Cavs 102, Heat 86

This game was interesting for quite a few reasons. A few weeks back, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were going “shot-for-shot” in the second quarter, and they combined for 52 points in the first half. But, Cleveland shut down Dwyane Wade in the second half, and Miami couldn’t counterattack.

This game was no differerent. Wade had 18 points at halftime – but shot 0-7 in the third quarter and finished with only 24 points total.  Meanwhile, LeBron was threatening another triple double – he finished with 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. This time, however, LeBron was playing the 1. Yes, he was running the offense due to injuries to Mo Williams and Delonte West. Daniel Gibson was also at the hospital tending to his pregnant wife, so the Cavs were really thin at guard. Gibson added 12 in the second half to help seal the victory.

This game started off sloppy, but it made for some nice fast break plays – Lebron threw up a massive alley-oop to JJ Hickson (12 points), who threw it down. Reserve guard Daniel Green also threw up a nice alley-oop pass to Lebron while in transition off a SHAQ steal.

Michael Beasley (21 points) and Jermaine O’Neal (14 points) contributed for Miami in the loss.

Blazers 96, Spurs 93

I honestly thought this game was over with 6 minutes left in the contest. San Antonio had a 10 point lead and appeared to have momentum. However, Martell Webster and Juan Howard had other ideas.

Portland launched a 16-14 run over the next 4 minutes to take the lead 85-83. After both teams exchanged possessions (and turnovers), Webster hit a dagger three with 26 seconds left to put Portland ahead 91-87. I was impressed with this drawn up play because they managed to draw weak-side help and just made the extra pass to the open shooter. It was like watching your playbook come alive.

However, shame on you Andre Miller. Miller almost cost Portland the game by fouling a half court shot attempt by Tony Parker with 2.1 seconds to go. They made the first foul shot, but Portland managed to grab the rebound off the second shot. Then, it was over.

The Blazers, who were without Brandon Roy due to a hamstring injury, were led by LaMarcus Aldridge (28 points, 13 rebounds) and Webster (21 points, 5-5 3PM). Nice home win for the team I like to call the “Portland Infirmary”.

The Spurs had 5 people score in double figures, led by Manu Ginobili (21 points). Tim Duncan added 15 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.

-Duts