Oklahoma City 117, Philadelphia 106

At least the Sixers (5-14) have a back up point guard now.

I say this because if you look at the numbers, you would think the Sixers not only won the game, but dominated it. Philly shot 50% from the floor, 61 % from 3 (14-23), and 95% from the line, but lost by double digits to the Thunder (10-8). It doesn’t make sense. Almost. The Thunder amassed 11 more offensive rebounds that lead to 23 second chance points. The Sixers were straight up dominated on the boards (43-29 in total) by the Thunder, and it led to their demise. It’s sad. Jrue Holiday recovered from an atrocious game the other night with 15 points. Andre Iguodala dropped 28-6-5 while Thaddeus Young added 20. It clearly wasn’t enough.

The Sixers were shorthanded, and they had no answer to the Most Unguardable Player on the Planet: Kevin Durant (33 pts, 5 rebs, and 3 stls) and Nick Collison, who had 5 offensive rebounds to lead to an 18-point night on 8-9 shooting. His play tipped the scale OKC’s favor. Jeff Green added 19-6-4.

Nenad Krstic left the game in the 3rd with a sprained ankle.

Stat of the Game: Russell Westbrook may have shot 1-11 from the field, but the man dished out a career high 15 assists while only having 2 turnovers. What have I been telling you all along?

Memphis 97, Minnesota 95

When you get to the line with 1.8 seconds left and down 2, your supposed to send the game into overtime.

Ramon Sessions must have missed that class as he missed both free throws at the end of the game to allow Memphis (7-12), led by Zach Randolph’s 20-10 night, to beat Minnesota (2-16) 97-95 in the Target Center. The T-Wolves were led by Ryan Gomes’ 20 point performance and Jonny Flynn added 12 points and 9 assists in the loss.

Rudy Gay scored 20 tonight while O.J. Mayo continues his struggles (17 pts on 4-15 shooting). A little surprised that Jamal Tinsley started over Mike Conley, but I guess it didn’t matter. Conley dropped 20 points while going 8-12 from the floor. Way to step Mike and be a team player. I am sure JB appreciates a night like that.

Stat of the Game: Turnovers (Points Off)
Memphis 10 (11)
Minnesota 15 (20)

Chicago 92, Detroit 85

Maybe Detroit (6-12) should have started their bench tonight.

The Pistons bench outscored their starters 52-33, but it wasn’t enough to overcome John Salmons’ 22 point performance to lead the Chicago Bulls (7-9) to victory. This is Salmons second straight 20 point night as he scored 23 last night against Milwaukee. If he can start playing like he did in last years playoffs, Watch Out.

Derrick Rose added 19 points and 6 assists for Chicago while Ben Gordon led the Pistons with 19 in his return to Chicago, where he played for 5 seasons.

Stat of the Game: This is really the question of the night: How do you expect to win with this starting lineup:

Rodney Stuckey
Chucky Atkins
Jonas Jerebko
Jason Maxiell
Ben Wallace

If someone from the Pistons organization can answer this one, please contact me immediately.

Sacramento 110, Indiana 105

Mr. Brandon Jennings:

I regret to inform you that a gentleman named Tyreke Evans has taken over your throne.

Evans, who is averaging 19-5-5 as a rookie continues his ridiculous play with 26-6-5 to lead the Kings (9-8) a game over .500 with a victory tonight over the Indiana Pacers (6-10). Evans has made us all forget that Kevin Martin is even on the roster. Seriously, Kevin take your time, rest up, and be sure to eat your vegetables. Check this out if you don’t believe me. The combination of Jason Thompson, Spencer Hawes, and Evans tallied 69 points tonight. Hawes and Thompson combined for 8 offensive rebounds. Big difference in this win.

As the opponent, Danny Granger tried his best to play spoiler to the young crew by dropping 33 on 10-24 shooting, but received little help from the rest of the cast. He needs it as the Pacers are 1-7 since their 5-3 start.

The Kings are on a 4 game win streak.

Stat of the Game: Team Assists
Sacramento 28
Indiana 12

Houston 102, LA Clippers 85

If you haven’t seen Aaron Brooks play so far this season, you are committing a huge injustice to yourself.

Brooks led the way with 21 points to guide the amazingly efficient Rockets (10-8) over the LA Clippers (8-11) in the Staples Center. The key match up of the game was the between point guards Brooks and Baron Davis. Davis played well (21 pts and 6 asts.), but couldn’t overcome the three point shooting of Aaron Brooks (3-4), who ended up with 22 points. The problem for Baron is nobody supported him where on the side, the Rockets filled in the void with a balance scoring attack including an impressive performance by rooking Chase Budinger (19 pts 5 rebs.). Houston takes on Golden State tomorrow night and attempts to continue their winning ways.

The Clippers are still trying to find a groove. They looked good tonight, at times, but this team needs an identity. Hell, even the Nets have an identity.

Stat of the Game: 3-point shooting
Houston 52% (12-23)
LA Clippers 7% (1-14)

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