Sixers force OT, but fall to Bucks
Former NBA player Shawn Bradley disclosed Wednesday that he was paralyzed two months ago when he was struck from behind by a vehicle while riding a bike near his Utah home.
The statement issued through the Dallas Mavericks on behalf of the 48-year-old Bradley was the first public acknowledgement of the incident involving the second overall pick in the 1993 draft by Philadelphia.
The 7-foot-6 Bradley was riding his bike about a block from his home in St. George, Utah, on Jan. 20, when he was struck, causing a traumatic spinal cord injury, the statement said. Bradley has been hospitalized since the accident, undergoing neck fusion surgery and rehabilitation.
“With his wife Carrie at his side around the clock, and supported by an amazing team of rehabilitation specialists and family, Bradley is in good spirits,” the statement said. “He plans to use his accident as a platform to bring greater public awareness to the importance of bicycle safety.”
Bradley, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, played one season at BYU in 1990-91 before doing two years of missionary work in Australia. Bradley was drafted after he returned.
“His very strong sense of faith is being tested as he participates in grueling physical therapy and learns how to cope with the challenges of paraplegia,” the statement said. “Doctors have advised him that his road to recovery will be both long and arduous, perhaps an even more difficult physical challenge than playing professional basketball.”
Heat trade Leonard to Thunder
MIAMI » The Miami Heat have turned Meyers Leonard’s contract into an opportunity to see if Trevor Ariza can help them for the rest of this season.
And for their trouble, the Oklahoma City Thunder got yet another draft pick.
Leonard — who had likely played his final game for the Heat, even before drawing widespread criticism for using an anti-Semitic term while livestreaming a video game last week — was traded to the Thunder in exchange for Ariza and a second-round pick in the 2027 draft.
The Thunder have no plans to keep Leonard, and may either trade him in the coming days or simply elect to not pick up his $10.2 million option for next season. He “will not be an active member of the organization,” the team said. NETS 125, PACERS 115 » James Harden had 40 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds for his 11th triple-double of the season, leading Brooklyn past Indiana.
CAVALIERS 117, CELTICS 110 » Collin Sexton scored 29 points, Darius Garland added 25 and Cleveland’s young guards made big plays down the stretch to beat Boston. WARRIORS 108, ROCKETS 94 » Draymond Green had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his third triple-double of the season and Golden State handed Houston its franchise-record 18th straight loss.