What you missed while watching the Chipotle ad that was the best thing during the Grammys…
Knicks 90, Raptors 87: What else can you say? The legend of Lin just keeps on growing. This was our game of the night.
Heat 105, Pacers 90: Miami was playing their third game in three nights, Indiana had been off since Saturday, and yet it was Miami who came out playing with energy and owned this game from the opening tip. Absolutely owned it. LeBron James was a force early and he and Dwyane Wade combined for 19 first quarter points. The Pacers wilted under Heat defensive pressure and shot just 26 percent for the first quarter and struggled all game. It was a sad level of effort and willingness to fight back from Indiana, and eventually they were down as much as 35 (only a late 12-0 run made the score look as close as it was).
Miami swept to wins in all three of their back-to-back-to-back by a total of 53 points and looked pretty close to dominant in doing it.
Spurs 99, Pistons 95: San Antonio looked to be in complete control of this game from about the middle of the second quarter on, leading by as much as 16. Then came an early fourth quarter 14-0 run by Detroit — sparked by Ben Wallace, the 16-year vet had 8 points in the quarter — and we had a game. A serious game. A Ben Wallace actually drained a three-pointer game. The Spurs might have lost this game had it not been for Manu Ginobili’s flopping being in playoff form (his shot, however, is not). He drew a late charge on Tayshaun Prince, and you can say it was a charge if you want but I say flop all the way. Also helping out was Tony Parker, who was hot late and scored 8 in the fourth quarter, helping spark a late 11-3 Spurs run that secured the win.
Lakers 86, Hawks 78: (To borrow a Clipper Darrell chant) U-G-L-Y you ain’t got no alibi, this game was ugly, it was ugly.
The Lakers actually went to their big men early and often in this one (without Al Horford or Jason Collins the Hawks had no answer). Andrew Bynum had 15 points and 15 boards and had the hot hand early. Pau Gasol had 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, and took over late . The Lakers took control with a 15-1 third quarter run and then shot 58 percent in the fourth quarter to hold on for the win. The Hawks shot just 34.4 percent for the night, you don’t win doing that.
Bulls 121, Kings 115: The Bulls gave Derrick Rose and their vaunted defense the night off and still won. They won because the Kings defense was worse all night long. Luol Deng played 42 minutes and had 12 of his 23 points in the third quarter as Chicago looked like they would run away and hide. The Bulls were up 19 early in the fourth. But then Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins and Marcus Thornton led a comeback that made the Bulls sweat it out at the end.
Now the Kings get Linsanity on the second night of a back-to-back.
Thunder 111, Jazz 85: Utah was on its third game in three nights and it showed. The Thunder were up early after a 14-2 run and never looked back. James Harden had 22 points, Kevin Durant 21.
Wizards 124, Trail Blazers 109: Portland lost to Washington? At home? This game was about as bad as the Blazers can play. LaMarcus Aldridge went down two minutes into the game with a sprained ankle when Trevor Booker stuck his foot under Aldridge during a jump shot. X-rays were negative but Aldridge did not travel with the team to Golden State for Wednesday’s game (and this is the first of a back-to-back-to-back for Portland, so don’t expect him Thursday either). Portland played terrible defense and Nick Young (35 points) and John Wall (29) took advantage.
Grizzlies 93, Rockets 83: Kyle Lowry put up 24 on his old team but the Rockets PG did not get enough help — Kevin Martin had zero points and his back issues may be to blame. Memphis got a good game up front from Marc Gasol (18 points) and Marreese Speights. Houston made an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter and made it look like it would be close at the end but Mike Conley hit a three to restore order and that was it.
Nuggets 109, Suns 92: Steve Nash and Grant Hill got the night off on a back-to-back and that led to about what you’d expect from the Suns. Arron Afflalo had 20 points, third consecutive game he has reached at least that. The guy has found his stroke.
