NBA Triple Threat: Your (almost) daily roundup of last night's action in the Association:Rockets hold off Spurs Houston did their best to blow it, but they got two wins tonight: the return of T-Mac and an 83-81 over the Spurs. They lead by as much as 12 early in the second half, only to see it slip away. Having whittled the deficit to 82-81, Duncan missed from the top of the key with 29 seconds left. Rafer Alston went to the line with just 2.4 left, but only hit one of the shots. The Spurs were out of timeouts, and were stuck with Matt Bonner taking the last shot. It didn't go in, and Houston won. McGrady finished with nine points on 4-12 shooting.
Magic cool down Blazers Despite getting just 16 points from Rashard Lewis and 10 from Dwight Howard (albeit 14 boards), Orlando defeated still hot Portland 104-96. The Magic led by 21 at one point in the second, but Portland rallied to within four late in the third. Orlando though scored the next eight points, and the Blazers couldn't get any closer.
Bulls pound Pistons Go figure, the Bulls are 3-0 against the Pistons this year after their latest 97-81 victory. Chicago's defense got tough in the final period, holding the Pistons to 14 points and 5-18 shooting, allow them to pull away for the win. The news wasn't all good for the Bulls, as Chris Duhon had to be carried off with a knee injury. However, it was diagnosed as a sprain and doesn't look that serious.
Best Lines
- Jason Richardson, Cha: 38 pts, 16-25 FG, 6-10 3PT, 14 rebs, 4 ast, 3 blk...The Bobcats continue to play well, easily beating Memphis.
- Nate Robinson, NY: 19 pts, 6 rebs, 7 ast, 1 stl...I honestly can't believe Robinson even passed the ball seven times, much less get seven assists.
- Al Jefferson, Min: 20 pts, 16 rebs, 3 ast, 2 blk...At least someone on the now 5-34 Wolves doesn't suck.
- Jermaine O'Neal out 2 weeks - Two weeks isn't much, but it's enough when fighting for the last playoff seed.
- D'Antoni and Kerr deny rift between them - To anyone we have in the Phoenix area, is this legit, or the media stirring things up?
- Lakers might sign Mbenga - They're also looking at Jelani McCoy. In other words, the Lakers are losing the personifications of replacement level.
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