Lakers 107, Bucks 106 (OT)

If you can prevent Kobe Bryant from making a buzzer beater once, you better make sure he doesn’t get another chance. Sorry Bucks fans, Kobe got that second chance.

After missing a shot from the left wing as time expired in regulation, the game moved to overtime tied at 95. The Bucks were able to build a 6-point lead with under two minutes left, but that didn’t stop the BEST player in the NBA. With 5.4 seconds left, Kobe took the inbound and went back to that left wing. This time, with the same exact look as he had before, he sank the jumper and sank the Bucks.

Kobe scored last 7 total points in the OT including the buzzer beater. He finished the game with 39 points and Pau Gasol, certainly NOT to be overlooked, put up 26 points with 22 rebounds.

Shooter of the Game: Easy shmeasy. KB # 24 – Mr. Bryant never gave up despite his broken finger and a poor first half. Kobe shot 13-28, with the game-winner and nailed 12-12 from the free throw line. Did I mention he hit his second buzzer beater of the season?

Mavericks 100, Thunder 86

I don’t doubt Dirk Nowitzki. He makes everything look so easy on the court, especially for his size; but after his poor game on Monday night in Dallas, I was wondering how he would bounce back. After Wednesday’s night win in Oklahoma City, I still don’t doubt Dirk Nowitzki.

There’s no way Dirk was going to have two straight off games, so he came out and dropped 35 on the Thunder with 11 boards along the way. He was hitting high arching shots, turn around shots, driving shots, and all kinds of shots you can imagine.

For the Thunder, their main-man Kevin Durant was as ugly as his creamsicle colored shoes. In his worst game of the year, Durant could only muster 12 points, a season-low, on 4-18 shooting. OKC was a miserable -19 with Durant on the floor, the worst on the team for the game.

Shooter of the Game: I hate to be redundant, but how could I not go with Dirk here. He shot 13-18 from the floor and 2-2 from 3-point range. Everyone seems to forget that this guy is going to be a free agent this summer as well. Summer sleeper?

Kings 112, Wizards 109

In Sac-town, the Kings overcame a late run by the Wizards for a home victory.

Rookie Tyreke Evans had yet another huge game for the Kings, with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. I love that he can play 40 minutes and still have the same confidence at the end of the game that he has at the jump ball. Jason Thompson added 17 points and 13 rebounds for Sacramento.

The Wizards had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but Caron Butler saw his three at the buzzer rim in-and-out. Washington now has 6 straight losses by four points or less, which ties an NBA record also held by the 1976-77 Phoenix Suns.

Stat of the Game: Price of Beer at the Concession Stands – $1
Yes, it was a sellout, and yes, it was the loudest crowd of the year at Arco Arena.

Spurs 103, Warriors 91

Going into San Antonio’s game against Golden State, I was wondering who was going to stop Spurs F Tim Duncan. Turns out, it was no one.

Duncan paced the Spurs with 27 points and 15 rebounds as the Spurs bounced back after a disappointing loss in Phoenix on Tuesday night. A close game turned into an easy win for the Spurs as they controlled the second half. The Spurs outrebounded the Warriors 54-34, but 10 more turnovers kept the Warriors in the game early.

The Warriors were led by Monta Ellis who shot 16-31 for 35 points, with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Corey Maggette added 21, 5 and 5.

Clippers 120, Timberwolves 95

How often can you say the Clippers coasted to a victory on the road? Well, depends how often they play at Minnesota.

The Clippers ran over the T’Wolves with a big second quarter en route to their 11^th win of the year. How’d they win so easily? BECAUSE THE CLIPPERS HAVE A BIG 3 – yes, the LA Clippers.

1) Baron Davis – 13 points, 8 rebounds, 13 assists
2) Marcus Camby – 10 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists
3) Chris Kaman – 23 points, 10 rebounds

Yes, that’s three. Look out Western Conference.

Jazz 108, Nets 92

The Jazz learned their lesson of how to play HRBL teams after losing to the T’Wolves at home two days ago; that was bad news for the HRBL NJ Nets.

Deron Williams dropped 20 points and 14 assists for the winning Jazz, who picked up a win in their first game of an east coast road trip. Carlos Boozer added a ‘strong’ 26 points and 10 rebounds.

For the Nets, Brook Lopez scored 23 with 10 boards and Terrence Williams played tough for 17 points off the bench.

Losing the hapless Nets, “I think not,” says the Jazz.

-Shooter