Back in November, the Spurs sat out their best players (earning a fine from the league) and almost won in Miami. Last night, the Heat turned the tables. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were both rested, along with Mario Chalmers. To the surprise of almost everyone, they won in San Antonio. Chris Bosh (23 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST, 2 BLK) led the way, with Norris Cole (13 PTS, 4 AST) playing a career-high 43 minutes and Ray Allen (14 PTS, 5 AST, 3 REB) sharp off the bench. Tim Duncan (17 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK) played well in defeat, but Manu Ginobili (hamstring) will be out for a while and Tony Parker (12 PTS, 8 AST, 5 REB) missed ten of 14 shots. They were still ahead until Bosh drained a 3-pointer with two seconds left.
Other Sunday Results
BOS @ NYK: The eighth straight win for the Knicks was easy. Carmelo Anthony (24 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL) played just 27 minutes, and Chris Copeland (22 PTS, 5 REB) made the most of garbage time. Paul Pierce (24 PTS, 15 REB, 5 AST) and Jeff Green (27 PTS, 4 REB) were the only two Celtics with more than ten points; Pierce stayed in the game after rolling an ankle but will probably be rested tonight.
TOR @ WAS: It was a big surprise when Bradley Beal (24 PTS, 4 AST, 6 3PTM) entered the game after missing the last five with an ankle injury. John Wall (18 PTS, 10 AST, 6 REB) didn’t have to be a one-man offense and Emeka Okafor (19 PTS, 10 REB) did a solid job on the glass. Jonas Valanciunas (18 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK) was the best Raptor, as Rudy Gay (11 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST) was in foul trouble and played just 27 minutes.
CLE @ NOH: The return of Kyrie Irving (31 PTS, 6 AST) was an unexpected boost for his fantasy owners but not enough to lift the Cavaliers to a road win. Greivis Vasquez (25 PTS, 9 AST, 2 REB, 3 STL) showed no sign of his sore ankle and Ryan Anderson (23 PTS, 6 REB) hit five 3-pointers as the future Pelicans took command in the second half. Anthony Davis (17 PTS, 13 REB, 2 AST, 2 BLK) is finishing his rookie season strong.
DET @ CHI: You never know in the NBA, especially at this time of year. The Bulls were not at their best — far from it — and the Pistons almost took advantage. Rodney Stuckey (25 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST) was hot and Greg Monroe (18 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK) is playing great at PF alongside rookie C Andre Drummond (8 PTS, 14 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK) who is still not 100% fit. Luol Deng (28 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST) hit three triples, and the defense of Jimmy Butler (16 PTS, 4 REB, 5 STL) made a big difference in the fourth.