Basketball

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving just needed some time together for the Dallas Mavericks to thrive around this formed-not-so-long-ago All-Star pairing. Patience can indeed pay off in this internet-fueled age of instant expectation.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luka Doncic was in his element, hitting shots from everywhere on the court, hushing the crowd and flashing those sly smiles as the Dallas Mavericks delivered a knockout performance.

Kyrie Irving returning to Boston. Luka Doncic's first trip to the title round. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, getting another chance at a ring. Kristaps Porzingis facing his former team, too. Pick a storyline. There are many in these NBA Finals.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark scored 20 points and had nine assists while playing nearly the entire game, but the Indiana Fever continued to struggle on Thursday night in a 103-88 loss to the Seattle Storm.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks backup center Dereck Lively II was suited up for Game 5 of the Western Conference finals in Minnesota on Thursday after being sidelined for the previous game because of a sprained neck.

The conference finals and Bronny James' decision to remain in the draft are far from the only things dominating NBA conversations lately.

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — By his own admission, Larry Bird has always been a shy introvert. So he wondered why he has to keep talking on stage in front of thousands of people.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sabrina Ionescu scored 22 points and Jonquel Jones added 20 to help the New York Liberty beat the Phoenix Mercury 81-78 on Wednesday night.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers have received permission to interview Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson and New Orleans assistant James Borrego for their head coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press on Wednes

Two of last year's Final Four teams are returning key pieces for next season.