Seattle 88, San Antonio 85: Welcome to life sans Tony Parker – without their point guard, the Spurs fell victim to a fourth-quarter fade against a team that had lost 14 games in a row. Kevin Durant’s jumper with 32 seconds to play was the money shot that gave Seattle its first win in 2008.

Washington 108, Toronto 104, OT: The Anthony Parker buzzer shot to send it into overtime will forever be marred by ‘It’s not possible!’ which was a terrible, terrible call. (UPDATE: But, as a reader points out, in context considering what happened last year.) Even without Caron Butler, the Wiz won in OT, propelled by 24-20 from Antwan Jamison and 20 from the Locksmith.

Detroit 110, Indiana 104: The loss, coupled with NJ’s win, bumps the Pacers into the 9th spot in the East. You know how in politics the media often calls a state ‘early’ for one candidate, even if the polls aren’t fully closed? We’re calling it now (for the second season in a row) – no playoffs for the Pacers. Dunleavy’s playing well, though.

New Jersey 87, Milwaukee 80: We should be praising Playground Alston’s near-trouble double, but we must go with the Nets ending their 9-game skid. Possible destinations for Kidd: Seattle or Memphis, though we’re not buying the latter and assuming maybe he meant Minnesota?

Los Angeles Lakers 120, New York 109: The Knicks have certainly played inspired ball in the last few weeks – and they would have won this one if not for an epic fourth quarter collapse (35-22 Lakers). Of the 2001 draft busts, Kwame (10-11) outdid Eddy (10-3). Kobe trumped everyone with 24 points, 11 assists and eight boards.