In contrast to his young coaching counterpart, the Suns' Scott Skiles, who all but challenged Kurt Thomas to a fight Wednesday night, Jeff Van Gundy has experienced a mellow preseason.

It's unclear if Sept. 11th has had a profound effect on Van Gundy's sky-is-falling personality, but Mr. Gloom and Doom has been Mr. Bland across the first two-and-half weeks during his media sessions. His milquetoast manner is keeping in line with the mood of a war-torn nation.

"I've never tried to be critical," Van Gundy said before last night's 107-90 blowout loss to San Antonio. "When I'm asked a question, I may say we didn't play well but that's not critical. I'm just being honest."