PHI @ SAC: With nothing to play for but pride, the Sixers won’t fold. Jrue Holiday (21 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST, 5 STL) is the motor, Spencer Hawes (14 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST) has become more consistent and Damien Wilkins (17 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST) has taken over the SG spot. Dorell Wright (22 PTS, 6 AST) andf Lavoy Allen (20 PTS, 7 REB) made huge contributions off the bench. It was all guards for the Kings — starters Isaiah Thomas (25 PTS, 3 REB) and Tyreke Evans (19 PTS, 8 AST, 2 REB, 2 STL) were joined by bench gunner Marcus Thompson (22 PTS) as the only bright lights.
POR @ OKC: The Blazers were due for a poor game after playing so hard on this long road trip. Damian Lillard (19 PTS, 6 AST, 4 REB) tried to match up with Russell Westbrook (21 PTS, 9 AST, 4 REB), but LaMarcus Aldridge (10 PTS, 12 REB, 3 STL, 2 BLK) was visibly tired and Portland shot just 40.5% on the night. Kevin Durant (24 PTS, 10 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL) and Serge Ibaka (16 PTS, 3 REB, 5 BLK) played very well as the Thunder made 52% of their shots and just kept pulling away in the second half.
UTA @ DAL: Seven players from each team scored in double figures and of all people, Mike James (19 PTS, 5 AST, 3 REB) was the game’s high scorer. That was a huge win for Dallas, now tied with the Jazz for ninth place, two games back of the Lakers for the final playoff spot and one up on Portland. Shawn Marion (15 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL) and Dirk Nowitzki (17 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST) were keys for the Mavs, who took overwith a 20-2 run in the third and held off a spirited comeback. Enes Kanter (17 PTS, 4 REB) led Utah in just 21 minutes off the bench, with Paul Millsap (15 PTS, 9 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK) also effective.
BRK @ PHO: It wasn’t pretty, but Deron Williams (20 PTS, 11 AST, 2 STL) and Brook Lopez (21 PTS, 5 REB, 2 BLK) did just enough to earn the tired Nets a narrow victory. Goran Dragic (31 PTS, 12 AST, 9 REB) was magnificent for the Suns, and Wes Johnson (21 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL) continues to surprise. Markieff Morris (10 PTS, 15 REB, 3 AST, 2 BLK) was their best big man despite missing 13 of 18 shots. Of possible interest in deep leagues, Kris Humphries (17 PTS, 8 REB) played 27:40 off the Brooklyn bench, but Joe Johnson (quad) didn’t play, so the rotation was unusual.
Monday Previews
ATL @ IND: For the first three games without David West (back) the Pacers looked fine, as Tyler Hansbrough went on a decent run, but Psycho T was no factor against the Bulls and doesn’t match up well vs. the Hawks. Rested yesterday, DeShawn Stevenson might start to cover Paul George. Indiana is battling for second seed, Atlanta is trying to hang on to fifth, so both teams have some motivation and this will come down to defense.