The Indiana Pacers reconvene today in Washington, D.C., rested and ready to resume their late-season playoff push to bring to life coach Frank Vogel's vision of a special end to the season.
After dumping their last game in Detroit, the Pacers will be talking a lot about defense in today's workout as they prepare to play the Washington Wizards on Tuesday before returning home for a chance to quickly avenge that loss to the Pistons on Wednesday. All 28 remaining games are important for the Pacers, so getting back up to speed with a couple of wins is critical to maintain any momentum the team had before the break.
Speaking of the break, Kobe Bryant closed it down last night with an MVP effort (37 points, 14 rebounds) leading the West to a 148-143 win and nullifying the triple-double LeBron James added to the mix for the East.
But of course, NBA trade deadline chatter continues to dominate with the deadline on Thursday. Isiah Thomas has somehow weaseled his way into the drama. Maybe Zeke is making a passive-aggressive attempt to seek revenge on Donnie Walsh for not sticking by him when Larry Bird sent him packing from the Pacers sidelines several years ago. Why else would he want to dump on Walsh? Oh, yeah, I guess massive ego is a pretty good line of reasoning. Regardless, there have been denials by the Knicks' owner and coy silence from Thomas which amounts to plenty of humor for those of us not involved.
Talk, talk, talk. Looking forward to the games starting up again tomorrow. After the jump, a few links of interest on this President's Day holiday including rumblings that Troy Murphy might return to Golden State.
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Eastern Conf All-Stars vs. Western Conf All-Stars - Recap
Kobe Bryant pust up a 37 and 14 MVP effort getting the better of LeBron James and his triple-double. -
seMissourian.com: Hansbrough works hard in second NBA season
Toby Carrig catches up with a local boy done good. -
Troy Murphy return to Golden State?
Part of this report includes a Golden State source saying Troy Murphy could be headed back to the Warriors. That sounds funny considering the lack of love Murph had in his first tour of duty with Golden State. -
Knicks owner denies getting trade help from Thomas - NYPOST.com
Isiah Thomas pulling strings with Knicks' owner James Dolan behind Donnie Walsh's back? Has to be too funny to be true although it certainly seems plausible. -
Knicks make final offer for Melo - CBSSports.com
Ken Berger updates his report with the latest on the Melo dealings. -
Aldridge: Knicks put together 'final' offer for Carmelo | NBA.com
David Aldridge reports on the latest news he's hearing regarding the only trade that matters right now. -
Poor Donnie Walsh; Knicks GM Being Shoved Around By the Ghost of Isiah Thomas
Kent Sterling opines on the reports of Isiah sticking his nose in Donnie Walsh's business. -
Prokhorov Flies to Canada for Ski Trip as Nets and Knicks Remain Confident They'll Get Carmelo - NetsDaily
Mikhail Prokhorov flies to Vancouver, BC, Monday morning for a short heli-skiing vacation (a helicopter flies you to the cop of a mountain and you ski down the virgin snows). Where he goes from there is unknown but if it's a press conference to welcome Carmelo Anthony, don't be surprised. -
Mark Jackson's brother dies at 35 - NYPOST.com
Thoughts and prayers with Mark Jackson and his family after losing brother Troy "Escalade" Jackson of And 1 fame far too early.