G League player dies 2 days after collapse
A Detroit Pistons developmental player who collapsed on the court during a NBA G League game in Michigan has died.
The Grand Rapids Drive said 26-year-old Zeke Upshaw died at a hospital Monday. No cause was disclosed.
He collapsed Saturday night near the end of a game against the Long Island Nets. Upshaw’s mother, Jewel Upshaw, released a statement thanking the team and fans.
Team owner Steve Jbara said the Grand Rapids area was fortunate to enjoy Upshaw’s commitment to the community, especially children . ...
Washington Wizards point guard John Wall said he feels good after two fullcontact practices but is not sure when he will return to game action for his struggling team. Wall spoke to reporters Monday, his first remarks in Washington since having surgery on his left knee Jan. 31. He said he lost about 10 or 15 pounds during his rehab, without intending to. The Wizards have lost three consecutive games heading into today’s game against the visiting San Antonio Spurs and have dropped to sixth in the Eastern Conference at 4033. The team is 14-11 without Wall during his current absence.
IN MONDAY’S GAMES ... 76ERS 123, NUGGETS 104 >> Markelle Fultz had 10 points and eight rebounds in his first game since October, helping the 76ers win in Philadelphia. The 76ers and their fans wanted the No. 1 pick to play and after five often-confusing months they got him. The first pick of the 2017 draft shot an airball, had three shots blocked and artfully attacked the lane, flashing glimpses of what has made him both a mystery project and prominent prospect. With a playoff berth clinched for the first time since 2012, the 76ers and Fultz decided the time was right to return from an injured shoulder and busted confidence that had cost him all but four games of his rookie season. Fultz checked in to a standing ovation with 2:54 left in the first quarter and drove down the baseline for a quick basket. But Fultz whose awkward shooting form made him a punchline in the NBA fired an airball later in the quarter. Joel Embiid had 20 points and 13 rebounds and Ben Simmons had 11 assists for the 76ers. Will Barton led Denver with 25 points. PISTONS 112, LAKERS 106 >> Reggie Jackson scored 20 points and Reggie Bullock had 16 for the Pistons in Detroit. The Pistons (3440) won for the fourth time in five games, but trailed idle Miami by five games for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. With Blake Griffin reduced to 24 minutes due to foul trouble, reserve Anthony Tolliver added 15 points as the Pistons put six scorers in double figures. Julius Randle had 22 points and 11 rebounds for Los Angeles, and Lonzo Ball finished with 15 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma had 20 points and 11 boards. HORNETS 137, KNICKS 128 (OT) >> Kemba Walker had 11 points of his 31 points and three assists in overtime, and the host Hornets earned their fourth straight victory. Walker hit a late 3-pointer to help send the game into overtime and then took over. Walker was 4 for 4 in the extra period with three 3-pointers to outduel New York’s Trey Burke, who finished with a career-high 42 points on 19-of-31 shooting and 12 assists. Walker needs 20 points Wednesday night against Cleveland to pass Dell Curry as the franchise’s career leading scorer. Dwight Howard had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Hornets. GRIZZLIES 101, TIMBERWOLVES 93 >> Wayne Selden scored 23 points, Marc Gasol had 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists for Memphis in Minneapolis. Memphis went 15 of 31 from beyond the arc and snapped its 17-game road losing streak, dealing a blow to Minnesota’s playoff hopes. CELTICS 102, SUNS 94 >> Jayson Tatum scored 23 points, and Marcus Morris added 20 in three quarters before reinjuring his right ankle in Phoenix. Boston won its fourth straight.