NBA Roundup: Of Knees, And Threes And Jumping On Chairs

Taking a look at Sunday's National Basketball Association games:

• 1. Phil Jackson Officially Losing It. How did the Sonics beat the Lakers on Sunday? Seems pretty straightforward to us: Seattle was motivated by an 0-2 record and held Kobe Bryant — playing in his second game back after knee surgery — to 15 points in a 117-101 win. LA coach Phil Jackson had another idea though. "I don't know what went through their psyche. Maybe Bob Hill jumped up and down on a chair and did something foolish in his locker room that got them inspired," Jackson said. (Double take) wha?

• 2. How To Beat The Heat. Kyle Korver and Allen Iverson are doing their best to prevent Larry Brown from returning to the 76ers next season. Korver was 5-of-6 from three-point range and Iverson had 31 points to lead the Sixers (3-0) over the Heat 107-98. Shaquille O'Neal was out with a bruised knee.

• 3. You've Been NOOCHed. Just like the NFL Saints, the Hornets won their first two games on the road before winning their home opener in New Orleans. David West scored 22 points as the Hornets beat the Rockets 96-90 on Sunday. Still based in Oklahoma, the Hornets will play five more games in New Orleans this season before their full-time return next season.

• 4. The Rebuilding Of Atlanta. Quick, when was the last time that the Hawks were over .500? Atlanta is 2-1 after a 95-82 win over Orlando on Sunday, better than .500 for the first time since 2002. Sad, really.

• 5. Begone, Plantar Fasciitis! Apparently cured of the foot injury that plagued him last season, Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 26 points in a 103-94 win over the Raptors.