Defense took a holiday on Wednesday. We saw a 131-127 game (in regulation) and two other teams scored more than 120, which results in some tremendous individual performances.
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December 19 Games
DET @ TOR: Make it four in a row for the rejuvenated Raptors and give, we’re looking at and give Jose Calderon (7 PTS, 17 AST) the credit. Kyle Lowry, out with a triceps injury, might return to a job share. Last night Calderon kept feeding DeMar DeRozan (23) and once again, Alan Anderson (16 PTS) looked much better in 26:14 off the bench than starting SF Mickael Pietrus (7 in 21:26) — pick up Anderson in deeper leagues if you still can. For the Pistons, Greg Monroe (35 PTS, 10 REB) was a one-man team, as Brandon Knight (2 PTS, 1-for-10) couldn’t buy a bucket.
BRK @ NYK: Showing no sign of his sore ankle, Carmelo Anthony scored 31 points to get his Knicks back in the win column. Tyson Chandler (16 PTS, 12 REB, 2 BLK) was strong in the middle and J.R. Smith (19 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST) played 36:44 off the bench. Deron Williams (16 PTS, 10 AST, 5 REB) and Brook Lopez (16 PTS, 10 REB) did what they could for the tired Nets, but Kris Humphries was scoreless in just 17:38 and Gerald Wallace (6 PTS) was busy chasing Melo.
WAS @ ORL: This wasn’t the prettiest game, but the Magic did enough to win. Sixth man J.J. Redick stayed hot (17) and E’Twaun Moore provided a spark with 15 points in less than 20 minutes. Nikola Vucevic (8 PTS, 13 AST) was solid but Glen Davis (12 PTS, 9 REB) missed 12 of 18 shots, then suffered a shoulder injury in the final minute. If Big Baby misses significant time, the fantasy value of Gustavo Ayon and Andrew Nicholson will rise. Bradley Beal (back) couldn’t go, and Jordan Crawford (19 PTS, 6 AST) committed 7 turnovers for the woeful Wizards.