NBA Commissioner David Stern spoke highly of Indiana Pacers coach David Carlisle in regards to the Pacers making the playoffs in spite of the potpourri of injuries and suspensions they endured during the course of the season.  

"When Jermaine went down with that shoulder injury and they actually improved their record, the talk in our office was that a lot of players were stepping up, but Rick Carlisle was really doing a great coaching job," said Stern, who was accompanied by deputy commissioner Russ Granik.

Asked if he had considered attending Games 3 or 4 in Indiana, Stern said, "It never came up one way or the other. I just had a nice visit with Jermaine O'Neal. I haven't looked at the schedule that closely, but one of us (he or Granik) will be there."