Chicago 109, Miami 103
After taking control of the game in the first quarter, I extended the lead to double digits with a strong performance in the second quarter. The scoring was fairly evenly distributed with Crawford leading the way with 12 at the half. I figured that a 60-44 halftime lead would allow for a fairly easy second half. Guess what? I was wrong.
The Heat outscored me 33-17 in the third period, coming all the way back to take a 77-74 lead. Jay Williams hit a three pointer in the final minute to tie the game at 77, a deadlock that would last until the end of the period. We traded baskets at the beginning of the fourth, but a couple of fast breaks gave me a slight advantage that I was able to hold until the end of the game.
At the end of the game when Marv and Mike were offering a brief reflection, I was surprised to hear Marv comment that I was fortunate to get the win, with Mike adding that the game wouldn't have been so close if not for an impressive third quarter run by the Heat. I hadn't heard that analysis before, I was suitably impressed. The commentary is certainly pretty intelligent these days.
Top Performers
Kevin Garnett (POG): 18 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks
Jamal Crawford: 24 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists
Donyell Marshall: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
Kirk Hinrich: 12 points, 6 assists, 2 steals
Eddy Curry: 11 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists
Tyson Chandler: 10 points, 4 rebounds
Eddie Jones: 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals
Dwyane Wade: 17 points, 12 assists
Briant Grant: 15 points, 20 rebounds
Lamar Odom: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks
Caron Butler: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
Ignatius Hayne: 8 points, 7 rebounds
Current Record: 4-4
Next Opponent: Golden State Warriors (2-9)
Trade News
The Cleveland Cavaliers traded C Jelani McCoy to New Orleans for F Shawn Kemp.
Golden State 105, Chicago 103
(Before the Golden State game, I moved Eddy Curry into the starting lineup)
This was another game where I maintained a good lead for most of the game, only to lose control in the fourth quarter. I narrowed the gap to 92-91 with about five minutes left in the fourth, but the Warriors edged away thanks to a three by Mike Dunleavy Jr. I was forced to foul Van Exel with about 5 seconds left. He made one of two to make the game 105-103. KG missed a short jumper that would have sent the game into OT.
Top Performers
Donyell Marshall: 28 points, 3 blocks, 4 steals
Jamal Crawford: 21 points, 5 assists
Kevin Garnett (POG): 19 points, 22 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks
Kirk Hinrich: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 steals
Eddy Curry: 8 points, 7 rebounds
Tyson Chandler: 10 rebounds
Jason Richardson: 31 points
Mike Dunleavy Jr: 25 points, 3 assists
Nick Van Exel: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals
Troy Murphy: 14 points, 7 rebounds
Erick Dampier: 11 points, 16 rebounds
Brevin Knight: 4 rebounds, 9 assists
Current Record: 4-5
Next Opponent: Miami Heat (8-4)