Kendrick Perkins makes wild ’80-2′ declaration after strong Thunder start

Spencer Jones, a 24-year-old player for the Denver Nuggets, has transitioned from being overlooked to becoming a certified NBA starter, a journey that began late in his college career when he first considered a professional path. This development highlights the Nuggets' recognition of his potential and readiness for a starting role.

San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper expressed his excitement about playing for the team after leading them to a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Harper's performance has been pivotal as he helped the Spurs advance to the semifinals, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The NBA has taken significant steps to counter an article by John Hollinger that criticized the scheduling of the NBA Cup, highlighting the league's ongoing challenges with player injuries and performance issues. This comes amid a season where star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Devin Booker have faced setbacks, impacting team dynamics and fan engagement.

Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the NBA, has announced that he is battling stage 4 glioblastoma, a severe form of brain cancer. In an interview with ESPN, Collins revealed that he has been experiencing worsening symptoms and has been informed he may have only a year to live following his diagnosis.

The Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their dominance by defeating the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, continuing their impressive winning streak. This victory marks the Thunder's 15th consecutive win, solidifying their status as a formidable contender in the league.

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced they will not utilize the alternate NBA Cup court for their quarterfinal matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. This decision comes as the team prepares for a crucial game in the NBA Cup tournament, where they have previously secured a perfect 4-0 record in the group stage.

Golden State Warriors Coach Steve Kerr highlighted concerns regarding the NBA's injury epidemic, attributing it to the fast pace and heavy mileage of modern basketball. He noted that the lack of practice and recovery time is exacerbating the issue, although he refrained from suggesting a reduction in the 82-game schedule to alleviate player health concerns.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has been ruled out for the NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a groin injury, which has sidelined him for several games. This decision comes as the Suns prepare to face a formidable opponent with a strong winning streak.