In the Paint
In the Paint
Artest the Laker
New acquisition Ron Artest seemed to struggle with the Lakers' triangle offense through the first four games, but he had a breakthrough of sorts Tuesday in a 101-98 overtime win in Oklahoma City.Artest had 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting and added six assists. He entered the night averaging 8.3 points per game.
"He's finding his way," coach Phil Jackson said. "The rhythm of the offense and finding his shots are still a mystery to him.
"A guy like Dennis Rodman used to [fit into the offense] quite simply, but he was just a passer."
Said Artest: "I felt comfortable all season, but when your team hasn't been together yet this year, it doesn't work as easy. It's bigger than just me."
Carter sits out
Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter was sidelined against the Phoenix Suns last night with a sprained left ankle.Carter was first hurt Friday against New Jersey. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Carter aggravated the ankle again Tuesday against Detroit. His status is day-to-day.
The 32-year-old guard was Orlando's biggest addition this summer. The Magic acquired Carter from New Jersey in a trade that sent Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie to the Nets. Orlando also received Ryan Anderson.
Dribbles
The Indiana Pacers will honor their late co-owner Mel Simon with a jersey-retirement ceremony before tomorrow's game against the Washington Wizards. The Pacers said the banner would hang alongside the retired jerseys of former players Reggie Miller, Mel Daniels, Roger Brown and George McGinnis, and ex-coach Bobby Leonard. Simon died in September at 82. . . . The Sacramento Kings signed swingman Ime Udoka to a contract. Terms were not disclosed. Udoka spent the preseason with Portland before being waived last month. Udoka has averaged 6.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game in his five-year career with the Lakers, New York, Portland and San Antonio.
- Inquirer wire services
