41.   By the end of the exhibition season, Pierce was at full strength, competing without any protective padding and resuming his role as a team leader.

42.   Carey was dismal in camp and the exhibition season last year and finally was demoted to Providence, where he complained and then underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

43.   Certainly, one of the negatives Friday night was a breakdown in the secondary, which had been strong in the exhibition season.

44.   Coach Isiah Thomas is making the change because he liked what he saw in the exhibition season when Rose and Reggie Miller were in the backcourt together.

45.   Dallas has looked awful in the exhibition season, but has been without several key players, including Jason Kidd,Jamal Mashburn and newcomer Chris Gatling.

46.   David Wesley, who played well in the exhibition season, is another diminutive point guard.

47.   Ditto the exhibition season.

48.   Dedric Ward has gone from star of the exhibition season to being left out of the game.

49.   Dee Brown suggested that Gaston attend a few practices before teeing off, then conceded the Celtics did stink in the exhibition season.

50.   Drew raves from opponents during the exhibition season.