Kezie Okpala
United States' Kevin Durant looks to shoot during a men's basketball practice at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, in Saitama, Japan, Thursday, July 22, 2021. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Mind the gap: The basketball world is catching up to the US

By Tim Reynolds Jul. 24, 2021 07:36 AM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 4, 2019, file photo, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown gestures during an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in San Francisco. Brown is the coach of the Nigerian men’s Olympic basketball team this summer, and that team starts preparations for the Tokyo Games with training camp beginning this weekend in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
As Olympics near, Warriors' Brown eager for Nigerian chance

By Tim Reynolds Jun. 18, 2021 01:39 PM EDT

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) is fouled by San Antonio Spurs forward Drew Eubanks (14) as he drives to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Wednesday, April 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Adebayo, Butler lead Heat by Spurs for third straight win

By Raul Dominguez Apr. 21, 2021 11:07 PM EDT

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) looks to pass the ball surrounded by Washington Wizards center Alex Len (27), guard Jerome Robinson (12) and forward Isaac Bonga (17), during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Tyler Herro out of virus protocols, cleared to play for Heat

By Tim Reynolds Feb. 12, 2021 01:56 PM EST

Miami Heat players Udonis Haslem, left, talks to Jimmy Butler during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Miami. Butler has missed multiple games because of the NBA's health and safety protocols(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
'We have to figure this out': Heat say turnaround will come

By Tim Reynolds Jan. 29, 2021 02:19 AM EST

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, left, shoots over Detroit Pistons center Mason Plumlee (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Pistons come into Miami and roll past reeling Heat, 120-100

By Tim Reynolds Jan. 16, 2021 11:18 PM EST

Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson (55) shoots as he is defended by Washington Wizards guard Ish Smith (14) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
'Uncharted waters': More NBA games off as virus issues grow

By Tim Reynolds Jan. 11, 2021 01:09 PM EST