Depsite being down 8 at the half, Boston seemed poised to get the W after a manufacturing 12-0 run to start the 3rd. Two KG jumpers from 18 feet put Boston 93-90 with under two minutes to go in the fourth, and it looked as though the Celts were getting ready to close the door. But there was a sudden turn of events in the form of 11 Spurs points in the final 45 seconds. A Roger Mason three, four points from the foul line for Manu, and the game was a wrap, 105-99, San Antonio.
Both teams played great, each shooting outstanding percentages from the field (Bos. - 51%, S.A. - 49%), but the late game collapse of the Celtics, including missed shots, turnovers, and clear-path fouls did them in. Tim Duncan and Manu, who sat out the previous game along with Tony Parker, came up big for the Spurs, 23 and 13 points, and 19 points, respectively. Matt Bonner had 23 for San Antonio. Boston's Big Three played well, too, combining for 53 points, led by KG, who had 26 and 12 boards. Rajon Rondo contributed 16 dimes.
The other marquee game was Kobe vs. LeBron Part 2, better known as Lakers vs. the Cavs. The Mamba vs. the King is certainly the most anticipated showdown in the League, but it is yet to live up to its billing. In the first game, in LA on MLK Day, both stars struggled, and the same was true of Sunday's matchup. Granted, Kobe was sick this time - vomitting before the game, having the chills, etc. - but stats are stats: KB24 had 19 on 8-17 shooting, while LBJ was shut down again by the Lakers, scoring 16 points on just 5-20 from the field. James did contribute 12 assists and 8 boards, though.
But more than two players play the game. After being down 10 at the half, with all the momentum in the Cavs favor, the Lakers outscored Cleveland 50-30 in the second half to get the W, 101-91. The Lakers win at the Q gave the Cavs their first home loss of the season after winning their first 23. One simple reason for the Lakers win: Lamar Odom. The Goods dumped 28 points on the Cavs and grabbed 17 boards in the process. Odom had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the third quarter alone. L.O.'s gotten criticism throughout his career for not being a winner and disappearing when it really matters. But Sunday he shut all that down, and if he continues to play comparable to this, the Lakers won't even need Bynum to get it done this season.
Quite a few guys GOT OFF TONIGHT...
KD went for 39, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. CB3 had 35, 13 boards and the game winner (his reaction above). Superman had 30 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Al Jefferson had 25 and 14. Danny Granger went for 29. D. Will had 31, 10 dimes, and 7 boards. Steve Nash had 15 and dished out 21 dimes. Big Greg Oden continued his steady improvement, scoring 17 points to go along with 12 rebounds, and a career-high 6 blocks.
Scores From Around The League...2/8/09
Spurs 105, Celtics 99
Lakers 101, Cavs 91
Bobcats 92, Heat 96
Nets 84, Magic 101
Knicks 108, Blazers 109
Pacers 117, Wizards 119
T'Wolves 97, Hornets 101
Kings 113, Thunder 116
Suns 107, Pistons 97
Jazz 96, Warriors 116
Via: ESPN
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