After Kurt Thomas signed his extension, his production went down. Immediately people began questioning his work ethic, saying he was playing just for a contract and relaxing once he did get it. After yesterday morning's surgery, the real story has come out.

Kurt Thomas' right pinkie was not sprained or jammed as it's been called since January and rather had actual tendon damage.

"It was very difficult playing with the injury, especially being on my shooting hand, especially trying to rebound the ball and playing defense," Thomas said. "A lot of people really looked at is as a jammed finger instead of it being something more serious. I didn't worry about it. I just went out and played.

"Whenever I heard the negative publicity, I would just laugh at it."