The Boston Celtics will try to even their Finals series with the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. Doc Rivers and Phil Jackson spent their respective off days planting seeds with officials which they both hope to harvest tonight in the form of some small advantage. Was I dreaming when David Stern said he'd put a stop to this type of thing. Personally, I enjoy the sideshow.

Speaking of sideshows, Mike Wells expounded on Lester Conner's departure in his blog and reveals that Conner's media performance on the night he filled in as head coachwas the impetus for him not re-upping with the Pacers.

Conner, who was filling in for O'Brien (death in the family), was asked during the pregame media session how much of O'Brien's coaching style he planned to take with him if he ever becomes a head coach.

"Umm, not a whole lot," Conner told reporters at the time.

Jeff Van Gundy heard about Conner's comments and lit into him on the air during a nationally televised game between Boston and Orlando.

What made matters worse for Conner is that O'Brien heard every word Van Gundy said because he was watching the game, according to sources.

But that was just the start of what was a very interesting evening at the Fieldhouse. The Pacersplayed out of their minds, utilizing a big line-up and rolling past Toronto. Then after the game, Pacers Sports & Entertainment president, Jim Morris dropped by Conner's press conference to offer his very overt congratulations on the win. Only time I've seen Morris after a game at the Fieldhouse.

Now we have to wonder if there will be any other departures and more importantly, who will join JOB on the sidelines this season.

After the jump, links with more on Conner, the NBA Finals and coaching news around the league.

• Pacers: Assistant coach Conner's contract will not be renewed
  Mike Wells reports on Conner's departure and mentions that all of the assistants' contracts expire on June 30.
• Louisville basketball assistant McCarty to interview with Pacers
  C.L. Brown reports that University of Louisville assistant men's basketball coach Walter McCarty will interview with the Indiana Pacers about an opening on their staff.
• USA Men’s National Team to Include Exhibition Games in New York, Madrid and Athens :: SportsPageMagazine.com
  USA Basketball is ramping up while preparing for the FIBA World Championships in August. Danny Granger is among the NBA players working out and vying for a spot on the WC team.
• MAGIC: Orlando Magic to Host AirTran Airways Pro Summer League
  The Orlando Magic will host the 2010 AirTran Airways Pro Summer League at the RDV Sportsplex from July 5-9. The 20-game event will feature eight teams, including the Magic, Nets, 76ers, Pacers, Thunder, Jazz, Celtics and the Bobcats. Dante and Galante time along with some Pacers' rookies feeding our summer hoops' appetite.
• Daniels May Be Loneliest Man in Finals
  Remember Quisy? Tim Povtak reminds us that Marquis Daniels is in the Finals, well, sort of.
• His faith isn't shot
  Bob Ryan comments on Ray Allen's up and down Finals performance so far.
• When instant replay shows too much
  Henry Abbott offers his thoughts on the instant replay issues which emerged at the end of Game 3.
• Sources: Scott emerges as serious candidate for Cleveland Cavaliers job
  Former Pacer Byron Scott has emerged as a strong candidate to become the the Cleveland Cavaliers coach, according to an Eastern Conference executive with knowledge of the club's thinking.
• Avery Johnson, New Jersey Nets reach verbal agreement
  The New Jersey Nets and Avery Johnson have reached a verbal agreement to hire Johnson as the Nets' new coach.