Basketball

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The 76ers needed all the improbable tricks they could summon to even have a chance at winning their first play-in game in team history. Nicolas Batum hit game-shifting 3-pointers. Buddy Hield was in the mix.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tyrese Maxey sat on his locker room chair and yelled loud enough after Philadelphia beat Miami in a play-in tournament game to welcome one of the newest 76ers to the postseason club.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Fighting his emotions from the most frustrating of nights, Klay Thompson peered high into the upper deck of Sacramento's Golden 1 Center and caught a glimpse of one remaining fan wearing his No. 11 jersey.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — Donovan Mitchell understands what's at stake — all of it. In the weeks ahead, his reputation, his stature among the NBA's stars, maybe even his future with Cleveland, is on the line.

Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter was banned for life from the NBA on Wednesday after a league probe found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors and wagered on games, even betting on the Raptors to lose.

TORONTO — Jontay Porter has been banned from the NBA for life. The former Toronto Raptors backup centre's punishment was announced on Wednesday after the NBA completed its investigation into gambling allegations against Porter.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Damian Lillard took a small step forward Wednesday in his bid to be ready for the start of the Milwaukee Bucks' Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with the Indiana Pacers.

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets met coach Michael Malone's challenge not to let up after winning the franchise's first NBA title.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kawhi Leonard has yet to practice five-on-five with the Los Angeles Clippers as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics know that no one cares about everything they’ve accomplished during the regular season. Being the only team to win 60 games? That’s cool.