In a terrific contest, LeBron James (37 PTS, 12 AST, 7 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK) powered the Heat to their 23rd consecutive win, but it could have gone either way. Kevin Garnett (adductor) was unable to play, but in his place, Jeff Green had the game of his life — 43 PTS, 7 REB, 5 3PTM, 4 BLK — and the proud, stubborn Celtics almost sent it to overtime. Dwyane Wade (16 PTS, 6 AST, 7 REB, 3 STL) and Mario Chalmers (21 PTS, 4-of-5 from deep) were the other Miami standouts, while Paul Pierce (17 PTS, 8 REB, 8 AST) ran the attack for Boston. It’s a long, long way to the Lakers’ record of 33 straight wins, especially when #30 would have to come in San Antonio, but the streak has certainly added some excitement to the season.
Unless you’re an optimist in a keeper league, it’s time to cut Andrew Bynum, who will have surgery on both knees. It’s been a disastrous year for the Sixers, their fans and the big man’s frustrated fantasy owners. How effective Bynum might be, when he might return and even where he will be playing are all impossible questions to answer. Check out our convenient Injuries page for all the details on other aches, pains and illnesses.
Other Monday Results
POR @ PHI: The clock is striking midnight on Portland’s playoff hopes. Spencer Hawes (18 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK) was excellent again and Jrue Holiday (27 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST) is back in top form. Thaddeus Young (19 PTS, 5 AST, 3 REB, 4 STL, 2 BLK) is another Sixer who hasn’t quit, though there isn’t much to play for. LaMarcus Aldridge (32 PTS, 14 REB, 3 AST) and Damian Lillard (27 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST) were heroic in defeat for the Blazers, but their teammates collectively scored just 41 points on 36% shooting.
WAS @ CHA: You see, this this ‘meaningless’ game produced 233 points and a bunch of other juicy stats for astute owners. Gerald Henderson (27 PTS, 8 AST) led the Bobcats to an entertaining victory, with Josh McRoberts (17 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST) sharp again and solid contributions off the bench from newcomer Jannero Pargo (11 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL in 18:30) and Ben Gordon (19 PTS, 3 REB), who each hit three triples. Even Byron Mullens (12 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST) was a factor after a brutal 7-game stretch. John Wall (25 PTS, 5 AST, 4 REB) and Nene (21 PTS, 7 REB, 7 AST) led the Wizards, as Bradley Beal (5 PTS in 20 minutes) is not yet up to full speed on his tender ankle.
BRK @ DET: Bouncing back 24 hours after a surprising home loss, the Nets got big games from Deron Williams (31 PTS, 5 AST) and Brook Lopez (18 PTS, 7 REB) before the bench took over and routed the hapless Pistons by 37. Brandon Knight (ankle) did not return, but Rodney Stuckey< (10 PTS, 4 AST) cooled off. Will Bynum< (18 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB) took over at PG from Jose Calderon, who tried to play with the flu, lasting just eight minutes.