BOS @ PHI: Stay tuned for tonight’s rematch, folks. Rajon Rondo (16 PTS, 13 REB, 14 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK) had a triple-double in a hard-fought overtime loss. Paul Pierce scored a game-high 27 and Kevin Garnett (17 PTS, 10 REB) was strong up front, but the other two Boston starters had forgettable nights. Jason Terry missed 11 of 12 shots, and ineffective Brandon Bass (2 PTS in 23 minutes) was replaced by Jeff Green (19 PTS, 8 REB in 28:34). The Sixers were led by Evan Turner with 26 points and 10 boards, including the game-winning bucket in OT. Jrue Holiday (15 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST) and Thaddeus Young (17 PTS, 12 REB) were also major contributors.
Other December 7 Games
DEN @ IND: Still no breakout for slumping Andre Iguodala (10 PTS) and on a night when Ty Lawson shot a miserable 1-for-10, the Nuggets should have lost. Instead, a third straight huge game for Corey Brewer (20) off the Denver bench, with a lot of help from JaVale McGee (20 PTS, 8 REB) and Andre Miller (15 PTS, 8 AST) proved the difference. Indiana got 22 from Paul George and a David West double-double (18 & 11) but their reserves were outscored 55-12.
CHI @ DET: What a night for Joakim Noah! 30 points, 23 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks is a good week for some players. He also held Greg Monroe to just 13 PTS and 5 REB, and deserves most of the credit for the Bulls winning. Brandon Knight surprised with 21 points for Detroit after complaining about ‘dead’ legs, and Rodney Stuckey (24 PTS, 7 AST) played his best game of the year in relief of slumping Kyle Singler (2 PTS in 24 minutes). Charlie Villanueva (15) doesn’t play as much when the Pistons are ahead, but he hit three triples as their late rally fell short. Marco Belinelli (16) could be Chicago’s starting SG for another three weeks, as Richard Hamilton recovers from a foot injury.
WAS @ ATL: All five Atlanta starters scored in double figures, led by Josh Smith (23 PTS, 15 REB) and Jeff Teague (19 PTS, 6 AST) as they held off the stubborn Wizards. Kevin Seraphin (19 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK) had another nice game and Nene (12 PTS, 6 REB) played more than 24 minutes, which is progress. Martell Webster started at SF for Trevor Ariza (calf) but was -21 in 31 minutes, scoring just 5 points. Rookie SG Bradley Beal had 18 in one of his better efforts.