NBA Wrap: Kobe ruins Shaq’s debut, Kidd also has a mediocre debut, Bibby returns back to Sactown
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Kobe Bryant and the Lakers ruined Shaquille O'neals first game as a Phoenix Sun by beating them 130-124 last night. This was probably one of the best games of year, the Lakers led most of the way but the Suns were never too far out of it, making spurts and comebacks the whole time. This game had a playoff atmosphere from the getgo. The playoffs this year are gonna be amazing.
Kobe had one of his best games of the season, despite having the dislocated finger. The team was playing so well in the first half, Kobe didn't need to take over but when the going got rough, Kobe took the game over and could not miss coming down the stretch. Kobe finished this game with 41 points including this sick dunk:
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=dsbzQI-rSF4]
Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom played great in this one, scoring 29 and 22 respectively. This was the Lakers sixth win in a row and moves them into a tie for first place in the Pacific division with these same Suns.
Shaq did ok in this game finishing with 15 points and 9 boards. His presence was really felt on the defensive end. He was blocking and altering shots, diving on the floor, and adding some much needed toughness to the Suns lineup. His presence also helped Amare Stoudemire out a lot. He finished weith 37 and 15. Not too bad.
Hornets 104 - Mavericks 93
Jason Kidd also debuted last night playing against the dangerous Hornets. Chris Paul outplayed the Jason Kidd in this one by far scoring 31 points and dishing out 11 dimes. He also almost had a triple double, finishing with a career high 9 steals. Maybe he took it personal that everyone is talking about Jason Kidd so much.
Jason Kidd has only had one practice with his new squad so he gets a pass but he didn't play particularly well last night. He seemed like he was trying too hard to find open guys instead playing his normal game where he might shoot or might pass depending on which is the better choice. He finished this one with 8 points, 5 assists, 6 rebounds but also 6 turnovers. He'll get it together though.
Kings 119 - Hawks 107
Mike Bibby had his first homecoming with the Hawks, going back to Sacramento last night. The fans there cheered for him though like he never left. It's only been a few days since the trade but Bibby definitely appreciated the warm welcome.
"It was good, it made me smile,'' Bibby said.
Ron Artest ruined his return though by playing like a star. He finished this one with 29 points and 7 rebounds and led the Kings to the 119-107 victory. Kevin Martin also added 26 points for the Kings.
Around the league
- Chris Bosh had 40 points -- going 14-for-16 from the field and 11-for-11 from the foul line -- and Jose Calderon had 19 points and 13 assists as the Toronto Raptors beat the Orlando Magic 127-110.
- Those "Fire Isiah! chants followed Isiah Thomas from New York. The Philadelphia 76ers rarely have had a win so easy, scoring 100 points through three quarters and crushing the New York Knicks 124-84.
- LeBron James had his second consecutive triple-double, with 31 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Indiana Pacers 106-97.
- The Nets scored a 110-102 overtime win over the Bulls - one of the only teams in the league having a more disappointing season than them - in the first game of the post-Jason Kidd era at the Meadowlands.
- Michael Redd scored 27 points and Andrew Bogut continued his tear with 14 points and 14 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks held on to beat the suddenly reeling Detroit Pistons 103-98 to snap a four-game losing streak.
- Corey Maggette had 30 points and 10 rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Memphis 100-86, sending the Grizzlies to their 11th straight road loss.
- Baron Davis hit a 20-foot jumper with 0.3 seconds to play, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Boston Celtics 119-117.
