The Bulls relied on Mike James (!) to handle Rajon Rondo as the Big Three fell short. In Portland, the Clippers managed to earn a “repugnant win.” The Pacers’ victory over the Nets wasn’t much prettier.
VIDEO: Lights Out In Indiana
The moment that sparked that concern is below the jump.
I, for one, expected more fire and brimstone.
Read Article >Celtics Vs. Bulls: Even Without Derrick Rose, Chicago Beats Boston
It was that kind of night for the C’s, who didn’t have their shots falling against the energetic Bulls defense. Garnett was good, shooting 7-13, but Pierce, Allen and Rondo combined for 17-46, a 37 percent clip from the field. Allen did have three shots from deep go down in the third quarter to get the Celtics back out in front, briefly, but he ultimately had a hard time getting good set looks at the basket.
Rondo ended with a tidy 17-7-8 line, but those eight assists comprised more than half of the 15 total for the Celtics. Meanwhile, the Bulls assisted on 27 of 30 made baskets, using a patient, side-to-side approach that was only temporarily derailed by a Celtic zone. Once figured out, the Bulls made ways to rip the exposed middle of that zone, too.
Read Article >Clippers Vs. Blazers: L.A. Comes Back From 18 Down, Wins Repugnant
Griffin is really the only reason L.A. was still in the game and close enough to think about a comeback in the third. He led all scorers with 21 points and also had a game high 14 rebounds. All 21 of his points came in the first three quarters -- and his teammates had pitched in with a mere 31 more to that point.
Actually, it was quite a compelling illustration of his MVP credentials -- for those three quarters he was terrible, and he took his entire team down with him. His face might as well have been on a milk carton because he was just plain missing.
Read Article >Nets Vs. Pacers: Danny Granger Is Apparently Fine, Leads Indiana To Narrow Victory
Feb 16, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger (33) battles for post position with New Jersey Nets guard DeShawn Stevenson (92) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE The game stayed close for most of the rest of the way. Indiana’s shooting didn’t get any better, but the Nets completely crashed after shooting 57 percent in the first half, despite getting quite a few calls in their favor (or did it just seem that way because the Indiana crowd reacts so ferociously when the refs make a call against the Pacers?).
The narrow win got Indiana back in the win column and up to 18-12, while the Nets kept sliding to an overall record of 8-23.
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