MIN @ MIA: We thought Dwyane Wade (24 PTS, 4 AST, 2 BLK, 2 STL) would have a good game and are never surprised by anything LeBron James (22 PTS, 11 AST, 6 REB, 4 BLK) does. Minnesota was a tired team. Kevin Love missed 8 of 10 FG attempts to finish with just 11 points, though he did grab 18 boards, while Nikola Pekovic (18 PTS, 12 REB) played with a sore back and committed 6 TO. The Wolves need a better defender than Alexey Shved at SG; the rookie is also in a 2-game mini-slump at just 2-for-15 shooting.
SAS @ DEN: Despite an incredible performance by Tim Duncan — 31 PTS, 18 REB, 6 AST, 5 BLK — and the surprise return of Manu Ginobili (16 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST) the Spurs lost again. Poor shooting from Danny Green (1-for-10) and Gary Neal (1-for-5 in 13 minutes, then benched) was too much to overcome. Danilo Gallinari (28 PTS, 9 REB) led the Nuggets, with under-the-weather Kenneth Faried (19 PTS, 11 REB) and Andre Iguodala (14 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST) also very sharp. The Denver bench, led by Andre Miller and Corey Brewer, is a not-so-secret weapon.
IND @ MIL: Led by Brandon Jennings (34 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB), the Bucks won a close one. Mike Dunleavy had missed seven of the last eight games; his 17 PTS, 6 REB and 2 BLK off the bench was a welcome boost. Paul George (16 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST) and George Hill (18 PTS, 5 REB) were the best Pacers, and Roy Hibbert (8 PTS, 10 REB) played despite a deep thigh bruise. They simply came up short.
BOS @ CHI: Full credit to the Bulls for bouncing back 24 hours after a very tough loss. Joakim Noah (11 PTS, 13 REB, 10 AST, 3 BLK) had his second career triple-double and Carlos Boozer (21 PTS, 12 REB, 2 BLK) was terrific. Nate Robinson came off the bench with 18 points to pick up scoreless Kirk Hinrich and although Rajon Rondo had 26 points and 8 assists, the Celtics’ bench scored just 16 points on 5-for-23 shooting.
PHI @ DAL: Without Jrue Holiday (sprained foot), every game is an uphill battle for the Sixers. Evan Turner (17 PTS, 5 AST, 5 REB) was the PG again, and no other Philly starter scored more than 12. Dorell Wright (25) and Spencer Hawes (18) were strong off the bench to keep them in the game. O.J. Mayo (26 PTS, 8 AST) and Chris Kaman (20 PTS, 7 REB) took over late in the fourth to seal the deal for Dallas, and Shawn Marion (14 PTS, 9 REB, 2 STL) has become the glue guy.