C Erick Dampier said his teammates need to keep driving to the basket and stop settling for jump shots. That way, he might not have to work so hard on the boards. After grabbing 16 rebounds Tuesday against the Lakers, including 12 offensive rebounds, he grabbed 18 at Chicago, seven more on the offensive glass. In his last two games, the 6-foot-11 Dampier is putting up All-Star-like numbers with 27 points, 34 rebounds and six blocked shots. "But we didn't win," Dampier said. "We just have to take the ball to the basket. Bottom line."

--C DeSagana Diop admitted earlier this season that he needed to get into better shape to play in the up-tempo offense. He's had an erratic start to the season since signing a five-year deal worth more than $30 million. But he says he's in top form now and knows he needs to improve upon his 35.3 shooting percentage, shots that are often contested, but still coming from point-blank range.

"I just have to go stronger," said Diop, who is averaging 2.0 points in 20.1 minutes a game. "I've been trying to put it in like very easy, but they block it or I miss it. I've just got to make sure I get in stronger. That's what I'm going to try to do from now on, just go strong."

Nothing improved at Chicago, where Diop made 1-of-3 shots from the floor and 1-of-4 from the free-throw line.

--G/F Devean George says he's eager to finally play in a game, likely sometime next week. He's been sidelined by a strange left hand injury that included inflamed ligaments and joints between his middle and ring fingers. It's caused pain so acute that he's had sleepless nights and cortisone shots.

Earlier in the week he was cleared to begin non-contact drills and Saturday he'll start full workouts with the team.

"I'm real anxious because a lot of the things that I do we need out there," George said. "We need some energy and we need some defense. If there's a guy out there that kind of gets a spark, maybe some movement, then everybody kind of joins together and picks it up as well. I just think we need a little more intensity on defense and that's what I have to hang my hat on."

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G/F Devean George (left hand) missed his eighth game Wednesday. He's expected to start full workouts Saturday.