Wild Rush: In Monta Ellis’s return to Oakland, it was Brandon Jennings that exploded for 31 points (10 of 16), 6 of 11 from beyond the arc and 10 assists in the win over the Golden State Warriors. Monta Ellis wasn’t too bad himself, going for 26 points (10 of 19), 5 boards and 5 dimes against his former teammates. The shooting woes of the Warriors continued on Saturday night, as their leading man, Stephen Curry shot 7 of 18 for 16 points and 10 assists. Carl Landry added a more efficient 7 of 10 shooting for his 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Seed Fights: It wasn’t pretty, but the Phoenix Suns held on to defeat the Houston Rockets to help their rivals, the Lakers, to get a step closer to clinch playoff berth. Jared Dudley left the bench to put up 22 points on 8 of 12 shooting and 7 assists. Goran Dragic chipped for another 18 points (6 of 13). Following his 3 of 17 shooting night on Friday, James Harden went 11 of 17 from the field for 38 points, 8 assists and a sightly 8 turnovers. The Rockets will have a chance to get their revenge as they take on the Suns in Houston for a rematch tonight.
Assist of the year.
A Few Notes: The Utah Jazz without Paul Millsap, had Al Jefferson back for his first game since his injury, but nothing went their way against the New York Knicks last night. Utah shot an abysmal 39 percent from the field, with no one in the starting line up in double figures. The Knicks, still without Melo, got their scoring punch from J.R. Smith, who went off for 24 points (10 of 18) and 6 rebounds, while his fellow bench mate, Steve Novak shoot 5 of 10 from three for 20 points in the win.
The Memphis Grizzlies have won their 12 of their last 13 games with this victory over the New Orleans Hornets. Mike Conley led the charge with 22 points on 8 of 15 shooting, and 8 assists. Hornets rookie, Anthony Davis scored a team-high 20 points on 20 shots and snagged 18 points in the losing effort.
Fantasy Shoutouts: In the game no one should ever watch, the Washington Washington destroyed the Charlotte Bobcats 104 to 87. Kemba Walker of Cats had 29 points (11 of 25), 6 assists and 4 steals. Wizards’ Trevor Ariza came off the bench for 26 points, 7 of 11 from the field and 10 boards. Yes, this is real.
The Denver Nuggets took out the injury depleted Minnesota Timberwolves last night. Ty Lawson led the way with a game-high 32 points (12 of 17), and a perfect 4 of 4 from downtown to get Denver, their 13th straight win at home.
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