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NBA Headlines Around the League

1. Sonics End Heat's 14-Game Winning Streak
2. Lakers Prepare For Trip To Texas Triangle
3. Gasol, Battier Help Grizzlies Win Fourth Straight
4. Pacers' Bender Prepares To Return
5. Ford, Bucks Await Test Results
6. Warriors Celebrate 'The City' With Jerseys
7. Behind The Mask: Wearing Protective Gear
8. NBA.com got milk? Rookie Rankings

1. Sonics End Heat's 14-Game Winning Streak
Steve Kelley writes in the SEATTLE TIMES that "people keep waiting for the loss that starts the dominoes falling. But the wait continues and the wins keep coming." The "Sonics won in San Antonio and won the next night in Dallas." Last night "they beat the Heat 98-96, ending Miami's 14-game winning streak. They silenced a loud, sellout crowd and won their sixth straight road game. This season isn't fool's gold. This season, this unimaginable season, is real."

2. Lakers Prepare For Trip To Texas Triangle
In the LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS, Ross Siler writes that "the Lakers (16-12) will play tonight in San Antonio (NBA TV, 8:30 ET) and Wednesday in Dallas before returning to play host to Houston on Friday at Staples Center." San Antonio is an "NBA-best 14-1 this season at SBC Center, its lone loss coming Dec. 8 to Seattle." The "Lakers, by comparison, are just 5-6 in road games."

3. Gasol, Battier Help Grizzlies Win Fourth Straight
In the MEMPHIS COMMERCIAL APPEAL, Ron Tillery writes that "Pau Gasol led the Grizzlies to their fourth straight win by amassing 25 points and 10 rebounds Monday night during a 92-82 victory against the Utah Jazz in FedExForum. Shane Battier, amid trade speculation that would send him to New Orleans in a package for point guard Baron Davis, did his part by trying to fill in every line on the statistical report."

4. Pacers' Bender Prepares To Return
In the INDIANAPOLIS STAR, Mark Montieth writes that "as much as Jonathan Bender has been injured the past two-plus seasons, people have become conditioned not to get thrilled over positive news about his health." Bender "plans to return for Saturday's game at Dallas, however, ending a stretch on the injured list that dates to Nov. 19, and resuming a season that so far consists of two games. And he, for one, is ready."

5. Ford, Bucks Await Test Results
In the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, Tom Enlund reports that "Bucks guard T.J. Ford will undergo medical tests in the next few days that will determine whether he will be able to play this season." A "definitive answer is expected after Ford, who is recovering from spinal surgery, undergoes a two-part medical process." Ford "was hurt Feb. 24 at the Bradley Center when fouled by Mark Madsen of the Minnesota Timberwolves."

6. Warriors Celebrate 'The City' With Jerseys
In the MERCURY NEWS, David Pollak writes that "23 seasons after the Warriors moved from San Francisco to Oakland," one jersey stands out more than most. Golden State's 'The City' has "climbed near the top of the sales list." At "NBA.com, the Warriors say, only two throwback jerseys -- of the Lakers and Bulls -- are more successful." Al Attles, the Warriors vice president who raced up and down the court in the jersey long before it was retro, credits then-owner Franklin Mieuli with the look."

7. Behind The Mask: Wearing Protective Gear
LeBron James took the court Monday against the Bobcats wearing a protective face mask, and after a slow start proceeded to score a game-high 26 points in the Cavaliers' 94-83 victory. Perhaps James got some advice from teammate Zydrunas Ilgauskas on how to adjust to the new equipment. Ilgauskas is one of many players to have sought protection behind a thin piece of plastic. Click for a look at some players who have sported the look over the years.

8. NBA.com got milk? Rookie Rankings
Utah's Kirk Snyder made a strong case for a spot in this week's top 10, however, he couldn't quite keep up with Nenad Krstic, who has become a regular contributor for the Nets. Krstic joins Boston's Tony Allen and San Antonio's Beno Udrih as the three rookies to regain a spot in the top 10. Here's how the rookies rank this week.