Good read from Karen Crouse

Stephen: “The N.B.A., there’s a lot of chaos sometimes. A lot of things going on throughout the year. I came in with an open mind and ready to work hard, and Coach Nelson just keeps encouraging me to be myself and be a professional and handle my business.” Tonight in Indianapolis. His last time at Conseco.

‘Fascinated’

Whelliston: On Saturday, we personally witnessed the tragic collapse we hinted at last week -- triple-superhero Stephen Curry’s 5-for-26 shooting night against Purdue on free national television, which unleashed a wave of mid-major backlash and ensured that it will be a long while before the coaches and writers will allow the Davidson Wildcats back into their special Top 25 club with the doormen and the gold-plated washrooms. We, on the other hand, left fascinated about the future, wondering how this team will adjust to overcome its omissions and weaknesses. We saw it as a cautionary tale told in feature-film length, a fable about the endeavors of a red-colored organism, one that foretells the harsh equation many Americans will find themselves living out next year.

The day after

Things I thought watching from my spot on the baseline at Conseco: Brendan is getting better. I’m comfortable with the ball in Max’s hands too. Frank is going to be excellent. Will looked good. Stephen looked beat. Wasn’t the first time. Steve’s got to stay on the floor. Bryant’s defense? Three-point defense? The first time Stephen didn’t live up to or exceed expectations with so many watching: a moment that was inevitable. And important. It’ll tamp down some of the hyperbole. Not all bad. Seasons are seasons for reasons: up and down, peaks and dips, problems to solve. December is early. Merry Christmas.

Saturday on CBS

The view from Purdue: “Once he gets it, you’re kind of at his mercy.”