New Orleans 115, Washington 110

Watch out NBA, the Hornets are back to their winning ways. They are becoming a force to be reckoned with.

After tonight’s victory against the Wizards (12-23), the Hornets (19-16) are 16-8 after starting 3-8. Pretty impressive for a team that looked dead in the water when Chris Paul went down. Talking the about gentleman himself, he had another terrific night, 26 points, 14 assists, and 3 steals. The man is unbelievable. He did get support tonight though. Six players for New Orleans were in double figures, including James Posey and Marcus Thornton finishing with 11 and 15, respectively, off the bench.

The Hornets needed a performance like that. The Wizards played well tonight. Antawn Jamison and Randy Foye combined for 55 tonight. The fact is, this team is better without Gilbert Arenas. Foye is more than qualified to run the point, and he illustrated that tonight. He had 8 assists. Nick Young also added 20 off the bench. The Wizards can still make a run at the playoffs.

Stat of the Night: The Wizards shot 58% from the floor and still lost the game.

Boston 114, Toronto 107

Tonight, must be the night of the point guard.

Rajon Rondo was the absolute man tonight. He scored 22 points, dished out 13 dimes, and grabbed 10 rebounds. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, that would be a triple double. The Celtics (26-9) needed that type of performance to take down the hot Toronto Raptors (19-19) in the Air Canada Centre. Toronto plays well at home (13-6), but when Rondo performs like that. There isn’t much a team can do.

Chris Bosh did his finest though, adding to his trade allure. He scored 31 points and ripped down 13 boards. He is amazing, and it will be interesting to see if he gets traded by the deadline to a contender. He would make so many teams better.

However, it wasn’t enough. The Celtics had 6 players in double figures including Rasheed Wallace adding a season high 29 points on 9-12 shooting. He has played extremely well since he was forced into the starting lineup. That type of play will have to continue if the Celtics still plan to contend for home court advantage in the playoffs.

Andrea Barganni scored 23 points in the losing effort.

Stat of the Night: There was no definitive stat to illustrate the winning difference in the game. That’s a first this season.

LA Clippers 94, Miami 84

This is the difference between the East and the West. The East goes at Light Speed, and The West goes to Ludicrous Speed.

The Clippers (17-18) win their 3rd game in a row with a solid victory over Miami, (18-17), who may be as confusing as the Chicago Bulls. Miami, of course tonight was lead by Dwyane Wade (24 points), and received no help… again. It starts to make you wonder, can Miami keep Wade here after this season is over? You can argue either way, and be correct. Anyway, he barely recieved any help while the Clippers fed of each other impressively with Baron Davis leading the way. Davis scored 11 points, but assisted 14. Kaman was the beneficiary of Davis’s stellar play by dropping 22 points and 14 rebounds.

The West continually proves they are better than the East day-in and day-out. If the Clippers win their next game, they will be the 11th team (out of 15) with a .500 record or better. That is incredible, especially since the East only has 6.

Stat of the Night: Free Throw Makes
LA Clippers- 27
Miami- 15

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