Dwight Howard and co-captain Jameer Nelson want more freedom to police teammates during games, and Howard also wants Van Gundy to be less negative.

"Our job is to lead the guys on the court," Howard said Thursday, referring to himself and Nelson.

"We both have our ways that we lead the team, and they follow. The main thing is that people have to see that me and Stan are on the same page and we're not bumping heads. Then everything else will fall in line."

Van Gundy said he and his superstar agree more often than not.

"I think we both want to win badly, and I think that's the most important thing," Van Gundy said.