New Orleans Hornets 111, Philadelphia 76ers 99
The Hornets outscored the Sixers, 33-21, in the third quarter and went from a six-point lead at the break to even leading by 18. The future Pelicans had five players scoring in double digits. They were lead by Greivis Vasquez’s 23 points. Eric Gordon added 19.
Indiana Pacers 103, Charlotte Bobcats 76
Pacers led end-to-end against the lowly Bobcats, who have now lost 13 straight home games. Indiana center Roy Hibbert offered to pay $100 apiece to the five Pacers who were playing during garbage-time if they kept Charlotte under 80 points, in which they did.
Brooklyn Nets 113, Toronto Raptors 106
Brook Lopez scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Deron Williams and Joe Johnson each had 21-apiece for the Nets, who were too much to handle for Toronto.
The Raptors kept the game close until the fourth, when the Nets grew their lead from eight to double-figures. The Nets have now won seven straight games and nine-of-10 since P.J. Carlesimo took over for Avery Johnson.
Los Angeles Clippers 117, Houston Rockets 109
The Clippers bench is their MVP. Playing their second straight game without point guard Chris Paul, who was out with a bruised right kneecap, Los Angeles used their bench once again to carry them to a victory.
The Clippers outscored Houston 32-18 in the third quarter while shooting 60-percent. Jamal Crawford outscored the Rockets 12-7 in the opening minutes of the fourth to close any chance of Houston making a comeback. Crawford scored 30 points off the bench, while CP3's replacement Eric Bledsoe scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Denver Nuggets 115, Portland Trail Blazers 111 (OT)
Wesley Matthews made a three-pointer with 30 seconds remaining in the game to tie the game at 9. The big shot eventually brought the game to overtime.
In the extra period, Denver outscored Portland 16-12 to give the Blazers their first overtime loss of the season. Wilson Chandler and JaVale McGee had clutch baskets for the Nuggets. Kenneth Faried had a double-double with 21 points and 11 boards.
Los Angeles Lakers 104, Milwaukee Bucks 88
The Lakers won their second game in a row, as they were led by Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant, who each had 31-apiece. Not only did Bryant tie for the most points scored for his team, he also played outstanding defense on Brandon Jennings, the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week, limiting him to 4-of-14 shooting and one assist in 29 points.
