Ballin': LeBron Has Another Invisible 4th Quarter, Except for his Crab Dribble that Wasn't Called a Travel
By Jason McIntyre
Miami 89, LA Clippers 95, OT: Was it an NBA Finals preview? Both teams were clearly gassed at the end of the 4th quarter – each played and lost Tuesday – as nobody could score, but the Clippers looked slightly less lethargic in overtime to improve to 5-3, much to the delight of Rihanna and Billy Crystal. The Heat missed 14 free throws (LeBron shanked eight, including one late in regulation after this non-travel call), but before we crucify LeBron for another bad 4th quarter (he went into NBA Finals mode Tuesday against Golden State, not shooting in the 4th), reminder – it’s January. Chris Paul: 27 points, 11 assists, one turnover. Saturday night, the Lakers play the Clippers.
Houston 95, San Antonio 101, OT: Tim Duncan scored 17 points, and in the process, passed Larry Bird for 27th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Next up, Duncan will pass Gary Payton and Clyde Drexler, but I’m not sure if the 35-year-old Duncan will play long enough to crack the Top 20. For the college hoops fans: Kawhi Leonard got his first NBA start (Ginobili’s still out and Pop is tinkering) and played well, scoring 11 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and blocking two shots in 37 minutes. Pop loves Leonard.
Chicago 78, Washington 64: Perhaps the Wizards’ celebrated too hard after their first win of the season Tuesday. Derrick Rose didn’t play (toe) and the Wiz couldn’t take advantage. Here’s what really hurts: they lost to a tired Chicago team led by John Lucas – the former Oklahoma State star who went undrafted, played in Italy, the D-League, Spain and China – who scored 25 points while jacking 28 shots. Amazingly, he also collected eight points and handed out eight assists. Andray Blatche sat out for Washington (shoulder).
Sacramento 98, Toronto 91: Just Jimmer from here on out with the Kings – 3-for-10, 10 points, no assists, two turnovers in 27 minutes as a starter. It’s great that someone is compiling a video after every game of all of Jimmer’s highlights. That’s dedication. I thought perhaps Jimmer could thrive in an up-tempo attack, but so far, that Sacramento atmosphere seems as toxic as the Jets’ locker room.
New York 85, Philadelphia 79: Two ways to look at this result. 1) Glad nobody crowned the 76ers champions of the Atlantic yet. 2) Philly played the night before and was without Spencer Hawes (back), who has been very good this season (averaging 11 points, 9 rebounds). Philly could have used Hawes to slow Amare (20 points, 10 rebounds). Melo led New York (6-4) with 27 points, but did it on 24 shots.
Dallas 90, Boston 85: Degree of difficulty on Dirk’s game-winner – 9.6. That’s two road wins in a row for the Mavericks, who have finally gotten above .500 (6-5). The Celtics are 4-5, and might lose their next three before the schedule eases up a bit.