Bobcats 92, Wizards 76

The Bobcats (7-9) pushed their win streak to four in a decisive 92-76 win on the road against the Washington Wizards (5-10).  They did it mostly from the defensive end.  For the first three quarters the Bobcats held the Wizards to 50 points.  The Wizards really struggled shooting 38% from the field.  Gerald Wallace led the Bobcats, who had six players in double figures, with 14 points.  He also grabbed 14 rebounds in the win.  The Wizards were led by Caron Butler’s 19 points.  Gilbert Arenas finished with 6 points on 3-11 shooting.

JB’s Hustle Hero of the Game: Gerald Wallace. Wallace had 4 of his team’s 9 offensive rebounds which led to some second chance buckets early in the game.  He is what makes this team go on the offensive and defensive sides of the floor.  If Wallace and Stephen Jackson continue to gel the Bobcats will be a pain to play night in and night out.

Cavs 111, Mavs 95

Cleveland (12-5) beat Dallas (12-5) due to the solid play of LeBron James and Mo Williams.  They both finished with 25 points and shot a combined 19-32.  LeBron also added in 12 assists for his second double-double of the season.  Mo Williams hit all 7 of his three pointers on his way to his 25 points.  Jamario Moon, Delonte West, Anderson Varejao all scored double figures coming off the bench for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Mavericks were led by Dirk Nowitzki’s 27 points and 9 rebounds.  Jason Terry played well scoring 25 points off the bench.  The Mavs are really starting to miss Erick Dampier and Josh Howard.  Not only were they out rebounded by 15, including by 5 on the offensive end, they allowed the Cavs to shoot a blistering 57%.

JB’s Hustle Hero of the Game: Anderson Varejao. Not only did Varejao go perfect hitting all 7 of his shots, grabbed 5 offensive rebounds.  He finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists in 32 minutes.

Magic 100, Bucks 98

Down 68-53 in the third quarter, Vince Carter, of the Orlando Magic (13-4), had enough.  He scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half as the Magic came back and almost blew a 10 point lead of their own in the fourth to beat the Bucks (8-7) by two.  Dwight Howard also scored 25 points, grabbed 20 rebounds, and registered 4 blocks in the win.  Jason Williams also had a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists.

The Bucks were led by Luke Ridnour and Ersan Ilyasova, who each scored 20 points apiece.  Ilyasoava also had a career high 16 rebounds (including 7 offensive rebounds).  Jennings struggled shooting just 7-22 from the field, finishing with 18 points.  The Bucks lost their 4th straight and have a chance to bound back Monday night against the Chicago Bulls.

JB’s Hustle Hero of the Game:  Dwight Howard. Was there any question?  The dude went for 25 and 20, not to mention his 4 blocks.  His biggest play may have came when the Bucks decided not to foul in the last 27 seconds.  Anthony Johnson missed a lay-up, and even though Howard could not grab the rebound he continued to tip it until it went to Matt Barnes as the buzzer sounded.

-JB