Toronto 106, LA Lakers 105

What have I been saying about the Lakers on the road?

The Lakers (33-11) may be the favorite to win the championship, but they are going to have trouble if they can’t close out games away from Staples. The defending champions were up 4 with 1:15 left to go, but couldn’t buy a bucket for the rest of the game. Kobe Bryant couldn’t add to his 27 point night. Nobody wanted to step up. Then, with 1.2 seconds left, Pau Gasol fouls, supposedly, Hedo Turkoglu, who struggled all night (9 points), and sends him to the line down 1. Turkoglu calmly makes both to put the Raptors (23-22) up. In the final possession, Kobe missed a desperation 38 footer. Game over. The Raptors are playing like a legit playoff contender as they sit comfortably in the 5th spot of the East.

It’s too bad, Bryant had an amazing game, finishing 1 assist shy of a triple double. Byrant had 16 rebounds and outrebounded Andrew Bynum and Gasol. That’s incredible. Gasol and Bynum finished with 22 and 21 points, respectively.

The Raptors came up with a big win tonight, definitely their biggest of the season. Toronto has played extremely well of late, and a win like this can catapult them into a run at the 4th or maybe 3rd seed. I don’t trust the Magic or Hawks right now. Anyway, the emergence of Andrea Barganni is the big reason for the Raptors success. Yes, Chris Bosh has played at an MVP level, but he can’t carry the load by himself. Barganni is a deep threat and a nightmare for defenses. Ask the Lakers. How can anyone expect Gasol or Bynum to guard him? He drains threes and can handle the ball. Well, what about Lamar Odom, he can contain him. Great question. However, for some reason Phil Jackson only played him for 17 minutes. I don’t usually question the Zen, but that’s retarded.

Barganni ended with 22 points and 8 rebounds while Bosh added 18 points and 13 rebounds to soldify a frontcourt that dominated the opposite. This is the second time this week the Lakers big men were outplayed by the opposition.

The future is very uncertain for both of these teams, and only time will tell.

Stat of the Night: Free Throws Made
Toronto – 21
LA Lakers – 9

LA Clippers 92, Washington 78

Do you see what happens when you play a little defense? You win.

The Clippers (20-23) and Wizards (14-29) were neck and neck the entire game. Battling back and forth, having a good game between bad teams. Well, until the Clips decided to play some D. LA’s other team held Washington to just 10 points in the 4th and ran away with the game led by a balanced scoring attack. 6 players were in double figures with All Star Chris Kaman (20 points) leading the way. Macrus Camby added 12 points, 19 rebounds and 5 blocks in the victory.

Antawn Jamison scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the loss. Caron Butler had a horrific game, shooting 5-17 from the floor and ending with only 10 points. Butler has not played well of late, and the losses are starting to pile up. I predict that will continue. Trust Me, I lead G in the standings.

Fantasy Player of the Night: Brendan Haywood
18 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks for the big man. Fantasy owners should be happy.

Dallas 128, New York 78

Do I really have to do a wrap up for this game?

The Knicks (17-26) are back to their losing ways, and how disappointing. They were once a ½ game out of the eighth spot. Now, they are 4 behind and it should increase weekly. Dallas (29-15) came in to the most famous sports arena and embarrassed the Knicks from Tip-off. Yes, I know it was 27-25 Dallas at the end of the 1st quarter, but it was a no contest. The Mavericks shot 58% from the floor, while the Knicks were a worthless 33%. It was a joke.

The Mavs had 7 players in double figures. Jason Terry, in his first start in over a year, scored 20 points in the victory. Drew Gooden added 15 and 18 reounds in the 50 point massacre.

I don’t even want to mention the Knicks leading scorer ehem…. Jared Jeffries… ehem… 14 points. I told you…

Comical Moment of the Night:
Every Player got in the game and scored at least six points for Dallas, except one. Eduardo Najera

LOL

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