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The last time Golden State made the playoffs in 1993-94, Don Nelson patrolled the sidelines in what was a transition season for the Warriors. Tim Hardaway sat out the year with a knee injury. Latrell Sprewell was gradually asserting himself as the dominant player, with Chris Mullin missing 20 games with injury. Chris Webber was a rookie, adjusting to playing center. Billy Owens, the third overall choice in the 1991 draft, who the team traded away Mitch Richmond to acquire, was still trying to find his place in the NBA. In short, there were a lot of things going on in Golden State that season. Perhaps the least talked about development was the play of Avery Johnson, who had his best season to date, starting and averaging 10.9 points and 5.3 assists. More importantly, Johnson became a favorite of Nelson's, and also of Nellie's top assistant that year, Gregg Popovich, two relationships that would serve him well in the coming years. Johnson won a championship with the Spurs in 1999. And this past weekend, he replaced Nelson as Mavericks head coach, a position for which he was being groomed the last few seasons. Johnson is 2-0 since Nelson resigned, with the Mavericks taking on Golden State tonight on ESPN (10:30 p.m. ET). The Warriors, meanwhile, have won three of four since Baron Davis moved into the starting lineup, and seven of 11 overall.

In tonight's first game on ESPN, Detroit visits Philadelphia (8 p.m. ET). Larry Brown has missed five straight games and won't attend the game in Philadelphia tonight. The Pistons hope he can return to the bench Friday against Indiana.

In 11 games with the Sixers, Chris Webber is averaging 14.1 points and 7.6 rebounds.

The Pacers are 11-6 against the Western Conference this season. The Spurs haven't lost three games in a row all year.

With a victory tonight against Charlotte, Phoenix can capture its 28th road win, which would set a new franchise record. The Suns are one of three teams with a better road record (27-7) than home, joining Dallas and Seattle. The last division winner with a better road record than home record was the 1996-97 Miami Heat (29-12 at home, 32-9 on the road).