NBA News Today: Steph Curry breaks another record, Damian Lillard close to return and more

Golden State Warriors superstar point guard Steph Curry has set another NBA record.

In other news, Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard is close to making his return as Portland continues to struggle without him.

On that note, here is the latest news from around the NBA as of Dec. 1, 2022.

Steph Curry breaks another NBA record

Golden State Warriors superstar point guard Steph Curry.

Steph Curry continues to make NBA history, even at the age of 34 and in his 14th season. Curry averaged 31.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists on 70.9% true shooting in November. In doing so, Curry became the first player in NBA history to average those numbers or better for an entire month.

He also became the second player ever to average at least 30/5/5 with a 70.0% TS% in a month (minimum 10 games). The first player to do so was Curry himself in February 2016.

Considering that 2016 marked Curry’s unanimous MVP season, it seems safe to say Curry is playing as well as ever. If the Warriors can move up the Western Conference standings (11-11 and ninth in the West), Curry may have a chance of winning another MVP.

Damian Lillard close to returning

Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard.

Damian Lillard is close to making his much-needed return for the Portland Trail Blazers. According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes, Lillard is targeting Dec. 4 against the Indiana Pacers for his return date.

"Damian Lillard is targeting a return date of December 4th here in Portland against the Indiana Pacers," Haynes reported.

Lillard left the Blazers' game against the Utah Jazz on Nov. 19 with a strained right calf. Portland has gone 1-5 without him since. Overall, Portland is 7-4 with Lillard this season and 4-7 without him.

Lillard is averaging 26.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists through 11 games.

Ben Simmons diagnosed with left calf strain

Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons.

Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons will miss at least three games with a strained left calf. It was previously reported that Simmons was dealing with knee soreness that would keep him out of Wednesday’s game versus the Washington Wizards. However, tests have since confirmed it to be a calf injury, not a knee injury.

“He's out the next three games," Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said. "And that's what we are and then we'll get to a point where we'll take a look at him after that. But ended up being an upper calf strain. We'll see where he's at after these three games that he’ll miss."

Simmons already missed the Nets game against Washington on Wednesday night. He will now miss the Nets’ home games against the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics on Friday and Sunday, respectively. After that, he will be re-evaluated.

Simmons is averaging 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.2 steals on 61.4% shooting this season.

Chicago Bulls signed Billy Donovan to contract extension before 2022-2023 NBA season

Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan.

The Chicago Bulls reportedly signed coach Billy Donovan to a contract extension prior to the start of the 2022-2023 NBA season, according to Shams Charania. The extension was not formally announced at the time that it occurred.

Donovan had two years remaining on his contract at the time. He was coming off a season in which he led Chicago to 46 wins and their first playoff appearance since the 2016-17 season. The Bulls lost 4-1 in the first round of the 2022 playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks. It now appears that Donovan is locked in as the Bulls' coach for the foreseeable future.

Following Donovan’s extension, Chicago is just 9-12 and 12th in the Eastern Conference. Overall, Donovan now has a career coaching record of 86-89 in Chicago.

Charles Barkley thinks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should start in the All-Star Game

OKC Thunder rising star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

OKC Thunder rising star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has had a massive breakout season for the Thunder. According to NBA on TNT analyst Charles Barkley, SGA should now be a backcourt starter for the Western Conference in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.

“If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not starting in the All-Star game, we’re not gonna let the public vote again," Barkley said. "He should be starting at the two-spot in the Western Conference, easily."

SGA is averaging 31.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.2 blocks for OKC. However, the Thunder are just 9-13 and 12th in the Western Conference.

SGA will be competing with NBA superstars Luka Doncic and Steph Curry for the backcourt All-Star starter spots in the West. Hence, it may be tough for SGA to be named an All-Star starter. Regardless, SGA is looking like a lock to make his first All-Star team this season.