Another huge game by LaMarcus Aldridge (31 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST) and another gutsy performance by Nicolas Batum (17 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB, 3 BLK) led the Blazers, who remain alive for a playoff berth, though they are three games back with just 17 remaining. J.J. Hickson (18 PTS, 15 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL) was solid up front, but Damian Lillard (14 PTS, 7 AST) had an off-night, missing nine of 12 shots. We have been touting Rodney Stuckey (32 PTS, 3 REB) and Will Bynum (23 PTS, 4 AST) all week but their numbers will go back to normal when Brandon Knight (ankle) returns.
Other Saturday Results
PHO @ WAS: The Suns were tired and defense was an afterthought, as Martell Webster went off for a career-high 34 points, hitting 7 of 10 from beyond the arc. John Wall (17 PTS, 11 AST, 5 REB, 3 STL) went 8-for-11 as the Wizards racked up 127 points on 52% shooting. Bradley Beal (13 PTS, 6 REB) played 21 minutes off the bench after missing six games with an ankle sprain; he should regain his starting job from Garrett Temple (11 PTS, 4 AST, 3 REB, 2 STL) very soon. For Phoenix, reserves Michael Beasley (21) and Jared Dudley (16) were the leading scorers.
CHA @ BOS: Even without Kevin Garnett (adductor strain) the Celtics cruised. Paul Pierce (14 PTS, 8 AST, 6 REB, 3 BLK) was needed for just 23 minutes, as the bench got plenty of extra run. Jason Terry (15 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST) hit three triples, but the surprise fantasy line came from Charlotte backup guard Jannero Pargo. Signed to a 10-day contract, the veteran scored 18 points in 21 minutes, dished out four assists and hit four 3-pointers. He might have value in really deep leagues until Ramon Sessions (knee) returns.
IND @ PHI: That really wasn’t a huge surprise. Jrue Holiday (27 PTS, 12 AST, 6 REB) was energetic and Spencer Hawes had his best game of the season — 18 PTS, 16 REB, 8 AST and 7 BLK — to lead the well-rested Sixers over the tired visitors. The counting stats look great for Roy Hibbert (25 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK) but he missed 17 shots; it was a similar story for Paul George (18 PTS, 14 REB, 8 AST) who shot 6-for-17. Philly fans went home delighted with the W and their Julius Erving bobbleheads.
CLE @ SAS: I really didn’t think Tim Duncan (30 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST, 5 BLK) would need to play 35 minutes, but the Cavaliers made a game of it. Kawhi Leonard (24 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK) was also great and Manu Ginobili (14 PTS, 10 AST) double-doubled off the bench. The ex-Grizzlies kept Cleveland close; Wayne Ellington scored a team-high 21 with four 3-pointers despite a tender ankle and Marreese Speights (19 PTS, 7 REB, 4 BLK) had one of his better nights. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, unhappy with his team’s defensive effort and furious with the officiating, got two technical fouls and an ejection in the second quarter.
MEM @ UTA: The exhausted Grizzlies turned to sixth man Jerryd Bayless (24 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST in 24 minutes) and Zach Randolph (19 PTS, 9 REB, 2 STL) worked hard, but it wasn’t enough. The Jazz won the third quarter 24-9 and never looked back. Paul Millsap (13 PTS, 8 REB, 3 STL, 2 AST) was better in his second game back from injury and Gordon Hayward (17 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST) has moved back into the starting five, where he will benefit from extra minutes. Mo Williams (13 PTS, 6 AST, 4 REB) is looking much better with a few games under his belt.