Quick Hitters Blazers executive Neil Olshey dismissed after probe

POrtLaNd, Ore. – the Portland trail blazers fired Neil Olshey, the team’s president of basketball operations and general manager, on Friday after an investigation into workplace conduct.

the blazers promoted director of player personnel Joe cronin to interim Gm.

the team said in a statement that Olshey was dismissed for violating its code of conduct. the blazers had hired an outside firm last month to investigate workplace environment concerns stemming from allegations of misconduct involving Olshey.

the dismissal is effective immediately.

“Out of respect for those who candidly participated in that privileged investigation, we will not release or discuss it. We are confident that these changes will help build a more positive and respectful working environment,” the blazers said in a statement.

Olshey, 56, had been general manager of the blazers since

2012. He was promoted to president of basketball operations in 2015.

Olshey came to the blazers after nine years with the Los angeles clippers, which included stints as director of player development, assistant coach, director of player personnel and assistant Gm.

the move comes amid significant turnover within the blazers.

Nets escape Timberwolves 110-105 behind Durant’s 30

NeW yOrK – Kevin durant scored 30 points, including the clinching jumper with 11 seconds left, and the brooklyn Nets held off the minnesota timberwolves 110-105 on Friday night.

durant was 12 of 13 on free throws and Patty mills added 23 points for the Nets, who won for the fifth time in six games and improved their eastern conference-leading record to 16-6.

James Harden finished with 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Lamarcus aldridge scored 13 points.

“We stayed with our defense,” durant said. “We made them shoot over us. We got stops (and) we were able to make shots down the stretch.”

Former Nets guard d’angelo russell scored 21 points for the timberwolves, who have lost three of five. Naz reid and anthony edwards finished with 19 apiece, and malik beasley had 18.

“We competed,” reid said. russell’s pull-up jumper on the first possession of the fourth quarter gave minnesota an 87-86 lead and he made another for a 95-91 edge with 9:33 left.

the Nets regained the lead with a 6-0 spurt midway through the fourth quarter, going ahead 105-101.

“I know how important the fourth quarter is, especially in a tight game,” said durant. “I was able to get to my spots in the fourth and knock some in.”