Ballin': Wolves Ruin' Epic Jason Terry-to-Brandan Wright Alley-Oop (and Dirk's Announcing) with Big 2nd Half
By Jason McIntyre
Minnesota 105, Dallas 90: I’ve watched this over and over and over. Can we replace Shaq on Inside the NBA with Dirk after this season when Dirk retires? He had more energy in this clip than Shaq has displayed all season. Kevin Love continued his world domination (31 points, 10 rebounds) and Ricky Rubio shot poorly (4-of-16) but scored 17 points and dished out 12 assists. He played a season-high 46 minutes because Ridnour and Barea sat out.
Cleveland 91, New York 81: From lights-out defense and aggressive offense against the Bobcats to … 3-for-20 on 3-pointers and 22 turnovers against the Cavaliers. Before you try to mention the back-to-back games as a reason the Knicks’ collapsed in the second half (outscored 46-36) … remember, the Cavs lost Tuesday in Miami. The Knicks are 7-11; Cleveland is 7-10.
New Jersey 97, Philadelphia 90, OT: On a night of many surprises, Deron Williams exploding for 34 points and 11 assists, Kris Humphries scoring 13 points and taking 19 rebounds and the Nets winning without Marshon Brooks (Achilles) was probably the biggest. I love the Philly announcer shouting, “say it ain’t so!” after Deron crossed up Lou Williams and splashed the game-winner. We’re not quite 1/3 of the way through the season, but the 76ers (12-6) can’t lose games like this if they want to win the Atlantic. The Knicks and Celtics will turn it around.
Washington 92, Charlotte 75: As dreadful as the Wizards were in the season’s first month, the Bobcats – who were without starters DJ Augustin, Corey Maggette & Gerald Henderson – look worse now. They’ve lost six straight including their last two by a combined 50 points. Kemba Walker struggled (4-for-19), especially on this occasion when he drove on Nick Young.
Oklahoma City 101, New Orleans 91: Jason Smith is the new Chuck Nevitt! He’s a tall white guy you want to dunk on … but attack him at your own risk! Ask Rudy Gay!