Thunder/NBA: Thunder vs. Grizzlies on Christmas?

“We just made a couple of more plays down the stretch to win this game,” James said afterward.

James promised a rematch next offseason in a town of Durant's choosing, either Oklahoma City or his birthplace of Washington, D.C.

CARLESIMO TO JOIN NETS

Former Thunder coach P.J. Carlesimo is expected to sign on as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Nets along with Mario Elie. Though neither hiring was confirmed, Elie was spotted walking past the press room wearing Nets practice gear.

CHANDLER ON THE MOVE?

Free agent center Tyson Chandler, a key player in the Dallas Mavericks winning their first ever world championship last season, told ESPN.com he doesn't expect to return to the Mavs this season.

“I really think I'm going to be on a new team come training camp,” Chandler said in a telephone interview Wednesday night. “I'm really taking a hard look at all of my options, trying to see what best suits me.”

Chandler admitted he is disappointed by the club's decision not to offer him a contract extension after he was widely credited — most notably by Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki — for changing the team's defensive culture after three first-round exits in the previous four seasons.