What is the point of doing wrap ups tonight? Half of the teams didn’t even show up. Hey, somebody’s gotta do it.

Well here we go…

Cleveland 124, New York 93

Well, this game was over during warm ups, seriously, New York, why even show up. You give up 38 points in the first and then follow that up with 36 in the 2nd. Stellar work gentlemen, you make me proud to support such a solid group of guys. You allow everybody that gets into the game to at least score one point. Come on. Why piss of the fans, oh wait your the Knicks.

I apologize for making this a open letter to organization that wouldn’t listen to me anyway.

Orlando 126, Philadelphia 105

At least in this game, it was close going into the 3rd. Then, Orlando decided to turn on the after burners and prove that the 76ers have no right to be in the game with them. I mean no disrespect to Philly, Orlando is just that much better. They proved it tonight. 7 players were in double figures as Jameer Nelson, who has played extremely well of late, led the way with 22 points and 10 assists. The Magic also shot 59% from the floor.

They put your team on the hot seat, G.

Dallas 89, Charlotte 84

In the only good game of the night, the Bobcats shut down in the second half, and allowed Dallas to steal a game in an Arena that is extremely hard to do. The Bobcats were up 10 at halftime, but could only amass 31 points in the second. Dallas slowly cut in the lead and finally took over in the fourth. Dirk the Jirk was himself again as he dominated the game with 27 points and 13 rebounds. This is a tough loss for the Bobcats as the Miami Heat are struggling to find a W with Wade out, and Charlotte couldn’t take advantage. They are now 2 games under .500, which is tied with Miami.

San Antonio 106, New Orleans 92

I am going to be honest with you, when I looked at the box score, I was thinking that Tim Duncan dominated Emeka Okafor and David West, or Tony Parker taught Darren Collison a lesson. Nope, I was wrong. George ‘effin’ Hill led he way with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks as the Spurs owned the Hornets in Mardi Gras. Marcus Thornton did what he could by dumping in 30 points and grabbing 7 rebounds but the San Antonio had 6 players in double figures and are starting to look like a team that Basher and I predicted to win it all. They are far away from that, but now their coming to life. How dare I ever question Mr. Poppavich…lesson learned.

Atlanta 116, Chicago 92

Wow Chicago, you showed up tonight, but not to play basketball.

If this was a road game, I could understand, but at home against a team that struggles on the road. There really isn’t any excuse for that. Not to fully get on the Bulls tails for blowing in the 4th, but Atlanta came out of the 3rd and simply embarrassed Chicago on their home floor. Josh Smith had a nasty double double as he out rebounded his points finishing with 17 buckets and 18 monstrous boards, including 6 offensive. This may be a bigger game than I am seeing it for. The Hawks need to make a statement on the road. The Bulls are a solid club at home, but they came in did their business.

I know, the Hawks must have read my Power Rankings.

Portland 103, Memphis 93

At one point in this season, when the Grizzlies played at home, I would put my money on them no matter who they played. They were that good at one time. Not to long ago, this team reeled off 11 straight at the FedEx Forum, but after tonight, they have lost three in a row. On the other side, Portland comes in healthier than they were three weeks ago, which isn’t stating much, but at least they have Brandon Roy, and boy what a difference he makes. He is the anchor of the team and mojo of their…loins. I have no idea where I was going with that one. I hope nobody gets me for a sexual harassment charge.

Back to the game, Roy finished with a game high 25 points and also grabbed 7 boards and dished out 5 assists. Nice man. I hope Portland gets on a roll now, they deserve to have good fortune.

Houston 116, Toronto 92

Whoa, the Raptors are really bad without Chris Bosh. When a team’s high scorer is Marcus Banks (15 points), you know you are in trouble. Toronto gave up 37 in the 1st and that was too much to overcome for an offense that was missing their offensive POW. Where is Adam West when you need him, and his trusty sidekick (I don’t know the actor’s name who played Robin). Holy Aurora Borealis Batman, Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin combined for 56 points tonight. Your right Robin that is quite the two man combo. It was the clear reason why Houston was able to foil Toronto’s chance for an evil victory. Did you hear that their mascot ate a cheerleader? No, Batman, but I believe we should get on that.

Phoenix 101, Denver 85

I needed Phoenix to win this game. Not only for my rankings, but my morale as well. I have not gone over .500 in my predictions for 5 weeks now. I have no idea how I am still at a .500 record, but anyway. The Suns destroyed the Nuggets in the 2nd quarter with a 33-11 outburst. Holy S%!&. That is incredible, and it’s due to Amare Stoudemire being a man, accepting he is not going to get traded and get his money worth. What a class act. He had another strong game as he poured in 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. A solid performance after his 41 and 12 output yesterday afternoon in the loss against the Spurs.

Watch out everybody, Phoenix is on a roll.

LA Clippers 108, Utah 104

The Clippers almost let this one slip away, but barely hung on because Deron Williams couldn’t make a flippin’ foul shot with 16 seconds left to go. The Jazz were down 14 in the 4th, but rallied back behind some sharp shooting by the Whitest Player in the League: Kyle Korver. He finished with 16 points and made some key shots to get Utah back into the game. Williams ruined it though. 5-15 and only finished with 13 points and 13 assists. I know that doesn’t sound that bad, but he had chance to tie the game with two free throws, and missed both. Nicely done buddy.

Baron Davis led all scorers with 24 points.

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