After 18 months away, Karl returns to NBA with Nuggets
George Karl was hired as head coach of the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, returning to the NBA after nearly two years to take over a team that has failed to live up to lofty expectations.
The deal was finalized in the morning and announced in Milwaukee, where the Nuggets play the Bucks tonight.
Karl is expected to be on the bench for that game, making his debut with the Nuggets against the team that fired him in 2003. Interim coach Michael Cooper will stay on as an assistant.
Karl took the Seattle SuperSonics to the NBA Finals in 1996 and led them to at least 60 wins three times in five years.
James’ ankle injury not serious
Cleveland forward LeBron James traveled with his teammates to New York and may play tonight against the Knicks after tests revealed no further damage to his left ankle.
James sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter Wednesday against Memphis and had to be helped from the floor with 9:23 left. He got the ankle re-taped and made a surprising return five minutes later, helping the Cavaliers close out a 114-111 win over the Grizzlies.
The team said James underwent a detailed medical exam in Cleveland.
On the courts
Pistons 88, Pacers 76: At Indianapolis, Chauncey Billups scored 20 points, and Tayshaun Prince had 16 points and seven rebounds as Detroit used a balanced scoring attack to defeat Indiana.
Detroit won its second straight after losing four in a row, while Indiana has lost three straight and five of seven. The Pacers dropped to less than .500 for the second time this season.
Bulls 101, Bobcats 93: At Chicago, Jannero Pargo scored all 14 of his points in the fourth quarter and Andres Nocioni added 17 points off the bench to lead Chicago past Charlotte.
Eric Piatkowski added 16 points for Chicago, which extended its winning streak to five games. The Bulls have won 12 of their last 13 games and eight straight at home.
The Bobcats have dropped 10 straight and have the NBA’s worst road record, 1-18. They have lost 16 of 17 overall.
Spurs 90, Kings 80: At San Antonio, Manu Ginobili scored 25 points and Tim Duncan added 20 as San Antonio held off a late rally to defeat Sacramento.