Lakers 111, Thunder 108

It’s a matchup that will be highlighted until the year Kobe retires: Kevin Durant vs. Kobe Bryant.

Each player has the potential to drop an immense amount of points on any opponent in the league on any given night. So would they do it against each other? Turns out they did!

The Lakers, back home from their east-coast roady, were led by Kobe’s 40 points (6^th time this season with 40+) to overcome a 15-point first half deficit. The Thunder were led by Durant’s 30 points, but he fouled out with 1:31 left.

Russell Westbrook, back at his UCLA stomping grounds, had a big-time game in the loss. He dropped 21 points with 13 assists and 7 rebounds. Love the effort for the PG that runs the Thundercat show.

These two teams played a terrific overtime game in OKC earlier in the year, and now they had this gem in LA on Tuesday night. It’s very possible that these two teams could meet in the first round of the playoffs come April. How good could that series be?

Shooter of the Game: Derek Fisher. So many times he has hit daggers square in the heart of his opponents. That was his role against the Thunder. Fisher shot 3-5 from 3-point range and hit some clutch free throws down the stretch for the Lake Show.

Bobcats 88, Pistons 76

Here are the recipes for a final score in the 2009-2010 season in a game between the Charlotte Bobcats and the Detroit Pistons:

Who is at home and who is on the road? Both teams are atrocious on the road and are able to win any game on their home court. Advantage: Bobcats

Who is almost literally not able to score? The Pistons, with injuries and all, cannot score a lick. Hence they are having a hard time winning games, anywhere. Advantage: Bobcats

Who wins the matchup between Pistons Rodney Stuckey and Jonas Jerebko & Bobcats Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace? The Bobcats do, especially when Wallace puts in 29 points and 12 rebounds. Advantage: Bobcats

Who won Tuesday’s game? Game, Set, Match: Bobcats

Hawks 112, Timberwolves 87

The Atlanta Hawks had a chance to clinch their best start in team history: something they can surely be proud of, something that they can grow off for years, something that would show the league they are for real…

Ok, enough of the suspense – the Hawks were playing the HRBL T’Wolves. Hence, this was an easy win for Atlanta. Joe Johnson, the man behind the plan, scored 21 with 6 assists to lead all five starters in double-digit points. Al Horford added 16 points and 11 boards while Jamal Crawford dropped 26 off the bench!

Shooter of the Game: Jamal Crawford. I’m just sticking with the hot hand here! Crawford shot 9-17 overall and 4-7 from 3-point range. So much for a bench player not being important.

Grizzlies 121, Warriors 108

Two of the most exiting teams in the league squared off in Memphis on Tuesday. Too bad these teams are a combined 15 games under .500.

Nevertheless, the Grizzlies won with a terrific balanced attack. Zach Randolph dropped 33 points with 18 boards. I swear this guy is averaging 25 points and 17 rebounds this season. OJ Mayo scored 22 with 7 boards and 5 assists. Marc Gasol added 22 points to go with his 4 blocks.

You know what I liked best about this game? The Grizzlies only shot six three pointers on the night despite their 121 points! I haven’t seen a low total of 3-point attempts in forever. Meanwhile, the Warriors shot 17 and lost. Get my drift here?

-Shooter