Paul's steady hand shows most for Hornets in close games

Chris Paul always seems to keep the Hornets buzzing along in close games.

When something happens year after year, can it really be a fluke?

With that in mind, perhaps we need to revisit the notion that the Hornets shouldn't have as many wins as they have.

With their one-point victory in Portland on Monday, the Hornets are 14-3 in games decided by five points or less this season. Combine that with a 1-7 record in games decided by 15 points or more and you have a team with a negative point differential (-1.2 per game) and a winning record.

Their point differential says the Hornets should be 20-25 at this point, yet instead they're 25-20. The Hornets sit in eighth place in the Western Conference, but statistically, three of the teams behind them in the standings are better.

As it has been written in this space before, the Hornets' record is the most inflated mark in the league.

But this is not new. The Hornets have had a winning record in close games every season since they drafted Chris Paul, and they've had inflated records in four of those five seasons. Only in 2007-08 did they win fewer games (56) than their point differential said they should have (58).

In total, the Hornets are 67-33 (.670) in games decided by five points or less in Paul's four-plus seasons. Only the Mavs (75-32, .701) have a better record in close games in that span.

Hornets' record in games decided by five points or less, last five seasons

Season W L 2005-06 14 7 2006-07 13 12 2007-08 13 5 2008-09 13 6 2009-10 14 3 TOTAL 67 33

The Mavs' record in close games is comparable to their overall record over the last five seasons. Dallas has the best overall winning percentage (.692) in the league since the 2005-06 season, while the Hornets are 12th (.555).

Since Paul came into the league, his team has been much better in close games than they've been otherwise. The difference between their record in close games and their record in not-so-close ones is the greatest in the league in that timeframe.

Biggest difference, winning percentage in close games vs. other games, last five seasons

Team Close W Close L Close Pct. Other W Other L Other Pct. Diff. Pct. New Orleans 67 33 0.670 140 133 0.513 0.1572 Portland 63 46 0.578 112 154 0.421 0.1569 New York 51 64 0.443 78 179 0.304 0.140 New Jersey 55 48 0.534 107 162 0.398 0.136 Miami 59 46 0.562 118 150 0.440 0.122

In general, there should not be that big of a discrepancy between a team's overall record and its record in close games. And in time, they should even out.

But it's impossible to ignore how well the Hornets have done in close games since Paul arrived in New Orleans. They simply play better when a game comes down to the final minutes. And it makes some sense, given Paul's competitiveness and his ability to control possessions as the best point guard in the league. Also, because the ball is in Paul's hands so much, the Hornets aren't as susceptible to the inconsistencies of role players.

A look at their numbers this season shows that the Hornets thrive in clutch situations (last five minutes of regulation or overtime, with a scoring margin of five points or less).

In non-clutch situations this season (2,052 minutes of playing time), the Hornets score just 104.0 points per 100 possessions and allow 106.2. But in clutch situations (128 minutes), they score 117.9 points per 100 possessions and allow just 96.2.

If only the Hornets played every game like it was close down the stretch, they'd not only be the best offensive and best defensive team in the league, but they'd be 43-2!

There are several keys to the Hornets' improved play in the closing minutes of close games.

Hornets' Key Offensive Numbers, Clutch vs. Non-Clutch Situations

Situation Off. Rat. EFG% OReb Rt TO/Poss FTA/Poss Clutch 117.9 0.486 0.330 10.3 39.7 Non-Clutch 104.0 0.500 0.243 13.8 20.6

Off. Rat. = Points scored per 100 possessions EFG% = (FGM + (0.5*3PM))/FGA OReb Rt = Percentage of available offensive rebounds obtained TO/Poss = Turnovers per 100 possessions FTA/Poss = Free-throw attempts per 100 possessions

The Hornets actually shoot worse in clutch situations than they do otherwise. But they rebound better, turn the ball over less and get to the line more often ... a lot more often. They attempt almost twice as many free throws per possession in clutch situations than they do otherwise.

Paul, David West and James Posey have played the most clutch minutes for the Hornets this season, and all three have much higher free-throw rates in those situations than they do at other times of the game. And not only do they shoot them often, they shoot them well. Paul and Posey are shooting a combined 35-for-39 (89.7 percent) from the line in clutch situations this season.

Hornets' Key Defensive Numbers, Clutch vs. Non-Clutch Situations

Situation Def. Rat. OEFG% DReb Rt OTO/Poss OFTA/Poss Clutch 96.1 0.408 0.739 14.9 42.0 Non-Clutch 106.2 0.517 0.728 15.2 21.9

Def. Rat. = Points allowed per 100 possessions OEFG% = (Opp. FGM+(0.5*Opp. 3PM))/Opp. FGA DReb Rt = Percentage of available defensive rebounds obtained OTO/Poss = Opponents' turnovers per 100 possessions OFTA/Poss = Opponents' free-throw attempts per 100 possessions

Looking at the Hornets' defensive numbers, we note that their opponents are actually shooting more free throws in clutch situations than they are, but the opponents (.760 FT percentage) don't shoot them as well as the Hornets do (.830 percent).

Contesting shots is where the Hornets excel down the stretch. Their opponents suffer a serious dropoff in shooting percentage in the final minutes of close games, both from 3-point range and inside the arc.

Can the Hornets keep this up? Are they really as 25-20 team, or will we see them come back down to earth?

The previous four seasons tell us that we might need to get used to an inflated record when Paul's running the show.

"We're used to this," Paul said after Monday's win over the Blazers. "We do this night in and night out. We don't do any blowouts. We don't believe in them."

It's hard to argue with the guy, because the numbers back him up.

All statistics are through Wednesday, Jan. 27 and were compiled with the help of the NBA and StatsCube.

Two players, one position can be a combustible formula

Al Jefferson and Kevin Love work well offensively. Defensively ... well, that's different.

There is a saying in the NFL that the most important player on any team is the quarterback and the second-most important is the backup quarterback.

If you believe that, then Curtis Painter (Peyton Manning's caddy with the Indianapolis Colts) and Mark Brunell (Drew Brees' wizened understudy with the New Orleans Saints) are key and crucial members of their respective Super Bowl teams -- even though neither is likely to drop his clipboard or shed his ballcap in the big game in Miami.

It doesn't work that way in the NBA. Having reliable reserves -- somebody who does more than hold a clipboard -- and something that resembles a depth chart is a good thing.

Still, when two talented players vie for the same position, there sometimes is redundancy and disharmony, which typically intensifies to the point where someone has to go. Think Joe Montana and Steve Young, two NFL Hall of Fame quarterbacks who -- for an awkward period with the San Francisco 49ers -- tried to share the same space and time. Or more recently, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. Only after the old guys left did the young guys thrive.

No one in the NBA, history tells us, ever is happy holding a clipboard for someone else. And if two guys laying claim to the same spot happen to be peers, close in experience and age, a situation can become downright untenable. Corrosive to team chemistry and unpleasant on a 24/7 basis.

Granted, you can get that even when teammates play allegedly complementary positions -- no one is forgetting Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and their intramural friction anytime soon. Still, it's far more common when two centers or two points guards can't peacefully co-exist and their coaches can't effectively find minutes for both.

Here are some of the NBA's current position logjams. Next week we'll stroll down memory lane for some famous ones that, well, got resolved one way or another:

Al Jefferson-Kevin Love, Timberwolves

Minnesota is one of those teams so in need of roster help that it should be grateful to have two talented forwards like Jefferson and Love. Then again, the team that loves to stockpile point guards (or potential ones, either playing domestically or abroad) also has overlap at power forward. Offensively, these guys mesh nicely, with Jefferson a low-post beast and Love adept at passing and hitting mid-range jumpers. Defensively, though, is where it breaks down. Jefferson plays center but often is too small; Love doesn't have the foot speed to handle small forward. Said coach Kurt Rambis: "When you go play against a team like Boston or the Lakers, who have that tremendous length, they can be doing all the right things defensively, they're boxing out, and those guys just reach over them.'' With long-term sustainability in doubt, Jefferson trade rumors have flared and there even was an anonymous claim (immediately shot down) that the two don't get along.

Carlos Boozer-Paul Millsap, Jazz

This is not what the Jazz had in mind when they matched Millsap's four-year, $32 million offer sheet. Boozer backed away from free agency and exercised his $12.7 million option. Presto! Logjam at the 4 spot! Boozer has played up to All-Star levels, while Millsap's major numbers all have drooped: 26.1 minutes from 30.1 a year ago, 10.3 points from 13.5 and 5.8 rebounds from 8.6. It's expected that this will get resolved this summer by Boozer's overdue relocation, but there might be some slack sooner than that: Boozer suffered a strained right calf Wednesday in Portland and Millsap responded with15 points and 12 boards in the Jazz victory.

Derrick Rose-Kirk Hinrich, Bulls

Rose's arrival last year and development into the NBA's Rookie of the Year (and the Bulls' best bet for a franchise player) enflamed rumors that Hinrich would be traded. Then a funny thing happened: John Salmons, the shooting guard expected to replace free-agent departee Ben Gordon's offense this season, whiffed on the opportunity. After Chicago's first 27 games, coach Vinny Del Negro decided to start both Hinrich and Rose. The results have been terrific. The Bulls are 11-4 when Hinrich starts, and he has averaged 13.2 points, 5.4 assists and 1.33 steals when he's on the floor from tipoff. Rose has been better in January (23.3 ppg, 6.5 apg, 51 FG percent) than in the two months prior to that.

Monta Ellis-Stephen Curry, Warriors

Ellis is 6-foot-3, 180 pounds. His greatest asset is his ability to score. Curry is 6-foot-3, 185, similar attribute. So leave it to Golden State coach Don Nelson, the mad scientist of NBA head coaches, to resolve the overlap by starting both of them in an undersized but potent Warriors backcourt. Neither of them is a classic playmaker but they do pose matchup problems for opposing defenses. When they're the defenders? Well, not so much.

Chris Kaman-Marcus Camby, Clippers

There are plenty of teams with playoff ambitions that would welcome Marcus Camby's defensive presence. There are plenty of teams, period, that wish they had a center as active, with a potential still as bright, as Kaman. The Clippers have them both, using the 35-year-old and the 29-year-old in the starting lineup together (Camby gets designated as the forward) and playing each in excess of 30 minutes nightly. This figures to change, of course, once No. 1 draft pick Blake Griffin gets healthy.

Aaron Brooks-Tracy McGrady, Rockets

At first glance, you wouldn't characterize this as redundancy. Brooks is dwarfed even by a lot of point guards in this league, while wingman McGrady has good size and obviously plays a different position. Yet in their roles within the Houston Rockets' offense -- Brooks' currently, McGrady not -- the ball cannot be in both guys' hands often enough to make it work. That's how T-Mac ended up estranged from the team he was supposed to lead to an NBA championship, working out in Chicago while waiting for his expiring contract to dictate his short-term fate, maybe by the trading deadline.

Andre Miller-Steve Blake, Trail Blazers

We could throw Jerryd Bayless into this overlap to make it real Manhattan gridlock. As much as Portland craved a veteran point guard to impose order on their offense -- the reason the Blazers acquired Miller -- it didn't need the drama and uncertainty that has followed. Injuries (Miller's back) and illness (pneumonia) just compounded the questions about who did what better than whom. Miller has started 31 times but doesn't always finish. Blake has squeezed in 27 starts. Bayless is back from an ankle injury and seeking more time, too. Coach Nate McMillan has managed the logjam by going with his gut, which keeps the players on their toes but doesn't do much to settle rotation questions.

Spurs might end up missing their annual wake-up call

With the season half over, San Antonio is still trying to get everyone on the same page.

Never mind Punxsutawney Phil, that one-day-a-year-working groundhog with the great PR firm. In the NBA, you can usually tell February has arrived when the San Antonio Spurs poke their heads out of their burrow, appearing fit and ready to roll toward the playoffs.

But as Groundhog Day draws near this year, it's the Spurs who need to be poked with a stick and roused from their hibernation. A season that began with great hope is becoming mired in a bog of empty promise.

The Spurs got a 105-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. But one victory does not end the concern in San Antonio.

The Spurs just broke a three-game losing streak at home with the win over the Hawks, the Spurs' longest skid in San Antonio since 1996-97, back when Tim Duncan was a senior at Wake Forest and the Spurs trodged through a 20-62 season.

Earlier this week, a report on Yahoo! Sports linked the Spurs in talks with the Phoenix Suns about All-Star center Amar'e Stoudemire. San Antonio management denied any conversations concerning Stoudemire. But if things don't turn around fast, it will only be the start, because nothing breeds rumor and panic like an underachieving contender.

The odd thing is that so much has gone right for the Spurs. Tim Duncan's knees have held up, he looks fitter overall and his game in all areas has returned to near MVP level. Rookie DeJuan Blair, a second-round pick, is a rebound-gobbler and appears to be a steal of the Draft. Manu Ginobili's troublesome ankle has slowly rounded into shape and lately he's been sound on the court. George Hill continues to bloom in the backcourt in his second season.

Yet the Spurs look nothing at all like the perennial contenders they normally are, though they were supposed to be reloaded and primed to challenge the Lakers in the West after an active -- and financially bold -- offseason.

The Spurs are 26-18 and in fifth place in the Western Conference, where 11 teams are currently above .500.

After watching the balance sheet scrupulously for all those seasons, the Spurs gambled to break through the luxury tax threshold when they traded for Richard Jefferson ($15 million) and signed Antonio McDyess ($4.5 million) to take their total payroll near $80 million and have not cashed in with victories. On top of that, point guard Tony Parker has been slowed at times with plantar fasciitis in his foot and limped off the floor Wednesday night with a sprained left ankle.

"You've got to play a lick of defense to win in this league," said coach Gregg Popovich. "We're scoring more points than we've ever scored in our lives. But our defense is really sub-par and it's killing us."

In back-to-back games during the current homestand, the Spurs gave up a 60-point second half to the Utah Jazz and a 61-point second half to the Houston Rockets in a pair of losses.

While they are scoring points (101.4 points per game, 11th in the NBA), the Spurs' offense has been often relying on outside shooting. In those stretches when those jumpers shots don't fall, they don't have the defense to weather the storms.

"We're not that defensive team right now," Duncan said. "We're built that way. Our state of mind is that way. We're just not getting the job done that way."

Popovich continues to be supportive and hopeful with Jefferson, who shot just 1-for-8 and scored only two points in a home loss to Chicago. Jefferson is averaging 12.5 points -- his lowest average since his rookie season -- and leaning heavily on perimeter jumpers.

"Richard's working with trying to be comfortable with everything," Popovich said. "He's a team player. He wants to fit in. His game has been a little bit up and down lately, but he's going to be fine."

The thought coming into the season was that the high-flying Jefferson would be able to run free in the open court, finishing with dunks and layups in the transition game, which would not only boost the offense, but reduce the burden on Duncan.

But Parker, even when healthy, is not the same kind of running point guard as Jason Kidd, who often threw lob passes that Jefferson flushed home in New Jersey. When Parker gets out in the running game, his most effective play is usually finishing himself and that leaves Jefferson out of the mix.

For his part, McDyess -- who's been in and out of the starting lineup -- simply seems lost. He has confided to some around the organization that he's puzzled over the fact that he still does not feel comfortable in the lineup even though the season is half gone.

Popovich has used 12 different starting lineups this season while doing more juggling than a carnival act.

"They're competing," the coach said. "That's got nothing to do with the losses or the wins. Guys always compete."

At this point, the Spurs are like a jigsaw puzzle whose pieces don't fit together. Which is why the rumors and the losses mount.

"We've been wasting opportunities," Ginobili said. "We've played tons of games at home and have let opportunities get away.

"It's going to get uphill in the second half (of the season) because we're going to be playing on the road against good teams. We're definitely going to have to do better if we want to keep our chances of being a contender or being up there in the Western Conference.

"If we look at the standings, we are not that bad. But considering the potential we have, how good we can be, I would give us a 6 or 7 (rating). We've got to get to 10."

Everyone in the NBA is accustomed to seeing the Spurs make their move around the same time as Punxsutawney Phil. Trouble is, they've already had I Got You Babe stuck in their heads and have been re-living Groundhog Day for weeks.

Now healthy, Blazers' Webster working on consistency

After some frustrating early seasons, Martell Webster is finding his place in Portland.

The injury bug has made a permanent nest in the Blazers' starting lineup this season, taking out All-Star (Brandon Roy) and role player (Joel Pryzbilla) alike all season long. Portland hopes to have Roy back for a weekend Texas road swing, but during his absence, Webster has made his presence felt.

Blazers fans have always been teased by Webster's seemingly limitless shooting range and athleticism, but like most young players, consistency was an aspect of the game lost on Webster. He missed all but one game last season after breaking a bone in his left foot and having reconstructive surgery. The emergence of rookie swingmen Nicolas Batum and Rudy Fernandez in his absence also seemed to spell trouble for Webster this season.

Yet, oddly enough, Webster (and guard Andre Miller) are the only Blazers to have played in all 46 games this season. Webster, who has started 37 games this season, trails only Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge in that department. For all his improvements in the health department, though, Webster has made a bigger impact in his confidence with his shot this season.

Though he went through a rough shooting patch in December (making only 34.6 percent of his shots), Webster hasn't tried to change his form or do anything drastic with his game. He's using his athleticism to not only help his scoring touch, but he's become one of the team's best one-on-one defenders. In fact, aside from Pryzbilla and Greg Oden, Webster is the team's best shot-blocker and is among it's best rebounders, too.

Webster's teammates have noticed his growth as this season and see there's even more he can accomplish.

"When he gets it going, he really gets it going," Aldridge told The Oregonian. "And I feel like people are really starting to see what he can do when he finds his rhythm. I think that as he gets older, as he matures and as he learns the game more, the sky is the limit."

NBA.com's Five on the Rise is a weekly look at which young players (and resurgent veterans) have yet to reach stardom, have regained the form of their younger days and, most of all, have made the biggest impact for their team in the last week. These rankings are just one man's opinion and are released every Thursday during the season. If you have an issue with the names on this list, or have a question or comment for Jeff Case, send him an e-mail.

G. Martell Webster, Blazers

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
47	28.7	11.1	4.0	0.8	0.6	0.6	.402	.379	.784

Last Week's Rank -
While the Blazers didn't have a particularly memorable week (they went 1-3 with losses to playoff contenders Boston, New Orleans and Utah), Webster impressed us with his big game against the Pistons (which Portland won). It was that game that was a perfect example of the change in the shooting guard from years past. He nailed a career-best seven 3-pointers and had a career-high 28 points, but more telling was that his monster night followed up a fairly-solid 19-point effort in an OT loss to the Celtics. In January, Webster has scored in double-figure in all but one game (a two-point, 1-for-9 stinker in a win over the Sixers) which is easily the best strech of his career. True, we'd like to see Webster not focus so much on the 3-pointer (he's attempted 438 shots this season, 240 of which are from deep), but his role in Portland is to open up space in the middle for LaMarcus Aldridge and the other bigs -- when they're actually healthy. Now that Batum is healthy, Roy is likely on the mend and Fernandez is always a threat to see minutes, we're interested to see if Webster can keep his newly-found consistency up as the Blazers get healthier. Especially considering he will surely lose some field goal attempts once Portland gets up to full strength and he'll have to become an efficient scorer.

G. Jarrett Jack, Raptors

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
46	28.2	10.5	2.6	4.7	0.8	0.1	.479	.391	.843

Last Week's Rank -
Twenty-five games ago, the Raptors had were a 10-13 team and seemed headed for a first-round out (if they made the playoffs at all). Yet the night Toronto won its 10th game was also the same night Jack made his first start with Toronto and since then, the Raptors have found their stride. They are 16-9 since he took the starting point guard job from Jose Calderon and has been one of the main reasons Toronto has elevated itself from East bottom-feeder to a team with serious hopes of the conference's No. 4 seed. Though he doesn't boast the passing acumen or sweet 3-point stroke Calderon brings, Jack is more than willing to take big shots down the stretch of games and not afraid to get to the basket, two things Calderon struggles with. He's made his promotion to the starting lineup worthwhile for the Raptors as he's not only upped his stats in just about every category (as you'd expect), but also by an intangible toughness to the Raptors, who are now No. 2 in the NBA in free throw attempts.

C. Al Horford, Hawks

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
44	34.3	13.6	9.8	2.2	0.7	1.3	.575	1.00	.756

Last Week's Rank -
As Horford waits to find out if his outside shot at a reserve spot in the All-Star Game, he surely can't cite a lack of fresh memorable play for coaches to recall. In his last six games, Horford is averaging 14.6 ppg and 9.0 rpg and put in a great night as the Hawks ended an 11-year long losing streak to the Rockets in Houston. He nine points and 10 rebounds in the victory as he and Josh Smith kept Carl Landry frustrated in Atlanta's win. In watching Horford, we like his old-school approach to the game, his tough work under the boards and how he's methodical about taking the shots that best suit his skills. Coach Mike Woodson told the Atlanta Journal-Constituion he thinks that whether or not Horford is an All-Star this season, he's well on his way to being one soon. "He's one of those guys that's going to continue to work and add something to his game every year," Woodson said. "When you do that, that's when you become an All-Star and a player in this league that everybody respects."

F. Matt Barnes, Magic

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
45	24.9	8.7	5.8	1.7	0.7	0.4	.460	.279	.753

Last Week's Rank -
Early in the season -- when Orlando was off to a 17-4 start -- we lavished praise upon Ryan Anderson and Jason Williams in this space for filling the gaps nicely for the Magic. Yet once Orlando got everyone back in the fold (we're looking at you Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson), the team struggled to keep rolling along. Coach Stan Van Gundy plugged Barnes into the starting lineup 15 games ago and although the Magic are an unimpressive 7-8 in that stretch, they have come around of late, winning three of their last four. We attribute a lot of that to Barnes, who is easily one of the top blue-collar rotation players in the league. He played a big role in pestering Gerald Wallace as Orlando escaped Charlotte with an overtime victory and did a decent job on Rudy Gay in a narrow loss to the Grizz, too. We like the fact he also was the guy who called out his teammates for thinking too much about last year's Finals run and not about this season. His teammates have praised him for his relentless energy on the offensive boards, while Barnes is just trying to get Orlando on track. "Personal stuff is not really important," Barnes told the Orlando Sentinel. "More important as a team is for us to get back on track: get Dwight [Howard] going, get Vince going, get Rashard [Lewis] going. And I really come with that energy."

F. Andrei Kirilenko, Jazz

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
39	28.7	11.7	4.6	2.7	1.2	1.1	.495	.339	.719

Last Week's Rank -
The Jazz's small forward spot has been in flux all season as last year's starter, C.J. Miles, started the season on the injured list with a torn thumb ligament. In the meantime, the Jazz tried Kirilenko and rookie Wesley Matthews in Miles' place, with Kirilenko starting the season's first eight games. But after a 3-5 start, Kirilenko went to the bench and rookie Wesley Matthews got the starting nod ... until Miles returned to the starting lineup on Dec. 21. Coach Jerry Sloan saw his club go 4-6 with Miles as a starter, so Kirilenko got another shot and since then, the Jazz have been humming along. They've won seven of their last eight games (all of which Kirilenko started) and Kirilenko has been one of Utah's better performers during the run. He's averaging 14.5 ppg, is shooting a scorching 63.0 percent from the field and reminded many of his all-around stat-stuffing days of about six seasons ago. His length on defense has also helped Utah protect the paint better and the Jazz have shown some improvement in their interior defense. "No question [his size] makes a big difference. He's able to block shots and play defense. I probably should have had him [starting] all along, if I'd been smart enough," Sloan told the Salt Lake Tribune.

The Next Five

G: Arron Afflalo, Nuggets -- Charlotte has to be wondering what got into Afflalo, who burned them for 24 points (including a career-best six 3-pointers) and had seven assists in a nice home win for the Nuggets. Afflalo has been a starter for the Nuggets since early November and put up great stats that month (9.5 ppg, 42.4 percent on 3-pointers, 3.2 rpg). In December, he slumped a bit and as Denver went through a stretch without Chauncey Billups, teams focused on limiting his contributions and Denver went on a mini-swoon in the middle of the month. Of late, Afflalo has picked it back up again and is averaging xx.x ppg in January. Denver has definitely needed his contributions, considering that Carmelo Anthony sat out the game against Charlotte with a sprained left ankle and the team is also dealing with some attitude problems from sixth man J.R. Smith. Afflalo was traded to Denver from Detroit over the summer and has been viewed as a defensive stopper, but as he recently told Game Time, he's enjoying the fact he gets to show all his skills with the Nuggets. "When I came into Detroit, they mainly wanted to use me for defensive purposes," Afflalo said. "I'm getting my opportunity here in Denver to show on both sides of the ball."

G: Aaron Brooks & Kyle Lowry -- Normally we reserve each spot for one player at a time, but we had a hard time picking between Brooks and Lowry. So they both get a spot here for their standout game against the spurs last week as they combined for 46 points, 16 assists and shot 16-for-29 from the field in a 116-109 win. The win gave Houston a 1-1 split against San Antonio in the season series and given both teams' struggles of late, could prove vital if the Southwest Division gets hairy in March or April. Though both guards have struggled since that monster game together (Brooks is shooting 35.9 percent since then; Lowry is at 33.3 percent), we have neglected to get the Rockets' guard duo in this space all season for one reason or another. As the win over the Spurs showed, Houston has one of the top starter-backup point guard combos in the league (along with Chicago, San Antonio and Orlando are on that list, too).

F: Rasheed Wallace, Celtics -- Maybe that injury to Kevin Garnett wasn't such a bad thing after all? The absence of Garnett, who missed 10 games before returning to Boston's lineup on Jan. 22, forced coach Doc Rivers to play Wallace more, which likely helped get 'Sheed out of an early-season scoring slump. Wallace started seven of those 10 games, played roughly 32 minutes a game and saw his scoring average (13.0 ppg) and shooting percentage (46.6 percent) hit season highs. Although Boston struggled often without KG, his time off the court benefitted Wallace, who took on a mentoring role with some of the younger players and became a fill-in team leader while Garnett got better. In the two games since Garnett came back, Wallace is fitting in well with the second unit and is providing a solid scoring punch. He had 14 points and six rebounds in a thrilling win over the Blazers and followed it up with a solid-if-unspecatular five-point, four-rebound game in a win over the Clips.

F: Shawn Marion, Mavs -- We've praised the Bobcats' Gerald Wallace in this space many times this season for his ability to rebound among the NBA's behemoths and put up Marion-like numbers. Now we're finally starting to see the man Wallace has resembled at times emerge this season, too. The Mavs' small forward has been in the starting lineup for all but three games this season, but in the last five games, has truly started showing the all-around skill he was known for in his glory days with the Suns. His scoring average is only up a tick (13.4 ppg vs. 11.7 ppg this season), but he's increased his rebounding totals (7.4 rpg), has been blocking some shots and getting into the passing lanes for steals. He had a huge block last week to save a win in Washington and has some in Dallas talking him up for the All-Defensive Team. "It's hard guarding anybody who gets a lot of shots," Marion told the Dallas Morning News. "But, sometimes you can put pressure on them and get a hand in their face. If you take away a few easy buckets and they hit 10 or 15 jumpers on you, more power to them. But if you take away one or two things, they have a hard time."

C: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies -- A season ago, who would have thought the Grizz would draw up a game-clinching pick-and-roll play for Gasol? Yet that's exactly what happened Monday against the Magic and Gasol delivered on his end of the play. With Memphis nursing a 96-94 lead, Mike Conley hit Gasol for a layup that locked up another big home win for the Grizz (who have won 11 straight in Tennessee). The shot was the capper on a huge night for Gasol, who finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, four steals and three of Memphis' four blocked shots. He gets the nod here this week for that game and a solid performance against the Thunder, whom he victimized for 15 points, 13 rebounds and a pair of blocks. He and rookie Hasheem Thabeet were crucial to Memphis' interior defense as the Grizzlies needed a Rudy Gay buzzer-beater to knock off the fellow playoff hopeful.

Iverson, Sixers fail to recapture the magic of '01

Allen Iverson is averaging 14.5 points and 4.4 assists a game in Philly, well below his career averages.

The Lakers are coming to Philadelphia on Friday night, and the Wachovia Center will be buzzing and very likely packed for Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson, and this is a big deal. OK, it's a big deal if this were June of 2001.

You remember 2001. For a few weeks, Philly was consumed by basketball and specifically, a hyperactive point guard shaped like a Twizzler who was quite possibly the best entertainment in the NBA. Iverson carried a team of misfits to the NBA Finals in a remarkable solo act that has since been copied only by LeBron James.

Iverson is still surrounded by mainly spare parts. The only difference now is he and the Sixers aren't going anywhere special, much less back to the championship round. Far from it, actually.

That was nine years ago. This is now. This is Iverson, back in a Sixers uniform after a two-team detour, but well past a blissful honeymoon period that began when he returned from exile to Philly on December 2. The energy from that re-debut lasted, um, about a game and a half. Or roughly when the moisture dried up from the kiss he planted at center court on the night he suited up.

The fading superstar and a once-proud franchise have both seen better days, and maybe it's only right that they find some comfort in each other, here in the midst of a difficult time. They've been through a lot both apart and together this season. Iverson began the year with the Grizzlies, which was the equivalent of asking Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno to coexist. What a shock: It didn't work. The Sixers, meanwhile, welcomed a new coach bringing fresh new ideas but lost games almost as quickly as fans lost interest.

So maybe in a bit of desperation for both Iverson and the Sixers, they agreed to a family reunion and tried to stretch it for more than a weekend. Those usually don't work out, either, and now we see the player and the team fighting for a bit of respectability in what is destined to be a lost season.

The best anyone can make of Iverson with the Sixers is to say it's been smoother than Iverson with the Grizzlies. And a lot happier than Iverson with the Pistons. And sounds better than Iverson with the Nuggets. He's back where he belongs, in the city that appreciates him and puts him next to Schmidt and Clarke and the Doctah in the Philly sports heroes Hall. But even Iverson, determined as he's ever been, can't restore much shine to a team that needs a remake more than a nostalgic trip.

The best scenario for the Sixers this year was to subtract, not add. Rather than adding Iverson, unloading Elton Brand would've been more beneficial in the long run. Brand has been a bad fit almost from the start. He's had some philosophical difference with the direction of the club and his contract (three years, $50 million left) has a chokehold on the Sixers. Brand and the Sixers could use a new beginning. Both would be better off. He'd probably flourish on another team and the Sixers could start the rebuilding process a lot more quickly.

Because that's unlikely to happen soon, the Sixers' season comes down to Iverson and whether he can make the club competitive on the floor and in the seats. His impact in both areas, so far, has been mild. The Sixers are much better off with Iverson than without him; they lost 15 of 20 before he arrived and have since beaten the Mavericks, Nuggets and Blazers. His spirit brought a refreshing change to the locker room, and although the Sixers aren't exactly selling out, at least fans in Philly are curious about the team, which represents an upgrade from November.

"He gives us some toughness and leadership," said coach Eddie Jordan. "He's been great for us."

Regarding his beef with Memphis, Iverson was correct in one sense: He does have something left. Just not as much as his All-Star selection might suggest. He's at career lows in points (averaging just under 15 a game), assists (4.4) and number of times he can get the benefit of the doubt on foul calls. Most impressively, he hasn't been a problem chemistry-wise. That was the big fear in Memphis. All told, adding Iverson has been a bargain for the Sixers.

And yet, in the big picture, his presence does little or nothing for the club. With Iverson around, the Sixers won't lose enough games to increase their odds of getting a high Draft pick, nor win enough to reach the playoffs. He's not a long-term solution nor will he convince folks to snap up season tickets. Eventually, for the sake of their future, the Sixers must find someone to take away Iverson's minutes. The sooner, the better.

This isn't 2001 anymore. We knew that when the Sixers brought Iverson back. And when they meet the defending NBA champion Lakers, that game will officially serve as a grim reminder of what used to be.

LeBron fined $25,000 for kicking water bottle

NEW YORK -- Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James has been fined $25,000 for kicking a water bottle during last night's game vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred with 12.4 seconds remaining in the first quarter of Cleveland's 109-95 victory over the Timberwolves at Quicken Loans Arena.

Trial on weapons charges postponed for Cavs' West

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- The trial of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West on weapons charges has been postponed until April 26.

Authorities say West was carrying two loaded handguns, a loaded shotgun and an 8 1/2-inch Bowie knife while riding a three-wheel motorcycle on the Capital Beltway in Maryland in September. Police say he was pulled over after cutting off an officer.

West had been scheduled to go on trial Feb. 18. He is charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, carrying a handgun, transporting a handgun, reckless driving and negligent driving.

The charges are all misdemeanors. Each weapons count carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.

Court officials changed the trial date on Thursday. Both sides agreed to the change.

Ankle sprain to sideline Spurs' Parker for several games

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker is expected to miss several games because of a mild left ankle sprain.

The Spurs said Thursday that the swelling in Parker's ankle was minimal after being carried off the court Wednesday night in a win over Atlanta. No structural damage was found.

Parker won't play Friday against Memphis and will also likely sit Sunday's game against Denver. No timetable for his return has been set.

Parker has been troubled by the same foot all season. He missed four games earlier because of another ankle sprain and has been bothered by plantar fascitis.

The injuries have cost Parker the quickness he had last season, when he was an All-Star and led the Spurs in scoring.

Wizards, Saunders ready to 'move forward' after Arenas ban

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As the remaining Washington Wizards went through what coach Flip Saunders called a "workmanlike practice" Thursday, life-size, color cutouts of Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton still were hanging on a wall overlooking the court.

A day after Arenas and Crittenton were suspended for the rest of the season by NBA commissioner David Stern for bringing guns to the locker room, the Wizards set out to, as Saunders put it, "move forward."

"We've become at times ... emotionally and mentally worn down," Saunders said. "It's almost like a boxer: You continue to take body punches, and eventually what it does, it just wears you down."

Saunders said the "waiting and not knowing" what Stern's ruling would be was in some ways more difficult than hearing the news Wednesday.

"At least there's some closure, from the standpoint of the team, and trying to put it behind us as best we can," the coach said. "Once you find out and you know, it's easier to say, 'OK, this is where we're at, and this is what we're going to have to do."'

Arenas and Crittenton each admitted bringing a gun into the Wizards' locker room -- violating a provision added to the NBA's collective bargaining agreement in 2005 -- after a dispute stemming from a card game on a team flight. Stern said the players expressed remorse, but added, "Nevertheless, there is no justification for their conduct."

Saunders said he's been communicating with Arenas.

"I know he's hurting. He's texted me, and he's called, and we've talked," Saunders said. "He's just mentioned from the standpoint that he's felt that he's let me down at times, and I think he understands the magnitude of what's happened."

Arenas already had been suspended indefinitely Jan. 6; Crittenton hadn't played in a game this season because of an injury.

Washington's first game since the final punishment will be Friday at the New Jersey Nets, the only team in the Eastern Conference with a worse record than the Wizards' 14-30 mark.

Despite how the season has gone so far, on and off the court, Wizards players Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood both spoke Thursday about holding out hope of contending for a playoff spot.

"I'm not happy. This is an embarrassment. To go through the things that we went through this year and to have the expectations that we expected to have as a group and to be where we're at right now -- this is a very disappointing season," Jamison said. "But the thing about it -- we're still going to compete. We're still going to go out there and play. We still believe that there's a chance for us making the playoffs."

Jamison said he hasn't asked the Wizards to trade him, and he expects to be with the club at season's end. He has two more seasons left on his contract.

"I don't see anything happening," Jamison said.

Saunders wouldn't discuss whether the team might try to fill the roster spots that will open up when Arenas and Crittenton are both on the suspended list.

Nor would he speculate about whether Arenas ever will play again for the Wizards. On Wednesday, team president Ernie Grunfeld didn't rule out the possibility of voiding the remainder of Arenas' six-year, $111 million contract.

Jamison was asked whether he thinks his longtime teammate, with Golden State and Washington, will wear a Wizards uniform in the future.

"I would love for it to happen," Jamison said. "He's a guy I've been around pretty much his whole career. ... I know him pretty well, and we've had talks about achieving things together, and I would like to see that become a reality. But that's up to Mr. Grunfeld and the people in the organization -- to see which direction they're going in."

LeBron agrees to multiyear endorsement deal with McDonald's

CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James is now shooting with a Golden Arch.

The NBA superstar has agreed to a multiyear partnership with McDonald's Corp., adding the global fast-food giant to a list of heavyweight corporate sponsors that already included Nike, Coca-Cola and State Farm.

Financial terms were not immediately known, but the deal certainly will add to James' substantial net worth. Last year, Forbes Magazine estimated the 25-year-old made more than $40 million in salary and endorsements. He is currently ranked behind only Tiger Woods on the Bloomberg BusinessWeek list of America's most powerful athletes.

James will support several McDonald's programs and promotions as well as Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides housing to the families of seriously ill children.

He has filmed his first commercial with McDonald's, a take-off on the infamous 1993 ad that featured hoops legends Michael Jordan and Larry Bird engaging in a trick-shot competition for a Big Mac. The new spot will debut during the Super Bowl on Feb. 7.

James, a six-time All-Star with the Cleveland Cavaliers and reigning league MVP, is thrilled with his newest business partner.

"McDonald's and I make a great team," he said. "We share many of the same core values, including a commitment to excellence and giving back to the community. I am also excited about the opportunity to work with Ronald McDonald House Charities, which helps improve the lives of so many children and their families around the world."

Beyond his involvement in charity work with the company, James will be part of TV, print and online advertising campaigns for McDonald's, which operates more than 31,000 restaurants in 119 countries.

Maverick Carter, James' business partner and CEO of LRMR Marketing, called the pairing of James and McDonald's a "a perfect fit."

"McDonald's is one of the best known and most recognizable brands in the world," Carter said. "LeBron couldn't ask for a better partner and for him to be involved with such a company says a lot about where he is in his career."

Carter said James had "on-and-off" talks with McDonald's over the past four years, and that the sides began finalizing their deal in recent months.

James, who has two young boys, fits McDonald's wholesome image and his worldwide popularity makes him an ideal ambassador for the company.

"We really like what LeBron stands for on and off the court," said Peter Sterling, vice president of marketing of McDonald's USA. "He shares the same values as McDonald's. He's hard working. He's community minded and charity driven. LeBron is also that rare athlete that transcends his sport."

When Woods admitted to infidelity, the public firestorm led to some of his corporate sponsors either dropping the world's top golfer or re-examining their relationship with him. Woods' indiscretions may have prompted companies to take a closer look at potential clients.

McDonald's had no concerns in signing James.

"It's a fair question," Sterling said. "We've had a long-term relationship with LeBron, going back to when he was in high school. What we can do is rely on LeBron's past actions and if his past actions are any indication, we're very excited about our future."

In March, James will lend his support to the McDonald's All-American high school games in Columbus, Ohio. Proceeds from the event will go to Ronald McDonald House charities in central Ohio. James was named MVP of the game when it was held in Cleveland in 2003.

James filmed his commercial for McDonald's earlier this month in Indianapolis. The spot also features Orlando All-Star center Dwight Howard and Bird, the Boston Celtics legend. Howard recently signed a three-year deal with McDonald's worth a reported $3 million per year.

Filmed at Conseco Fieldhouse, the commercial is a spin on the famous "The Showdown" ad that Bird made with Michael Jordan. In that commercial, which first aired during the 1993 Super Bowl, the Hall of Famers engaged in a game of H-O-R-S-E with the winner getting a Big Mac. Bird and Jordan traded imaginary trick shots -- the final one off a skyscraper's roof top -- which had to be sunk with "nothin' but net."

James has made previous Super Bowl ads for Bubblicious and State Farm.

Carter said Steve Stoute, founder of New York-based Translation Advertising, played a key role in bringing together McDonald's and James.

Spurs' Parker exits game with sprained left ankle

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Spurs guard Tony Parker was helped to the locker room against the Atlanta Hawks after spraining his left ankle Wednesday night.

Parker tumbled to the baseline after a hard drive to the basket in the third quarter. He was helped off the court while hopping on his right leg, not letting his left foot touch the ground.

The Spurs said X-rays were negative and that Parker would not return to the game. A timetable for his return was to be determined Thursday or Friday.

Parker missed several games earlier this season after spraining his left ankle Nov. 6. He has also been struggling with plantar fasciitis in the same foot all season.

Parker is the second-leading scorer for the Spurs, averaging 17.1 points.

Dell Curry will call rookie son's game with Golden St.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Typically when Dell Curry calls a Charlotte Bobcats game, opposing players are referred to by their last names on the broadcast.

Not this Friday night with one special Golden State guard: Curry's rookie son, Stephen. Dell Curry insists in this case it will be "Steph."

Makes sense.

"I'm his son," Stephen Curry said.

Dell Curry is one proud dad and is looking forward to this unique opportunity.

"I'll be as professional and unbiased as I can, but he is my son," Dell Curry said Wednesday, watching from a seat along the baseline as his son shot jumpers during warmups before Golden State's game against New Orleans. "We do a lot of Steph updates on our broadcasts because he's from Charlotte. It's definitely going to be odd."

Father and son circled this game after Stephen Curry was drafted seventh overall by the Warriors out of Davidson back in June -- and also the younger Curry's return to his hometown of Charlotte on March 6.

He was selected to the All-Star Game's Rookie Challenge on Wednesday and was averaging 25 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists over his previous five games heading into Wednesday night's home matchup with New Orleans.

"It's going to be really fun for me to be a part of the best rookies in our class," the younger Curry said. "It's an honor to be a part of. Historically, rookies haven't done too well."

Dell Curry got the night off after Charlotte's game Tuesday at Phoenix. So he arrived in the Bay Area early to catch Wednesday night's game from the stands.

"I'm just happy to be here as a dad tonight," said Dell Curry, who watched his son live for the fourth time. "It's been a good week for him, a good day for him."

Dell Curry spent 16 years in the NBA with five teams, 10 of those with the Charlotte Hornets, and still offers his insight when his son asks. They speak several times a week, and Dell stays up until the wee hours watching his son's West Coast games after he's done broadcasting the Bobcats.

He often gets to bed at 2:30 a.m. and has a tough time winding down after all that basketball.

Stephen Curry is learning the ways of the NBA just fine in his first professional season. When he does call his dad, they usually talk about other things than basketball.

"I was a basketball kid. I've been doing this all my life," Stephen Curry said. "Even though he did play 16 years in the NBA, it's stuff I can figure out on my own."

Another side note Friday will be former Warriors swingman Stephen Jackson's return to Oracle Arena for the first time since Golden State traded him to Charlotte in November.

"It's going to be interesting," Stephen Curry said. "I'm looking forward to it and playing against him. He's put the Bobcats in a great place right now."

Lawyer calls off lawsuit against Nuggets' Smith

HOUSTON (AP) -- Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith made a last-minute payment to a Houston attorney before Wednesday's game against the Rockets to stall a lawsuit filed against him.

Smith was named as the defendant in a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Harris District Court by high-profile lawyer Rusty Hardin, a Rockets' season ticket holder. Hardin is best known for representing pitcher Roger Clemens in his legal battle with former trainer Brian McNamee, who claims he injected Clemens with steroids.

Hardin was hired to represent Smith in 2006, after Smith was accused of breaking a player's jaw in a pick-up game at a Houston recreation center. That case was settled, but Hardin's lawsuit claims Smith failed to pay $22,753.51 in legal fees.

Dale Jefferson, Hardin's attorney, had threatened to serve Smith with legal papers before Wednesday's game at the Toyota Center. Smith paid a chunk of the fees less than two hours before tipoff, prompting Hardin to call off the process server. Smith has 30 days to pay the rest.

"Mr. Smith has owned up to his obligations, and agreed to pay them in full," Jefferson said, before he and Hardin settled into front-row seats. "When he does that, we will dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice. It has not been accomplished yet, but he did make a good-faith wire transfer prior to the start of the game."

The 24-year-old Smith called the dispute "a miscommunication." He said before the game that he wasn't aware that the bills had not been paid and had to "talk to my financial people about that."

Jefferson set a 6 p.m. deadline for Smith to start paying the fees, and Smith's wire transfer on Wednesday was received with eight minutes to spare.

"It was like a 3-pointer at the buzzer," Jefferson said.

The lawsuit is the latest in a long list of legal and disciplinary issues for Smith during his six NBA seasons.

He spent 24 days in a New Jersey correctional facility last year after pleading guilty to reckless driving.

Smith admitted driving an SUV through a stop sign and colliding with a car in June 2007. His friend, 21-year-old Andre Bell, later died from his injuries.

Smith was suspended for the first three games of the 2007-08 season after an incident at a night club. The previous season, Smith served a 10-game suspension for his role in a fight with the New York Knicks.

The Nuggets considered suspending Smith this week when he sulked on the sideline after playing a season-low 12 minutes against New Orleans last Saturday night.

The team decided not to punish Smith, and the 6-foot-6 guard scored 12 points in 28 minutes of Denver's 116-110 win over Charlotte on Monday.

Wizards not ruling out option to void Arenas' deal

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The locker room guns saga isn't anywhere close to being over for the Washington Wizards, even with the news that Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton are suspended for the rest of the season.

Team president Ernie Grunfeld isn't ruling out the possibility of voiding the remainder of Arenas' $111 million contract. The season is a mess, and Arenas' situation will have a significant effect on the team's plans at the trade deadline. Plus, any moves involving Arenas will be influenced by the punishment he receives when he is sentenced March 26 for felony gun possession.

"We're still exploring all our options," Grunfeld said shortly after NBA commissioner David Stern announced the suspensions for Arenas and Crittenton on Wednesday. "We haven't made any decisions up to this point. We're seeing what we can do. I think it's going to be a combination of many things to see which direction we go in."

Arenas is in the second year of a six-year deal, and any attempt to cancel the remainder of the contract would meet with stiff opposition from the players' union. Executive director Billy Hunter warned the union "will respond aggressively to any improper attempt by the team to impose additional penalties."

Either way, the Wizards are hamstrung as the Feb. 18 trade deadline approaches. With a 14-30 record, Grunfeld could be looking to unload worthy assets such as Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. Yet is was Arenas, who had played little over the previous two seasons because of a knee injury, who led the team in scoring and assists at the time he was suspended.

"Obviously it hurts a team. We made a major commitment to Gilbert. He is our franchise player," Grunfeld said. "From a competitive standpoint when you lose 23 points and seven assists and someone who can make plays down the stretch, that hurts a ballclub. You have to look at things a little bit different, of course."

Crittenton's suspension is largely immaterial to the team. He was a sub who hadn't played this season because of a foot injury. Grunfeld said he is allowed to negotiate with other teams about a possible trade involving Arenas during the suspension. He also revealed the Arenas has been working out with team trainers at a location away from the Verizon Center.

Otherwise, Grunfeld and the Wizards have kept their distance from their three-time All-Star, removing his likeness from nearly every nook and cranny of the arena. Grunfeld cited examples of how the team has supported Arenas in the past, but he added: "When something serious like this happens, people have to be responsible for their actions. Bringing guns into the locker room, bringing guns in the workplace, is not a responsible act."

Arenas, for his part, is making no effort to try to return to the Wizards this season. A statement from his lawyer said Arenas has asked the players' union not to challenge the suspension.

Grunfeld said the team acted quickly when it first heard that guns were in the locker room -- the result of a spat between Arenas and Crittenton last month -- and shared what it learned with the NBA and police. Six players have been punished in connection with the series of events, including four players fined $10,000 for helping Arenas make fun of his plight before a game at Philadelphia.

"This was an isolated incident," Grunfeld said. "Players get counseling every year, the NBA comes in with security meetings every single year, and we are having internal counseling, too, because this is a devastating type of situation not only for our players but for our staff and everybody that's involved in the whole situation, and we don't take it lightly at all."

Grunfeld said the Wizards have contacted local groups about educating youngsters about gun safety.

"Having said that, we still have games to play," he said. "We have to move forward. The rest of these players will really have to band together."

Nets take on Clippers without starting backcourt

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Nets starting guards Devin Harris and Courtney Lee missed Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Harris missed his second straight game with a sprained right wrist. Lee was not feeling well after surgery to extract a wisdom tooth.

Keyon Dooling took over at the point guard and Chris Douglas-Roberts moved from small forward to the shooting guard spot. Trenton Hassell started as the small forward.