News from May 21.

Rod Thorn (NJ) was named as Executive of the Year.  Thorn received 26
votes from the 43 NBA executives polled by The Sporting News.  Joe Dumars
(Det) received 9 votes and Geoff Petrie (Sac) received 3 votes.

Adrian Griffin (Dal) underwent successful surgery on his back to remove a 
herniated disc.  It will be at least 6 weeks before he can participate in 
any basketball related activities.

Speedy Claxton (Phi) is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his 
left shoulder today.

Detroit promoted John Hammond to vice president of basketball operations.

Alvin Williams (Tor) underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.


Bos 93, NJ 86 - at NJ
Paul Pierce (Bos) had 18 points on 3-20 FG and 11-20 FT and 14 rebounds.
Antoine Walker (Bos) had 28 points including 11-32 FG, 11 rebounds, and 3
steals.
Eric Williams (Bos) had 11 points and 8 rebounds.
Kenny Anderson (Bos) had 12 points including 4-11 FG and 7 assists.
Kenyon Martin (NJ) had 22 points including 10-12 FT and 5 rebounds.
Jason Kidd (NJ) had 23 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, and 6
turnovers.
Aaron Williams (NJ) had 16 points including 5-7 FG and 8 rebounds.
Vitaly Potapenko (Bos, partially torn left ACL) did not play.
The series is tied 1-1.


Playoff Standings
  1st Round             2nd Round            3rd Round            Finals
  (Best of 5)           (Best of 7)          (Best of 7)        (Best of 7)
1 Sacramento (3) __
8 Utah (1)         |_ 1 Sacramento (4) __
                    _ 4 Dallas (1)       |
4 Dallas (3)    ___|                     |_ 1 Sacramento (1) _
5 Minnesota (0)                           _ 3 LA Lakers (1)   |
                                         |                    |
2 San Antonio (3) _                      |                    |
7 Seattle (2)      |_ 2 San Antonio (1) _|                    |
                    _ 3 LA Lakers (4)                         |
3 LA Lakers (3) ___|                                          |
6 Portland (0)                                                |_ ___________
                                                               _ ___________
                                                              |
1 New Jersey (3) __                                           |
8 Indiana (2)      |_ 1 New Jersey (4) __                     |
                    _ 4 Charlotte (1)    |                    |
4 Charlotte (3) ___|                     |                    |
5 Orlando (1)                            |_ 1 New Jersey (1) _|
                                          _ 3 Boston (1)     
2 Detroit (3) _____                      |
7 Toronto (2)      |_ 2 Detroit (1) _____|
                    _ 3 Boston (4)     
3 Boston (3)      _|
6 Philadelphia (2)
 

On the lighter side
Jason Kidd (NJ) on the 177 field goal attempts and 107 field goals missed
during Tuesday's NJ-Bos game: "It wasn't a shootout.  More like we were
building a house.  Both teams."