What you missed because you have tiger blood….
Atlanta 83, Chicago 80: Chicago was going to win ugly — this was not a pretty game as both teams struggled to score. However, the Bulls raced out to a 14-0 lead to start the game and held that lead for the first 47:31 of this game, at times by as much as 19 but they never trailed. Well, until an Al Horford jumper with 29 seconds left. The Hawks led those final seconds, they led when the final buzzer sounded. The Bulls were crushed by this one.
There’s been a lot of talk about how the Bulls are contenders now. And they are close. But this game was a reminder that they have an average offense —16th in the NBA in points per possession. They play great defense but they can be stopped, too. Can they score enough, even with Derrick Rose, to win deep in the playoffs?
Warriors 106, Wizards 102: The Warriors looked like they would run away with this, up 17 heading into the fourth, but the Wizards made an run and it was a three point game late. But the Wizards hit a dry patch and never closed it out.
Maybe the key play came with 40 seconds left, Washington down three and Golden State with the ball. The Warriors got a shot they loved, a wide-open three for Dorell Wright (39.4 percent for the season), but the shot rims out. Then David Lee outworks two Wizards for the rebound, which out of bounds off a Wizard. They were forced to start fouling but a Kobe-esque crazy three by Nick Young gave Washington one last chance to tie (after two Stephen Curry free throws). A double screen freed Young up for a pretty good look but he missed and couple more Curry free throws and it was over.
Spurs 109, Cavaliers 99: Did you expect another Cavs upset? Really?
Stat of the night: This was the Spurs 50th win, making it 12 years in a row they reached that number. Think about that, 12 in a row. It ties the NBA all-time record (the Showtime era Lakers).
Knicks 107, Hornets 88: Chris Paul was outplayed by Toney Douglas. Not Chauncey Billups, Toney Douglas. Paul is really struggling of late — he is shooting 35 percent in the last 10 games, scoring 12.4 a game with 8.7 assists (both well off his season averages). And if he struggles, the Hornets struggle. Badly. Paul denies there is anything physically wrong, but it’s tough to believe that.
Celtics 115, Suns 103: This was a slightly faster pace (but not dramatically) than the Celtics normally at, but it turns out the old men can run. And if you play iffy defense they will put up a lot of points on you. Troy Murphy made his debut and looked quite rusty.
Timberwolves 116, Pistons 105: Fast pace, not a lot of defense being played and Minnesota shot 52.6 percent overall and 43.8 percent from three. Those are really the numbers that matter. Well than and Kevin Love had 20 and 20. Beast.
Thunder 113, Pacers 89: This was a laugher from the start for the Thunder, who were up 35 at one point. Well, laugher except nothing is funny when Kevin Durant gets hurt
Nuggets 120, Bobcats 80: Matt Carroll led the Bobcats with 19 points. If Matt Carroll is your leading scorer, you are in are in for a long night. Once again, great defense from these new Denver Nuggets. Except on Carroll, of course.
Trail Blazers 107, Kings 102: The Kings got 28 points and 11 boards from DeMarcus Cousins off the bench. The Kings got 26 points from Marcus Thornton off the bench. Too bad their starters couldn’t keep the Trail Blazers off the offensive glass, and those starters turned the ball over a little too much. Wes Mathews had 21 points on 12 shots for the Blazers.
Clippers 106, Rockets 103: The Clippers broke out their new backcourt for everyone to see Wednesday — Eric Gordon had 24 points and Mo Williams had 17 points and 11 dimes. Not bad, not bad at all. Chris Kaman had 21 points off the bench for the Clippers. Of course the scrappy Rockets mean no win is easy, but the Clippers got one back at home.