The coach has changed, but the ambition remains the same, according to the one player who performed at maximum level under Lon Kruger.

"It is more a reflection of us failing him than him failing us," forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim said of Kruger's firing Thursday. "It's easier to replace the coach.

"But this doesn't change our mind-set, our goals, our confidence or belief in making the playoffs. There's still time to make the playoffs."