With the Oklahoma City Thunder off to an NBA-worst 1-12 start, P.J. Carlesimo was fired as coach Saturday and replaced on an interim basis by assistant Scott Brooks. The firing -- the first of an NBA coach this season -- followed a 105-80 defeat to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night for the Thunder's 10th straight loss. Brooks was to make his debut Saturday night in a rematch with the Hornets in New Orleans, and General Manager Sam Presti said he would remain through the end of the season.
Carlesimo had been expected to produce a winner around Kevin Durant, but he never really stood a chance. He inherited a roster shredded by the trades of stars Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis after a decision to rebuild. Marbury won't play
After the Knicks traded Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins in separate deals for Al Harrington, Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas, the team needed an extra player to use in their game against the Bucks. However, when the team asked disgruntled PG Stephon Marbury to play for the first time this year, he declined.
O'Neal day-to-day
Raptors forward Jermaine O'Neal did not practice Saturday and was listed as day-to-day after straining his surgically repaired left knee against New Jersey on Friday night. Tests of O'Neal's knee revealed no structural damage. He could play today when Toronto hosts defending NBA-champion Boston.
Bucks' Redd still out
Milwaukee Bucks leading scorer Michael Redd could be out another week as he continues a slow recovery from a right ankle injury. Redd has not played since sustaining a high-ankle sprain at New York on Nov. 2.
Late Friday
Kobe Bryant netted 29 points as the Lakers coasted to a 104-90 win over the Nuggets. . . . Steve Blake made six 3-pointers and scored 20 points for the Blazers in a 117-94 win over the Kings. . . . Larry Hughes hit five 3-pointers in the Bulls' 115-110 win over the Warriors. . . . David West scored 19 points in the Hornets' 105-80 victory over the Thunder.
