Cavs 92, Heat 91

This game matched up two of the games biggest superstars, with LeBron James taking on Dwyane Wade. The difference in this game was one team’s supporting cast, out performing the others’. Both James and Wade had 32 points apiece, but it was the play of their supporting casts that was the difference. The Cavs, playing without Mo Williams and Delonte West, got 15 points including 4 treys from Boobie Gibson. Shaq had a great game as well with 19 points on 9 of 13 shooting. The Heat got solid contributions from Jermaine O’Neal and Michael Beasley, but the Heat guards, aside from Wade, struggled. The game was tight down the stretch, but two LeBron free throws put the Cavs ahead for good with a second to go on the clock, as Wade’s game winning three point attempt fell short.

Pacers 109, Sixers 98

Well…it seems that my predicted five game winning streak for the Sixers was all for naught. Going into the half, the Sixers were shooting 60%, but were only up by three points. That’s when I knew we were in trouble. Our shots started clanking, while the Pacers played solid consistent basketball, going on a nice run at the end of the third quarter/beginning of the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Philly made a run for it with a few minutes to go in the game, but it still wasn’t enough, especially after Brandon Rush hit a big three to put the Pacers up 7 with 2 minutes to go. Danny Granger had 26 points and 8 rebounds, while Allen Iverson and Andre Iguodala both scored in the twenties, with AI having 20, and Iguodal having 22. This is not a good sign for my podcast predictions haha.

Celtics 95, Clippers 89

The Celtics had their whole squad back, and they needed every part, as they held off the inconsistent Clippers by six. Not one Clipper scored 20 points or more, but they had six players score in double figures along with solid team rebounding. Rajon Rondo had a great game, with 16 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds in the win. Chris Kaman had 10 points and 9 rebounds, but shot 5 of 19 from the field, as Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins obviously had him rattled. The Clippers head to New Jersey next, while the Celtics will face the Orlando Magic.

Grizzlies 99, Magic 95

Memphis continues its winning ways, with a great win over Eastern conference power, Orlando Magic. Eastern conference power? Ha. Dwight Howard had 27 points and 15 rebounds, but Zach Randolph had 23 points and 19 rebounds. With this win, the Bears have now won 8 straight at home. The Grizzlies got a mere 8 points from their bench, but their starters played so spectacular. The Magic still look confused on the offensive end, as Vince Carter went 6 of 15, while Rashard Lewis went 6 of 16. It’s funny, because when Orlando signed VC, he said he just wanted to fit in and play whatever role was needed. Stan Van Gundy responded, telling him they wanted him to play like the All-Star caliber play he is. I think this was a huge mistake, as he takes some of the dumbest shots I’ve ever seen. So when Rashard does finally get the rock, he’s forcing up shots as well, just so he gets his shots. This needs to be fixed.

Bulls 98, Spurs 93

Vinny Del Negro took his scrappy Bulls into San Antonio to face his old coach, and it seems that the student handled the mentor. The Ref’s boy, Derrick Rose, was awesome in this game, and definitely played like an All-Star, with 27 points and 6 assists. As the game got close at the end, Rose was at the center of everything on both ends of the court. Joakim Noah had a huge go ahead put back and free throw, that sealed the game after Manu missed a tough layup, where commentator Sean Elliott, along with the NBA TV crew felt that he may have gotten fouled. Tony Parker had 20 points and 8 assists in the loss. Tim Duncan didn’t have that great of a game, with 15 points and 5 rebounds.

-G