WAS @ NOH: Without a true PG, the Wizards turned to Jordan Crawford, who responded with 26 PTS, 6 REB and 4 AST to lead an unlikely road win. Bradley Beal (15 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST) also played well, but the real story is how bad the Hornets were. Despite the long-awaited return of Anthony Davis (13 PTS, 8 REB, 3 STL, 3 BLK in 25 bench minutes) from an ankle injury, the team scored only 28 points in the entire second half. Robin Lopez (2 PTS, 10 REB, 5 BLK) has had better nights and Greivis Vasquez (5 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST) missed 12 of 14 shots. Ryan Anderson (17 PTS, 11 REB) was 7-for-21 as both teams shot less than 33% on the evening. Glad I wasn’t watching that debacle.
LAC @ CHI: Make it seven in a row for the Clippers. Chris Paul (18 PTS, 4 AST, 4 REB, 3 STL) and Blake Griffin (22 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST) led the way as usual, but everyone is contributing. Jamal Crawford (10 PTS, 5 AST, 3 REB) and Matt Barnes (14 PTS, 4 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK) helped the second unit keep the pressure on. For the Bulls, SG Marco Belinelli (18 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL) was ice-cold early and finished just 6-for-22 on the evening. Carlos Boozer (24 PTS, 13 REB) was outstanding and Joakim Noah (10 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST, 2 BLK) was strong, but Luol Deng has a rough night, missing 11 of 14 shots to finish with just 8 points. Chicago is one player from being a very good team, and that player is Derrick Rose, who has begun running on his rebuilt knee, but remains sidelined indefinitely.
December 12 Games
ATL @ ORL: Usually the Florida trip is a back-to-back, but the Hawks had last night off after falling just short in Miami, so they will be ready. They are definitely the better team, with Al Horford and Josh Smith producing every night and a strong supporting cast. Kyle Korver (back spasms, new baby) could be back to add another dimension, but it’s team defense that has carried Atlanta to its 12-6 mark. For the Magic, rookie Andrew Nicholson may have earned more playing time after his best game as a pro (19 PTS, 9 REB, 4 STL) but the steady performers are Glen Davis and Arron Afflalo.
BRK @ TOR: How much will the Nets have left after such a tremendous — and ultimately disappointing — effort last night? Who is healthy and available to play for Toronto? You’ll get an eyewitness report tomorrow, as I’m going to this game with friends. Amir Johnson is out (1-game suspension) and Andrea Bargnani (elbow) is iffy, making Ed Davis a much better fantasy play than usual. Mickael Pietrus might also fly under the radar. For a summary of the current mess in Toronto, see Bruce Arthur’s column in today’s National Post.