Nuggets 108 - 76ers 104; In a hotly anticipated matchup between possibly the deepest teams for each respected conference, Denver managed to squeak by a Spencer Hawes-less 76ers squad. Andre Miller came back to haunt his old stomping ground to the tune of 28-10-8, showing the game that has made him one of the most versatile and consistant PG's over the last decade. Nene also seems to be finding his groove for the Nuggets chipping in with 20/14/3, helping the Nuggets compete down low with the 76ers.
The 76ers got solid production off the bench yet again, in particular Turner and Young, but were just edged out in OT. They shot as a team a dissapointing 44% from the field without bringing the same defensive intesity that we have become accustomed too from this team this year.
I still like both teams as dark horses in the playoffs, but despite this loss I feel with Doug Collins at the helm the 76ers could be a genuine problem for any matchup they have come the post season.
Wizards 105 - Thunder 102; You read that right. The NBA's bottom dwellers somehow took down the hottest team in the NBA with a second half push and 4th quarter explosion to the tune of 33 points. Thunder were in control early on, with Westbrook displaying the skills that has earned him a reported designated contract in the region of $80million, going off for 36/7/5 while shooting over 50%. Durant chipped in for 33/8/2 but the rest of the starters combined for 8 points.
This game was however all about the Wizards as Nick Young along with Jordan Crawford caught fire in and put the offensive load on their back as John Wall struggled with his shooting touch (although did end with 25/7/8). After Blatche hit a LONG three to end the 2nd quarter you could almost feel the momentum shift into Washingtons favor, although with this team that is no guarantee of a victory. They pulled this one out, against heavily favored opponents, and perhaps this could be the start of a win streak. Or at least competitive basketball. We can all dream right?
Dallas 89 - Clippers 91; Another trip to Staples centre, another game winning 3 in the final seconds. Step aside Fisher, this time Big Shot Billups was the hero for the LA team, as he hit a 3 with only 1 second to go. Although the shot was huge, I can't say enough about the screen Griffin set to get him open, which leave Kidd trying to jumpthrough Blakezilla to get his hand in Billups face. Blake himself put up 14/17/7 which makes me think he really can't be in his second year, this kid is so good! However I still believe Kevin Love is better, but thats an arguement for another time. Also Mo Williams was strong going for a season high 26points off the bench, with the kind of play that the Clippers must have hoped for when holding onto more than their fair share of Point guards.
For Dallas, another crushing loss to a good team in the West, with 17 points apiece from Dirk and Delonte West. This Dallas team will be fine in a few weeks as Odom becomes fully integrated, Beuabois gets fit and the squad begin to work on the kind of team chemistry that got them the trophy last year.
Honorable mentions;
Steve Nash going into MSG and forcing a win against the Knicks with 26/11. Rumblings that he may be in a Knick uniform come next summer. Awesome!
Deron Williams drops 24/10/8 on the Warriors as the Nets pick up another win. Things are still bad but at least this Nets team is showing signs of life.
Marc Gasol going for 22/12/7 in a OT win over a Hornets squad that still clearly lacks Eric Gordon's shooting touch.
Shoutout to Dwight Howard going for 24/25/3 in a OT loss to a talent Spurs team. This magic team is competitive but clearly wont go deep into the playoffs without some help for Superman.
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