"It’s tough to play with one eye, unless you’re a pirate," West joked. Ben Wallace has also been avoiding the pre-game theatrics, and David Stern publicly decried the sometimes disruptive spectacles (think Super Hugo and the flaming hoop of stupidity).

Thomas, who no longer has an office at Madison Square Garden, is sticking around with the Knicks while seeking a more high-profile job elsewhere. Knicks fans were probably hoping he would scout the Siberian Prison League, but at least he's on the other side of the Atlantic.

"I just wanted to pick my spots," Bryant said. "I knew I wasn't 100%. Fourth quarter, Lamar [Odom] and Pau [Gasol] picked it up." Bryant's increased selectivity paid off: he finished 6-of-10 from the field and 13-of-17 from the line. His free throw total is encouraging for Lakers fans, proof that his bad back hasn't sapped him of aggression.

Lawyers pushed Nickels to concede that no businesses would be negatively impacted if the Sonics left town. They also contended that traffic would be greatly reduced near KeyArena, and asked Nickels whether, following the Sonics franchise-worst season, he felt "great pride and exuberance". There is obvious irony in the notion that lawyers representing the Sonics are doing everything they can to diminish the franchise's standing, but we imagine the fans in Seattle aren't laughing.

Chandler even said that he would have returned in Game 5 if it was necessary. His teammates gave him a hard time about his dramatic collapse onto the court, complete with an exaggerated re-enactment by Peja Stojakovic. David West, who is battling a stiff and sore back, is also expected to play.

"I am very saddened to hear of the large loss of life that has occurred," Yao said. "My thoughts are with everyone back in my home country of China during this very dark and emotional time. Right now, the most important thing we can do is to respond quickly to help those who cannot help themselves."

The Cavaliers needed Gibson in the fourth quarter last night, when they missed two huge 3-pointers that could have tied the game. Game 6 is on Friday, so hopefully we'll get an update on his status after today's practice.