It’s hard to be much better than Russell Westbrook was last night — 37 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and only one turnover — though Kevin Durant (26 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK) put up crooked numbers in five categories, he was only the co-star as the Thunder rolled to an easy win.
Kobe Bryant (30 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST) suffered an ulnar nerve contusion (i.e., banged his funny bone) and went to the locker room briefly; he was getting treatment on that right elbow the rest of the night. Dwight Howard did collect 16 rebounds, but shot 1-7 from the floor and 4-8 from the line, fouling out with just six points. Steve Nash (20 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST) and Metta World Peace (16 PTS, 3 REB) tried to make up for the lack of scoring, but a third-quarter rally ran out of gas in the fourth. Surprisingly not suspended, Serge Ibaka (13 PTS, 6 REB, 2 BLK) kept his hands to himself.
Other Tuesday Results
BOS @ PHI: We got the outcome right, just not the style of game. Paul Pierce (18 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST) and Kevin Garnett (18 PTS, 6 REB, 2 BLK) were fresh after three days off, while Avery Bradley (22 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST) enjoyed his best offensive game of the season. Seven guys reached double figures for the Sixers, including Jrue Holiday (18 PTS, 01 AST, 5 REB, 4 STL) and Evan Turner (18 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST) as Boston was fairly casual about defense and content to trade buckets. Rookie Arnett Moultrie (10 PTS, 4 REB) made all five of his shots and Philly might as well give him more time as their disastrous season keeps getting worse.
DEN @ SAC: Denver always scores, it’s just tricky to predict which players will lead the way on a given night. Ty Lawson (24 PTS, 7 AST, 3 REB) has been in a good groove for weeks. Danilo Gallinari (23 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST) hit five 3-pointers and got into a debate with DeMarcus Cousins, whose thin skin and short fuse may prevent him from ever reaching his potential. DMC was 0-7 with two fouls in the first quarter; he finished 1-12 and missed four free throws, negating 13 rebounds and five blocks. Marcus Thornton (32 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 5-11 from deep) remains red hot, and Isaiah Thomas (23 PTS, 8 AST) played well, but the Kings couldn’t keep up in the second half. Andre Miller (16 PTS, 7 AST) scored ten in the final frame for Denver, which was playing a back-to-back, and Kenneth Faried (19 PTS, 12 REB) was impressive despite seeing just 21 minutes by foul trouble.
Wednesday Previews
BRK @ CHA: How bad are the Bobcats? Well, they let Portland shoot 60% last game, and with Byron Mullens (knee) doubtful, they will probably start Josh McRoberts at PF. Use their guards in fantasy if you must, but this should be an easy night for the Nets and Brook Lopez might be unstoppable, though Andray Blatche might get extra run in garbage time. Deron Williams is averaging over 22 PPG the last six and Joe Johnson is getting healthier.
UTA @ CLE: There are some solid plays here if you’re into daily fantasy hoops like me. Paul Millsap will be the focal point for the Jazz, as Al Jefferson (ankle) is doubtful. Derrick Favors will get another start at C and Enes Kanter is the primary backup. Meanwhile, Utah’s guard situation is a mess, and Kyrie Irving could run wild. Dion Waiters (illness) is questionable but Tyler Zeller is feeling better and should bump Marreese Speights back to the bench.