The New York Knicks win in a high-scoring Atlantic Division shootout against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden 118-100. With the win, the Knicks improve their hold on the 7th seed at 32-29. While the Celtics maintain their hold on the 4th seed since they are still leading the Atlantic at 36-26.
The Knicks were led by Carmelo Anthony who finished with a triple-double 35 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists with 2 steals. J.R. Smith and Steve Novak both coming off the bench each scored 25 points while combining for 15-20 from 3 point range (Novak with 8 threes, Smith with 7 threes). Tyson Chandler added 20 points and 7 rebounds.
The Celtics were led by Paul Pierce who finished with 43 points and 2 steals. Kevin Garnett added 20 points and 5 rebounds. Avery Bradley scored 17. Brandon Bass added 15 points and 6 rebounds. Rajon Rondo finished with a double-double 13 points and 13 assists with 6 rebounds.
The San Antonio Spurs have now taken a foot hold of first place in the Western Conference with a huge victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center 112-91. The Spurs improve to 44-16 with a 0.5 game advantage over the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the Lakers drop to 39-23 holding on to a 0.5 game advantage over their cross-town rivals the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Spurs were led by Tony Parker who finished with a double-double 29 points and 13 assists. Tim Duncan added 19 points and 8 rebounds. Manu Ginobili off the bench added 15 points and 6 rebounds. Danny Green scored 11. Gary Neal scored 10.
The Lakers who were playing without star Kobe Bryant were led by Andrew Bynum with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Pau Gasol added 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Matt Barnes off the bench also scored 16 points with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Metta World Peace added 11 points and 3 steals. Ramon Sessions scored 10.
In Philadelphia, the Indiana Pacers win in a tight game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center 102-97. Danny Granger led the Pacers with 24 points and 6 rebounds. Roy Hibbert finished with a double-double 15 points and 13 rebounds. David West added 13 points and 2 blocks. George Hill added 12 points and 7 assists. Andre Iguodala led the 76ers with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Thaddeus Young added 19 points and 6 rebounds off the bench. Lou Williams scored 18. Spencer Hawes added 12 points and 8 rebounds. Elton Brand added 11 points and 8 rebounds.
In Detroit, the Detroit Pistons win in a 39 point blowout over the Cleveland Cavaliers at The Palace of Auburn Hills 116-77. Rookie Brandon Knight led the Pistons with 28 points and 7 assists. Tayshaun Prince scored 15. Jonas Jerebko scored 14 off the bench. Greg Monroe finished with a double-double 12 points, and 13 rebounds with 4 steals and 2 blocks. Jason Maxiell scored 11. Manny Harris led the Cavaliers with 18 points off the bench. Rookie Tristan Thompson finished with a double-double 12 points and 13 rebounds. Omri Casspi scored 11. Anthony Parker scored 10.
In Minneapolis, the Memphis Grizzlies inch closer to clinching a playoff berth as they defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves who have now lost their 11th consecutive game at the Target Center 91-84. Rudy Gay led the Grizzlies with 28 points and 9 rebounds. Zach Randolph off the bench finished with a double-double 16 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Conley also scored 16 points with 8 assists and 2 steals. Marreese Speights scored 12. J.J. Barea led the Timberwolves with 28 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Nikola Pekovic finished with a double-double 16 points and 11 rebounds.
K-Smoove