Post Up: Power Shift

by Peter Walsh

Knicks 100 (43-26), Celtics 85 (36-34)

The Celtics are fading with Kevin Garnett sidelined and last night’s home loss to the Knicks was their fifth in a row. New York owned the glass, gathering 15 offensive rebounds that turned into 29 second chance points, and scored 50 points in the paint to take full advantage of KG’s absence. The game was tied at 35 in the second quarter but the Knicks changed that with a 14-0 run that gave them full control. After the run, New York led by at least seven the rest of the way. The fifteen-point loss was Boston’s worst home loss in two seasons. The win also marked the first time the Knicks have won twice in Boston since the ’03-’04 season. J.R. Smith led the way with 32 points on 13-24 shooting and 7 boards while Melo scored 29 on 10-30 shooting. Jeff Green scored 19 and grabbed 10 bords for the Celtics.

 

Timberwolves 105 (25-44), Pistons 82 (24-48)

J.J. Barea scored a season-high 21 points and Nikola Pekovic finished with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double as the Timberwolves blew out the Pistons in Detroit. The game was close in the first half, but the Wolves caught fire in the third quarter and outscored the Pistons 38-16 in the quarter to run away with this one. Jose Calderon scored 14 points for Detroit.

 

Mavs 109 (35-36), Clippers 102 (48-23) F/OT

The Mavs are peaking at the right time and are making a strong play for the eighth seed. For old time’s sake, Dirk carried his team to a dub in a big game. After O.J. Mayo tied the game at 97 with .6 seconds in regulation to force OT, Nowitzki took over in the extra session. The 7-footer scored eight straight points and put the Mavs up for good after a jumper made it 101-100. Dallas then held Lob City scoreless over the next four minutes to pick up their biggest win of the season thus far. Nowitzki finished with 33 points and 9 boards and Vince Carter scored 14 off the bench. CP3 led the Clips with 33 points, 6 boards, and 5 dimes but also committed 7 turnovers.