Alba Berlin is Germany's most successful basketball team with a youth program that has produced more than 70 pros across the US and Europe.

After what Adam Silver said about Alba Berlin, it’s clear the German team is a frontrunner to be a part of NBA Europe. Here’s how Alba got to that point, @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...

Franz and Moe Wagner, proud products of Berlin, show off hometown to Magic teammates Paolo Banchero and others braved a snowstorm after a late arrival to show support for the brothers.

What’s it like to eat at arguably Berlin’s finest restaurant, with the Orlando Magic, while the Pinot flows (at my table) and a soft, heavy snow blankets the streets outside?

www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...

Wagner brothers, proud products of Berlin, offer Magic teammates a taste of home

The Orlando Magic Wagner brothers hoped to entertain teammates at one of Berlin’s finest restaurants, and I got to tag along. The dinner almost didn’t happen, which made the meal they shared even more special for Franz and Moe

www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...

Grizzlies say 'chance' Ja Morant plays in Berlin amid NBA trade speculation

Here in Berlin, one NBA star about to be traded, and another who is a local hero, both could return from injury Thursday. On the prospects of Ja Morant and Franz Wagner playing — under vastly different circumstances

www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...

Cavaliers' brutal Christmas loss reveals team flaw, slim margin for error

‘Lay it up, Don.’ If the Cavs are going to be a bad rebounding team, then they can’t do the other stuff they did in a narrow, brutal Christmas loss www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...

What I'm hearing about struggling Cavs: Kenny Atkinson's job security, trade deadline

Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson is not on the hot seat admits the Cavs’ poor start. The organization is ‘upset’ to be sure, but is viewing what’s gone wrong through a wide-angle lens www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...

Miami Heat in limbo with Terry Rozier charged in illegal gambling case

Can the Miami Heat trade Terry Rozier? No clarity from NBA on ‘unprecedented’ dilemma, Silver says www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...