Larry Bird continues to support interim head coach Frank Vogel despite a 3-9 record over their past 12 games.

"We started off pretty strong with Frank, then they hit a lull. They had some problems internally and it took the wind out of them. That has nothing to do with Frank, that's on the players. The last 10-12 games, the guys haven't reacted the way you do as professionals," said Bird.

Indiana initially was 7-1 under Vogel, though that was a byproduct of a weaker slate of opponents.

"Our problem is internally," Bird said. "I see what's going on inside the locker room. I've seen a lot of it all year. I tried to address it with different people at the trade deadline."

Vogel talks to Bird daily for advice.

"Larry is more involved with our players and understands what we're trying to do," Vogel said. "I lean on him. We understand there's tough stretches on the schedule and there's easy stretches. You just have to stay together and try to improve your team when you're not winning games."