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Poor Start Dooms Thunder's Carlesimo
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The Oklahoma City Thunder fired Coach P.J. Carlesimo, with the team off to an NBA-worst 1-12 start in its new city.
Assistant Scott Brooks was appointed interim coach yesterday, hours after the Thunder lost its 10th straight game.
"This was a very difficult decision to make," General Manager Sam Presti said in a statement. "It is one that I felt was necessary at this time. I am very appreciative of the hard work and effort that P.J. gave to this team and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."
The firing -- the first of an NBA coach this season -- followed a 105-80 defeat to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.
Brooks made his debut in a loss last night to the Hornets, and Presti said Brooks would finish the season.
The Thunder also parted ways with assistant coach Paul Westhead, who led the Phoenix Mercury to the 2007 WNBA title. He had a successful stay at Loyola Marymount in a coaching career spanning more than 30 years.
· RAPTORS: Raptors F Jermaine O'Neal did not practice yesterday and was listed as day-to-day after straining his surgically repaired left knee against New Jersey on Friday night.
O'Neal was scheduled to receive treatment twice and could play today when Toronto hosts defending NBA champion Boston.
· 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 suffering a high-ankle sprain at New York on Nov. 2. He did not travel with the team for the start of the Bucks' four-game road trip at Charlotte, and Coach Scott Skiles said he doesn't expect Redd to join the team on the road.
-- From News Services
