Mikan remembered

MIAMI -- The NBA marked the passing of Hall of Famer George Mikan with a moment of silence before Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals last night.

''George was a giant among men in the early days of the NBA," said Red Auerbach. ''He was one of the greatest players of all time. He was the first player in the league to really be an imposing and an intimidating figure on the court. He possessed a good touch and had the ability to go after the ball for a big man. Plus, he was very competitive and he really knew how to play and win."

Added Bob Cousy: ''George was an amazing ballplayer and man. In the early years of the NBA, he was the greatest impact player of that era. He was a big man who could do so many things on the court. He literally transcended the sport."

Pistons coach Larry Brown also recognized the contributions of Mikan. ''He was the first guy I think that they changed a lot of rules for."

Shaquille O'Neal was saddened by the news of Mikan's death.

''My condolences go out to his family," said O'Neal. ''Me and him had a lot of personal conversations and he was always very, very nice to me. I said on the air that I heard he was having problems. If his family contacts me, I would like to pay for the whole funeral. I would like to take care of them." (Obituary, Page E12.)

Spurs are waiting

Regardless of whether Miami or Detroit takes the Eastern title, one thing is certain: The Finals will start June 9 in San Antonio. Among participants in the Eastern finals, there was little surprise the Spurs defeated the Suns, 4-1, in the Western Conference finals, even though Phoenix finished the season with an NBA-best 62-20 record. ''I think Joe Johnson being hurt, [Phoenix] wasn't the same team that won 60-something games," said Brown . . . Not a day goes by without Brown being asked to comment on the possibility of becoming general manager in Cleveland. When a reporter commented that Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert had said he looked forward to working out something, Brown said: ''Well, I know he didn't say that entirely. I haven't met Dan Gilbert, nor have I talked to him. About two weeks ago, they asked for permission to talk to me. [Pistons director of basketball operations] Joe [Dumars] gave them that and I spoke to him and I told him what I've told you guys. I said I want to coach."