Toronto 98, New Orleans 92

Sometimes, it’s just not your night.

Chirs Paul played terribly in Toronto: 10 pts. (3-13 shooting), 7 assists and 5 turnovers, all leading to a long night for New Orleans (12-14) against the Raptors (13-17). Paul just couldn’t get it together and it’s unfortunate, David West showed up tonight. West dropped 21 and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Yet, it wasn’t enough to overtake Toronto’s well balanced output. All starters ended up in double figures, lead by none other than Mr. Chris Bosh. The man scored 25 points and 11 rebounds to continue his stellar and MVP like play.

Everybody has their off nights, but if the Hornets want to be in the playoff run, Chris Paul has to play at a supreme level on night-to-night basis. New Orleans cannot afford to waste games like this when they are expected to win.

Stat of the Game: Chris Paul’s streak of 7 straight games with 12+ assists ended tonight.

Memphis 102, Denver 96

If the Nuggets want to contend with the Lakers, they can’t be losing games to the likes of the Grizzlies, even if Zach Randolph goes off with 32 points and 24 rebounds. Insanity.

Yes, I understand Memphis can beat anybody, but ‘elite’ teams win against ball clubs that are below them.

Memphis(12-15) has been playing well, but they are not in the same league as Denver (19-9).

Yes, I also understand Chauncey Billups is out, but the Nuggets have Arron Afflalo and Ty Lawson to back him up. They are supposed to produce. Tonight, they did not, almost literally. Afflalo and Lawson combined for 3 points on 1-8 shooting. Splendid effort fellows.

Carmelo Anthony did try to bring home the victory with his earnest efforts. He scored a season high 41 points and 6 rebounds. And Nene Hilario scored 19 points but couldn’t help Kenyon Martin stop Zach Randolph. He sure is better than Kevin Garnett.

Memphis starters were all in double figures in the losing effort.

Stat of the Game: Jamal Tinsley may not be contributing off the floor, but he must being doing something to help them win. The Grizzlies are 11-7 since he joined the club on November 14.

Portland 102, Miami 95

Dwyane Wade, we all know you’re the heart and soul of the Miami Heat, but taking 31 shots is not going to help.

Just to let all you math majors out there, Mr. Wade took 39% of the Miami’s(13-12) shots. He also aided 10 baskets in the losing effort against Portland (17-12).

On the other hand, the Trailblazers proved time and time again, you can’t bring a good man down. Brandon Roy is slowly entering the MVP talk with bringing his team from the scowls of the NBA’s underbelly after Greg Oden, Rudy Fernandez, and Travis Outlaw went out with health issues. Roy scored 28 points and 8 assists. He continually plays well and makes his teammates better.

LaMarcus Aldridge has also stepped up since the injury plague swept through Rip City. He contributed 23 points and 8 rebounds.

Quentin Richardson added 22 points in the losing efforts.

Stat of the Night: Team Rebounds
Portland 38
Miami 28

Boston 122, Minnesota 104

Rajon Rondo is playing so absurdly well, I almost can’t stomach it.

Rondo led the Celtics (21-5) tonight to a much needed victory after losing at home against the terrible 76ers with 13 points and 15 assists. His play is becoming contagious.

All of the Celtics starters were in double figures again with Paul Pierce anchoring the scoring with 29 points and 7 rebounds. Boston also received a help from the bench including Rasheed Wallace, Tony Allen, and Eddie House, who all combined for 32 points.

Minnesota (5-23) played the East’s best tough though, I know the score says otherwise, but Al Jefferson scored 20 points and 11 rebounds against the NBA’s best defense while Jonny Flynn dropped 21. It wasn’t clearly enough as the T-Wolves were just overmatched tonight.

Stat of the Night: Assists
Boston 34
Minnesota 18

This is The Ref signaling I’m out until next time and remember: We miss calls, you miss lay ups.