by Adam Figman | @afigman
So that Paul Silas move kinda worked out, huh? The Bobcats stayed red hot, winning their third in a row—and fifth in seven games—getting strong performances from Captain Jack (27 points, 4 steals) and DJ Augustin (18 points, 9 assists). Augustin’s ability to develop into an upper-level pg should be the x-factor determining whether or not the ‘Cats have a shot at hitting the Playoffs come April, and his recent string of solid efforts bodes well for those supporting the cause. Zach Randolph’s 15 points and 15 boards led the Grizzlies, who fell to 17-21, three games out of postseason positioning.
Since he’s returned from injury, Aaron Brooks‘ play has been shaky, at best. ‘Till last night, that is, when Brooksy scored 24 and dished 5 as the Rockets took down the Celtics on the road. Boston made a run late, but Houston held on after some clutch Brooks freebies. The C’s, oddly, have now dropped two straight, and chances are they’re just suffering from some mild mid-season fatigue that tends to fade in and out with veteran teams from New Year’s until March or so. With the W, Houston caught up to Memphis, and now both sit in the same spot, three games away from that always-coveted eighth place. Will be interesting to see who, if either, makes a run at it.
The Derrick and Carlos show keeps producing new episodes, the most recent one coming last night, when the two combined for 56 points, 16 rebounds and 1 ridiculous throw-down in an easy win. The Bulls have now won seven straight home contests, and are hanging on to that third spot in the East—tied with Orlando, but ahead via the tie-breaker—for the time being. Rip Hamilton, who’s name has been tossed around in the recent Melo-to-New Jersey trade rumors, played just 21 minutes and scored only 2.
Wait, that’s it? Yeah? You NBA schedule guys, uh, sure? Alright then. Onwards.
Actual Stats: Derrick Rose: 29 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block.
Moment of the Night: 2.9 seconds? That’s plenty of time!
