The one thing that stands out in my mind is the field goals we gave up after missed free throws. If I am not mistaken, the Duke shooter got two offensive rebounds on missed free throws. I think in both of those cases they resulted in follow-up three pointers.

The only reason I'm bringing my condition to your attention now is because the swelling of a lymph node near my left ear has become noticeable to viewers of TNT, and there have been questions asked. My plan is to work the rest of the NBA season and playoffs, go to the beach with my wife, Cheryl, and our four kids, and start a treatment regimen in late June, which will likely include chemotherapy. And then I'll go back to work.

The only thing I can guarantee to our fans is that we are going to give an effort and try to play aggressive hockey for 60 minutes. I know our team is in better shape than it has been in the past because our testing shows that. One of my primary concerns after the season was that we have to be in better shape. We want to practice and do everything at a higher tempo. We're trying to change the whole culture here as what it takes to be successful.

The only thing I'm disappointed with this year is ending the regular season on a four-game losing streak. But it's not like we're getting blown out. We've struggled with free throws and turnovers, and we'll get better. I just hope it happens this weekend.

The players need to become competitive again and, to do that, they will need to take stock of the season so far. I want them to finish matches completely shattered but with a great deal of pride,