Dan Issel resigned as Denver Nuggets coach yesterday. Issel was in the midst of controversy following some insensitive ethnic remarks directed at a fan two weeks ago.

Cavaliers coach John Lucas was an assistant under Issel for the past three seasons.

"I'm very saddened that Dan left because he's been a major icon to the Nuggets organization, and the game of basketball will really miss him," Lucas said. "I plan to call him over the next few weeks once some of this dies down. I'm very grateful to Dan. He did a lot with me getting back into the game."

Holiday spirit?:

Lucas wasn't playing Scrooge, but the Cavs participated in a two-hour practice Tuesday from 9 to 11 p.m.

Wes Person didn't mind the time on the court.

"We agreed to have two days off after back-to-back games and then to practice on Christmas day," Person said. "We were able to spend time with our families during the day and we came in ready to practice at night. I didn't mind practicing because this is our job."

Out of action:

The Nets' Kenyon Martin missed last night's 91-89 victory over the Cavs. He was serving a one-game suspension for a flagrant foul against Utah's Karl Malone.

Martin was ejected Saturday for clotheslining Malone with a forearm to the face on a fast break.

Martin, out of the University of Cincinnati, was also fined $7,500.

First start:

Nets rookie Richard Jefferson made his first regular-season start last night because of Martin's suspension. Jefferson's last start was a preseason game in which he defended Michael Jordan.

Injured:

Cavs forward Lamond Murray missed last night's game because of a lower-back strain. He suffered the injury Saturday against Indiana. Lucas said Murray will probably return to action tomorrow.