Last night saw three intriguing NBA matchups and one other result which will garner many more headlines than those three combined. Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States of America. Saving the rhetoric for a second, I’m happy that the USA has a leader that understands hoops. Congratulations Obama.
In a battle of the Lopez twins, both came off the bench, both scored two points, both played 19 minutes, but Robin’s team beat Brook’s 114-86 (boxscore). The result was decided quite early in the game, allowing the Suns to rest their starters. Shaquille O’Neal contributed 18 points and 6 rebounds in 23 minutes, whilst Raja Bell was a perfect 6 for 6 from downtown on his way to 22 points. Vince Carter put up 19 for the disappointing home team.
The big match of the night was the battle of the Big Threes, as Boston vistited the Rockets. The game did not fail to entertain, with the result going right down to the wire. Boston were the eventual 103-99 victors (boxscore), with all of their starters scoring in double figures. Ray Allen was his usual smooth self, knocking down 29 points, to go with 5 assists and 5 rebounds, whilst fouling out in the closing stages. Yao Ming was unsettled throughout, as the Celts continued to front him in the post. He encountered early foul trouble, but finished the game on only three fouls. Tracy McGrady scored 26 and was assisted by Luis Scola’s 21 and 9.
The Dallas Mavericks easily accounted for the very surprising San Antonio Spurs, who now sit at 0-3. The Mavs pulled to 2-2 with the 98-81 win on the road (boxscore). Dirk Nowitzki shrugged off the slump which he endured against the Cavs, going for 30 points on 13-24 shooting. Jason Terry put up 29 points, whilst Jason Kidd flirted with a triple double. The Spurs’ story was the same as it has been so far this season — there was noone outside of Tim Duncan (19 and 15) and Tony Parker (22) to contribute, as they sorely miss the injured Manu Ginobili.
In a week’s time, only one of tonight’s results will be remembered.
