NBA Roundup: Return Of The Donald

Taking a look at Monday's action in the National Basketball Association:

• 1. Whoa Nellie! Don Nelson's return to Dallas went as expected in one respect; Mark Cuban failed to acknowledge him, even though Nelson is the winningest coach in Mavs history. Something about a dispute over $6 million (doesn't Cuban spend that much on sweatshirts in a year?). But then the game started, and Golden State actually beat the Mavericks, 107-104, as Dallas comically passed the ball back and forth as time expired. Baron Davis had 26 points for the Warriors, Mavs forward Josh Howard sprained his ankle and Dallas coach Avery Johnson and point guard Jason Terry were both ejected.

• 2. Running Of The Bulls. These Bulls you speak of; are they really any good? Apparently yes. Ben Gordon scored 37 points and had nine assists to lead Chicago over Milwaukee in the Battle of the Hoofed Mammal, 110-85. Gordon had 22 points and all of his assists in the first half.

• 3. It Was A Barry Good Year. The Spurs were up by 20 in the first half, lost nearly all of the lead in the fourth quarter, then put the Knicks out of their misery with five points by Tony Parker down the stretch (he finished with 24) in a 105-93 victory. Brent Barry had five threes for San Antonio.

• 4. Branded. The Clippers' Elton Brand is always thinking about the fans. Always. "I feel bad for the people who have fantasy teams, but that's about it,'' said Brand after scoring eight points on eight shots. LA beat Portland 102-89 anyway.

• 5. Some Call Me ... Tim. In a battle of mystical powers, Carlos Arroyo's 23 points (12 in the fourth quarter) led the Magic over the Wizards 106-103.