Tip-offs

FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 7-APRIL 13

THE QUOTE

"I misquoted myself."—Golden State forward Andrew DeClercq, backing off an earlier claim that he planned to leave through free agency this summer if the team didn't make some changes.

THE MOVE
Kentucky coach Rick Pitino distanced himself from the Celtics after having been contacted by Boston special assistant Larry Bird about coaching the team next year. "To be successful, you have to have a management structure that works," Pitino said. "I don't get that feeling when I think about Boston."

THE STAT
The Bulls locked up home court advantage throughout the playoffs, but it's Utah that has played the best basketball in the NBA over the second half of the season. As of Sunday, the Jazz was 37-6 in its last 43 games, one game better than Chicago (36-7).

THE QUESTION
Is it time for guard John Starks to move into the Knicks' starting lineup? Though the backcourt of Chris Childs and Allan Houston played well in last Saturday's win over Miami, the two have struggled in recent weeks. Starks, who has been starring off the bench, could give the up-and-down Knicks a much-needed spark.