For the Pistons, the pain finally stopped. Detroit defended its home court to snap a 10-game losing streak. Another struggling team, the Knicks, played unlike themselves in a thrilling overtime victory to get the night started.
Let’s get to the games:
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Memphis Grizzlies | 95 | (47-21) |
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Detroit Pistons | 105 | (24-43) |
| Final | |||
Sick of his personal and team shortcomings, Reggie Jackson exploded in a positive manner for the Pistons. He tallied 23 points with 20 assists as Detroit snapped a long losing streak. The Pistons overcame an early 12-point deficit, thanks to a 36-point spurt in the third quarter. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored a game-high 24 points for the Pistons and Andre Drummond added 16 points with 16 rebounds. Detroit took care of the ball, only committing nine turnovers. Memphis had the advantage on the glass, 42-38, with March Gasol coming down with 11 rebounds. Jeff Green led the team with 21 points.
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San Antonio Spurs | 100 | (41-25) |
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New York Knicks | 104 | (14-53) |
| Final – OT | |||
The Knicks defied the odds. With its first win against playoff-contedning Western Conference teams this season, New York stunned the defending NBA champions. Lou Amundson converted a lay up in the final seconds of regulation to force the overtime period where the Knicks outscored the Spurs, 8-4. Langston Galloway and Alexy Shved scored 22 and 21 points, respectively as New York improved to 9-23 at home this season. Andrea Bargnani added 16 points and 10 rebounds, as Amundson finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Tony Parker scored 21 points for San Antonio, while Tiago Splitter added 12 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.
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Milwaukee Bucks | 84 | (34-33) |
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New Orleans Pelicans | 85 | (37-30) |
| Final | |||
Fighting for their playoff lives, the Pelicans knocked off one of the top teams in the East. New Orleans’ early lead helped hold off a late Milwaukee comeback as Anthony Davis had a big game. The power forward scored 20 points and grabbed 12 of the team’s 51 rebounds. Omer Asik and Tyreke Evans also had double-doubles for the Pelicans. Asik scored 16 points with 11 rebounds and Evans had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Quincy Pondexter sunk five 3-pointers and finished with 18 points. Ersan Ilyasova and Giannis Antetokounmpo each scored 15 points to lead the Bucks. Jerryd Bayless and John Henson each scored 14 points off the bench. The Pelicans jumped out to a 32-21 lead after the first quarter, but Milwaukee limited them to just 15 points in the fourth.
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Orlando Magic | 94 | (21-48) |
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Houston Rockets | 107 | (45-22) |
| Final | |||
The Rockets were able to overcome James Harden’s sluggish performance. The potential MVP still scored 17 points, but was outshined by teammate Dontas Motlejunas, who dropped 23. Trevor Ariza also scored 17 points and Corey Brewer came off the bench to score 13 points and grab 12 rebounds. Harden committed four turnovers, himself, and the team finished with 16. The Magic were led by Victor Oladipo, who scored a game-high 29 points. Nikola Vucevic scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
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Charlotte Hornets | 92 | (29-37) |
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Los Angeles Clippers | 99 | (43-25) |
| Final | |||
The Clippers built a 20-point lead by halftime and held on through the second half. J.J. Redick led all scorers with 23 points, though he was 0 for 4 from behind-the-arc. Chris Paul added 21 points and DeAndre Jordan scored 12 with 10 rebounds. Blake Griffin scored 19 points with 11 rebounds to help snap a two-game losing streak. Charlotte is now on a two-game slide. Every Hornets starter scored in double figures with Al Jefferson leading with 21 points. Mo Williams added 18 and Marvin Williams scored 10 with 11 rebounds.