PLAY OF THE DAY

SHOOTING STUDS

Chauncey Billups, Pistons
108-99 win vs. Magic
37 pts, 9-15 FG,
4-6 3-pt FG, 15-17 FT

Gilbert Arenas, Wizards
123-111 loss vs. Rockets
44 pts, 13-25 FG, 5-10 3-pt FG, 13-16 FT

Brad Miller, Kings
111-98 loss vs. Sixers
36 pts, 13-22 FG, 9-10 FT

SHOOTING DUDS

Marquis Daniels, Mavericks
95-81 win vs. Blazers
1-10 FG, 4 pts

Chucky Atkins, Wizards
123-111 loss vs. Rockets
1-8 FG, 1-4 3-pt FG, 5 pts

Mike Bibby, Kings
111-98 loss vs. Sixers
4-20 FG, 10 pts

STAT SHEET STUFFER

Andrei Kirilenko was stuffing the stat sheet like a turkey in Tuesday's win against the Lakers. Kirilenko had 14 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, six steals, and seven blocks to lead Utah to its first five-game winning streak since 2002-2003.

RICK KAMLA'S FANTASY TAKE

"The time to buy low with Deron Williams was yesterday. Following his 19-point performance against the Lakers (in 25 minutes), his owners are probably feeling better about Utah's rookie PG."

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT

"Chauncey had a huge night, obviously. A career high and they got great play out of their backcourt - 62 points combined. That's who they are. Probably one of the best, if not the best backcourt, in the NBA."

- Orlando coach Brian Hill, on the outstanding play of guards Chauncey Billups (37 points) and Richard Hamilton (25) after the Magic's 108-99 defeat to the Detroit Pistons.

STORYLINES OF THE NIGHT

1. Dirk Sets Mavs Mark
Mavericks' power forward Dirk Nowitzki came into Wednesday's game with Portland tied for the franchise record in consecutive free throws. In Dallas' 95-81 victory, Nowitzki took and made his 50th straight free throw to pass the mark Steve Nash set in 2002. December's Western Conference Player of the Month led the Mavs with 22 points and eight rebounds Wednesday, keeping his team one game behind San Antonio in the West.

2. Utah Beats Lakers Back-to-Back
Utah posted its first five-game winning streak since the 2002-2003 season when they topped the Lakers 90-80 on Wednesday. Mehmet Okur and the Jazz took advantage of the Kobe-less Lakers, not once, but twice in the last week. Bryant, who was out serving a two-game suspension for elbowing Memphis' Mike Miller, was sidelined for Sunday's game against the Jazz as well. Utah used his absence to its advantage, climbing to .500 with the victory and into a tie for first place with Minnesota in the Northwest Division.

3. Family Matters
You have the Dunleavys, the Van Gundys, and you even have Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, who are cousins. But now the newest backyard rivalry to come onto the hardwood takes the form of the Websters vs. the Terrys. Jason Terry got the upper hand over cousin and Blazers rookie Martell Webster on Wednesday. After Dallas' 95-81 victory Wednesday, Team Terry holds a 1-0 advantage over this brewing rivalry.

ROOKIE WATCH

Deron Williams came off the bench to score 19 points in 25 minutes to lead the Jazz to a 90-80 victory over the Lakers on Tuesday. Williams demonstrated his versatilty by logging three boards, three assists, and two steals to go along with his 8-of-15 shooting. Currently, Williams ranks fourth in the Rookie Rankings, but is gaining ground on Charlie Villanueva and the number three spot.

COOL/CLUTCH PERFORMANCE

Rocket swingman Tracy McGrady took over Tuesday, willing his team to a 123-111 triumph over the Wizards. McGrady scored nine of his 38 points in the fourth quarter to help snap Houston's five-game losing streak. "I just wanted to get this win because it was badly needed," said McGrady, who also recorded six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals for the Rockets.

SIXTH MAN OF THE NIGHT

Jameer Nelson scored 18 points in Wednesday's 108-99 loss to the league's top team, the Pistons. The second-year guard has been a spark off the bench for the Magic, who saw their three-game winning streak end. Over the last four games, Nelson has averaged nearly 16 points per game, while adding another gear to Orlando's offense.

D-LEAGUE STAR OF THE NIGHT

Marcus Fizer's 29-point, nine-rebound night on 9-of-17 shooting and 11-of-12 from the line propelled the Austin Toros to a 94-88 victory over the Florida Flame. The former Chicago Bull, who ironically still remains a bull (toro means bull in Spanish), is playing so well that he may be saying "Hasta la vista" to the D-League very shortly.