Happy Friday, everyone.
Another week down…. I’ve got the Lakeshow in five. Can’t wait for that. Milwaukee tonight and the Orlando is here on Sunday. And, of course, I work tomorrow night, so another busy weekend. I was so tired last night I definitely liveblogged the Spurs/Suns and then at some point fell asleep.
Orlando 99 Cleveland 88
In a matchup between two of the hottest teams in the League, it was the Magic who came out on top on the night that Rashard Lewis found out he was headed back to the All-Star game and Jameer Nelson was selected as a reserve for the first time in his career. While Cleveland started out hot and lead early, the Magic stepped up their defense and held the Cavaliers to only 32 points in the second half, as they took over and closed Cleveland out to take the victory. LeBron struggled in the loss, shooting only 10-27 although he still finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. The Cavs led by as many as 10 early on in the first half, but they quickly surrendered their lead as the Magic stepped up D and shot their way back into the top spot as they used a 22-10 run, led by Nelson’s four 3-point shots as he scored 18 on the night. Dwight Howard had 22 points 18 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals, and Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu scored 19 apiece for the Magic. Mo Williams scored 12 for the Cavs while Wally Szczerbiak added 14 from the bench.
San Antonio 114 Phoenix 104
While this one was close throughout the first and tied 57-all at the half the Spurs were able to pull away late. Whenever these two teams meet up they always manage to give us a great game. Last night the Spurs used 18 free throws from Manu Ginobili as he hit all 18 and scored a season-high 30 on the night. In the second half of the third quarter, the Spurs made their push, attacking the lane, getting to the line and rocking the Suns on their heels. They led going into the fourth and while Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire did their best to try and save the Suns, it wasn’t enough. Tony Parker had 26 points on the night as Tim Duncan added 20 and 12. Nash had 16 points and 18 assists, Grant Hill added 20 and Stoudemire finished with 28 points for the Suns in the loss.
