Tuesday Wake and Break

*The big game of the night was Cleveland vs. Dallas. The Cavs got off to a strong start, leading 28-16 after the first quarter. After Dallas closed the gap, it became a defensive battle that concluded in the fourth quarter with Dallas not being able to score at all. With a little more than 4 minutes left, Rick Carlisle gave up on the game, sending in the reserves. LeBron shut a lot of people up (including myself), hitting 13 of 15 free throws tonight. He has to keep up the good shooting from the line, so in games like this when he can't find his shot, he can still be effective. With that, and the Cavs suffocating defense like we saw in the first and fourth quarter tonight, the Cavs have a great chance to win every night. Cleveland 100, Dallas 91

*Marc Gasol was the big story in the Memphis vs. Golden State game. He had 27 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks (wow). Gasol led the way for the Grizzlies and the Warriors never had a chance. While Gasol had the numbers, OJ Mayo impressed me most with his calm misdemeanor on the court. He's getting really comfortable out there, and Coach Iavaroni trusts him more with making decisions on the fly. This team is really exciting. Memphis 90, Golden State 79

*Allen Iverson is going to Detroit. Detroit played against X-Coach Larry Brown tonight. Larry Brown used to coach Allen Iverson. What's that make us? Absolutely nothing. Detroit put the smack down on LB and his Bobcats tonight, without Chauncey and without McDyess. All eyes are on Rodney Stuckey, since Joe D's faith in him led to the events earlier today. He didn't have a monster game, but didn't need to in tonights win. Detroit 101, Charlotte 83

*The Sixers won with ease at home tonight against the Kings. Sacramento couldn't stop the Sixers in the first quarter, giving up 35 points to follow that in the second, giving up 33. Much to my surprise, Elton Brand still didn't have a big game, playing 30 minutes and finishing with 4 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, and 3 turnovers. Watching the Sixers, you get to thinking that they really need some shooters to go with that low post presence. What good is the post man, if he can't kick it out? A bright spot for the Kings, Spencer Hawes had another good game, racking up 3 steals and 2 blocks along with his 15 points and 8 rebounds. It's going to be interesting to see how Brad Millers return affects Hawes' playing time. Philadelphia 125, Sacramento 91

*Derrick Rose played 39 minutes and had 1 assist, with no help draining shots from Luol Deng going 0-8, finishing with 1 point. That's not going to work for the Bulls, they'll need better ball movement from their point and Deng to come up with some baskets. Noah didn't get much run, and the Bulls tried to go small for a majority of the game. That seemed to have back-fired with Dwight Howard eating up all of the small guys, getting 15 boards and 22 points, with 5 blocks. Hinrich and Gordon played well and kept the game close for the Bulls, but the 6 double-digit scorers on the Magic were too much. Orlando 96, Chicago 93

*Baron Davis wasn't expected to play tonight, but with Marcus Camby returning on the home floor, he didn't want to miss the party. Both came off the bench, but played starters minutes until late in the fourth when the game was decided. The Jazz continue to roll without Deron Williams, while getting a huge lift from their bench. AK-47 managed with a double-double, but the real story was Paul Millsap. He scored 24 points, 15 in a row (!) at one point, while pulling down 9 boards. Chris Kaman was the stabilizing force all game for the Clips, with 19 and 10 and clearly loved getting fed the rock from B.Diddy for open looks, but it wasn't enough. Jazz remain undefeated while the Clips remain winless. Jazz 89, Clippers 72