Hawks 102, Suns 101

You would probably think that a four point lead with 10 seconds left is safe, unless you’re playing Reggie Miller (and maybe, MAYBE Ray Allen). That just flat out wasn’t the case for the Suns on Friday in Atlanta.

Jamal Crawford hit a long 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Hawks a one-point win at home. The Hawks trailed by two with three seconds left and the ball. They inbounded to Crawford who took two dribbles and sank a monster three over Jared Dudley (is ugly) to give Atlanta the comeback win. And let the celebration begin. Crawford and the Hawks celebrated like they won the pennant. Jamal finished the game with 21 points (shout out to JB’s fantasy update!).

The Suns really could have used this win because they are just tanking more and more as this season goes on. Meanwhile, the Hawks have to be pumped with the win, because they were formally in the situation the Suns are in.

Bulls 121, Wizards 119 (2OT)

If it wasn’t for Jamal Crawford’s buzzer beater, this easily would have been the top game of the first half of the night.

Bulls G Derrick Rose led the stampeding Bulls with a career-high 37 points, including the game-winning basket with 5.4 seconds left in the second overtime. Give the Wizards credit for fighting, but the Bulls won a game that they should have with the help of their franchise point guard.

Antawn Jamison had a tremendous game for the Wizards with 34 points and 18 rebounds. Games like this must make the Cavs salivate. In addition, Brendan Haywood scored 16 with a career-high 20 rebounds. Big time stats from the Wizards in a losing battle though.

It was Rose and the Bulls who came away with the victory in Chicago, keeping the Bulls ever so close to reaching the .500 mark.

Bobcats 92, Spurs 76

How good are the Bobcats at home? Seriously!

They have now won six straight at home and are 15-4 overall! Not only that, but they beat a very good Spurs team that has been playing pretty well lately.

My favorite thing about this game was the Bobcats defensive intensity. They had 11 steals, 10 blocks, and held the Spurs to only 38% shooting from the field.

Player of the game is definitely Boris Diaw, who came out of nowhere to drop 26 points and 11 rebounds.

76ers 98, Kings 86

Before the game, Sixers C Sam Dalembert made a $100,000 donation to help relief efforts in Haiti and he back that up with a huge game for Philly. Dalembert dropped 17 points with 12 boards and 3 blocks. Another huge game from the huge guy. Is this his potential? Maybe not quite this good, but I should definitely not be as shocked as I am to see a stat line like that.

Pistons 110, Hornets 104 (OT)

I think the NBAtoday staff should stop talking about the Pistons all together. First The Ref highlights their mini 5-game win streak in our podcast about three weeks ago, then they go on to lose over 10 games in a row. Next, The Basher bashes The Ref and the Pistons for their trbl play and now the Pistons win 2 games in a row. Word to the wise: don’t expect us to talk about the Pistons ever again!

Grizzlies 135, Timberwolves 110

The Grizz picked up their 7^th home win in a row on Friday night in a monster offensive output from their most highlighted players. Rudy Gay scored 21, Zach Randolph and OJ Mayo each had 20 points, and Mike Conley had 18 points and 8 assists. Memphis ran away with this game with a 40-22 advantage in the third quarter. Yowza!

Pacers 121, Nets 105

All I have to say about this game is this: I had tickets to this game and I didn’t go. It was one of the top 10 best decisions of my life.

What was one of the top 10 worst decisions of my life? Buying Nets season tickets.

BANG BANG! (damnit)

-Shooter