The Daily Dose: Dose: Westbrook-Fest
Monday, April 13, 2015
Russell Westbrook shot it 43 times, scored a career-high 54 points and picked up his 16th technical foul of the season, but the Thunder lost to the Pacers, severely hurting their chances to the make the playoffs. The Hawks and Cavs rested all of their starters, while the Celtics and Pelicans closed in on playoff berths. Dose breaks down a busy Sunday.
Pacers 116, Thunder 104 – The Pacers beat Russell Westbrook on Sunday night, led by C.J. Miles’ 30 points, 10 rebounds and six 3-pointers. Miles had 24 on Friday and looks like he’s ready to finish on a high note. George Hill had 19 points, seven dimes and two 3-pointers, Roy Hibbert came through with 17 points, 10 boards and two blocks, and Davis West scored 13 in the impressive win. That’s five straight wins for Indy and they’re currently tied with the Nets for the No. 8 seed. Unfortunately for the Pacers, Brooklyn owns the tiebreaker. The Pacers are 4-0 since Paul George returned from his broken leg, but he was just 3-of-9 for eight points and six rebounds. The Pacers host Washington on Tuesday and visit Memphis in Wednesday’s finale.
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When I said the Pacers beat Westbrook, I wasn’t kidding. He scored 22 in the first quarter and 20 in the fourth, hitting 21-of-43 shots and five 3-pointers for a career-high 54 points to go along with nine rebounds and eight assists. The Thunder were 11-of-28 from the free throw line and everyone not named Westbrook was just 4-of-17, which cost them a win. “Every night I go out and compete harder than anybody else in this league,” Westbrook said when asked if he took too many shots. “As long as my teammates don’t have a problem with it, I’m good with it.” Me too, RW. The Thunder have lost five of their last six and are currently on the outside looking in for the playoffs. And since Westbrook picked up his 16th technical foul of the season on Sunday, he could be suspended for Monday’s game. There’s a chance it will be rescinded, but as of now, he’s out against the Blazers. Dion Waiters scored 16 and Enes Kanter had 13, but that was about it from the rest of the Thunder. Of course, if Westbrook is out tonight, it will be all hands on deck for OKC, with Kanter, Steven Adams, Waiters and Anthony Morrow all seeing a boost. The Thunder host Portland Monday and wrap up the regular season on Wednesday at Minnesota. The Pelicans, who also lost on Sunday, hold the tiebreaker over the Thunder, and they’re currently tied for the No. 8 seed in the West.
Wizards 108, Hawks 99 – The Hawks rested their starters (all five of them) and the Wizards welcomed back John Wall, as they beat the Hawks and sit in the No. 5 seed in the East. They’re set to face either the Raptors or Bulls, depending on how the last couple games of the season go. The Wiz pushed their lead to 25 points in the third quarter, but the Hawks made a meaningless, late run to at least make the final score respectable. Wall led the way with 24 points and nine assists, but also had 10 turnovers on the night. Of course, you didn’t hear about that because everyone is too busy bashing Westbrook for taking a million shots, despite the fact most of his current teammates are weak. Anyway, the rest of the Wiz starters all played well, scoring between 14 and 17 points, while Nene managed a double-double with 10 boards to go with his 14 points. The Wizards are at Indy on Tuesday and wrap up the regular season at Cleveland on Wednesday. Whether Wall, or any other starters play, is anyone’s guess.
The Hawks, who are the No. 1 seed and a 60-game winner in the East, sat all five starters, although I doubt Paul Millsap could have played through his shoulder injury if he wanted to. It does sound like Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, DeMarre Carroll and Al Horford will play on Monday against the Knicks, but it’s also possible that game could be a blowout in the Hawks favor. They finish at Chicago on Wednesday, and I’m guessing that could be another day of rest for the big boys. As for Millsap, you have to think the Hawks would like to get him some work prior to the playoffs, so he’s a candidate to play in both games. Stay tuned for news. Mike Scott led the way with 19 points off the bench, John Jenkins had 17, and Dennis Schroder and Shelvin Mack each scored 14 in the loss. Mike Muscala started, but was disappointing with five points, four boards and four assists on 2-of-6 shooting in 27 minutes. Kent Bazemore was also a bit of a dud with just seven points, but did fill the stat sheet while hitting just 2-of-8 shots. Any of these bench guys are probably decent plays in Wednesday’s finale, but I don’t think I’d mess with them with the regulars going on Monday. If Millsap is out on Monday, Muscala should bounce back.
Bucks 96, Nets 73 – The Bucks got a tough win to clinch the No. 6 seed after having the worst team in the league a year ago. They’re going to play either Toronto or Chicago in the first round. Ersan Ilyasova had 21 points and three 3-pointers, while Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Carter-Williams, Khris Middleton and O.J. Mayo all scored in double figures for the Bucks. With the No. 6 seed locked up, it remains to be seen if they play their studs in the final two games. Jason Kidd has his men playing some nice defense these days.
The Nets are now tied with the Pacers for the No. 8 seed and sit a game behind the Celtics. The Nets also hold the tiebreaker over the Pacers, and host the Bulls on Monday and finish with the Magic in Brooklyn on Wednesday. With the Nets in must-win mode, look for the starters to keep playing. Brook Lopez had his 17th double-double of the season with 12 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block, while only Mason Plumlee and Jarrett Jack joined him in double digits with 11 apiece. Thaddeus Young, Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and Markel Brown were all disappointing, and as you can see by the final score, the Nets were never in this game. Look for the starters to bounce back against the Bulls on Monday. Miami is basically out of the playoff picture, sitting two back with two to play after seeing LeBron James head back to Cleveland.
Celtics 117, Cavaliers 78 – The Celtics crushed the resting Cavaliers on Sunday and now sit a game ahead of the Pacers and Nets as the No. 7 seed in the East. Had the Pacers lost to the Thunder on Sunday, the Celtics would be in, although the odds are still in their favor, as their magic number is 1. Evan Turner had a big line with 15 points, seven boards, five assists, four steals and a block on 6-of-12 shooting, while starters Tyler Zeller, Avery Bradley, and bench players Jonas Jerebko, Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Isaiah Thomas all scored in double figures. Thomas was particularly nice with 17 points, six assists and two 3-pointers in 22 minutes. They finish up with Toronto at home on Tuesday and at Milwaukee on Wednesday. With the Celtics still needing a win to get in, expect the regulars to go on Tuesday, and then again on Wednesday if they lose to the Raptors.
The Cavaliers, who have clinched the No. 2 seed in the East, rested anyone on your fantasy team on Sunday, but plan on using their starters on Monday night against Detroit. All could rest again in Wednesday’s finale against the Wizards. The Cavs got 15 points and 10 rebounds out of starter Iman Shumpert, and Tristan Thompson had 14 points, five boards and a block in a start. James Jones was the only other Cav in double figures with 14 points, and you can expect the regulars to be back in there on Monday night. Matthew Dellavedova was also solid with seven points, nine assists and a 3-pointer, but hit just 3-of-12 shots. If LeBron sits in either of their final games, I like Shumpert in any format.
Pistons 116, Hornets 77 – No playoff implications in this one, but it may have been Greg Monroe’s final home game as a Piston. The unrestricted free agent had 17 points, nine boards, two steals and a block, while Andre Drummond added 15 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks in the easy win. Jodie Meeks scored 24 with four 3-pointers, Anthony Tolliver added 17 points and five 3-pointers, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Shawne Williams each scored 10. Tolliver could be a sneaky play in the final two games, when the Pistons visit the Cavs on Monday and the Knicks on Wednesday. Reggie Jackson hit just 1-of-7 shots for five points, but also came through with 13 assists in the win.
The Hornets were eliminated from the postseason on Friday and Al Jefferson (knee), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle), Lance Stephenson (toe) and Cody Zeller (shoulder) all sat out on Sunday. Reserve Noah Vonleh led the way with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and looks like a solid fantasy play over the last two games. Gerald Henderson added 14 points and three steals, Brian Roberts scored 11 and Jeff Taylor had 10 points in a start. There’s not much to see in Charlotte right now, but Vonleh could be a sneaky add. The Hornets finish with Houston at home on Monday and at Toronto on Wednesday.
Nuggets 122, Kings 111 – This was another meaningless game, except for George Karl, who returned to Denver for the first time since being fired. He’s still not happy they let him go, but Kenneth Faried dropped a season-high 30 points on 12-of-14 shooting on his former coach. I’ve been saying that Faried would finish up strong, and he has been better under interim coach Melvin Hunt. Faried also had 14 points and nine boards on Friday, and 29 points and 11 rebounds on Wednesday. Hopefully he helped you win a ring if you own him. The starters all got it done, with Wilson Chandler adding 21 points, nine boards and a full stat line, Danilo Gallinari had 14 points, six boards, six assists and two 3-pointers, Ty Lawson had 10 points and 11 dimes, and Randy Foye had 16 points and three 3-pointers, despite hitting just 3-of-11 shots. Jameer Nelson (hip) and Darrell Arthur (calf) sound like they’re done for the season. Hopefully the Nuggets play the starters again when they visit the Clippers on Monday and Golden State on Wednesday.
The Kings were led by Omri Casspi’s 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Ben McLemore came through with 20 points, five boards, seven assists, four steals and two 3-pointers. Ray McCallum had 14 points, Derrick Williams also started and had 13 points and three steals, and Ryan Hollins had 10 points and five boards off the bench. Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins have been shut down, so Casspi is a legit play over the final two games. The Kings host the Lakers on Monday and then finish up at the Lakers on Wednesday.
Rockets 121, Pelicans 114 – The Rockets held off the Pelicans, who hold a tiebreaker over the Thunder, while the Rockets are in a tie with the Grizzlies for the No. 5 seed. The Rockets got 30 and a full stat line from James Harden, while Corey Brewer, Dwight Howard, Jason Terry, Josh Smith and Pablo Prigioni all played well for the Rockets. It looks to me like the Rockets are going to play their guys until the end. The Rockets are at Charlotte Monday and host the Jazz on Wednesday.
For the Pels, Anthony Davis led the way with 27 points and a full stat line, Omer Asik double-doubled, and Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, Quincy Pondexter, Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday all scored in double figures. Holiday played just 15 minutes, but hit 7-of-9 shots for 17 points, two assists, two steals and three 3-pointers. Look for the Pels to keep running him out there to get him ready for the playoffs, as it looks like they should get in over the Thunder. The Pelicans are at Minnesota on Monday and host the Spurs in Wednesday’s finale, and they should at least run their stars for Monday’s game.
Spurs 107, Suns 91 – The Spurs won their 11th straight game and moved up to the No. 2 seed in the West, and it wasn’t all that long ago that they just didn’t look like a championship team. Oops. They’re a ½ game up on the Clippers for the No. 2 seed and also hold a ½ game lead on the Grizzlies for the Southwest Division title. Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard were the stars tonight, and I expect Gregg Popovich to turn his starters loose in their one remaining game – at the Pelicans on Wednesday.
The Suns are out of the playoffs but played their guys, with Gerald Green still leading the way off the bench with 23 points in 26 minutes. Eric Bledsoe played 41 minutes and had 20 points and 10 dimes, and Archie Goodwin started and had 11 points on 5-of-15 shooting. The Suns’ box score isn’t pretty to look at, and they’re a crapshoot for their final game on Tuesday when they host the Clippers.
Mavericks 120, Lakers 106 – The Mavs got 20 points, nine boards and two blocks from Tyson Chandler, 17 points and two 3-pointers from starter Richard Jefferson (for Chandler Parsons), 16 points from Dirk Nowitzki, and 11 points, eight boards and 11 assists from Rajon Rondo. Monta Ellis played, but hit just 2-of-8 shots for four points. Charlie Villanueva scored 14 with three 3-pointers off the bench, Raymond Felton scored 15 off the bench, and Al-Farouq Aminu had 10 points and 10 boards in 26 minutes off the bench. Dallas is locked into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, and it sounds like Nowitzki, Chandler and Ellis are all out on Monday, while Chandler Parsons isn’t likely to play, either. That means Rondo, Jefferson, Aminu, Felton, Villanueva and maybe even Bernard James are all worth a look on Monday. The Mavs are at Utah on Monday and wrap things up on Wednesday at home against Portland.
Seven of the Lakers eight players to see action scored in double figures, including all five starters. Jordan Clarkson had 26 points, six assists and three 3-pointers, Jabari Brown scored 18 with two 3-pointers, Wes Johnson had 16 and four 3-pointers, and Ed Davis had 11 points, five boards and a block off the bench. Ryan Kelly, Tarik Black and Dwight Buycks all scored 10, while Black went off with 19 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Lakers are at Sacramento on Monday and host the Kings on Wednesday. Clarkson, Black and maybe Parker look like must-starts over the final two games.
Russell Westbrook shot it 43 times, scored a career-high 54 points and picked up his 16th technical foul of the season, but the Thunder lost to the Pacers, severely hurting their chances to the make the playoffs. The Hawks and Cavs rested all of their starters, while the Celtics and Pelicans closed in on playoff berths. Dose breaks down a busy Sunday.
Pacers 116, Thunder 104 – The Pacers beat Russell Westbrook on Sunday night, led by C.J. Miles’ 30 points, 10 rebounds and six 3-pointers. Miles had 24 on Friday and looks like he’s ready to finish on a high note. George Hill had 19 points, seven dimes and two 3-pointers, Roy Hibbert came through with 17 points, 10 boards and two blocks, and Davis West scored 13 in the impressive win. That’s five straight wins for Indy and they’re currently tied with the Nets for the No. 8 seed. Unfortunately for the Pacers, Brooklyn owns the tiebreaker. The Pacers are 4-0 since Paul George returned from his broken leg, but he was just 3-of-9 for eight points and six rebounds. The Pacers host Washington on Tuesday and visit Memphis in Wednesday’s finale.
Editor’s Note: Play one-day fantasy basketball tonight! Rotoworld’s partner FanDuel is hosting a $125,000 league for Monday’s NBA games. It’s just $2 to join and first place wins $10,000. Starts tonight at 7:00pm ET. Enter now!
When I said the Pacers beat Westbrook, I wasn’t kidding. He scored 22 in the first quarter and 20 in the fourth, hitting 21-of-43 shots and five 3-pointers for a career-high 54 points to go along with nine rebounds and eight assists. The Thunder were 11-of-28 from the free throw line and everyone not named Westbrook was just 4-of-17, which cost them a win. “Every night I go out and compete harder than anybody else in this league,” Westbrook said when asked if he took too many shots. “As long as my teammates don’t have a problem with it, I’m good with it.” Me too, RW. The Thunder have lost five of their last six and are currently on the outside looking in for the playoffs. And since Westbrook picked up his 16th technical foul of the season on Sunday, he could be suspended for Monday’s game. There’s a chance it will be rescinded, but as of now, he’s out against the Blazers. Dion Waiters scored 16 and Enes Kanter had 13, but that was about it from the rest of the Thunder. Of course, if Westbrook is out tonight, it will be all hands on deck for OKC, with Kanter, Steven Adams, Waiters and Anthony Morrow all seeing a boost. The Thunder host Portland Monday and wrap up the regular season on Wednesday at Minnesota. The Pelicans, who also lost on Sunday, hold the tiebreaker over the Thunder, and they’re currently tied for the No. 8 seed in the West.
Wizards 108, Hawks 99 – The Hawks rested their starters (all five of them) and the Wizards welcomed back John Wall, as they beat the Hawks and sit in the No. 5 seed in the East. They’re set to face either the Raptors or Bulls, depending on how the last couple games of the season go. The Wiz pushed their lead to 25 points in the third quarter, but the Hawks made a meaningless, late run to at least make the final score respectable. Wall led the way with 24 points and nine assists, but also had 10 turnovers on the night. Of course, you didn’t hear about that because everyone is too busy bashing Westbrook for taking a million shots, despite the fact most of his current teammates are weak. Anyway, the rest of the Wiz starters all played well, scoring between 14 and 17 points, while Nene managed a double-double with 10 boards to go with his 14 points. The Wizards are at Indy on Tuesday and wrap up the regular season at Cleveland on Wednesday. Whether Wall, or any other starters play, is anyone’s guess.
The Hawks, who are the No. 1 seed and a 60-game winner in the East, sat all five starters, although I doubt Paul Millsap could have played through his shoulder injury if he wanted to. It does sound like Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, DeMarre Carroll and Al Horford will play on Monday against the Knicks, but it’s also possible that game could be a blowout in the Hawks favor. They finish at Chicago on Wednesday, and I’m guessing that could be another day of rest for the big boys. As for Millsap, you have to think the Hawks would like to get him some work prior to the playoffs, so he’s a candidate to play in both games. Stay tuned for news. Mike Scott led the way with 19 points off the bench, John Jenkins had 17, and Dennis Schroder and Shelvin Mack each scored 14 in the loss. Mike Muscala started, but was disappointing with five points, four boards and four assists on 2-of-6 shooting in 27 minutes. Kent Bazemore was also a bit of a dud with just seven points, but did fill the stat sheet while hitting just 2-of-8 shots. Any of these bench guys are probably decent plays in Wednesday’s finale, but I don’t think I’d mess with them with the regulars going on Monday. If Millsap is out on Monday, Muscala should bounce back.
Bucks 96, Nets 73 – The Bucks got a tough win to clinch the No. 6 seed after having the worst team in the league a year ago. They’re going to play either Toronto or Chicago in the first round. Ersan Ilyasova had 21 points and three 3-pointers, while Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Carter-Williams, Khris Middleton and O.J. Mayo all scored in double figures for the Bucks. With the No. 6 seed locked up, it remains to be seen if they play their studs in the final two games. Jason Kidd has his men playing some nice defense these days.
The Nets are now tied with the Pacers for the No. 8 seed and sit a game behind the Celtics. The Nets also hold the tiebreaker over the Pacers, and host the Bulls on Monday and finish with the Magic in Brooklyn on Wednesday. With the Nets in must-win mode, look for the starters to keep playing. Brook Lopez had his 17th double-double of the season with 12 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block, while only Mason Plumlee and Jarrett Jack joined him in double digits with 11 apiece. Thaddeus Young, Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and Markel Brown were all disappointing, and as you can see by the final score, the Nets were never in this game. Look for the starters to bounce back against the Bulls on Monday. Miami is basically out of the playoff picture, sitting two back with two to play after seeing LeBron James head back to Cleveland.
Celtics 117, Cavaliers 78 – The Celtics crushed the resting Cavaliers on Sunday and now sit a game ahead of the Pacers and Nets as the No. 7 seed in the East. Had the Pacers lost to the Thunder on Sunday, the Celtics would be in, although the odds are still in their favor, as their magic number is 1. Evan Turner had a big line with 15 points, seven boards, five assists, four steals and a block on 6-of-12 shooting, while starters Tyler Zeller, Avery Bradley, and bench players Jonas Jerebko, Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Isaiah Thomas all scored in double figures. Thomas was particularly nice with 17 points, six assists and two 3-pointers in 22 minutes. They finish up with Toronto at home on Tuesday and at Milwaukee on Wednesday. With the Celtics still needing a win to get in, expect the regulars to go on Tuesday, and then again on Wednesday if they lose to the Raptors.
The Cavaliers, who have clinched the No. 2 seed in the East, rested anyone on your fantasy team on Sunday, but plan on using their starters on Monday night against Detroit. All could rest again in Wednesday’s finale against the Wizards. The Cavs got 15 points and 10 rebounds out of starter Iman Shumpert, and Tristan Thompson had 14 points, five boards and a block in a start. James Jones was the only other Cav in double figures with 14 points, and you can expect the regulars to be back in there on Monday night. Matthew Dellavedova was also solid with seven points, nine assists and a 3-pointer, but hit just 3-of-12 shots. If LeBron sits in either of their final games, I like Shumpert in any format.
Pistons 116, Hornets 77 – No playoff implications in this one, but it may have been Greg Monroe’s final home game as a Piston. The unrestricted free agent had 17 points, nine boards, two steals and a block, while Andre Drummond added 15 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks in the easy win. Jodie Meeks scored 24 with four 3-pointers, Anthony Tolliver added 17 points and five 3-pointers, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Shawne Williams each scored 10. Tolliver could be a sneaky play in the final two games, when the Pistons visit the Cavs on Monday and the Knicks on Wednesday. Reggie Jackson hit just 1-of-7 shots for five points, but also came through with 13 assists in the win.
The Hornets were eliminated from the postseason on Friday and Al Jefferson (knee), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle), Lance Stephenson (toe) and Cody Zeller (shoulder) all sat out on Sunday. Reserve Noah Vonleh led the way with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and looks like a solid fantasy play over the last two games. Gerald Henderson added 14 points and three steals, Brian Roberts scored 11 and Jeff Taylor had 10 points in a start. There’s not much to see in Charlotte right now, but Vonleh could be a sneaky add. The Hornets finish with Houston at home on Monday and at Toronto on Wednesday.
Nuggets 122, Kings 111 – This was another meaningless game, except for George Karl, who returned to Denver for the first time since being fired. He’s still not happy they let him go, but Kenneth Faried dropped a season-high 30 points on 12-of-14 shooting on his former coach. I’ve been saying that Faried would finish up strong, and he has been better under interim coach Melvin Hunt. Faried also had 14 points and nine boards on Friday, and 29 points and 11 rebounds on Wednesday. Hopefully he helped you win a ring if you own him. The starters all got it done, with Wilson Chandler adding 21 points, nine boards and a full stat line, Danilo Gallinari had 14 points, six boards, six assists and two 3-pointers, Ty Lawson had 10 points and 11 dimes, and Randy Foye had 16 points and three 3-pointers, despite hitting just 3-of-11 shots. Jameer Nelson (hip) and Darrell Arthur (calf) sound like they’re done for the season. Hopefully the Nuggets play the starters again when they visit the Clippers on Monday and Golden State on Wednesday.
The Kings were led by Omri Casspi’s 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Ben McLemore came through with 20 points, five boards, seven assists, four steals and two 3-pointers. Ray McCallum had 14 points, Derrick Williams also started and had 13 points and three steals, and Ryan Hollins had 10 points and five boards off the bench. Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins have been shut down, so Casspi is a legit play over the final two games. The Kings host the Lakers on Monday and then finish up at the Lakers on Wednesday.
Rockets 121, Pelicans 114 – The Rockets held off the Pelicans, who hold a tiebreaker over the Thunder, while the Rockets are in a tie with the Grizzlies for the No. 5 seed. The Rockets got 30 and a full stat line from James Harden, while Corey Brewer, Dwight Howard, Jason Terry, Josh Smith and Pablo Prigioni all played well for the Rockets. It looks to me like the Rockets are going to play their guys until the end. The Rockets are at Charlotte Monday and host the Jazz on Wednesday.
For the Pels, Anthony Davis led the way with 27 points and a full stat line, Omer Asik double-doubled, and Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, Quincy Pondexter, Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday all scored in double figures. Holiday played just 15 minutes, but hit 7-of-9 shots for 17 points, two assists, two steals and three 3-pointers. Look for the Pels to keep running him out there to get him ready for the playoffs, as it looks like they should get in over the Thunder. The Pelicans are at Minnesota on Monday and host the Spurs in Wednesday’s finale, and they should at least run their stars for Monday’s game.
Spurs 107, Suns 91 – The Spurs won their 11th straight game and moved up to the No. 2 seed in the West, and it wasn’t all that long ago that they just didn’t look like a championship team. Oops. They’re a ½ game up on the Clippers for the No. 2 seed and also hold a ½ game lead on the Grizzlies for the Southwest Division title. Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard were the stars tonight, and I expect Gregg Popovich to turn his starters loose in their one remaining game – at the Pelicans on Wednesday.
The Suns are out of the playoffs but played their guys, with Gerald Green still leading the way off the bench with 23 points in 26 minutes. Eric Bledsoe played 41 minutes and had 20 points and 10 dimes, and Archie Goodwin started and had 11 points on 5-of-15 shooting. The Suns’ box score isn’t pretty to look at, and they’re a crapshoot for their final game on Tuesday when they host the Clippers.
Mavericks 120, Lakers 106 – The Mavs got 20 points, nine boards and two blocks from Tyson Chandler, 17 points and two 3-pointers from starter Richard Jefferson (for Chandler Parsons), 16 points from Dirk Nowitzki, and 11 points, eight boards and 11 assists from Rajon Rondo. Monta Ellis played, but hit just 2-of-8 shots for four points. Charlie Villanueva scored 14 with three 3-pointers off the bench, Raymond Felton scored 15 off the bench, and Al-Farouq Aminu had 10 points and 10 boards in 26 minutes off the bench. Dallas is locked into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, and it sounds like Nowitzki, Chandler and Ellis are all out on Monday, while Chandler Parsons isn’t likely to play, either. That means Rondo, Jefferson, Aminu, Felton, Villanueva and maybe even Bernard James are all worth a look on Monday. The Mavs are at Utah on Monday and wrap things up on Wednesday at home against Portland.
Seven of the Lakers eight players to see action scored in double figures, including all five starters. Jordan Clarkson had 26 points, six assists and three 3-pointers, Jabari Brown scored 18 with two 3-pointers, Wes Johnson had 16 and four 3-pointers, and Ed Davis had 11 points, five boards and a block off the bench. Ryan Kelly, Tarik Black and Dwight Buycks all scored 10, while Black went off with 19 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Lakers are at Sacramento on Monday and host the Kings on Wednesday. Clarkson, Black and maybe Parker look like must-starts over the final two games.
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