The National Basketball association had a crazy night on Wednesday with 12 games.
Atlanta Hawks 108, Orlando Magic 76
The Hawks built a lead as big as 38, aside from a few minutes in the 1st quarter, the game was dominated by Atlanta. Josh Smith was the best player on the floor yet again, this time with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Al Horford added 26 and 12.
San Antonio Spurs 96, Cleveland Cavaliers 95
Kawhi Leonard had a career game against the Chicago Bulls earlier in the week, what could be better than that? Hitting a game winner has to be quite up there. Tony Parker found Leonard for a three pointer that gave the Spurs a one point lead with 2 seconds left. Kyrie Irving tried to take the last shot, but he lost his balance and his attempt was off. The Spurs, who were led by Parker’s 24 points, saw the return of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.
Indiana Pacers 101, Charlotte Bobcats 77
The Pacers and Bobcats traded baskets in the first quarter, unfortunately for Charlotte, everything went downhill from there. Paul George had a triple double for the Pacers with 23 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists. Charlotte had 29 points in the first 12 minutes, but shot 14-61 during the next 36.
Boston Celtics 71, Chicago Bulls 69
Ugly, ugly game, in fact, it set a record.. And not in a good way. The Celtics scored 11 points in the 2nd quarter and 8 in the third, setting a franchise record for fewest points in consecutive quarters. Even with that they were able to beat the Bulls, who have really struggled as of late. Kevin Garnett had 8 of his 12 points in the 4th quarter and Taj Gibson missed a potential game winner from way downtown that would have given the Bulls the lead.
Brooklyn Nets 119, Denver Nuggets 108
Without Andre Iguodala and Danillo Gallinari, the Nuggets couldn’t stop the Brooklyn Nets, who were incredible behind the arc making 16 three pointers, including a career high five for CJ. Watson. Brook Lopez had 23 points. The Nuggets are on a three game losing streak, just last week they were riding a nine game winning streak.
Toronto Raptors 92, New York Knicks 88
After getting hit in the biceps Carmelo Anthony couldn’t find a rhythm and went 5 out of 24 from the field for the Knicks, who have lost two games in a row. Rudy Gay wasn’t any better, hitting only 4 out of 21 shots from the field. The third quarter, in which the Raptors outscored New York by 10, was the difference in the game. Alan Anderson led Toronto with 26 points off the bench.
Detroit Pistons 96, Washington Wizards 85
With performances like this, it’ll be hard for Detroit not to want Jose Calderon back after his contract expires during the summer. Calderon made six three pointers for 24 points and Will Bynum, who share the backcourt with the former Raptor, scored 20.
Milwaukee Bucks 94, Philadelphia Sixers 92
Phildelphia had a nine point lead in the 3rd quarter before the Bucks came storming back behind Monta Ellis 27 points and Brandon Jennings 21. However, Philadelphia had a chance to tie the game but Jrue Holiday’s shot didn’t fall.
New Orleans Hornets 99, Portland TrailBlazers 63
Portland’s Lamarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum scored only three field goals between the two, Wesley Matthews injured his ankle less than two minutes into the game and the Blazers just weren’t into it. Hornets rookie Anthony Davis scored 21 points and 11 rebounds, and they outscored Portland 61-37 in the second half.
Utah Jazz 97, Minnesota Timberwolves 93
Ricky Rubio came close to a triple double with 18 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, but Al Jefferson’s 20 points and four late free throws by Randy Foye sealed the deal for Utah, who has played 10 straight games without Gordon Hayward.
Dallas Mavericks 123, Sacramento Kings 100
Vince Carter scored 26 points and passed Larry Bird on the NBA career scoring list with 21,796 points. In fact, it was Carter’s back two back three pointers in the third quarter that helped the Mavs get a 17-8 run and establish a double digit lead to defeat the 19 and 35 Kings.
Los Angeles Clippers 106, Houston Rockets 96
James Harden, who was out for the Rockets, was missed badly by his team.
The Clippers opened the game on fire, scoring a season high 47 points in the first quarter and an 18 point lead in the process. The Rockets were down by double figures the rest of the way. Blake Griffin scored 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who have won three out of four games ever since their whole lineup came back. Jeremy Lin had 14 points and 7 assists for the Rockets.
