Celtics 107, Heat 102

Rajon Rondo continued to lead this Celtics team after hinting at locker room rifts helping the C’s to a 107 to 102 win at home against the Heat.  Paul Pierce set out this game with an injured left foot and will probably miss Friday’s game at well.  Rondo finished with 22 points, 14 assists, and 6 rebounds in the win.  He still struggled from the free throw line hitting just eight of fourteen attempts.  Ray Allen also played well for the C’s leading the team with 23 points despite all the trade talks swirling around.  Dwyane Wade lit up the Celtics for 30 points (11 of 16 shooting) and 13 assists but had a crucial turnover late in the fourth quarter.  Trying to drive to the hole, Wade was stripped by Tony Allen.  Kevin Garnett picked up the loose ball and hit Eddie House in stride for a lay up, putting the Celtics up four.  Rafer Alston and Udonis Haslem both put in 15 for the Miami Heat.

Thundercats 103, Hornets 99

The Thunder pushed their winning streak to four games as Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook carried OKC to a victory in New Orleans.  Playing without Chris Paul, who just had surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his left leg, Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton gave the Thunder everything they could handle.  Thornton led the Hornets with 22 points although he left the game halfway through the fourth quarter with an bruised back.  There was no word on the extent of the injury.  Collison who has been putting up huge numbers had a solid but quiet night with 9 points and 9 assists.  For as well as the Hornets’ rookies played, tonight’s game was all about the play of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.  Durant had another 30 points night only giving him 23 straight games of scoring at least 25 points or more.  That is a player who is locked in and ready to lead his team in the second half playoff race.  Westbrook did not disappoint either scoring 26 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds.  Once Westbrook develops a consistent jump shot he will be almost impossible to guard.

Knicks 107, Wizards 85

The New York Knicks had a moment of silence for former Knick great Dick McGuire who recently passed away.  In honor of McGuire, the Knicks put together a solid second half to eliminate the Wizards at home.  Injuries continue to be the story of the night with Caron Bulter sitting out this game.  I do not think Coach Mike D’Antoni will bench Nate Robinson again, well at least not this season.  In 35 minutes off the bench Robinson played extremely well scoring 23 points, dishing out 8 assists, and pulling down 6 rebounds.  I cannot leave out David Lee who had 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.  He may not be an All-Star but there are not many big men playing better than he is right now.  The Wizards were led by Randy Foye’s 15 points as all of the Wizards’ players struggled to get it going.  Antawn Jamison had a quiet night with 11 points and 6 rebounds.

Here are some scores of other games around the league…

Raptors 108, Nets 99

After giving up 130 points to the Pacers in a loss, the Raptors bounced back and beat the New Jersey Nets at home.  Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani led the Raptors with 20 points apiece.  The Nets were led by Yi Jianlian and Devin Harris (4-17 from the field), who each had 15.  This loss drops the Nets to 1-24 (OUCH!) on the road this year.

Hawks 103, Clippers 97

The Hawks outscored the Clippers 34 to 25 in the final frame to come from behind and pull out  a six point victory at home.  Joe Johnson led all scorers with 34 and Jamal Crawford provided another spark for the Hawks off the bench with 22 points of his own.  Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, and Al Horford all had ten rebounds for the Hawks.  Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman led the Clippers, each with 17 points.  Marcus Camby may have only scored six points, but he pulled down 20 rebounds in the loss.

-JB