NBA Action Highlights- 31 January

A lot of NBA action today, Nash’s return to Phoenix, Blake’s big bucket and more -

Philadelphia 76ers 92 – Washington Wizards 84

Young scored 18 points in his first game against his old team, Jrue Holiday had 21 and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Washington Wizards 92-84. The Sixers can count on beating teams like the Wizards but without Bynum in the lineup they won’t go far in the post-season, if at all.

Indiana Pacers 98 – Detroit Pistons 79

Roy Hibbert had 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead Indiana to a 98-79 win over Detroit Pistons. When Hibbert is on his game, the big man is virtually unstoppable unless you have a great team defense or someone who can body him up down low. Being 7″2 has its advantages.

Boston Celtics 99 – Sacramento Kings 81

Boston improved to 2-0 since Rondo’s season-ending knee injury with a 99-81 win over the Sacramento Kings as Paul Pierce led a balanced attack with 16 points. A win against the Kings ought to count as half a win for them, but still.

New York Knicks 113 – Orlando Magic 97

Anthony scored 20 points to set a team-record with his 30th straight 20-point game, and Chandler and Stoudemire combined for 35 points on 17 of 18 shooting from the field in leading the Knicks to a 113-97 victory over the reeling Orlando Magic. What’s the over and under on J.J. Redick? I’m betting he moves to some contender soon.

Atlanta Hawks 93 – Toronto Raptors 92

Horford had 22 points and 10 rebounds and played tough defense with two blocks near the basket in the closing seconds of the Hawks’ 93-92 victory over the Raptors. An hour before the game, guard Jose Calderon and forward Ed Davis gave farewell hugs to their teammates as they left to Memphis in exchange for Rudy Gay. Trades often rejuvenate players, being traded to a team like the Raptors ought to improve Rudy Gay’s play exponentially, provided they can get him the ball and space the floor.

Miami Heat 105 – Brooklyn Nets 85

James had 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and the Heat blew out Brooklyn Nets in the second half for a 105-85 victory, their 13th in a row over the Nets. While LeBron James and Jay Z are buddies, it doesn’t stop the former from laying waste to the latter’s team. Maybe if Brook Lopez had not been named to the all-star team, the snub could have kept the chip on the shoulder of the Nets. But they fell.

Chicago Bulls 104 – Milwaukee Bucks 88

Nate Robinson, who scored 16 of his 24 points in the second quarter, led the Bulls to a 104-88 victory over the Bucks. Nate Robinson is only 5″9. In the absence of Derrick Rose, this undersized guard has stepped up big. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau may not love the defensive presence of Nate, but he is willing to adjust for the offensive punch he brings.

Los Angeles Clippers 96 – Minnesota Timberwolves 90

Blake Griffin had 26 points and 13 rebounds, and DeAndre Jordan added 16 points and 12 boards to lift the Los Angeles Clippers to a 96-90 victory over the Wolves. Watch out for Eric Bledsoe’s highlights, stopping a 4 on 1 break with a block.

San Antonio Spurs 102 – Charlotte Bobcats 78

Tony Parker had 22 points and San Antonio never trailed in beating the Charlotte Bobcats 102-78. At one point, the Bobcats were looking into signing Allen Iverson, but Michael Jordan was against it. Presumably because he remembered that crossover back from AI’s rookie year. The Bobcats sorely need a star presence or they will continue to lose by 22 to other teams.

Denver Nuggets 118 – Houston Rockets 110

Danilo Gallinari scored a game-high 27 points, Kenneth Faried had 19 points and nine rebounds and the Nuggets beat the Houston Rockets 118-110. It’s always fun to watch two teams which advocate the Moneyball philosophy go head to head.

Utah Jazz 104 –New Orleans Hornets 99

Millsap finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks to lead the Jazz to a 104-99 victory over the New Orleans Hornets. Does that mean that Al Jefferson will be the one to be traded away?

Phoenix Suns 92 – Los Angeles Lakers 86

Michael Beasley scored a season-high 27 points and the Suns rallied from 13 down in the fourth quarter to hand Nash’s Los Angeles Lakers their eighth straight road loss 92-86. Kobe shot 7 of 17 for 17 points and 9 assists. Nash had 11 points and 2 assists for the Lakers. We all wanted a balance between Nash and Kobe, but not a total role reversal where the former passes and the latter doesn’t. Hopefully, the Lakers can make it to the playoffs. Losing to teams like the Suns doesn’t speak in their favour.