By Dan Savage

November 19, 2007: SCOREBOARD | IN FOCUS GALLERY | AROUND THE ASSOCIATION ARCHIVE

PHOTO OF THE NIGHT
The Bobcats' Gerald Wallace draws the charge on the Blazers' Bradon Roy in Charlotte's win over Portland on Monday. Wallace finished with 27 points.
Kent Smith/NBAE/Getty Images
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
"I just tried to move without the ball. They were focused on Pau (Gasol) mostly, and I was able to get open and get easy baskets.''
-- The Grizzlies' Stromile Swift, after he scored 24 points at center in place of the injured Darko Milicic (thumb) to help Memphis beat the Seattle SuperSonics on Monday.
THE DAY'S TOP VIDEO
Monday's top play: Steve Blake hits a half-court shot to beat the buzzer.
  • Haier Play of the Day
  • Dunk of the Night
  • Block of the Night
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  • Assist of the Night
  • Steal of the Night
  • NBA TV Top 10
    • NBA.COM'S FANTASY TAKE
    After watching Tyson Chandler leave the court Monday with an injury to his right knee, the Hornets' Melvin Ely was dealt the daunting task of battling the Magic's Dwight Howard. Even though he was forced into action against one of the league's most formidable defensive players, Ely responded to the opportunity, scoring 10 points, while going 5-of-7 from the field. With initial reports claiming that Chandler will be day-to-day, only pick up Ely as a quick fix, if you have roster flexibilty. Check out NBA.com's Fantasy Index
    SHOOTING STUDS
    Mike Miller, Grizzlies
    125-108 win vs. Sonics
    19 pts 6-12 FG, 3-4 3-pt FG

    Deron Williams, Jazz
    102-75 win vs. Nets
    20 pts, 8-11 FG, 2-3 3-pt FG

    Rashard Lewis, Magic
    95-88 win at Hornets
    19 pts, 7-12 FG, 5-9 3-pt FG

    STAT SHEET STUFFER
    Just over a week ago, NBA.com's experts debated whether or not Deron Williams was better than Chris Paul. While that answer is still up in the air, Williams may have created next week's mailbag topic: Is he better than Jason Kidd? Historically, obviously not. Yet you may be able to make the argument that he is currently in the same league, after he outscored Kidd 20 to two Monday. Williams filled out his stat sheet with six assists and four rebounds.
    SHOOTING DUDS
    Jason Kidd, Nets
    102-75 loss at Jazz
    2 pts, 1-9 FG, 0-4 3-pt FG

    David West, Hornets
    95-88 loss vs. Magic
    14 pts, 5-16 FG

    Brandon Roy, Blazers
    101-92 loss at Bobcats
    17 pts, 4-13 FG, 0-2 3-pt FG

    RASHARD KEEPS WORKING HIS MAGIC
    Is it too early in the season to make the claim that Rashard Lewis was this offseason's best pickup? One night after Lewis scored 22 to help the Magic tarnish the Celtics' previously-perfect record, his new squad went into action against the Hornets in a battle of the league's rising powers. After watching New Orleans come back from a 10-point halftime deficit, Lewis stepped up his game and scored six points in the final period, 19 overall, to help Orlando edge the Hornets. Dwight Howard took advantage of the absence of Tyson Chandler, who left in the second quarter with a knee injury, as he scored seven down the strech. He also came through with a pivotal block with 36.9 seconds left to seal the victory. Chris Paul (ankle) was still absent from New Orelans' lineup.
  • Watch the Magical Duo's Big Night
    • VINCENT TURNING BOBCATS AROUND
    The Bobcats obviously had a clear plan in place, when they swiftly hired head coach Sam Vincent shortly into their offseason. Although he did not have a lengthy coaching resume, it is becoming evident that they got the right man for the job. With a victory over the Blazers on Monday, Charlotte earned its third staight win and improved to 6-4 on the season, its best start through 10 games in franchise history. On the day he was hired Vincent proclaimed, "I absolutely, positively anticipate this team making the playoffs, and I would be incredibly discouraged and disappointed if we don't." The new coach certainly set his goals high, since he inherited an organization that won 18, 26 and 33 games in its first three years of existance. However, so far his objective is certainly within reach.
    ROOKIE WATCH
    Right after the draft, it was assumed that Kevin Durant's biggest obstacle to the Rookie of the Year award would be Greg Oden. However, post-Oden injury it appears that Durant's biggest competition could come from his own teammate. Jeff Green demonstrated his case on Monday as he tallied 11 points and 14 boards in Seattle's loss to the Grizzlies. On the season, the rookie out of Georgetown is averaging close to 10 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Although Durant's numbers are still superior, Green's statlines are certainly putting smiles on Sonics executive's faces.
    SIXTH MAN OF THE NIGHT
    Has there been a more surprising sixth man this season than the Blazers' Jarrett Jack? When Jack was removed from the startling lineup three games into the season, it was noted that Jack embraced his new role, instead of sulking on the bench. On Monday, Jack continued to display the type of energy that makes him so dangerous off the pine as he fired off 10 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter to keep Portland close, before it fell to Bobcats. Since becoming the Blazers' bench weapon, Jack has averaged 15.75 points per contest, six above his career average.
    D-LEAGUE STAR OF THE NIGHT
    It just so happens that tonight's D-League Player of the Night could just as easily qualify for the Cool/Clutch award. With the D-Fenders trailing by seven points entering the fourth quarter, Wendell White displayed the talent that could have scouts considering him for the next Gatorade Call-Up to the NBA. White exploded for 13 of his team-high 19 points in the final period to power a Los Angeles 36-point quarter in its comeback preseason win over the Anaheim Arsenal on Monday. Keep an eye on White, when the D-League season officially begins on November 23.