Saturday night had seven games on the NBA schedule, but there was really only one game that stood out before and after the day. I have to say it lived up to its billing, so I will give the game it’s due, followed by some speed wrap-ups afterwards. Enjoy!

Thunder 121, Knicks 118 (OT)

In case you’re wondering which game I planned on giving the spotlight to, this is it. The close score and the ‘OT’ don’t even due this game justice. Let’s get to it…!

The Garden was rockin on Saturday night for the first time since the ‘90s, thanks to the addition of a dwindling star, but it was not enough to get past a rising star from OKC. Kevin Durant took advantage of playing on the world’s biggest basketball stage, and it helped his team win for the eighth straight game. KD had 36 points, including a game tying three-pointer with only six seconds left in regulation to force overtime. He really is a freak.

Meanwhile, that jolt of energy that showed up in the Garden was from Tracy McGrady, who made his Knicks debut. T-Mac scored 26 points in loss, but he was given a roaring ovation before the game and even during the first time he simply touched the ball. How could McGrady play this well after not playing since December?? I guess that’s why he hardly played at all in the extra period.

It’s cool to see the Garden so alive again, but it’s funny that a trade that was geared towards building for next year was the culprit. Then again, T-Mac could prove himself worthy of being on this team next year, especially with efforts like this. Oh yeah, and Eddie House even added 22 points off the bench, jeez!

But still, don’t let it be forgotten that the Thundercats won this game. They are winning anywhere and everywhere, so keep an eye on them.

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Now, I said that there was one spotlight and some speed wrap-ups, but don’t let that get in the way of some great games on the night. And now for Shooter’s quick wraps of Saturday night, which is pretty much whatever is on my mind from each game:

Mavericks 97, Heat 91

Rematch of the 2006 Finals, and this time the Mavs got their revenge. If you want to call it that. No, the refs didn’t give this one to the Heat (I’m joking, in reference to the referees ‘handing’ the Heat the championship), it was the Dallas starters that paved the way. Dirk had 28 points, Caron Butler had 20, and Brendan Haywood posted a double-double with 11 points, 11 boards. Defense proved to do it again for the new and improved Mavs, as they held the Heat to 12 third quarter points.

Bucks 93, Bobcats 88

First off, the Bobcats are too inconsistent for my liking. Secondly, the Bucks are consistently proving to me that they are making a serious playoff move in 2010. A team that could have packed it in earlier in the year made trades to survive and do what they can NOW. I like that. Speaking of trades, newly acquired John Salmons had 19 points, seven assists, and five rebounds for the Buckaroos.

Pacers 125, Rockets 115

The Pacecars didn’t trade TJ Ford at the deadline to the Bobcats for DJ Augustin. On Saturday night, that looked like a great move. Ford scored 23 points off the bench for Indiana in a 10-point win over the Rockets. Another guy they didn’t trade, Danny Granger, scored 36 points in what was a tremendous game for the scoring machine. Not a great game for Houston, who got 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists from Kevin Martin in his first game since being traded from Sacramento.

Bulls 122, Sixers 90

Welcome back to serious contention Chicago. Rookie Taj Gibson scored a career high 20 points with 13 rebounds for the Bulls, who won their fourth straight game. Seriously, I see potential for about five different guys to carry this team on any given night. That’s a recipe for success in the NBA, especially if your best player is a point guard. And, welcome back to Earth Philly.

Raptors 109, Wizards 104

Jarrett Jack is underrated. After a 23 point, eight assist night I am starting to realize that he is a lot better than people probably think. Oh, and the Raptors are underrated too. Question is: How underrated are they? They have won nine of their last 10 at home. Finally, Chris Bosh didn’t play again, but it didn’t matter – yowza!

Clippers 99, Kings 89

Steve Blake had a nice game for his new team with 11 points and 12 assists, and Chris Kaman led the way in the front court with 22 points and 16 rebounds. This game was quite the lame one though, with two teams that are going nowhere this season. I don’t envy Kings coach Paul Westphal in having to find a way to complete this season with the mish-mosh roster that is left after the trade deadline.

-Shooter