BOS @ CHA: It would have been foolish to predict this, but I did warn that it might happen. Boston was tired, Charlotte inspired. Byron Mullens (25 PTS, 18 REB, 4 3-pointers) was brilliant and three Bobcats guards combined for 53 points. Kemba Walker (18) added 6 REB, 6 AST and 3 STL, Ramon Sessions had 19 off the bench and when healthy, Gerald Henderson (16 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST) is both consistent and underrated. Jeff Green (18) led the Celtics, as Paul Pierce (13 PTS, 8 REB, 8 AST) and Kevin Garnett (16 PTS, 13 REB) are apparently not supermen after all.
NOH @ DET: After losing the previous night, without Eric Gordon (rest) and with Anthony Davis slumping (0-for-7 in just 17:20), the Hornets had ‘no chance’ in my book. Ryan Anderson (31 PTS, 4 REB, 2 BLK, 5 3-pointers) didn’t get that memo and Robin Lopez (23 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK) was great again. Maybe the Pistons’ lack of energy was due to the tiny crowd (announced at 10,177) as only Greg Monroe (17 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK) did anything noteworthy. Rodney Stuckey scored a team-high 19 off the bench, mostly in garbage time.
SAS @ CHI: Officially, Tony Parker had knee swelling. Unofficially, coach Pop gave him the night off. Rookie Nando De Colo (9 PTS, 7 AST, 3 STL) started at PG, Kawhi Leonard (26 PTS, 4 REB) took over a scoring role and Danny Green (18 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST) hit three triples as the Spurs’ junior varsity proved how well they know the system. Joakim Noah (7 PTS, 15 REB, 5 AST) is hampered by a sore foot and Carlos Boozer (14 PTS, 8 REB) has cooled off. Nate Robinson (20 PTS, 7 AST, 3 STL) was the Bulls’ best player.
WAS @ MIL: We keep telling you the Wizards are no mirage. John Wall (14 PTS, 10 AST) must have big-time intangibles. His stats don’t bowl you over (7 TO) but his teammates are vastly improved when he’s on the floor. Bradley Beal, with his shooting wrist still taped, scored a career-high 28 (4-5 on 3-pointers, 4 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK) and Nene (21 PTS, 13 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL) was outstanding. Larry Sanders (back) missed another game and Samuel Dalembert (6 PTS, 7 REB) fouled out in only 17 minutes. Monta Ellis (24 PTS, 8 AST, 7 REB, 6 STL) was fantastic, but Brandon Jennings was an ice-cold 3-for-17 as another home favorite bit the dust.
ATL @ DAL: Shrugging off trade rumors, Josh Smith (26 PTS, 13 REB, 6 AST, 4 3PTM) showcased his talents and Al Horford (21 PTS, 10 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK) was also excellent. Jeff Teague (20 PTS, 9 AST, 4 REB) sets the tempo for the Hawks, and Devin Harris (15 PTS, 5 AST) was back in the starting five. The recent hot streak of Shawn Marion (10 PTS, 5 REB) came to an end because Dirk Nowitzki (24 PTS, 7 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL) was a lot more prominent. Every loss is a big one for the Mavs and their fading playoff hopes.
February 12 Game Previews
DEN @ TOR: This should be fun to watch. Denver likes to run and the Raptors can play that game. Andre Iguodala (neck) says he will play; the team lists him as a game-time call. Ty Lawson is a must-start, but if Iggy doesn’t go, Andre Miller will get the extra minutes in a small backcourt. Rudy Gay can guard Danilo Gallinari; vice-versa seems doubtful. Andrea Bargnani (flu) may not be 100% if he does play.