Ballin': DeMar DeRozan Exploded on Timofey Mozgov, Blake Griffin-Style
By Jason McIntyre
Toronto 109, Denver 108: DeMar DeRozan put one down on Mozgov. Did you know Mozgov was Russian for “dunked on?” True story. The Raptors got a late bucket from clutch Rudy Gay and won their third straight. On the DeRozan facial, the announcer actually said, “that’s embarrassing.” Toronto, with Lowry (10 assists), DeRozan (22 points), Gay (17 points) and rookie Terrence Ross (slam below) are suddenly an athletic, young, dunk-happy team. I’m guessing they could be a playoff team in 2014 if they can find a way to unload Bargnani and beef up inside.
Houston 116, Golden State 107: Another weak defensive effort by the Warriors, who have now lost five in a row. That’s no way to head into the All-Star break, fellas. James Harden’s ankle injury isn’t serious.
Utah 109, Oklahoma City 94: How do you shoot 56 percent and lose? Making 56 percent from the line and 20 turnovers (seven by Westbrook) will do it every time. The Jazz also collected 16 offensive rebounds, and were just too beefy inside (Favors 15 points, Millsap 18 points, Jefferson 23 points) for the Thunder.
Miami 117, Portland 104: How about five minutes of LeBron highlights? He scored 30 points and handed out nine assists and once again, shot over 60 percent from the field (11-of-15). Then, he tweeted out that he’s not MJ, but rather LJ. This basket by LeBron didn’t actually count.
LA Lakers 91, Phoenix 85: The Lakers soiled the bed with a 9-point third quarter, but bounced back in the 4th to rally past the Suns on the road. Kobe had one of his worst games of his career: 1-of-8, four points. He did have nine assists … but also eight turnovers. Dwight Howard’s 19 points and 18 rebounds were key, as were 19-10 from Antawn Jamison.