OG returns to practice for New York
NBA notebook
GREENBURGH, N.Y. — OG Anunoby fully practiced with the New York Knicks on Friday for the first time since injuring his hamstring, moving them closer to having their starting lineup intact for the Eastern Conference finals.
The starting forward missed the final two games of the Knicks’ second-round sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers after straining his right hamstring late in Game 2. He took part in some of practice when the Knicks returned on Wednesday, but sat out the portions when they went full speed.
But coach Mike Brown said Anunoby did everything with the team on Friday.
The Knicks would host Game 1 of the East finals on Sunday if Cleveland beats Detroit in Game 6 on Friday night. If that series goes the distance, Anunoby wouldn’t have to be ready until Tuesday.
Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points per game in the postseason while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from 3-point range.
Clarke investigation
Brandon Clarke’s death raised countless questions. So far, there are few answers.
And it’ll probably stay that way for a while. The Memphis Grizzlies forward was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on Monday, and a person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The Associated Press on Tuesday that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence.
The 29-year-old Clarke was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. An autopsy was performed, but the cause of death could take weeks to determine.
At some point, the County of Los Angeles’ Medical Examiner’s Office will update Clarke’s cause of death. But that could take weeks, pending the return of toxicology and any other tests that were ordered.
For now, the coroner’s office says the case remains open and the cause of death is listed as “deferred.” The coroner’s work has been completed. It’s simply a matter of the tests coming back.
There are other elements of the investigation into Clarke’s death, such as who made the 911 call and what other factors could have played a role.
Kerr still loves it
SAN FRANCISCO — Steve Kerr says he still loves coaching the Golden State Warriors.
Once Kerr came to that realization, and the team figured out there was no one better to guide the organization through Stephen Curry’s final seasons, the final decision for both sides was easy.
“I still love what I do,” Kerr said Friday. “If I were tired and burned out, then I would not be doing this. But I love my job, I love coaching the Warriors, being in this city, being in the Bay.”
The four-time championship-winning coach will remain in charge of the Warriors after signing a two-year contract. That was in doubt at the end of a 37-win season that left Golden State out of the playoffs for the fourth time in seven seasons, but ultimately the sides stuck together.
Friday’s game:
– Cade Cunningham scored 21 points and the top-seeded Detroit Pistons dominated the second half, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 to force a Game 7 in their Eastern Conference second-round series. The decisive game is Sunday in Detroit. Jalen Duren had 15 points and 11 rebounds while Daniss Jenkins also scored 15 for the Pistons, who have won four games this postseason when facing elimination. James Harden scored 23 points for Cleveland.



