Ballin': Ricky Rubio's Outstanding Rookie Year Continues; Heat Choke in the 4th Quarter against Golden State
By Jason McIntyre
Golden State 111, Miami 106, OT: The Heat led by 12 entering the fourth quarter, but the Warriors – who were down starters Curry and Biedrins – rallied behind Dorell Wright (six 3-pointers) and Nate Robinson (24 points) to win in overtime. Wright made a three late in regulation to tie it, then hit a go-ahead triple in OT. Monta Ellis hit a clutch shot, LeBron missed a game-tying three, and the Heat were beaten for only the second time this season. D Wade, in his first game back from a foot injury, scored 34 points.
Chicago 111, Minnesota 100: I cannot say enough about Ricky Rubio. Kid’s been incredible so far this season, and he sparked a big rally to get the Wolves’ back in the game after a dreadful start. Rubio played a season-high 36 minutes and had 13 points, 12 assists and four steals. He did have five turnovers, but occasionally he’ll do something that makes sense, but his teammates simply aren’t ready for the pass (ie, ball going right through the hands and legs of Anthony Tolliver). Derrick Rose was Derrick Rose: 31 points, 11 assists, 4-of-8 on three-pointers. Luol Deng added 21 points and took 11 rebounds.
Utah 113, Cleveland 105: No soup for you, Gordon Hayward. Hayward, the 2nd year pro from Butler, is only 21, and struggling with his shot this year (41 percent). His assists are way up, though (3.6 apg). Al Jefferson tallied 30 points and 12 rebounds for the winners, who are surprisingly 6-3. That won’t last, obviously. Kyrie Irving scored 20 – highlighted by this circus shot – for the Cavs.
Philadelphia 112, Sacramento 85: That’s six in a row for the 76ers, who improved to 7-2 by shooting 56 percent and unselfishly handing out 30 assists. Elton Brand led six guys in double figures with 21 points and 10 rebounds; Evan Turner scored 16 points and collected 10 rebounds. Jimmer Fredette made the first start of his career but only played 24 minutes and shot 2-of-7. He’s only shooting 36 percent through 10 games.
Milwaukee 106, San Antonio 103: Welcome back, Andrew Bogut (14 points, 11 rebounds). And welcome to the Bucks, Stephen Jackson (34 points).
LA Lakers 99, Phoenix 83: Kobe scored an NBA season-high 48 points. Finding a negative: He was 0-for-3 from deep and is shooting 18 percent on 3-pointers this year.
Dallas 100, Detroit 86: The Mavs’ won their first road game of the season as Dirk had his best shooting night of the season (9-of-10 for 18 points). Brandan Wright, who last did anything worthwhile when he was in college at UNC, completed a nice alley-oop.