Thursday night two of the Eastern Conference's best teams lose. The Knicks and Heat each lost for the second game in a row. Indiana Pacers are climbing fast, and they are only two games behind the Heat for the conference lead. The Knicks have lost four out of their last 10, and Miami has only won five out of 10. Indiana is (8-2) with the last two wins coming against Miami and New York.
Indiana Pacers 81
New York 76
On Thursday, Jan. 10, the New York Knicks struggled to score in the first and fourth quarters. That just happens to be Carmelo Anthony’s specialty. Anthony has been dynamic with fast starts and strong finishes. In the five point loss, the Knicks combine for 30 points in those two quarters. The 81-76 loss to the Pacers was a setback for the depleted Knicks, but they have to get right back on the court with a game against the Bulls.
The Indiana Pacers beat the Knicks one day after beating the Heat by 10. In both games, they were led by rising star, Paul George. New York felt the wrath of George on both ends of the floor. He finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and six steals. George created two turnovers for fast break points in the decisive 13-0 run in the fourth quarter.
J.R. Smith took on the load offensively for the Knicks, and he led New York in scoring with 25. The only other Knick to reach double figures was Tyson Chandler. Chandler also led the Knicks with 15 rebounds.
Marcus Camby left game early with sore foot.
Portland Trailblazers 92
Miami Heat 90
Lebron James commenced the season with 33 straight games of 20 or more points. However, Thursday night’s showdown in the Pacific Northwest was not a good one for James and the Heat. Lebron was held to a season low 15 points in the loss to the Blazers. James did come one assist shy of a triple double, but Mario Chalmers’ final attempt just missed as time expired.
Although the front line for Portland played well, the Miami Heat loss can’t be blamed on rebounding. The teams were even in that category. Nicolas Batum finished with 28 points, while LaMarcus Aldridge poured in 20 points and 15 rebounds.
The biggest shot of the night came by Wesley Matthews when he hit the go ahead three with 26 seconds left.
Chris Bosh led all scorers with 29 points.
Rookie point guard, Damien Lilliard scored 10 points and eight assists.
Dallas Mavericks 117
Sacramento Kings 112
The Dallas Mavericks erased a 10 point fourth quarter deficit to take a five point lead. However Sacramento’s quick strikes from long range forced the game into an extra session. The Mavericks pulled out the victory in the first overtime. O.J. Mayo led Dallas with 24 points, and Vince Carter came off the bench to score 23. Dirk Nowitzki added 17 points and nine rebounds to help Dallas secure the win.
The final moments of regulation were hectic. O.J. Mayo had a chance to put the game away on the foul line, but he only made one to give the Mavericks a three point lead. Isaiah Thomas hit a game tying three to force overtime.
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