Orlando’s win last night in Atlanta was something of a statement game. The Magic were coming off a tough last-second loss at home the night before and the winner of this game would sit atop the Southeast Division. The Magic are playing without Jameer Nelson, so they need either Jason Williams or Anthony Johnson to step it up on a nightly basis, and last night it was the 35-year-old Johnson. He posted 17 points, three assists and two rebounds in just 21 minutes.
Dwight Howard had 22 points and 17 rebounds, while Vince Carter chipped in with 21 points and nine boards.
The Thunder beat the Jazz last night in Utah, 104-94, behind Kevin Durant’s 28 points, eight assists, five rebounds, one steal and one blocked shot. Oklahoma City is improved, but this is a game that the Jazz *should* win. They have two All-Star caliber players in Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, along with a slew of good role players. The Thunder should not be beating the Jazz on their home court.
Looking at him, Matt Bonner might be the most unimpressive player in the NBA, but the guy can shoot, as evidenced by his 6 of 8 performance from 3PT range in the Spurs’ 112-98 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. On the season, Bonner has hit 26-55 (47%) from deep and will make teams pay if they double off of him.