[Playoffs!] A New Age! || GAME 1 OF THE FINALS | Hiatus

[Martti.]

Lillard was money from the line, making all 14 of his shots.

Portland snap Rockets 8-game winning streak with OT win

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

MVP: Damian Lillard struggled from the field, but made 2 huge shots in OT and eventually made the two clutch free throws to put the Blazers up 3 with 0.8 seconds to go. His free throws with 7.4 left also tied the game in regulation.

X-Factor: Nicolas Batum and his 23 points in the second half and OT. He scored 10 out of 12 for the Blazers in the middle of the fourth quarter to put the Blazers up 6. Even though the Rockets game back, it was his steal that ignited the break which led to Lillard's free throws at the end of regulation when the Rockets had a chance to go up by 4.

Defining moment: LaMarcus Aldridge fouled out with 3.37 left in the third quarter and the Blazers holding a 7-point lead. Even though the Blazers played small-ball til the end with either Wright or Batum at the 4, it created a lot of problems for the Rockets as Josh Smith was moved away from the paint which opened the lane for the Blazers guards.

Those were ... great opportunities: James Harden had 7 seconds to get an open shot at the end of regulation, but failed and shot a fadeaway over Wes Matthews and missed. Down by 1, Chandler Parsons was on the break with 4 seconds left, was matched with the smaller Ben McLemore, but his fadeaway from the post clanked off the rim.

After Lillard's free throws with 0.8 seconds on the clock, the Rockets gave the ball to Harden who quick-fired a shot and made it and the Rockets were already celebrating, but the review showed his foot being on the line and the Rockets losing by the narrowest of margins.

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

HOU (13-10) | 25 | 32 | 27 | 27 | 13 || 124 ||
POR (11-12) | 23 | 35 | 24 | 29 | 14 || 125 ||

Player of the Game : Damian Lillard

| 33 PTS | 5 REBS | 12 ASTS | 2 STLS | 0 BLKS | 9-24 FG | 1-5 3 PT FG | 14-14 FT



James Harden : 42 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 12-28 FG, 17-17 FT
Josh Smith : 29 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 11-14 FG, 7-12 FT
Chandler Parsons : 16 points, 4 rebounds, 6-11 FG, 2-5 3PT
Larry Sanders : 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 5-6 FG, 5-7 FT
Patrick Beverley : 8 points, 3-4 FG
Jeremy Lin : 7 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 2-7 FG



Nicolas Batum : 34 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 13-19 FG, 3-4 3PT, 5-5 FT
Robin Lopez : 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5-9 FG, 5-7 FT
LaMarcus Aldridge : 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 7-8 FG
Wesley Matthews : 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 6-11 FG

[Valor]

About 6 months I think.

Any chance of dropping by Sydney? I am probs back in town around March when the new semester begins, could go ball

[Martti.]

I don't really know, where I'm gonna go. I know that I'm landing in Perth and my sister is there, will get a job around there. But yeah, that'd be awesome.

[Valor]

I don't really know, where I'm gonna go. I know that I'm landing in Perth and my sister is there, will get a job around there. But yeah, that'd be awesome.

Ahhh Perth is on the complete opposite side of Sydney lol...well if you do come lemme know

[Martti.]

Yeah, I know that much. Hopefully, who knows.

[Axel The Great]

Unfortunate loss against the Blazers, I remember losing a game like that in 2K11 where Kevin Martin had his foot on the line. Even though you didn't get Dwight Howard, I think he'd be redundant seeing as how you already have at least three excellent shot blockers on your team and, let's face it, you don't really want him because of his offense.

Anyways, enjoy Australia! I myself would like to visit Australia one day, so I do envy you a bit.

[Martti.]

Yeah, since I have Sanders already, I went for Smith. Australia will be a working holiday for me, not just enjoying the weather and the sights, so don't feel too bad.

[Martti.]

The Kings have added 2 great wing players over the past months.

Visiting Rockets spoil Gay's home debut

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

MVP: James Harden scored 25 points with 8 assists with the bulk of it (16 points and 7 assists) coming in the second half. He had 10 points in the third quarter, when the Rockets our-scored the Kings 32-21.

LVP: DeMarcus Cousins. 3 shot attempts, none in the first half, 5 points in 23 minutes in total.

X-Factor: Garrett Temple came off the bench after James Harden picked up 2 quick fouls and scored 9 points in the first half. He added another 9 in the second half, playing key minutes in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters. He was +16 in his 13 minutes.

That was ... worrying: Rudy Gay had a great home debut, efficient 10-16 from the field for 25 points. But the fact that DeMarcus Cousins, who is the cornerstone of the franchise, had just 3 shot attempts, doesn't look good. Cousins has had problems with not getting enough touches. This seems to be Cousins' way of acting up to the new additions ot maybe just a fluke.

If the team can get on the same page, the future looks bright with a starting line-up of Cousins, Derrick Williams, Gay, Iguodala and Thomas. Perhaps Isaiah can distribute the ball better and not jack up 11 threes every night.

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

HOU (15-10) | 32 | 15 | 32 | 29 || 108 ||
SAC (5-17) | 28 | 27 | 21 | 24 || 100 ||

Player of the Game : James Harden

| 25 PTS | 5 REBS | 8 ASTS | 2 STLS | 0 BLKS | 11-17 FG | 0-4 3 PT FG | 3-3 FT



Garrett Temple : 19 points, 8-11 FG
Josh Smith : 17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 7-18 FG, 3-9 FT
Larry Sanders : 13 points, 8 rebounds
Patrick Beverley : 8 points, 3-4 FG
Jeremy Lin : 9 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds
Nerlens Noel : 8 points, 6 rebounds, 4-4 FG



Rudy Gay : 25 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 10-16 FG, 3-7 3PT, 2-2 FT
Isaiah Thomas : 20 points, 7 assists, 7-18 FG, 4-11 3PT
Andre Iguodala : 11 points, 5-10 FG
Derrick Williams : 8 points, 8 rebounds
DeMarcus Cousins : 5 points, 9 rebounds, 2-3 FG

[Valor]

Australia will be a working holiday for me, not just enjoying the weather and the sights, so don't feel too bad.

My friend is here on a working holiday and he's enjoying it very well, just don't stay in one place and keep working at the same thing too long and you should be able to have a great time exploring the country

[Martti.]

Butler had a couple of huge dunks.

Rose and the Bulls cruise past Rockets despite Harden's 38

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

MVP: Derrick Rose not only scored 33 points with 7 assists, but was no match to Jeremy Lin, who picked up 2 fouls in as many minutes, was in and out in the first half and picked up his 5th after 13 seconds gone in the 2nd half before eventually fouling out. Rose was efficient and aggressive.

LVP: Patrick Beverley, known as a ferocious defender, was even more hopeless against Derrick Rose and despite his extended minutes, had just 3 points with 1 assist and 0 steals.

X-Factor: The Bulls defense. It gave Harden space to operate and get his, not double-teaming and focusing on shutting everyone else down. Harden had a big night with 38 points, but other then Josh Smith and perhaps Parsons (12 points on 6-15 shooting), no one scored in double-figures and the bench had just 8 points between them.

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

HOU (15-11) | 24 | 22 | 25 | 23 || 94 ||
CHI (20-4) | 21 | 29 | 30 | 28 || 108 ||

Player of the Game : Derrick Rose

| 33 PTS | 5 REBS | 7 ASTS | 2 STLS | 1 BLKS | 12-20 FG | 2-3 3 PT FG | 7-8 FT



James Harden : 38 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 14-28 FG, 2-3 3PT, 8-8 FT
Josh Smith : 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 8-13 FG, 5-6 FT
Chandler Parsons : 12 points, 7 rebounds
Jeremy Lin : 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 6 fouls
Larry Sanders : 7 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks



Joakim Noah : 16 points, 6 rebounds, 7-10 FG
Jimmy Butler : 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 5-9 FG, 4-4 FT
Carlos Boozer : 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5-9 FG
Luol Deng : 12 points, 5 rebounds
Taj Gibson : 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4-5 FG

[Lamrock]

Not the hottest start to the season, but it's early and you're still on the right side of .500. Any deals in the works to propel you to the next level?

[Martti.]

I think the starters are pretty much set, I need more off the bench.

Delfino has been a huge disappointment, averaging just 3.7 points. Noel and Thomas do their thing well, but yeah, a Jamal Crawford/Terry-type sixth man would be very nice.

Maybe Gerald Green. Delfino is def on the block though..

[Radioman]

Nice pickup with Smith and Noel. You don't need Dwight anymore, pretty deep front-court now. Noel can slowly grow and develop behind Sanders.

[Valor]

Good to see virtual Bulls doing so well....might be the only place they are doing good

[Martti.]

Radioman, yeah, that's the plan. I thought about packaging Sanders with someone for an upgrade at PG so Noel would start, but I didn't really find anything and Lin has been pretty good the past few games.

Valor, yeah, no injuries and Snell and Augustin don't play 44+ minutes.

[Martti.]

Suns and Rockets agree to Green trade



The Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets have agreed on a trade which will send Gerald Green to the Rockets in exchange for Carlos Delfino and Terrence Jones.

Green has averaged 7.9 points in just 12.8 minutes off the Suns bench and had voiced his distress on being on a re-building team destined for lottery. He also felt he should be playing more and both sides agreed for the swingman to be dealt to a Playoff team.

The Suns are dead last in the West with an 8-21 record, including a 1-13 road record. The Rockets are 2nd in the West behind the Spurs with a 18-13 record, 0.5 games ahead of the Thunder.

The Rockets sent Carlos Delfino and seldom-used forward Terrence Jones to the Suns. Delfino played well last year during the Rockets run to the Conference Finals, averaging nearly 13 points in the Playoffs, but has been in a huge slump this year and seeing decreasing minutes game after game. In 31 games, he has averaged 3.5 points in 10.1 minutes.

Jones, the 18th pick in the 2012 draft, has been on the bench on all the Rockets games, but has appeared in just 5 games and hasn't recorded any points or rebounds. The 21-year old PF was very excited to join the Suns and compete for rotation minutes.

[Martti.]

Green's debut had highs and lows.

Green scored 16 in debut, Rockets beat Pelicans

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

MVP: Josh Smith may have had the numbers, 26 points and 12 rebounds, but almost none of those 13 field goals wouldn't have happened without the play of Beverley, Harden and Lin, who combined for 27 assists, so the real MVP should be one of them.

LVP: Chandler Parsons scored 4 points and had 3 rebounds in 26 minutes.

That was... a sweet 16: Gerald Green missed his first 5 shots and was 1-8 to start the game. He finished with 16 points on 16 shots in 16 minutes. Even though he was 6-16 from the field, he made 3 straight field goals (2 layups and a 3-pointer) in a 46-second span, to turn a 4-point lead into an 11-point lead with a minute to go.

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

HOU (19-13) | 27 | 29 | 22 | 33 || 111 ||
NOP (13-15) | 22 | 24 | 28 | 31 || 105 ||

Player of the Game : Josh Smith

| 26 PTS | 12 REBS | 0 ASTS | 0 STLS | 0 BLKS | 13-16 FG | 0-0 3 PT FG | 0-3 FT



James Harden : 22 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 6-16 FG, 3-4 3PT, 7-7 FT
Gerald Green : 16 points, 3 rebounds
Larry Sanders : 11 points, 7 rebounds
Tyrus Thomas : 9 points, 3 rebounds
Patrick Beverley : 8 points, 7 assists
Jeremy Lin : 7 points, 2 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals



Eric Gordon : 25 points, 4 assists, 8-15 FG, 1-2 3PT, 8-8 FT
Jrue Holiday : 23 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 11-21 FG
Jason Smith : 16 points, 5 rebounds, 7-7 FG, 2-3 FT
Tyreke Evans : 13 points, 6 assists, 5-10 FG, 2-4 3PT
Anthony Davis : 6 points, 10 rebounds

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

phpBB [video]

[Stress Fracture]

Hey, great trade. It's good that you've unleashed Terrence Jones with that deep frontcourt line-up.

[Martti.]

Green hasn't had a dunk yet, but demonstrated his flying abilities on this block.

Harden fills the stat sheet as Rockets take re-match of Conference Finals

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

MVP: James Harden had his best shooting night of the season, scoring 35 points on 15-23 shooting (.652). He also had 8 assists and 9 rebounds. He made 3 threes in the space of 2 minutes in the fourth quarter to put the game away for good.

LVP: Jeremy Lin missed all 8 shots he took from the field and committed 3 turnovers in 21 minutes.

X-Factor: Reggie Jackson scored 15 points in 10 minutes and Derek Fisher scored 12 in 9 minutes of action, but both of their efforts couldn't counter Russell Westbrook's +/- of -16.

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

HOU (20-13) | 23 | 30 | 25 | 28 || 106 ||
OKC (16-14) | 26 | 26 | 22 | 33 || 97 ||

Player of the Game : James Harden

| 35 PTS | 9 REBS | 8 ASTS | 0 STLS | 1 BLKS | 15-23 FG | 5-11 3 PT FG | 0-0 FT



Larry Sanders : 19 points, 7 rebounds, 8-8 FG, 3-4 FT
Josh Smith : 13 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 4-6 FG, 5-10 FT
Gerald Green : 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks
Tyrus Thomas : 7 points, 4 rebounds
Patrick Beverley : 6 points, 4 assists
Jeremy Lin : 4 points, 3 assists, 0-8 FG, 4-4 FT



Kevin Durant : 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 9-19 FG, 0-4 3PT
Jeremy Lamb : 17 points, 7-20 FG, 3-14 3PT
Reggie Jackson : 15 points, 6-8 FG, 3-4 3PT
Russell Westbrook : 13 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 6-11 FG, 1-2 3PT
Derek Fisher : 12 points
Serge Ibaka : 10 points, 5-6 FG
Kendrick Perkins : 6 points, 10 rebounds, 3-3 FG

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

phpBB [video]

[Martti.]

LeBron, Durant lead All-Star vote getters, 6 players totaling 1M votes



LeBron James is leading the All-Star voting once again as 2013 wraps up, followed by Kevin Durant and Chris Paul.

Should the voting end tonight, the West would have a starting line-up of Chris Paul, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Josh Smith and Tim Duncan.

The East would have Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George.

The Rockets would be the only team with 2 starters, while the Clippers, Thunder, Spurs, Bulls, Celtics, Heat, Knicks and Pacers would all have one.

Top vote getters :
*Bold denotes potential starter

West Front Court

Kevin Durant (OKC) (1,385,844)
Tim Duncan (SAS (918,568)
Josh Smith (HOU) (887,594)
Dwight Howard (DAL) (881,722)
Kevin Love (MIN) (866,466)

West Back Court

Chris Paul (LAC) (1,150,281)
James Harden (HOU (1,065,465)
Kobe Bryant (LAL) (1,053,985)
Stephen Curry (GSW) (993,065)
Russell Westbrook (OKC) (980,061)

East Front Court

LeBron James (MIA) (1,793,615)
Carmelo Anthony (NY) (1,009,298)
Paul George (IND) (780,188)
Al Jefferson (CHA) (767,393)
Andrew Bynum (CLE) (675,513)

East Back Court

Derrick Rose (CHI) (953,726)
Rajon Rondo (BOS) (941,484)
Kyrie Irving (CLE) (934,819)
Dwyane Wade (MIA) (922,577)
Deron Williams (BRO) (839,854)

Harden, Irving named players of the month



James Harden of the Rockets and Kyrie Irving of the Cavaliers have been named the Players of the Month for December.

Harden has led the Rockets to the top seed in the West with an excellent month. Harden averaged 25.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 16 games while shooting very nearly .500 from the field.

Irving averaged 24.3 points with 7.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 46% from the field, including 44.9% from 3PT range.

MVP Race :

1. Derrick Rose, (CHI 24-6)
(23.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 6.2 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.2 bpg, .472 FG%, .290 3PT%, .819 FT%)
2. LeBron James, (MIA 23-8)
(27.5 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 5.9 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.1 bpg, .535 FG%, .398 3PT%, .765 FT%)
3. James Harden, (HOU 20-14)
(24.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 6.3 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.6 bpg, .449 FG%, .350 3PT%, .922 FT%)
4. Tony Parker, (SA 19-14)
(22.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 6.1 apg, 0.5 spg, 0.1 bpg, .510 FG%, .282 3PT%, .817 FT%)
5. Jordan Crawford, (BOS 17-14)
(24.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.5 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.0 bpg, .440 FG%, .376 3PT%, .787 FT%)

Porter, Bennett named Rookie of the month for second month in a row



Otto Porter of the Phoenix Suns and Anthony Bennett of the Cleveland Cavaliers have been named the Rookie of the month in their respective conferences, both picking up the award for the second time in as many months

Porter upped his scoring, averaging 18.2 points in December while also grabbing 5 rebounds per game. He also shot very well from deep (.429).

#1 pick Bennett also bumped his numbers across the board from November, as he averaged 11.6 points and 8.1 rebounds.

Rookie Rankings :
* Bold - denotes stat leader

1. Otto Porter, PHO (17.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.7 apg)
2. Anthony Bennett, CLE (11.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.1 bpg)
3. Nerlens Noel, HOU (6.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 0.9 bpg)
4. Ben McLemore, POR (7.2 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.7 spg)
5. Victor Oladipo, TOR (6.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.7 spg)
6. Trey Burke, UTA (5.3 ppg, 2.2 APG, 0.4 SPG)
7. Vitor Faverani, BOS (4.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.4 bpg)
8. Archie Goodwin, PHO (4.7 ppg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 rpg)
9. Michael Carter-Williams, ORL (3.6 ppg, 2.7 apg, 0.7 spg)
10. CJ McCollum, DAL (4.1 ppg, 0.7 apg, 0.7 rpg)

[Martti.]

Green missed this dunk after drawing a foul, but he did have 5 dunks that counted.

Green shines as Rockets trump Lakers by 27

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

MVP: In what was expected to be a heated battle between arguably two of the best SG's in the game right now, Kobe vs Harden, turned out rather disappointing as Harden scored just 10 points. But he didn't need to score, as he got lots of help, something Kobe didn't. Gerald Green scored a season-high 31 points and scored most of the Rockets 23 fast break points.

LVP: The starting duo of Kaman and Gasl combined for 9 points and 11 rebounds. The Rockets capitalized on that with 74 paint points and a 47-30 rebounding advantage.

X-Factor: Patrick Beverley had 11 assists as a back-up, including 4 lobs to Gerald Green. Jeremy Lin scored 19 points in 22 minutes, and as the game was a blow-out, Beverley saw 26 minutes of action in which he was +25.

That was... an embarrassment: The Rockets dominated the game in every aspect. 53-48 FG&, 25-18 on assists, 47-30 on the glass, 52-34 in bench points, 14-4 2nd chance points, 23-9 fast break points, 10-5 blocks, 9-12 turnovers and of course, biggest lead - 32-5. The Lakers only lead was early in the first quarter.

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

HOU (21-15) | 30 | 26 | 33 | 31 || 120 ||
LAL (16-20) | 21 | 26 | 23 | 23 || 93 ||

Player of the Game : Gerald Green

| 31 PTS | 2 REBS | 0 ASTS | 0 STLS | 0 BLKS | 11-19 FG | 2-6 3 PT FG | 7-8 FT



Jeremy Lin : 19 points, 3 assists, 8-12 FG
Josh Smith : 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 7-12 FG, 4-6 FT
Larry Sanders : 14 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 5-5 FG, 4-5 FT
Tyrus Thomas : 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2-3 FG, 6-6 FT
James Harden : 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3-9 FG
Chandler Parsons : 7 points, 6 rebounds
Patrick Beverley : 4 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals



Kobe Bryant : 30 points, 4 rebounds, 13-20 FG, 1-1 3PT, 3-3 FT
Nick Young : 18 points, 8-18 FG
Wesley Johnson : 13 points, 6-14 FG
Jodie Meeks : 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 3-3 FG, 2-2 3PT
Pau Gasol : 6 points, 7 rebounds

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

phpBB [video]

[Martti.]

Asik on the move again, Hawks get Bonner



The San Antonio Spurs have added depth in their chances for a deep run and getting Tim Duncan some rest by acquiring Omer Asik from the Hawks in exchange for Matt Bonner and their 2014 unprotected first round pick.

The Hawks acquired Asik in the sign-and-trade deal for Josh Smith from Houston but the big man hasn't really cracked the rotation. He has averaged just 1 point and 3.8 rebounds in 11 minutes a game.

The Hawks shed salary as Asik is due 15M next year (though only 8.3 will count against the cap). and acquire a first round pick in the process. Bonner hasn't been active yet for the Spurs and isn't expected to see minutes with the Hawks either.

Timberwolves acquire Amir Johnson



The Raptors and Timberwolves have agreed to trade Chase Budinger for Amir Johnson.

Budinger has averaged 12.2 points and 3.9 rebounds this season. Budinger was a welcomed SF after the Raptors traded Rudy Gay.

Amir Johnson has been out of the line-up and has averaged just 2.3 points and 2.8 rebounds on 55% shooting and was growing unhappy on the rebuilding Raptors

Report : Rondo joins Melo in New York



The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have reportedly agreed on a deal which will send 4-time All-Star Rajon Rondo to the Knicks to team with Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler.

The reported deal will see the Knicks sending Iman Shumpert, Jerryd Bayless, Dennis Schröder, Amar'e Stoudemire and 2 future first round picks to the Celtics for Rajon Rondo, Keith Bogans, Gerald Wallace and Vitor Faverani.

The Celtics have been surprisingly decent so far with Jordan Crawford playing MVP-type basketball, averaging around 24 points a game and the Celtics decided to trade their All-Star PG.

Rondo has averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 9.7 assists. They also traded Gerald Wallace to clear cap space as his deal runs for three more years. He has played well this year, averaging 12.7 points and 6.1 rebounds. The Knicks would be his fifth team in 5 years.

Vitor Faverani and Keith Bogans would also be going to New York, but their contributions have been modest.

The main piece for the Celtics would be Iman Shumpert, who has come off the bench so far this year as JR Smith has moved into the starting role. He has averaged just 6.6 points while shooting, as close as makes no difference, 50% from deep.

The Celtics will take on the contract of Amar'e Stoudemire who has 2 years and over 40M remaining on his deal. He has averaged 12.4 points and 6.9 rebounds.

Jerryd Bayless has been the starting PG for New York so far and has played well, averaging a career high 16.9 points. The Celtics also acquired rookie guard Dennis Schröder, who has averaged just 7 minutes and 2.2 points. Schröder drew comparisons to Rondo on draft day and coincidentally, will wear #9 for the remainder of the season.

The new-look Celtics will look to get off to a good start as they host the Rockets in their next game. All new additions are expected to be in the line-up if the deal is completed tonight and it is speculated, that the Celtics will start three guards - Avery Bradley, Iman Shumpert and Jordan Crawford.


Nuggets trade Miller for Redick



The Nuggets have acquired JJ Redick from the Clippers in exchange for Andre Miller

Both have been unhappy with their current clubs and a deal was struck. Miller will continue being the third point guard in LA behind Chris Paul and Darren Collison.

On the season, he has averaged 3.6 points and 2.5 assists. His shooting percentages are amazing. (.576 FG, .462 3PT, .842 FT). The Clippers will receive an additional 2nd round pick from Denver.

Redick hasn't fit in with the Clippers, averaging less then 10 minutes a game. He is a welcomed addition to the Nuggets, who are really lacking size in their back court with Ty Lawson and Nate Robinson starting, both of whom are under 6 feet tall.


Lakers shake things up, acquire Jeff Green, Markieff Morris in 2 separate deals



The Lakers have decided to clean house after a rough start to the season, sitting 5 games below .500 despite Kobe Bryant being back at 100%. Age has caught up to him though, as he's averaging 20.7 points, his lowest since the 98-99 season.

In two separate deals, the Lakers acquired Jeff Green and Charlie Villanueva from the Pistons and Markieff Morris and Ish Smith from the Suns.

In exchange, the Pistons received former All-Star F Pau Gasol and Jodie Meeks and the Suns got Xavier Henry and Steve Blake.

Gasol has averaged 13.7 points and 8.7 rebounds this year. Jeff Green, who signed with Detroit this summer, has averaged 10.8 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Pistons. Markieff Morris has averaged 11.1 points and 6 rebounds for the league-worst Suns.

The Lakers get deeper with the deal, as they acquired 4 rotation players, all averaging over 6 points per game while only Gasol averaged that many for them.

[Vespasian92]

Shumpert, Schroder, picks, and dumping Crash's contract? Boston sure fleeced the Knicks in that deal

Your team's still looking strong and Green fits in pretty well. Is Omri in your rotation with Terrence Jones' departure, or is he still buried on the bench?

[Martti.]

Omri is on the bench, but isn't in my rotation. Temple and Green play the back-up minutes and Parsons and Harden play about 36 each.

[Martti.]

No, it's not Rajon Rondo, it's Dennis Schröder.

Harden outplays Crawford on both ends, Rockets trump new-look Celtics

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

MVP: James Harden. He scored 41 points on 13-25 shooting, got to the line 16 times, drew 11 fouls in total. He also tied a career-high in blocks with 4. Oh, and he scored 34 points in the second half, a period when the Rockets out-scored the Celtics 64-46.

LVP: Jordan Crawford may have scored 19 points and led his team with 7 assists, but he was definitely more hurtful to his team then others. He shot 6-27 from the field and had 4 turnovers. James Harden blocked his shot 4 times and got his shot blocked 10 times in total, that must be some type of record.

X-Factor: Iman Shumpert played well in his first game for the Celtics. He led his side with 21 points while being matched up with Chandler Parsons, who is 6'9. Parsons had just 9 points on 3-7 shooting. Shumpert was definitely more valuable then Crawford, who looked as if he didn't have any teammates while driving to the paint full of the Rockets shot blockers.

That was... a testing period: The Celtics started 3 guards, Iman Shumpert, Jordan Crawford and Avery Bradley. Off the bench, Dennis Schröder, Jerryd Bayless, Phil Pressey also saw court time, though less then 7 minutes each. The Celtics young coach has to figure out, who will play and who won't. He will have plenty to choose from on who will replace Rondo as the primary playmaker.

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

HOU (23-16) | 24 | 18 | 33 | 31 || 106 ||
BOS (18-21) | 27 | 20 | 26 | 20 || 93 ||

Player of the Game : James Harden

| 41 PTS | 6 REBS | 7 ASTS | 2 STLS | 4 BLKS | 13-25 FG | 2-4 3 PT FG | 13-16 FT



Josh Smith : 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 6-11 FG, 1-4 FT
Gerald Green : 11 points, 4-9 FG, 3-3 FT
Nerlens Noel : 11 points, 3 blocks, 4-4 FG, 3-4 FT
Jeremy Lin : 10 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, 4-6 FG, 2-4 3PT
Larry Sanders : 9 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4-5 FG
Chandler Parsons : 9 points, 10 rebounds



Iman Shumpert : 21 points, 5 rebounds, 9-18 FG, 1-6 3PT
Jordan Crawford : 19 points, 7 assists, 6-27 FG, 2-5 3PT, 5-6 FT
Avery Bradley : 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 5-7 FG, 3-3 3PT
Samuel Dalembert : 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4-7 FG, 4-7 FT
Kris Humphries : 6 points, 7 rebounds, 3-5 FG
Jared Sullinger : 4 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals
Amar'e Stoudemire : 2 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals

Recap | Box Score | Highlights

phpBB [video]