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STAT SHEET STUFFER
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Andrei Kirilenko was a "renaissance man" in shorts against the Blazers, displaying all the tricks of his trade. Kirilenko had 21 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Those are great numbers that turn marvelous when you factor in his eight rejections. Due to Kirilenko's presence, the Jazz ousted the Blazers 82-77.
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RICK KAMLA'S FANTASY TAKE
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You know about Shawn Marion's double-double, he went 23 points and 19 rebounds on Wednesday. But did you know that with four three-pointers on Wednesday, Marion has 16 in eight games this month? Ho.....ho.....ho..........
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GAME OF THE NIGHT
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Overtime wasn't as kind to the Warriors on Wednesday. After Baron Davis' trey to clinch an overtime win on Tuesday, the Warriors were on the wrong end of a 111-105 loss to the Rockets. Rookie Luther Head came up clutch for the Rockets down the stretch in regulation, hitting a 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds left to force OT. In the extra period, it was all Yao Ming as the Rockets center exploded for a season-high 30 points and corralled 16 rebounds. David Wesley also had ice in his veins, scoring seven in overtime and 19 for the game. Both Davis, who had 27 points and 13 assists, and Jason Richardson, who scored 28, had strong games for Golden State, but neither were able break the game open in OT.
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QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
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"I just tried to protect the middle. (Vince Carter) is
strong with the ball and obviously he can jump, so you have to
time it just right or you'll wind up on the SportsCenter Top
10."
- Charlotte forward Emeka Okafor after a 91-83 win over New Jersey where he recorded a career-high six blocks.
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STORYLINES OF THE NIGHT
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 1. Season Debuts
Orlando forward Grant Hill and Clippers guard Shaun Livingston saw their first action of the 2005-2006 campaign Wednesday. Hill, a six-time All-Star who missed the Magic's first 19 games with an abdominal injury, scored seven points. Livingston, the fourth overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, was on injured reserve with a back injury. Off the bench, Livingston scored five points in a 102-89 road loss to the Hornets.
 2. The Road Less Traveled
The Los Angeles Lakers went 5-1 on their recent road trip, capping it off with a 94-79 win in Memphis Wednesday. Behind solid perimeter play by their trio of Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, and Smush Parker, the Lakers notched their eighth road win of the year, making their road record 8-5 for the season. It wasn't until February 9 of last year that the Lakers won their eighth road game, demonstrating that this Lakers team is starting to gel in Phil Jackson's new system, and may be a team to be reckoned with come playoff time.
 3. A Game Less Ordinary
What is the likelihood of the Celtics facing the Pacers in the Playoffs this year? Well, based on the last three years, it's a money-in-the-bank bet. The last three years they have seen each other in the first round of the playoffs, with Indiana having the upper hand last year. This game becomes more intriguing when you factor in the fact that Boston is one of the suitors for the disgruntled Ron Artest. Could a match-up of the Pacers and Celtics be looming come springtime? History says yes. Will Ron Artest be playing for Boston in that game? Only time will tell......
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ROOKIE WATCH
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Hakim Warrick, the 19th pick in last year's draft, was one of the few Grizzlies that played well Wednesday in their 94-79 loss against the red-hot Lakers. Warrick scored 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting. The former Syracuse Orangeman also posted seven boards off the bench.
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COOL/CLUTCH PERFORMANCE
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David Wesley kicked it into high gear in overtime for the Rockets by dropping seven of his 19 points to seal the win 111-105. Wesley pushed the advantage to 106-103 on a layup and a pair of free throws in the final minute to finish off the Warriors. Having won in dramatic fashion last night, the Warriors couldn't make it two overtime wins in a row.
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UPSET OF THE NIGHT
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The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets have been gaining some momentum as the season progresses, improving steadily on a nightly basis. Their latest feat was knocking off the Clippers 102-89. The Hornets stung the Clippers with a double-double from David West, who logged 20 points and 12 boards, and J.R. Smith, who scored 21. The Hornets continued to receive solid point guard play from both Chris Paul and Speedy Claxton, who combined for 27 points and 11 assists.
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SIXTH MAN OF THE NIGHT
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 Chicago's Darius Songaila was the Sixth Man of the Night on Wednesday, over usual suspect and teammate Ben Gordon. Songaila provided a spark off the bench with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the floor. Chicago won 105-94.
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SCOREBOARD: Dec. 14, 2005 |
AROUND THE ASSOCIATION ARCHIVE
Baron Davis makes an acrobatic move around his back for a lay-up.
