Dwight Howard played, without much enthusiasm: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 5 turnovers and a swirling controversy about his relationship with Stan Van Gundy. Jameer Nelson also played, without much success (10 PTS on 3-14 shooting) and Glen Davis (15 & 7) got another start in place of Ryan Anderson (ankle). Carmelo Anthony led the visitors to a convincing win with 19, Tyson Chandler (12 PTS, 12 REB) was strong and J.R. Smith (15 PTS, 9 AST) continued to
For the second straight game, LeBron James carried his team, with 34 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, four steals and a refusal to lose. Dwayne Wade did play, but had “only” 19 with 5 TO, while Chris Bosh (12) was quiet again. The Heat overcame 30 from Kevin Durant and 28 from Russell Westbrook by effectively shutting down everyone else. This game was rough and intense; if it really was a Finals preview, I can’t wait. In Other Games IND @ WAS:
No, that horrific shooting night for Kobe Bryant (3-for-21) wasn’t an early April Fool’s joke and he did hit a late, clutch 3-pointer to prevent the Lakers from losing. Jarrett Jack had been solid all afternoon despite a sore ankle (18 PTS, 10 AST) but missed a huge layup near the end. I was bullish on Carl Landry, a surprise — and very late — scratch with a sore ankle. Jason Smith (17 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK) held his
When Jeremy Lin sat out a playoff-implication game against Milwaukee due to a sore left knee on Monday, the absence was expected. When he sat out again two days later against Orlando, there was cause for concern. As teammates said, Lin is not the type of player to sit out games unless it was something serious. After avoiding the media prior to the game against the Hawks on Friday, it became clear something was amiss. Then suddenly, at least for now, the sensation
Blake Griffin was a human highlight film with 27 points, 14 REB, 5 AST and a trio of emphatic dunks in the fourth to seal the deal as the Clippers have now won three straight by double-digit margins. Chris Paul (15 & 15) played Robin to Griffin’s Batman while the Suns were short of superheroes. Marcin Gortat had 23, but elder statesman Steve Nash missed all four of his shots and the venerable Grant Hill (knee) didn’t play. Other Stuff MIN @ CHA: Kevin
The Cavs scored 75 points, which was tied for season-low. Tayshaun Prince scored 29 points. Tristan Thompson had 11 rebounds. According to Elias Sports Bureau, the Knicks outscored the Magic by 35 over the 2nd and 3rd quarters on the way to a 108-86 win. It is the 2nd largest 2nd and 3rd quarter point differential by the Knicks in franchise history. Iman Shumpert led the Knicks in scoring with 25 points. Jose Calderon had 10+ assists for the 4th straight game. Andrew Bargiani and Ty
Sam Amick: Source says Portland has been awarded forward JJ Hickson from waivers. Golden State misses out. Twitter David Aldridge: The Hornets, according to a source, have no plans at the moment to buy out Chris Kaman. Twitter Derek Fisher and the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to terms on a rest-of-the-season contract that will be signed after Fisher clears waivers, according to sources close to the process.ESPN.com The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed free agent center Ronny Turiaf. Per club policy, terms of the deal were
Derek Fisher is in advanced negotiations with the Oklahoma City Thunder to sign with the Western Conference leaders after clearing waivers, according to sources close to the situation. ESPN.com Sam Amick: Sources say the Kings will pick up Terrence Williams on a 10-day contract. He was cut by Houston this week. Twitter The Grizzlies and Gilbert Arenas have made it official: The free-agent guard will join the team for the rest of this season. Griz general manager Chris Wallace confirmed the deal today. Arenas, who was in Memphis