NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE.(players, teams, and coaches of the National Basketball Association's Eastern Conference)

Atlanta

STAYING PUT: Ideas of trading SF Toni Kukoc in the offseason have been all but quashed. The Hawks certainly would listen to inquiries, but his play and leadership in his short stint with the Hawks have persuaded the team to keep him around-not only to have an impact on the younger players but also to perform at a high level. Even when he does not shoot well, Kukoc has an impact on the game because opponents are forced to pay attention to his perimeter-shooting ability. When they do, Kukoc is able to get the ball to his teammates in scoring position.... Though Kukoc has been a great addition, this still is PG Jason Terry's team. He's determined to finish the season on a high note, which means strong efforts on both ends of the floor. Terry's confidence is so high he thinks he can score on every possession. He scored a total of 52 points last week against the Celtics and Pacers.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: When C Theo Ratliff (wrist) returns next season, he will bring All-Star ability with him. But for now, C Nazr Mohammed is the great find. He's young, skilled and eager to learn. Since his trade from the Sixers, he has shown that he gets better with more work and court time. When both Mohammed and Ratliff are healthy, center could be the team's strongest position. Much of that outloook depends on Ratliff, but the prognosis is for him to be 100 percent by the start of training camp. --Curtis Bunn

Boston

UPS AND DOWNS: Last week was full of small victories and big losses. The Celtics moved into sole possession of eighth place in the Eastern Conference on Thursday only to fail back into a tie with Indiana on Friday, losing to the Pacers at home in a much-hyped matchup. The FleetCenter never has hosted an NBA playoff game, and it was as close as it could get when Indiana and Boston squared off. Unfortunately for the home crowd, the Celtics squandered a 16-point first-quarter lead and possibly their playoff chances.... SF Paul Pierce continued his late-season scoring binge last week with 41 points in an overtime win against the Hawks. He has seven 40-point games this season, which make him second in that category to 76ers SG Allen Iverson. Pierce's hot streak has been fueled by his ability to get to the foul line and make free throws. He was 14-for-17 from the line against the Hawks.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: It's no secret coach Jim O'Brien has been very unhappy with the team's defense. The Celtics allowed the Hawks and Pacers to shoot 50 percent or better from the floor. The Celtics' defensive system doesn't need an overhaul-just some fine-tuning so players are as sharp on their rotations and assignments as they were a few weeks ago. When 6-9 Pacers SF Austin Croshere ends up mismatched against 6-2 PG Randy Brown, it's obvious the team has some problems. --Shira Springer

Charlotte