NBA schedule and results: Cavaliers crush Grizzlies, Bulls surge past Raptors

On Wednesday Jeff Van Gundy said that the Thunder without Kevin Durant are basically One Direction without Zayn Malik. It’s ... not a bad metaphor:

How can One Direction bounce back from Zayn leaving the band today? It’s the same thing as Oklahoma City withstanding some adversity with Durant out to continue on with greatness.At this point, you might need one of two explainers:

And wouldn’t you know it, but it was Kevin Love who shined. Love finished the game with 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists while shooting 10-of-13 from the field and 2-of-4 from three. He also recorded two blocks and a steal. The only real blemish on his scorecard were the five turnovers, but those can be excused on this night.

Love didn’t just play the role of the stretch 4 against the big Grizzlies’ front line, as he also went to work in the paint. Here’s his shot chart for the game:

First of all, this is a crazy bounce off the rim:

Most of all, I think we need to reconsider the rules of basketball and make the hoop like 20 feet off the ground or maybe banish Rudy Gobert from destroying our beloved sport with his terrifying reach.

Tim Duncan had only made one three-pointer on the season coming into the night, but it didn’t stop him from wagering $100 against a friend that he could connect from downtown. PAY THE MAN:

★★★

Rock-a-bye Danny Green, on the hardtop

When Russell blows, the cradle will rock

When Westbrook breaks free, your feet will fall

And down will come Westbrook, basket and all

There is just no stopping James Harden this season. The Pelicans found this out the hard way.

When you’ve picked up your dribble and you need an outlet, you’re just gonna look for whoever’s wearing the same color as you. Joakim Noah was in white and standing, so he was as good a target as anyone:

Of course, he’s also not in the game and not on the Raptors, but these are unimportant details. And look how much Joakim appreciated it! That head tilt!

Lionel Messi and the whole Argentina soccer team went to watch Pacers-Wizards on Wednesday. Messi got caught in a funny selfie. Whatever. Messi took the obligatory jersey-holding photo. Whatever. Messi met Gheorghe Muresan. Distinctly NOT WHATEVER.

That’s 5’7 meeting 7’7. Messi legit comes up to Muresan’s navel. They couldn’t have a real conversation until someone fetched Leo a periscope.

Say a prayer for Jason Smith, everyone:

Soaring! Rising Double-clutching! ... shanking.

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal exited Wednesday’s game against the Indiana Pacers after rolling his ankle in the first quarter. Beal was helped up and limped toward the sideline to see a trainer. The team has announced Beal is out for the rest of the game.

Here’s a look at the play:

Howard last played on Jan. 23 before having a procedure performed on his right knee. His initial timeline for recovery was six to eight weeks, which means he didn’t suffer any big setbacks and will come back right on schedule.

The 29-year-old center has not looked as dominant as in the past this season, posting the lowest scoring and rebounding numbers since his first three years in the league, but it’s possible the injuries had a lot to do with that. He says he’s feeling “more explosive,” which means he could regain his old form, especially on the offensive end, where he has struggled greatly as a post threat.

Ellis can do all of the above. It’s why he’s become Dallas’ best offensive player. He can pressure an opposing defense in a way no other Maverick can. He’s still lightning quick and can get anywhere on the court. He can score at the rim, in the paint or on pull-ups off pick-and-rolls.

But without an efficient and effective Ellis, the Mavericks are just another team. Yeah, they’re well coached, and, yeah, they have some other guys. But none of that is enough. Ellis won’t lead Dallas to the NBA Finals. But at his best he can turn the Mavericks into a team that, come playoff time, no one will want to face.