THROUGH THE WIRE: FRIDAY (09/11/11)

24. It's been 23 years and 1,127 wins but according to reports that's it for Jerry Sloan and the Utah Jazz. In disappointing and unbelievable news it seems the partnership between the most devout coach in NBA history and his traditional pick and roll team is over. A press conference on Thursday confirmed Sloan's resignation along with that of assistant Phil Johnson who has been by Jerry's side for all 23 years. Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin will step into Sloan's courtside position as the team tried to change the great coaches mind. Sloan however, insisted it was time to move on. It is such a shame to see a legendary, loyal coach just leave after all the years he's made Basketball a gentleman's game. There have been rumours of a rift with franchise player, Deron Williams. If true who really should have had more control of the Jazz? Their point guard, or it's coach of just 24 hours and 23 years ago? Sound off in our comments section below.

48. One coach who's job could be under-threat as well is Cleveland Cavaliers Byron Scott. The Cavs are now at a record-low 26 losses but the former Showtime Laker and Hornets coach believes everything will be OK. The Cavs have tied the 1976-77 Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL for the longest losing skid in pro sports history. Still Scott doesn't believe this slide will see him fall off. The man responsible for leading the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets back to relevancy believes he is "the right man for the job" to do the same thing in Cleveland and turn this team around. Describing the mood of the franchise that hasn't won since the 18th of December, Scott says "We're all unhappy," but he also made it clear that none of the Cleveland higher powers have indicated his jobs in trouble. Also the fact that owner Dan Gilbert hasn't spoke out yet is surely a good sign.

82. One guy who isn't coming back to work, dream all you want is Charlotte Bobcats owner, Michael Jordan. Still however he did suit up for practice to show his young franchise the ropes on Thursday. Here's betting Kwame Brown was worried. M.J. Participated in a full-court scrimmage and put a few of his signature moves on his players, 'reach and teach', hey Kwame? Bobcats franchise forward, Gerald Wallace says that his boss has "still has it." Still, don't get excited, Mike's career-like his knees after his burn-is really on ice. Sorry.

O.T. GAME OF THE WEEK: LOS ANGELES LAKERS 92-86 BOSTON CELTICS. The talk was all about their problems, their need for improvements. The idea that they are no longer champions. The success of LeBron and his Miami side and the rest of the East. The potential Carmelo trade. The possible departure of crucial players like Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest and most of all their lack of form and ability to close out games, big or small. Still the Los Angeles Lakers put that all to the courtside as they left it all on the floor against Boston...including their blood for a hard fought, 92-86 win. Granted the blood came from forwards Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol banging heads, but there was nothing awkward or weak about these guys tough play. One time labelled as 'soft', this frontcourt tandem and the rest of the Lakers proved that they are still amongst the best, capable of beating the Celtics on their tough, home-court, fortress of the TD Garden. The Lake Show were so tough they out-muscled and out-rebounded the C's 47-36. The Lakers had a 27-15 scoring advantage in the third, which was crucial. Still, congratulations are in order for top three point talent, Ray Allen who passed Reggie Miller as the all-time leader in three-point field goals made. After last nights game in Downtown Boston, both teams have drawn blood on each others home-court this season. Forget Miami, the stage is set for another Celtic/Laker Finals rematch and another chapter in the storied franchises history together. This is a real page-turner. TIM DAVID HARVEY.