Ballin: Wizards Upset Thunder, Jason Smith's Block-Party & Mr. Big Shot Beats Mavericks
By Jason McIntyre
Washington 105, Oklahoma City 102: That’s two wins for the Wiz, who got 25 from Wall, 24 from Nick Young, and 18 from Jordan Crawford off the bench. When Durant and Westbrook attempt 50 of the team’s 77 shots, OKC probably (12-3) isn’t going to win. Also, 4-for-19 from deep is never a good thing.
Phoenix 91, New York 88: Melo shot 5-for-22. The Knicks collected 18 offensive rebounds, but what does it matter when you shoot just 37 percent? The Knicks, who were supposed to make life easier for despondent Jets’ fans, are now 6-8. I got nothing.
LA Clippers 91, Dallas 89: Very nice win for the Paper Clips, who improved to 8-4 despite Chris Paul sitting out another game (hamstring). Mo Williams tossed in 26 off the bench and Billups, aka Mr. Big Shot, hit the game-winner. The Foye-to-Griffin oop might be my favorite non-Rubio oop this season.
San Antonio 85, Orlando 83, OT: The Magic must have used up all their 3-pointers against the Knicks Monday, when they made 17. They were only 4-of-21 from deep against the Spurs. Also, Tony Parker (25 points) abused Jameer Nelson in the 4th quarter and overtime. Dwight Howard: 24 points, 25 rebounds. Shaq’s not impressed.
Minnesota 93, Detroit 85: Not the greatest night for Ricky Rubio shooting (1-of-8), but as usual, he finds other ways to contribute: eight assists, seven rebounds, six steals. Watch, at the 1:01 mark, as Rubio goes to work in the lane.
Memphis 93, New Orleans 87: Jason Smith’s career highlight used to be getting dunked on by Blake Griffin. This block-block sequence against Rudy Gay is now his finest NBA moment.