Sports of The Times: Real Franchise Player Proves He Is Also a Real Friend. As Delonte West walked away from his team and into an uncertain future, he observed that LeBron James is an even better person than he is a basketball player.

Sports of The Times: Marbury Headlines the Knicks’ Sideshow. The Knicks don't want Stephon Marbury, a 12-year veteran, but they need him because of the team's shortsightedness.

Heat 130, Warriors 129 (OT). OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Chris Quinn hit a tying 3-pointer with 7.1 seconds left in overtime, Michael Beasley stole the ensuing inbounds pass and made the decisive free throw, and the Miami Heat pulled off a wild 130-129 comeback win over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.

Celtics 107, Magic 88. Paul Pierce scored 17 of his 24 points in the third quarter to lead the Boston Celtics to their ninth straight win, 107-88 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.

Bobcats 100, Timberwolves 90. Jason Richardson scored 25 points in another strong performance following arthroscopic knee surgery, and the Charlotte Bobcats beat the error-prone Minnesota Timberwolves 100-90 on Monday night.

Coaches Fill New Roles at Knicks’ Practice. The Knicks are so shorthanded that empty spots on the court during practice had to be filled by the coaching staff, leading to a scene that was somewhere between surreal and comical.

Locked in a Lose-Lose as Marbury Is Suspended. The suspension was handed down two days after Stephon Marbury declined Coach Mike D’Antoni’s request to play against the Detroit Pistons.

Knicks President Walsh Will Meet With Marbury. Donnie Walsh said he would meet with Stephon Marbury and a lawyer from the players union on Monday.

Knicks 138, Warriors 125: For Short-Handed Knicks, a Night of Positive Numbers. After eight days of upheaval, drama, injuries and controversy, and a blur of defeats, the Knicks eased their psyches Saturday night the only way they know how: with a giddy, unbridled scoring binge.

N.B.A. Roundup: Behind Harris’s 47, Nets Finally Grab a Win at Phoenix. Devin Harris scored a career-high 47 points Sunday night and the Nets, who had lost 14 consecutive games in Phoenix, rallied to beat the Suns, 117-109.

N.B.A. Roundup: Pierce Propels Celtics Past Magic. Paul Pierce scored 17 of his 24 points in the third quarter to lead the Boston Celtics to their ninth straight victory, 107-88 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night.

Knicks Tell Marbury to Stay Away From Team. Team officials on Monday ordered Marbury not to attend practices or games while the parties try to arrange a permanent divorce.

Bryant and Lakers Thriving Without the Drama. The Lakers lack their previous teams’ knack for sideshows, creating few off-court headlines while pummeling opponents on their way to a league-best 14-1 start.