A teenaged Beal, at the behest of his mother, would begin each basketball season with a note to himself, writing long-term goals on a piece of paper. He’d scribble how many points he wanted to average, how many wins he envisioned, what tournaments he hoped to dominate. The venture wasn’t finished once pen departed paper.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal's left calf injury has been upgraded from a contusion to a strain as he's ruled out for Friday's showdown at Oklahoma City (10-2) in NBA Cup West Group B play. The Suns (9-3) are 1-0 in group play after ...

For the game, the Suns will be without one of their best players, as Bradley Beal has been ruled out. The former Florida star also missed the team's last game, so this will be his second straight out of the lineup.