Isiah Thomas Aiming to Improve Draft Chances?

There was a familiar chant at the Garden Sunday night and an all-too familiar result. The only new wrinkle is that Isiah Thomas, without saying it, is playing for the NBA draft lottery.

Thomas showed a willingness to go young during Atlanta’s 109-98 victory. Jamal Crawford, who ranks second in the league by playing an average of 41.4 minutes per game, played just 29 minutes Sunday night and sat the final 5:34. Quentin Richardson and Malik Rose did not play, while Zach Randolph played 25 minutes but was on the bench to open the second half.

"If that’s what he chooses to do," Randolph said, "I’m fine with it." [New York Daily News]