Once again, Stephen Curry (31 PTS, 7 AST, 3 REB, 4 STL) exceeded all expectations. If he isn’t named an All-Star, it’s a traveshamockery. David Lee (22 PTS, 12 REB) showed no sign of his ankle injury, Klay Thompson added 19 points and the two-man bench of Jarrett Jack (9 PTS, 8 AST, 3 REB) and Carl Landry (20 PTS, 7 REB) helped the Warriors beat another top team. It certainly didn’t hurt that Russell Westbrook (10 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST) went 3-for-16 with 6 TO. Kevin Durant (33 PTS, 9 AST, 5 REB, 3 BLK) was basically a one-man team, as the Thunder looked a bit tired in the back-to-back.
Before catching up on the rest of Wednesday’s action, you’re invited to enter this week’s Sheridan Hoops Freeroll — a one-day fantasy league that closes at 7:00 EST on Friday. More details to come in today’s DraftStreet Diary, where you can follow my (mis)adventures. Last night, without winning a single league, I spent $21 and turned a nifty $109 profit. There’s no entry fee for the Freeroll, just $300 cash to the top 15 finishers. Almost 500 people have joined already; others must not like free money.
Other January 23 Game Recaps
TOR @ MIA: For 48 minutes, the underdog Raptors were poised for an upset. The Heat might have had too much rest (six days off) and didn’t get into high gear until midway through the third quarter. LeBron James (31 PTS, 11 AST, 10 REB) got the triple-double we predicted and Dwyane Wade (35 PTS, 7 AST, 5 REB) was outstanding, especially in overtime. Seven Toronto players scored in double figures, led by sixth man Alan Anderson (20) but even as they shot 50% on the night, they allowed Miami to shoot 55% and pull out the victory. Jose Calderon (17 PTS, 3 AST in 31 minutes) and Kyle Lowry (13 PTS, 4 REB in 28 minutes) are locked in a timeshare that doesn’t please their fantasy owners but seems to work on the floor.
ATL @ CHA: Add Al Horford (hamstring) to the Hawks’ injury list, but for at least one night, against the lowly Bobcats, Ivan Johnson (12 PTS, 15 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL) was a terrific replacement, even winning me some cash on DraftStreet. Devin Harris (ankle) sat out again, so Jannero Pargo (8 PTS, 3 AST) played 22:45 off the bench. It was vintage Josh Smith (30 PTS, 13 REB, 8 AST, 3 BLK) and 21 points from Kyle Korver (5-6 from deep) certainly helped. On a night that Kemba Walker (11 PTS, 5 AST) was quiet and the big men all vanished, Ramon Sessions (27 PTS, 5 AST, 3 REB) led Charlotte off the bench.
LAL @ MEM: You heard it here first, and emphatically. Darrell Arthur (20 PTS, 9 REB) won the trade between Memphis and Cleveland. Backing up both Zach Randolph (12 PTS, 10 REB) and Marc Gasol (8 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK), Arthur enjoyed 27:47 of burn, and is just hitting his stride after a serious leg injury cost him all of last season. It’s no longer news when the Lakers lose, but Dwight Howard (2 PTS, 2 REB in 14:10) left before halftime and may have re-injured his shoulder. Earl Clark (11 PTS, 9 REB) and Pau Gasol (13 PTS, 8 REB, 2 BLK) picked up extra minutes and Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 29, but the Hollywood soap opera continues.