Line Of The Night — 12/03/2007
Line Of The Night:
Josh Howard — 27 points, 10 boards, 6 assists, 2 steals
Behind Howard’s effort, the Mavs took this one down, in the Chi. But who really cares? All we want to see is the Playoffs, when it comes to Dallas.
Beast Of The Night:
Dwight Howard — 23 boards, 18 points, 7 blocks, 3 assists
All Howards, all the time. This line was almost inevitable, going up against the midgets of Golden State. A momentary lapse of self-control (he slapped the stanchion after missing a dunk) almost cost his team the game at the end of regulation, but the Magic managed to pull out a tough win in OT, in Oakland.
Near Triple-Double Of The Night:
Jameer Nelson — 22 points, 11 assists, 8 boards, 1 steal
Fine. We give in. We’ll stop hating. Dude has game, ok? You happy? FREE CARLOS ARROYO!!!
Contraction Club Of The Night:
Philly 76ers, 79 points vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Philly crowds have been dismal, almost high school-like. The play has been dismal, as you can see. Contraction, of a sort, occurred Tuesday morning, as much maligned team president Billy King was finally fired (down with Duke!) and replaced with New Jersey Nets GM, Ed Stefanski. First order of business would seem to be moving Andre Miller for some young pieces. Oh yeah, and Mo Cheeks? You are on notice. Oh yeah, and… FREE LOUIS WILLIAMS!!!
Charlotte Bobcats, 79 points vs. Toronto Raptors
You get a chance to go into the T-Dot-O, with Bosh, Bargnani and T.J. Ford sidelined, and this is the best you can come up with? Blame the starting back court. Raymond Felton? 0-8 shooting. Jason Richardson? 3-17. Disgust.
Clutch Performance Of The Night:
Travis Outlaw — 21 points, 7 boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks
Several times the Memphis Grizz went up by double-figures in this game, but every time, the Trailblazers fought back — a classic consequence of Memphis’ up-and-down style. The final run was almost all Travis Outlaw. With his Starkville, Mississippi family in attendance, Outlaw had the full repertoire working — tip backs, 3’s, and a buzzer-beating runner. He, um, outlawed a Memphis win, last night.
Just when you thought the Knicks/Marbury/Isiah escapades couldn’t get any more convoluted, Marbury’s father suddenly died Sunday night, after experiencing chest pains while watching his son play, and being escorted to the hospital. Hold ya head, Starbury… So much for the Greg Oden vs. Mike Conley match-up. Both players are currently out with injuries… Danny Ferry overhead rocking Cormega’s “They Forced My Hand”, after Anderson Verejao signs offer sheet with the Charlotte Bobcats… Howard Stern… Howard The Duck… Howard Cosell… Howard Homecoming… Ryan Howard…