Ballin': JJ Hickson Destroyed Marvin Williams With This Dunk
By Jason McIntyre
Denver 100, Utah 81: JJ Hickson, a journeyman from NC State who is on his 4th team in six years, submitted his entry for NBA Dunk of the Year last night in Utah with this violent 2-handed slam on a stunned Marvin Williams. Props to Williams for attempting to challenge Hickson, but he had no chance. The only remotely good thing about the 0-8 Jazz right now? Their leading scorer, Gordon Hayward, who scored 22, including this one.
Indiana 95, Memphis 79: The Pacers improved to 8-0 on the strength of Lance Stephenson’s first triple double (13 points, 12 assists, 11 rebounds) and 23 points from the ever-improving Paul George.
Chicago 96, Cleveland 81: The first meeting between Derrick Rose and Kyrie Irving went to the Bulls PG, but he unfortunately left with a hamstring issue. I hope this doesn’t become a ‘thing’ – fragile Derrick Rose is always hurt, not built for the NBA, etc, etc. Irving shot just 5-of-19 and finished with 16 points. Rose: 8-for-21 for 16 points, seven assists, zero turnovers.
Houston 110: Toronto 104, 2 OT: Rudy Gay had an eventful night for the Raptors, getting blocked on this dunk attempt by Dwight Howard and later hitting the game-tying 3-pointer to send the game to OT. Gay finished with 29 points on a mind-boggling 37 shots in 49 minutes before fouling out. Foul trouble cost the Raptors – four players fouled out – and Houston got 31 points from reserve Jeremy Lin to improve to 5-3.
San Antonio 109, Philadelphia 85: The Spurs bludgeoned another Atlantic Division team with another ferocious 1st quarter (31-13) and a flurry of 3-pointers (13-of-28). Danny Green, after hitting six three-pointers against the Knicks, made 5-of-7 vs. Philly. The 4-4 76ers have played six games at home, and have another one Wednesday against a team with Finals potential (Houston). Unrelated, but please allow me to sneak in this Chris Paul crossover … well, Corey Brewer kind of tripped on Blake Griffin, but oh well.