William Guillory

MIAMI — Plenty of random items have entered Bam Adebayo 's locker in Kaseya Center over the past seven years, but one has remained constant.

NEW ORLEANS — Jose Alvarado stood alone at his locker after the New Orleans' Play-In Tournament loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

NEW ORLEANS – When Naji Marshall caught Brandon Ingram 's kickout pass in the right corner, he thought about shooting it.

In a game the short-handed Pelicans almost stole from the top-seeded Thunder, the struggles of their remaining star loomed large.

OKLAHOMA CITY – While the rest of his teammates stood in front of the scorer's table going through their normal pregame handshake routine, Zion Williamson stood in front of the bench alone.

After nearly winning Game 1, the Pelicans imploded in Game 2 against the Thunder. Now, this season — and possibly this era — is in jeopardy.

By William Guillory 32m ago OKLAHOMA CITY — Jonas Valančiūnas rarely allows his frustration to show after tough losses, but the

Brandon Ingram has been ineffective in this series and New Orleans has lost its swagger against Oklahoma City.

NEW ORLEANS – David Griffin had a clear message to convey when he spoke to reporters on Tuesday.

Miami Heat president Pat Riley said the organization will not trade Jimmy Butler this offseason amid rumblings of possible discontent between the franchise and its star player over a possible contract extension this summer.