Last night was a tough one for the Central Division, as both the Bulls and Pacers lost competitive battles against the Celtics and Spurs. The exception to the rule was Kyrie Irving and his Cavaliers, who defeated the struggling Jazz at home. Here are a few notes from around one of basketball's toughest divisions.
- Writing at the New York Times, Justin Kubatko goes into the numbers to explain just how effective Tom Thibodeau has been as a defensive mastermind over the past few years.
- Wayne Ellington has bounced around the league a bit in his first few years since getting drafted out of the University of North Carolina, but with the Cavaliers it appears he may have found a permanent home, telling Jodie Valade of the Cleveland Plain Dealer that he hopes he can sign long term with the team this offseason.
- NBA.com's Scott Agness writes about Pacers guard Lance Stephenson, and how helpful he's been in the open court for a team that could use even more of an offensive boost in transition.