Indiana Pacers will replace Frank Vogel as coach

Larry Bird has never cared about popularity contests. All he ever wanted to do was win.

So on Thursday, the Indiana Pacers’ president of basketball operations announced he would not re-sign Frank Vogel to a new contract despite five trips to the playoffs, including two appearances in the Eastern Conference finals. Instead, the Pacers will search for a coach who can do Vogel couldn’t: win an NBA title.

“I just came to the conclusion that it was necessary for these guys to hear a new voice,” Bird told reporters.

The move comes four days after the Pacers fell just short of becoming the sixth No. 7 seed to upset a No. 2 seed since the playoffs were expanded during the 1980s. Toronto fended off Indiana’s late comeback to hold on for an 89-84 victory in Game 7.

Etc.

Stephen Curry is unlikely to play Saturday for Golden State in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Portland since he still hasn’t practiced on his sprained right knee.

Curry did work on the side while the Warriors practiced Thursday but couldn’t yet do any of the scrimmaging that the medical staff and coaches want to see before he is cleared to return.

“It’s tough to see him playing Saturday,” Coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s gotten better and better each day.”

::

Washington Wizards All-Star guard John Wall underwent left knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the start of next season. The team said Wall had a procedure done to remove calcium deposits. He also had a procedure to clean out his right knee. Wall’s chances of playing in the 2016 Rio Olympics are probably over as a result.