Washington 101, Cleveland 99: Caron Butler’ scored 19 points in his return to the court after missing 16 games due to injury (on his 28th birthday, no less) and the Wiz survived a missed three at the buzzer from LeBron. It seems as if perhaps the Locksmith, who shot 19 percent in the playoff series against the Cavs last season, thinks LeBron is overrated.

Sacramento 96, Portland 85: This result is meaningless because neither team is playoff-bound but the fact that Greg Oden is practicing with the team - and even dunking on assistant coaches – is outstanding. Regardless of who wins the title this season, or who gets Michael Beasley or what happens on the free agent market … Oden and the Blazers are the No. 1 story for next season.

Phoenix 123, Golden State 115: Are we nuts thinking Boris Diaw’s one of the major keys to the Suns postseason success? There are going to be nights like last night when Shaq is in foul trouble (14 minutes), and Tony Parker’s buddy is the only guy on that bench with size and skill. Many more nights of 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists will be necessary.