NBA Lockout Meeting Results In Rare Optimism From Union Officials

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After almost two months of relative inaction, the pace of negotiations in the NBA lockout is rising. So is optimism that the 2011-12 season can be saved.

Top players' union and league officials met Wednesday in New York to tug out some more progress in lockout talks. While NBA commissioner David Stern was mum on what was discussed and wouldn't project optimism, according to reporters at the scene, players' union director Billy Hunter did let loose a rare bit of sunshine. From Ken Berger, who you should be following on Twitter (@KBerg_CBS) if you care one bit about the lockout:

Full Hunter quote, when asked if enough time to reach deal: "I think there is. I think there clearly is. There's more than enough time."

As a result of that optimism and the ticking, invisible clock sitting somewhere around October 1, the two sides will meet again Thursday and possibly Friday, Berger reports.