Ballin': The Philadelphia 76ers Freefall Continues

New York 118, Boston 100:: More impressive number from this game – the Knicks’ 55-2 bench scoring advantage, or New York’s 19-for-32 three-point shooting? The Knicks’ opened the game up with an 18-0 first half run and although Boston cut it to six late, the final was never in doubt. JR Smith and Steve Novak each scored 25 off the bench (15 of their 16 baskets were three-pointers), and Carmelo Anthony had his second career triple double (35 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists). We’ve been treated to the old Melo of late – driving (because Amare’s not inside clogging the lane?), drawing contact, and still scoring, instead of settling for all those jumpers.

San Antonio 112, LA Lakers 91: Tim Duncan delivered a facial to Josh McRoberts. Inexplicably, Bill Plaschke wrote this defeat proves the Lakers need Kobe. Were there actually people debating this? On what planet?

Detroit 116, Cleveland 77: Jason Maxiell continues to display awesome skill for a large man. Rookie Brandon Knight was 11-for-12 and scored 28 points. Cool stat from the Cavs – Antwan Jamison was 0-for-10 in 28 minutes and finished with a +/- of -47.

Philadelphia 97, Indiana 102: The Pacers are 10-1 in April after this nice road victory, which dropped the 76ers a game back of the Knicks for the 7th spot. It’s mildly surprising the media hasn’t been obsessing over Philly’s collapse – they were leading the division just four weeks ago! It is about to get worse – their final five games are on the road, and the final three are a back-to-back-to-back. Milwaukee is only 1.5 games back of the 76ers. Close games continue to be a disaster for Philly – they’re 3-18 in games decided by seven points or less.