FOULEDOUT!

D’Antoni Agrees to Coach Knicks

After leading the Phoenix Suns to three division titles and two trips to the Western Conference Finals, Mike D’Antoni will now head to the Big Apple for a change of scenery.

D’Antoni made an agreement with the New York Knicks to become the head coach of the team next season. The completion of the contract is still on the prcoess.

D’Antoni will replace Isiah Thomas at the helm of the Knicks. Thomas was fired after the Knicks went 23-59 this season and tied the franchise record for losses in a season.

D’Antoni will have a tough time transforming the Knicks into a contender. His new roster is obviously unfit for his small-ball up-tempo style.

Carlisle Replaces Johnson as Mavs Head Coach

The Dallas Mavericks named Rick Carlisle as the replacement for their former head coach Avery Johnson. Carlisle was the only candidate for the head coach post when the Mavs fired Johnson after their second straight round 1 playoff exit.

Carlisle went 281-211 in two seasons in Detroit and four in Indiana. This is Carlisle’s third stint as a head coach and his skills will be put to test as he is now in the tough Western Conference.

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All-Star point guard Jason Kidd is back in Dallas where his NBA career started. An eight player trade was arranged to bring Kidd back in Dallas. The Mavericks also received veteran Malik Allen and swingman Antoine Wright in exchange for Devin Harris, Maurice Ager, Trenton Hassell, DeSagana Diop, and “retired” Keith Van Horn. The Nets also included the 2008 and 2010 first round draft picks and cash considerations.

“I’m just very happy that this deal is done. I’m happy to be back here in Dallas. I’m happy that (Cuban) and (Johnson) believe in my talent and my teammates’ talents - that we can help the Mavs in pursuing that ultimate goal, and that’s to win a championship.” Kidd said at a press conference.

A 14 year veteran, Jason Kidd was originally drafted second overall by the Dallas Mavericks. He shared Rookie of the Year Honors with Grant Hill in 1995 before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1996. Kidd was traded again in 2001 to the Nets in exchange for Stephon Marbury.

Jason Kidd demanded to be shipped out of New Jersey this season because of their lackluster performance. Kidd was at the helm when he led the Nets to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003 but failed to capture the gold at both times. Playing with the Mavericks will give Jason Kidd a new opportunity to finally capture the NBA crown.

Kidd, 34, is still playing at a very high level this season as he is averaging 11.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 10.4 assists in 51 games for the Nets this season.

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Miami Heat 92

Chicago Bulls 99*

Dwayne Wade and Shawn Marion combined for 53 points but still lost to the Chicago Bulls dropping their ninth straight game.

Kirk Hinrich stepped up for the Bulls who are playing without Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and Ben Wallace. Hinrich came off the bench and finished with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. He had plenty of help from his teammates. Three Bulls players finished with double-doubles. Joe Smith had 19 points and 11 rebounds, Thabo Sefolosha had 17 points and 12 rebounds and Tyrus Thomas contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds. Andres Nocioni chipped in 18 points.

Only Wade and Marion scored in double figures for the Miami Heat. Wade finished with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assist while Marion had 23 points and 7 rebounds. Jason Williams and Marcus Banks had 9 points apiece for the Heat.

Dallas Mavericks   97

Phoenix Suns    109*

Defending MVP Dirk Nowitzki posted 36 points for the Dallas Mavericks but it wasn’t enough to beat the fiery Phoenix Suns on Valentine’s Day.

Amare Stoudamire and Leandro Barbosa had 26 points each for the Suns and Steve Nash finished with 24 points and 13 assists.

Jason Terry scored 29 points for the Mavericks but he and Dirk got little help from their teammates. No other Maverick scored in double digits except for Dirk and Terry. Dallas swingman Eddie Jones had 9 points while Devean George and Brandon Bass each had 7 points.

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