Basketball

TORONTO — It's almost a luxury for Fred VanVleet and the Toronto Raptors to have several days to prepare for just one opponent.

Scoring was up in the NBA this season, to a level not seen in more than a half-century. NBA teams averaged 114.7 points per game. That’s the ninth-highest figure in the league’s 77 seasons and the most since teams averaged 116.7 per game in 1969-70.

Damian Lillard's heroics weren't enough to save the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers missed the playoffs for the second straight season even though Lillard averaged a career-high 32.2 points a game, third-best in the league.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford said it’s critical for the team to start winning if it intends to keep star point guard LaMelo Ball, who is considered a cornerstone of the franchise. Ball, the No.

MIAMI (AP) — Getting to the play-in tournament probably wasn't the goal of any team when training camps opened back in September. It does, however, beat the alternative.

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons , coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history, are searching for a coach and hoping their new leader has Victor Wembanyama in the lineup.

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke guard Jeremy Roach is entering his name into the NBA draft but maintaining his college eligibility.

TORONTO — Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment says it's bringing back its tailgating parties for the NHL and NBA post-seasons.

Some moments from the 2022-23 NBA regular season: Oct. 18: Boston defeats Philadelphia and Golden State beats the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night. The Warriors received their championship rings from last season in a ceremony preceding their game.

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Orlando Magic rookie and No. 1 overall draft pick Paolo Banchero offered a periodic diary for The Associated Press this season to chronicle his first year in the NBA. This is his sixth and final installment.