Board of governors approves sale of Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY — The NBA's Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale Friday of the Utah Jazz to a group led by technology entrepreneur Ryan Smith, ending the Miller family's 35-year run as owners of the franchise.
The deal includes Vivint Arena, the team's G League affiliate and management of a Triple-A baseball club. Part of the sales agreement calls for the team to remain in Utah.
Smith is a cofounder of the Utah-based firm Qualtrics, which was sold to SAP for $8 billion in an all-cash deal finalized last year.
The Jazz have the NBA's third-best record since the 1985-86 season, their .588 winning percentage in that span trailing only San Antonio (.633) and the Los Angeles Lakers (.596).
Lin to rejoin Warriors’ system
Jeremy Lin has been around the world and back since his brief stint with the Warriors in the 2010-11 season. Now, it appears he is rejoining Golden State's organization just days before the NBA season tips off.
Lin is working on a deal to be added to Golden State's G League team in Santa Cruz, according to the Mercury News. The point guard reportedly must first receive clearance from the Chinese Basketball Association, where he played for the Beijing Ducks last season.
Irving performs ritual at old court
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving appeared to perform a spiritual ritual on the new Boston Garden court on Friday night before he played in the arena for the first time since leaving the Celtics.
Irving circled the iconic parquet floor during pregame warmups waving around a burning substance that appeared to be sage, which is burned in cleansing rituals. He then snuffed out the plant in a dish.
Hawks top pick to sit with injury
Atlanta Hawks first
round pick Onyeka Okongwu will miss at least the first two games of the regular season because of a foot injury.
Okongwu is expected to back up starter Clint Capela and give Atlanta a much
needed defensive presence off the bench.
Today’s games
Shake Milton scored 15 points off the bench, and the 76ers overcame an
eight-point halftime deficit to beat the Pacers 113-107. Domantas Sabonis led Indianapolis with 26 points and 11 rebounds. ... KZ Okpala scored 24 points, Max Strus added 22 and Precious Achiuwa finished with 13 points and 15 rebounds as the Heat beat the Raptors 117-105. Kyle Lowry had 25 points for Toronto. ... After a 41-point first quarter, the Knicks cruised to a 119-83 win over the Cavaliers. Immanuel Quickley led New York with 22 points, while Cedi Osman had 19 for Cleveland. ... The Bulls outscored the Thunder 34-13 in the fourth quarter, rallying for a 105-103 win. Lauri Markkanen led Chicago with 22 points, and Al Horford led Oklahoma City with 17. ... Kevin Durant scored 25 points, Kyrie Irving added 17 and the Nets cruised past the Celtics 113-89. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 19 points. ... Zion Williamson had 31 points and nine rebounds as the Pelicans pulled away to beat the Bucks 127-113. Khris Middleton scored 29 points for Milwaukee. ... The Nuggets got off to a fast start and routed the Trail Blazers 129-96. Paul Millsap led Denver with 24 points, and Michael Porter Jr. added 20. CJ McCollum had 26 for Portland.