What would James Harden do for an encore? How about a career-high 45 points? On deadly shooting (14-19 from the floor and 15-17 from the line, the newest Rocket led his team to a road win over Atlanta. Jeremy Lin provided excellent support with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists, and while Omer Asik was scoreless on seven shots, he grabbed 19 boards. Patrick Patterson (9 PTS, 7 REB) made his first start at PF, with backup Marcus Morris draining 17 points in 19 minutes.
The Hawks started Devin Harris at SG as expected, but he couldn’t contain Harden and played less than 22 minutes. Once they got behind, Lou Williams came in and scored a team-leading 22; Josh Smith had 18 PTS, 10 REB and 3 BLK but it wasn’t enough.
In the Sheridan Hoops Freeroll, “dsharma” won the $40 first prize from the $200 cash awarded to 18 different people. For more, and my Saturday FanDuel picks, jump to Page 5.
Other November 2 Games
MIA @ NYK: The Knicks seemed fired-up to win one for hurricane-ravaged New York City. Carmelo Anthony wasn’t a model of efficiency (10-28) but his owners will take 30 points and 10 rebounds. Steve Novak nailed 5-of-8 from downtown for 17 points and J.R. Smith was able to play 34 minutes, adding 11 PTS and 6 AST.
Some Heat players weren’t as intense as their hosts; Mario Chalmers had an awful night. Ray Allen tweaked an ankle and was very quiet. On a positive note, Rashard Lewis hit four triples and grabbed six boards in 20 minutes. Deep leaguers take note.
DEN @ ORL: Once again, the Nuggets struggled offensively. Andre Iguodala had only 9 points in 36 minutes, Ty Lawson 12 in 38 minutes. Danilo Gallinari (23 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 1 BLK) was by far their best player. Nobody told the Magic they were underdogs, as they roared to a 58-37 halftime lead and cruised to the win behind 29 points and 10 rebounds from Glen Davis. After playing 17 minutes, Hedo Turkoglu suffered a broken hand; that is great news if you own J.J. Redick, who scored 21 off the bench. With Gustavo Ayon (thumb) still unavailable and starting C Nikola Vucevic not particularly effective, Josh McRoberts (9 PTS, 7 REB) played 27 minutes.