The Nets/Pacers, Heat/Bulls and Clippers/Nuggets play tonight, with the last two games on TNT. Here’s what happened last night:
Detroit 109, Milwaukee 98 (Detroit leads the series, 2-0)
In Game 1, it was the Pistons’ defense that beat the Bucks. In Game 2, it was their offense, with six Pistons scoring double digits in the victory. Detroit played with the Bucks, who were never able to get closer than 11 in the second half. Milwaukee has a lot of talent on the roster, but they’re young and they need to grow up quickly if they want to make this a series.
Dallas 94, Memphis 79 (Dallas, 2-0)
Dirk Nowitzki shrugged off early foul trouble (and the news that he would not win the MVP) to score 31 points on 9 of 19 shooting. The Mavericks also got 17/6 from Josh Howard, who has emerged this season to become the team’s second best all-around player. Jason Terry tallied 16 points, nine assists and six boards. But the key to the game was the team’s ability to limit the Grizzlies’ best player, Pau Gasol. The big Spaniard did score 16, but Dallas forced him into tough shots all night, which limited his effectiveness. Memphis turned the ball over 20 times, a stat that won’t win you many games.
LA Lakers 99, Phoenix 93 (series tied, 1-1)
After a good effort in Game 1, the Lakers played brilliantly in Game 2, and were able to wrestle home court advantage away from the Suns. The difference in the game was three-point shooting. The Lakers shot 9 of 16 (56%) from behind the arc, while the Suns had to take 27 threes to make 9 (33%). Lamar Odom played particularly well, scoring 21, while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out five assists. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 29 points and 10 rebounds, shooting a solid 12 of 24 from the field. Five Suns scored in double figures, but the team shot a mediocre 42% from the field, getting next to nothing from their bench. Shawn Marion really had an off game, going 5 of 15 from the field for only 13 points. It looks like this series might go six or seven games.
