KeedaHoops: First edition
Introducing KeedaHoops, where we bring to you the daily updates in the world of basketball.
The Pacers held the Cavaliers to only 23 points in the second half en route to a 96-81 win. Although the incompetence of the Cavaliers was as much to blame as the Pacers’ tough D.
In response to being asked if he knew which team he will join next year. Good to know he knows. Reminds me of a teacher saying “You can”, when asked for permission to go to the loo. And then when you get up to go, they scream “Hah! I said you can. Not if you may.” Talk about being cryptic. Howard knows. Just like last year.
Rumour has it that Ricky Rubio will make his return this Saturday to make his season debut vs the Mavericks. Wonder who will George Karl compare him to, today he compared Kevin Love to Larry Bird.
The Boston Celtics barely squeaked by the Dallas Mavericks in double overtime, led by Paul Pierce who had 34 points to lead all scorers. Rondo almost had a triple double, 16 points, 15 assists and 9 rebounds. But both Pierce and Rondo airballed fadeaways in an ugly fashion which would have won it for the Celtics. The Mavericks were led by O.J. Mayo who had 24 points and played 51 minutes. His 9 turnovers did hurt the Mavericks who ended up with 28 turnovers total. In a two point loss, 117-115, turnovers can really come back to haunt you.
The other LA team is making a bid for becoming the top dog in Los Angeles. The Clippers are now on an 8 game winning streak after today’s win vs the Bobcats, their longest win streak in 21 seasons. Blake Griffin, Matt Barnes and Chris Paul had 19 points a piece for the Clippers. The Clippers are now leading the Pacific Division.
The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their win streak to 9 games. But it was close. The Thunder were down 11 late in the third but coach Brooks put in a small lineup which helped them end the quarter on a 7-0 run.
Although Klay Thompson led the way for the Warriors with 27 points, Draymond Green was the hero of the day for the Warriors as his layup with 0.9 seconds left put the Warriors ahead by two points to win it. Ray Allen and Shane Battier had some crossed lines in their communication as Green was left wide open under the rim. Green said. ”We were going to find out who was open and make the best play. Of course guys are going to go with Klay (Thompson) and Steph (Curry). I just happened to be wide open and (Jarrett Jack) found me.”
The bear couldn’t bear the Sun. Memphis Grizzlies surprisingly fell to the Phoenix Suns, thanks to a last second shot by Goran Dragic. With 0.5 seconds left, Dragic turned in a layup over Marc Gasol to seal the game for the Suns. All the more surprising since this is the Suns’ first win since 27 November. You wouldn’t expect it to come vs the Grizzlies. Neither would you expect the Spurs to fall to the Jazz. Another game winner sealed the deal in this one as Mo Williams hit a three to end the Spurs’ five game win streak. Again, this was even more unexpected since the Spurs had defeated the Jazz in 11 of their last 12 matches.
Here are the highlights from today:
Today’s scores:
Indiana Pacers 96-81 Cleveland Cavaliers
Brooklyn Nets 86-80 Toronto Raptors
Atlanta Hawks 86-80 Orlando Magic
Golden State Warriors 97-95 Miami Heat
Chicago Bulls 96-89 Philadelphia 76ers
Milwaukee Bucks 98-85 Sacremento Kings
Houston Rockets 99-93 Washington Wizards
Boston Celtics 117-115 Dallas Mavericks (double OT)
Minnesota Timberwolves 108-105 Denver Nuggets
OKC Thunder 92-88 New Orleans Hornets
Phoenix Suns 82-80 Memphis Grizzlies
Utah Jazz 99-96 San Antonio Spurs