IC Cold Links: Heat Beat Mavs; Sampson, Woodson In Mix For Pistons' Job

The Miami Heat took regained control of the NBA Finals last night, holding off the Dallas Mavericks, 88-86. There was loads of guts-spilling effort throughout this one which again saw the Mavs continually on the chase, grinding their way back into the game after falling behind.

As great as the last two games have been, it's kind of a bummer that both ended with the last shot bouncing off the back iron. The Heat are certainly poised to bask in the confetti dropped on the winners but as these games have shown, Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs will go down swinging.

Meanwhile, closer to home, the Pacers resume pre-draft workouts today and the Central Division rival, Detroit Pistons are reportedly interested in Mike Woodson and Kelvin Sampson for their head coaching position. DeAndre Liggins (Kentucky), DeMonte Harper (Moorehead State), Jake Kelly (Indiana State), Malcolm Lee (UCLA),  Iman Shumpert (Georgia Tech) and Brad Wanamaker (Pittsburgh) are working out at the Fieldhouse today.

After the jump, a few more links of interest including the Indy landing some big Big Ten events which is always a good thing for the CIB coffers.

• PACERS: Indianapolis Wins Bid to Host Big Ten Football & Basketball Events
• Another sports coup for Indy | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
• PACERS: Pacers Draft Central 2011
  Don't forget to stay on top of all the latest as the Pacers prepare for the 2011 NBA Draft. Check out draft workout coverage and more before the Pacers make their picks on June 23rd.
• Liggins, Harper to work out for Pacers - USATODAY.com
• Kelvin Sampson, Mike Woodson among candidates to coach Detroit Pistons - Detroit Bad Boys
  DBB: After disastrous reigns by Michael Curry and John Kuester, should the Detroit Pistons steer clear of another first-year head coach? The case for why that isn't necessarily the case.
• Chris Bosh delivers to help Miami Heat reclaim lead in drama-filled NBA Finals - Ian Thomsen - SI.com
• Mario Chalmers, and the buzzer beater that shouldn’t have counted - Ball Don't Lie - NBA Blog - Yahoo! Sports
• Donnie decided to leave for himself and the Knicks franchise - NYPOST.com

• Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge and center Greg Oden appear on the Jimmy Kimmel... - Blazer's Edge
  This is just fun. Also includes Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala.