NBA News Today: Kyrie Irving continues to complete steps of his reinstatement, Kawhi Leonard makes progress after injury setback, and more | November 12, 2022
Kyrie Irving has been very busy completing the steps for his reinstatement, meeting with the NBA, NBPA and Brooklyn Nets ownership. Irving is still suspended for promoting an antisemitic film on social media. He was suspended for at least five games, but is expected to miss more.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard is making progress in his recovery from a knee injury. Leonard initially played two games this season before stiffness and swelling in his surgically-repaired right knee. The LA Clippers are being cautious with their superstar forward, who missed all of last season.
Here is the latest NBA news today, Nov. 12, brought to you by Sportskeeda.
Nikola Vucevic fined $15,000 by the NBA for flipping off fans
The NBA has fined Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic $15,000 for making an obscene gesture in their game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Vucevic flipped off toward the direction of fans in the Bulls' 115-111 loss last Wednesday.
Vucevic told reporters, as per Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago, that he's remorseful about what happened. He apologized for his actions and explained that he didn't direct the finger to anyone. He heard someone talking trash to him so he showed the bird toward the fans.
"I figured I would (get fined)," Vucevic said. "It was just in the moment. I got called for a travel. I heard somebody in the stands say something. It wasn't really towards anybody, it was just frustration.
"Obviously not my proudest moment. I wish I hadn't done it, but I knew as soon as I did it, there was a good chance somebody caught it. ... I apologize to the fans and everybody for it. I'll learn from it."
Who pissed Vuc off? 😅 https://t.co/rBkEEDJPy7
Kyrie Irving continues to complete steps of his reinstatement
Kyrie Irving needs to complete a series of steps before the Brooklyn Nets lift his suspension. Irving has already apologized for his actions and pledged to donate $500,000 to an anti-hate cause. He's also met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, the NBPA and Nets ownership over the past few days.
Silver and the NBPA do not believe Irving is antisemitic, while Nets owner Joe Tsai gave an update on their star guard. Tsai confirmed that he met with Irving and his family. He noted that the two sides are working with the league and the union on their next steps.
Irving still needs to meet with members of the Anti-Defamation League, as well as Jewish leaders. The film "Hebrews to Negroes: What You Need to Know," which Irving promoted, has been viewed a lot on Amazon and its book counterpart is a top-seller.
ALSO READ: Julius Erving thinks Kyrie Irving's NBA career is not over: "Owners are greedy, so he's gonna end up in the league playing with somebody"
NBA makes changes to 'Hoops for Troops Week'
The NBA holds "Hoops for Troops Week" to help members of the military and their families every November. However, the league announced on Friday that the program has ended. "Hoops for Troops" will now be held at various points throughout the year.
🤍A half court shot to remember 🙌
We held our annual Hoops for Troops Commitment to Service project today, and hosted military members from 301st Fighter Wing Joint Reserve. They helped pack 1200 meals & attended an open practice with the entire team 💙🤍
@kroger | #MFFL https://t.co/XZnuuJHzAS
Today #Rockets alumni and staff are joining men and women from local military organizations in sprucing up Pleasantville Elementary!
They are assisting with landscaping, curb painting, court repainting and library additions on the campus.
#RocketsGiveBack | #HoopsForTroops https://t.co/st9ixizPkp
Thank you to everyone who celebrated Hoops For Troops night with us last night.
We are grateful to those who have served and continue to serve our country. https://t.co/P523dahgKt
Kawhi Leonard makes progress after injury setback
Kawhi Leonard is making progress in his recovery from a right knee injury. Leonard, who played two games to start the season, suffered stiffness and swelling in his surgically-repaired knee. LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue provided an update on their superstar forward.
"He played five-on-five this morning with some of our guys, some of the players and some of our coaches," Lue said. "It was the first time he was able to get on the floor and play five-on-five. He looked pretty good. Still has a ways to go but that was the first sign of positivity playing five-on-five."
Reporter: "Update on Kawhi Leonard? Close to playing 5-on-5?"
Ty Lue: "He played 5-on-5 this morning with some of our guys, some of our coaches. He looked pretty good. Still have a ways to go but that was a first sign of positivity."
"Fair to say he's getting closer?"
"Yes." https://t.co/IGLC1km2Ha
The Clippers have a 7-5 record this season, and they're not rushing Leonard's return. The Clippers prefer to have him healthy for the postseason rather than early in the season.
ALSO READ: Kawhi Leonard tells funny story of his biggest rookie mistake: "I bought donuts the day before and put them in the refrigerator"
Complete scores for Nov. 11
There were eight games on the NBA schedule on Friday. Steph Curry carried the Golden State Warriors to a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The LA Lakers are now tied with the Houston Rockets for the worst record in the NBA following their defeat to the Sacramento Kings.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic shocked the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs stunned the Milwaukee Bucks. The OKC Thunder also pulled out a win against the Toronto Raptors, while the Memphis Grizzlies outlasted the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves.
Here are the complete NBA scores for Nov. 11:
- Boston Celtics def. Denver Nuggets 131-112
- Orlando Magic def. Phoenix Suns 114-97
- New York Knicks def. Detroit Pistons 121-112
- OKC Thunder def. Toronto Raptors 132-113
- San Antonio Spurs def. Milwaukee Bucks 111-93
- Memphis Grizzlies def. Minnesota Timberwolves 114-103
- Golden State Warriors def. Cleveland Cavaliers 106-101
- Sacramento Kings def. LA Lakers 120-114