The obvious place to start would be the oh so terrible Cleveland Cavaliers. They are in a league of futility all by themselves now. No way Dallas was going to let Cleveland come down there and end there streak on their court, especially not a night after one of the biggest sporting events in Dallas history. As a basketball fan, I feel really sorry for Byron Scott and Antawn Jamison. They both came to Cleveland to help Lebron James win a title. Unfortunately, that (and an aging Shaq) was the most help Dan Gilbert was able to acquire to pair with James in pursuit of a championship. I would have jumped ship, too. It would be great to think that the future is oh so bright for these Cavs, but unfortunately it isn't. It's not like they don't compete in some of these games. They were in this contest against the Mavs right until the final shot. Unfortunately for Cleveland, they didn't take that shot. Antawn Jamison had this to say on the record breaking losing streak after the game: "It is what it is."Derrick Rose led his Bulls into Portland to face the short handed Trail Blazers. Rose led the Bulls with a great game, finishing the night with 36 points. It didn't matter though, as Lamarcus Aldridge led the Blazers to victory with yet another career night. Again, Tim Duncan or Kevin Love should have been left off the all star team. No knock to either of them, but Aldridge needs to be in this game. He finished this game with a career high (for now) 42 points, as the Blazers ended up winning by six. The other big news out of Portland on Monday night was that Brandon Roy will in fact be returning to action this weekend. That comes at a very opportune time for these ailing Blazers. We'll see how those knees hold up.
Carmelo Anthony tied his career high with 50 points, as the Nuggets hosted the Rockets on Monday evening. The rest of the Nuggets weren't able to hold off the Rockets though, as they won the game 108-103. Kevin Martin continued his recent tear, going off for 37 points, 4 boards, and 7 assists. I wish there was more room on the all star team. I finally picked up Chuck Hayes in fantasy basketball, too. The real negative news for the Nuggets in this game was involving Chauncey Billups. He injured his left knee and will go in for an MRI today to determine the severity of the injury. Aaron Brooks was inactive in this game due to his one game suspension. How quickly he has fallen for the Rockets. I still think he should have significant trade value. Recently, his name has been linked to the Knicks and the Timberwolves. Hopefully they get some cap flexibility in return for him, or Carmelo Anthony.
Steve Nash led his Suns to victory over the Warriors last night on his 37th birthday. He finished off the night with 14 points and 15 assists. He could be doing this when he turns 47, too. Monta Ellis led all scorers with 21 points. He also tied his career high with 12 rebounds. This game was honestly a letdown, in comparison to what you usually get when these two teams face off against each other.
Apparently, the Celtics were too concerned with Ray Allen breaking Reggie Miller's all time 3 point record. Keyed by a 29-20 fourth quarter, the Bobcats were able to defeat the Celtics by five last night. Shaun Livingston had a season high 18 points in the victory. Stephen Jackson was ejected for arguing a foul call. We'll see if there's any suspension handed down by the league. Ray Allen needs one three to tie Reggie Miller and one to pass him for the all time record. He will be playing his next game on Thursday, which Reggie Miller will be broadcasting.
The Timberwolves got a rare victory last night, on the road against the Hornets. Kevin Love had 27 points and 17 boards, another in a long line of beastly lines from him. The Hornets are clearly reeling again and it could be time for a trade. Recent injuries to Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor have clearly effected this team's play. Ariza should be back soon, while Okafor is likely out until after the all star break.
Marc Gasol's team still isn't quite ready for his brother's. The Lakers came into Memphis and won 93-84. Pau Gasol brought the Black Swan out as much as he had to in this one, finishing with 17 points and 9 boards. It would have been interesting to see Ron Artest and Marc Gasol go at it. The younger Gasol did still finish with a double double in the losing effort, ending with 10 points and 12 boards.
The Utah Jazz went into Sacramento and defeated the Kings 107-104. Demarcus Cousins had another strong offenseive game for the Kings, finishing with 25 and 14. Al Jefferson proved to be too much on the other end of the court though, as he finished with 23 points and Cousins fouled out in just over 30 minutes played. This Jazz team remains destined to be ousted early on in the 2011 playoffs.
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