Wizards 104, Magic 97

The Washington Wizards Bullets addressed the home crowd before this game, to help ease the frustrations that I’m sure so many of their fans are feeling. Thankfully for the fans, the Wizards didn’t just talk…they came back from a 10 point deficit in the 4th quarter to beat Orlando. It’s been a rough year for the Wizards, but in the fourth quarter, the fans really helped push their team along.

Antawn Jamison (28 pts), Caron Butler (23 pts), and Randy Foye (20 pts., shout out to JB’s Fantasy Watch!!) each had at least 2o points. The Wizards were down 81-71 in the 4th until Mike Miller (featuring a newly shaved head) and Jamison hit back-to-back 3′s leading to a 23-5 run. Orlando has now lost four straight. What’s up with that??

Interesting Note: This game, held in Washington, was sold out. I think that’s awesome fan support right there. Oh, and VC left the game with a shoulder injury. Uh oh.

Hornets 101, Nets 99

Before we start, I want this to be clear. I don’t like the Nets at all. As a matter of fact, I’m secretly happy they continue to lose at an astounding rate. With that being said, tonight, I actually feel somewhat bad for the Netters. Let’s look at the timeline:

About 15 seconds to go; Nets down by 4 with the ball:

Before the Nets inbound the ball, James Posey stupidly fouls a cutter leading to a free throw and the basketball. After Courtney Lee (28 points)  sinks the free throw, Keyon Dooling (21 points) hits a driving layup.

Under 10 seconds to go:

CP3 (11 points & 18 assists) cuts to receive the inbound pass, but trips over Courtney Lee’s foot. Lee scoops the ball up, and gets fouled as he misses a layup. Sinks both free throws. Nets are now up 1!

CP3 inbounds the ball at midcourt, and hits a layup and the foul with zero effort to put the Hornets up 2.

Six seconds to go:

Devin Harris catches the inbound pass and sprints up court. Yi Jianlian gets called for fouling on a screen. Because you may not have seen this game, Yi simply stopped and Devin Brown pulled an Oscar winning acting job, leading to the whistle. Nets Lose. THE END.

Quickies:

Toronto 108, Philadelphia 106

Chris Bosh had a go ahead three point play with under ten seconds to play to close the door on this game. Lou Williams’ attempt at a game winning three fell short, as the Sixers blew an 11 point halftime lead. This seems to be the trend for Philly, and GM Ed Stefanski has noticed. He would not endorse the safety of Coach Eddie Jordan before the game.

Game MVP’s: Chris Bosh (29 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists) & Andre Iguodala (17 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists)

Memphis 91, Utah 89

Normally, I’d make this a headline game, as the Grizzlies continue to play great basketball and beat great teams. Unfortunately, Deron Williams missed this game with his sprained wrist, but it was a great game nonetheless. O.J. Mayo hit the go-ahead jumper with 5 seconds to go, and Mark Gasol sealed it with a huge block on C.J. Miles. Coach Lionel Hollins was recently named Western Conference Coach of the Month.

Game MVP’s: Carlos Boozer (13 points and 12 rebounds) & Zach Randolph (25 points and 15 rebounds)

Minnesota 116, Indiana 109

Minny got their 9th win of the season behind a big game from Al Jefferson, and another double-double from Kevin Love (18 points and 13 rebounds). Johnny Flynn chipped in 18 points as well, along with zero turnovers. Sadly, the Pacers are healthy, with Troy Murphy and Danny Granger back, still losing to the T’Wolves. Don’t worry Pacer fans, you play the Nets in four games.

Game MVP’s: Al Jefferson (25 points and 12 rebounds) & Troy Murphy (21 points and 5 rebounds)

Dallas 112, San Antonio 103

I know this was a game of the week in the podcast, but in my eyes, its just another game between to bitter Texas rivals, that won’t mean much to me, unless its in the playoffs. That being said, I still thought this was a great game. San Antonio, who I predicted to win, especially at home, was on cruise control until Dallas dropped a monster 42 points on them in the 4th quarter. Still, the Spurs chipped back into it, until Dirk the Jerk hit a dagger three as the shot clock expired to put the Mavs up by 7 with about 50 seconds to go.

Interesting Note: Erick Dampier hit a three with about 5 seconds to go, and taunted. I’m sure the Spurs won’t forget that.

Atlanta 93, Boston 85

In the TV promo before this game aired on ESPN, it was all about how tough Boston was. It was all about how gritty they were. Rondo this…Garnett that…Paul Pierce this…Ray Allen that. Well BOOYAH the Hawks put the Celt’s away at home with two late three pointers. This was actually a  really exciting game for me to watch, as only Paul Pierce scored over 20 points in the game with 21. Regardless, the Hawks got a well needed victory, while the Celtics lost, so my Sixers could keep pace (ha!).

Interesting Note: Jamal Crawford lead the Hawks in scoring with 18 off the pine including a sick 4 -point play.

Chicago 93, Milwaukee 96

Brandon Jennings had 5 points, 8 assits, and 4 turnovers. Yet, the Bucks still won. Michael Redd had 24, and Andrew Bogut played like a monster with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Derrick Rose continues to be the only bright spot for the Bulls, as he led his squad with 25 points and 9 assists. Hakim Warrick had a huge putback dunk to put the Bucks up four with about 10 seconds to go. Redd missed a free throw giving Chicago a chance, but Luol Deng couldn’t sink the three ball for the tie.

Interesting Note: Joakim Noah had 18 Rebounds. He’s having a great season. I take back my Rose being the only bright spot remark.

-G