The Pacers’ C.J. Miles on the legacy of Martin Luther King

Before the Indiana Pacers scrapped their way to an ugly 98-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, C.J. Miles addressed the crowd to honor the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. The 12-year veteran briefly spoke of equality and justice, elements King was murdered for believing in. Such universal truths are in a precarious spot to begin 2017 as Donald Trump prepares to become the leader of the free world.

Wizards get hot from 3-point territory to beat Trail Blazers

Bradley Beal scored 25 points and John Wall had 24 as the Washington Wizards took a page from the Portland Trail Blazers’ playbook by hitting 13 3-pointers in a comfortable 120-101 victory on Monday afternoon. The Wizards, who rely less on the 3-pointer than almost any NBA team, were 13 of 23 from beyond the arc in their 12th consecutive home victory.

Schroder hits go-ahead 3, scores 28 as Hawks edge Knicks

Dennis Schroder scored 28 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 22 seconds left, to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 108-107 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday. The Knicks had three attempts at a desperately needed victory after, but Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony and Joakim Noah all couldn’t convert before time expired.

Celtics no easy opponent for scant Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets were 8-3 and appeared to be building on last season’s success in spite of losing Al Jefferson and Jeremy Lin in free agency. The team was streaking – they’d retained their defensive fortitude and inexplicably added another offensive punch to their one-two combination.

Knicks Morning News

DeMar DeRozan had 23 points, Norman Powell added 21 and the Toronto Raptors used a dominant third quarter to beat the New York Knicks 116-101 on Sunday. Lance Thomas has an orbital bone fracture and is dealing with concussion-like symptoms after taking an elbow to the face in Sunday’s loss to the Raptors, the team announced.

Lakersa improved energy not enough in 102-97 loss to Pistons

Detroit Pistons guard Ish Smith, right, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, in Los Angeles. LOS ANGELES >> The debilitating losses in recent days did not just expose the Lakers’ inferiority against the NBA’s elite.

By the numbers

… (1. Sergio Rodriguez, 72.8). Erik Horne is in his second season on the Thunder beat. Horne joined The Oklahoman as a sports web editor/producer in September 2013 following a…

Bogut’s fresh injury blow

NBA: Ben Simmons’ return from injury is progressing nicely, with the NBA’s no.1 overall pick seen on court in Philadelphia’s warm up before taking on the Charlotte Hornets. ANDREW Bogut’s NBA season has suffered another blow with the Australian centre ruled out indefinitely because of a hamstring injury.

John Wall’s 25 points, Wizards beat 76ers 109-93

John Wall’s left wrist and right pinky were both sore, and for the last two days he’d practiced wearing a splint on the right hand. Wall never doubted he’d play, and he scored 25 points to lead the Washington Wizards to a 109-93 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

NBA Wrap: Smokin’ Joe helps Jazz home

NBA: Rodney Hood top scores with 27 points as the Jazz ease to an impressive 110-77 victory over the Pistons. Dante Exum was in action again with the Utah Jazz, playing eight minutes off the bench, finishing with one assist, 1-4 in field goals and 0-2 in three-pointers.

Carmelo Anthony says he’s thankful for haters

Carmelo Anthony says he’s thankful for haters Carmelo Anthony loves his haters, and he loves sending cryptic messages on social media. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2ixUNQv New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony during a break in action against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden.

Dwyane Wade has big 4th quarter, leads Bulls past Pelicans

JANUARY 14: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls is fouled while shooting by Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans at the United Center on January 14, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Mavericks win over Suns was well orchestrated by Deron Williams

Here are the second-chance points worth making about the Mavericks’ successful journey to Mexico City, where they beat the Phoenix Suns 113-108 Thursday night before a crowd of 19,874 at the Mexico City Arena. Running the show: Deron Williams’ numbers were terrific – 23 points, 12 assists and 4-of-5 from 3-point range.

Bulls can’t muster much effort against slumping Knicks

New York Knicks’ Derrick Rose drives past Chicago Bulls’ Robin Lopez during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, in New York. That should also be the title of any Chicago Bulls highlights from Thursday night’s 104-89 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Pelicans, minus Davis, hand Nets 8th straight loss, 104-95

Tyreke Evans scored a season-high 29 points and the New Orleans Pelicans, playing without All-Star big man Anthony Davis, defeated the reeling Brooklyn Nets 104-95 on Thursday night. Terrence Jones added 24 points and 12 rebounds for New Orleans , which improved to 6-13 on the road by winning both games during its stay in New York City.

Slumping champ Cavaliers talkin’ ’bout practice?

The Cavaliers have lost three of their last five games and despite a new addition to the team in sharpshooter Kyle Korver, Cleveland hasn’t had enough time to get well acclimated with their new teammate, and it’s costing them. A second loss in back-to-back games Tuesday in Portland marked two weeks since the Cavs’ last practice on Dec. 28. Unlike Allen Iverson, Cleveland players think a few days of practice can help them get back to their winning ways.

Wolves snap Rockets’ win streak at nine games

Andrew Wiggins scored 28 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 23 points and 18 rebounds, and Shabazz Muhammad scored 20 Wednesday night to help the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Houston Rockets 119-105. Wiggins carried Minnesota early, scoring 15 first-quarter points as the Wolves opened up an 11-point lead.