Post Up: Pelican Fly

Grizzlies 104 (10-5), 76ers 99 (4-11) (2OT)

Two overtimes, and the Sixers still couldn’t crack 100 points. The turnovers down the stretch for both teams were a bit hard to watch. Joel Embiid had to sit out the final OT period due to his minutes restriction, and Memphis made the Sixers pay by attacking the paint.

Spurs 119 (12-3), Hornets 114 (8-6)

After a really strong start, the Hornets have now dropped five of their last seven games. Charlotte had no answer for Kawhi Leonard, who finished with a game-high 30 points. Kemba Walker continued his All-Star campaign, dropping 26 points with 9 rebounds and 7 assists in the losing effort.

Suns 92 (5-11), Magic 87 (6-9)

A battle between two of the League’s most frustrating teams. That said, Alex Len scored a team-high 17 points (with 12 boards), and Phoenix still got the W. The Suns really need TJ Warren back pronto if they want a chance to be competitive against better teams.

Blazers 125 (8-9), Cavs 137 (11-2)

Kevin Love had the first quarter of his life, dropping 34 points and 8 treys in the period. That was the second-highest output for a single quarter (Klay Thompson’s 37 remains the highest), but the most for the first quarter. LeBron James added a 31-point, 13-assist, 10-rebound triple-double, his 60th of his career. Cleveland is rolling.

Hawks 96 (10-5), Pacers 85 (7-9)

A much-needed W for the Hawks, who had dropped their previous three games. Dwight Howard had his best game of the season with a vintage 23-point, 20-rebound performance. Paul Millsap stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, 11 boards, 5 dimes, 4 steals and 3 blocks. Very, very impressive numbers for those two Hawks stars.

Celtics 111 (9-6), Nets 92 (4-10)

Boston got the expected win in Brooklyn. With Jae Crowder, Al Horford, Kelly Olynyk and Marcus Smart all back, the team is looking more like the 50-plus squad everyone had predicted them to be. Isaiah Thomas once again led the way with 23 points on 8-21 shooting.

Heat 84 (4-10), Pistons 107 (7-9)

Miami has now lost eight of their last 10. Sure, they’re missing Justise Winslow, but it’s clear that this roster doesn’t have the talent to make the playoffs. Detroit, however, still has playoff hopes, and is just trying to stay afloat without Reggie Jackson. Andre Drummond did his part, to the tune of 18 points, 15 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 blocks. Beastly.

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Raptors 115 (9-6), Rockets 102 (9-6)

With DeMar DeRozan’s streak of 30-point games long over, the Raptors picked up a nice win in Houston. It also helped that James Harden coughed the ball up an unreal 12 times in the game. Toronto got a big 20 points out of DeMarre Carroll as they halted a two-game slide.

Clippers 124 (14-2), Mavericks 104 (2-12)

The Clippers are off to a franchise-best start, but as the Warriors would caution: It’s not about how you start, but how you finish the season. Nonetheless, the W must’ve felt nice for DeAndre Jordan, who will forever be booed in Dallas after going back on his verbal commitment to the team during 2015 free agency. Dallas had Dirk Nowitzki back, but still dropped their seventh straight.

Nuggets 83 (6-9), Jazz 108 (8-8)

Denver is still struggling to find an effective rotation. Rookie Jamal Murray, though, made it clear that he deserves at least 20 minutes per night, as the 6-4 guard has dropped 18, 24 and 23 points off the bench in his past three games. Utah got a big boost from George Hill, who’s having the best season of his career. The Jazz, too, got a much-needed win, ending a four-game slide.

T-Wolves 96 (4-10), Pelicans 117 (6-10)

No one was taking Anthony Davis seriously as an MVP candidate because of the unwritten rule that an MVP player needs to led his team to at least 50 wins. That’s still a very long shot for New Orleans, but since the return of Jrue Holiday, the Pels are a perfect 4-0. With Tyreke Evans nearing return, it’s fair to say that the Pels will be at least a .500 ballclub going forward. And c’mon folks, Anthony Davis should be considered a serious MVP candidate.

Lakers 106 (8-8), Warriors 149 (13-2)

Plain and simple: This game was the definition of a beatdown. After the Lakers embarrassed Golden State at Staples Center earlier this month, this was the Warriors’ way of letting the young Lakers know who still rules the Western Conference. Incredibly, Golden State assisted on 47 of their 53 field goals. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson all had it going, scoring a combined 85 points on the night.

Thunder 101 (8-8), Kings 116 (6-9)

A good-looking win for Sacramento, who undoubtedly are playing with more purpose under head coach Dave Joeger. The Kings tried out their sixth different starting lineup in 15 games, and this one (featuring Darren Collison at point and Matt Barnes at the 3 and Rudy Gay at the 4), might be a keeper. DeMarcus Cousins led the way with 36 points and 13 boards.