21.   Nelson switched defensive assignments, putting the smaller Nash on Miller and the taller Finley on point guard Mark Jackson.

22.   Now, Terry will get the tough defensive assignment on a guard, inside or outside, in addition to having the new responsibility of running the offense.

23.   Olson said he would be comfortable using Jefferson anywhere on the floor, but would not give away the defensive assignments.

24.   Not that long ago, Anderson would admittedly have been among those who ducked a tough defensive assignment.

25.   One area of emphasis this week will be defensive assignments, especially regarding double teams and off-ball rotations.

26.   Pippen switched defensive assignments to battle Keith Van Horn in the low post, and the Nets forward missed his three remaining shots in regulation.

27.   Polynice admittedly was tentative early in the season while learning his new defensive assignments.

28.   Rex Walters said he will neither bow nor salute the man considered the toughest defensive assignment in the world.

29.   Ron Harper drew Starks as his main defensive assignment, and after the job Harper did on Sunday night, the Bulls have little reason to change.

30.   Scottie Pippen laughed and tugged on his shorts, awaiting the most arduous defensive assignment of his life.