A Recap of Last Nights' Games (December 13th, 2012)

We had 3 games tonight, here's a quick recap:

Game 1:
Charlotte Bobcats-90
Atlanta Hawks-113

The Hawks dominated all phases of the games in sending the Bobcats to their 10th straight defeat Thursday night.  The Hawks shot an impressive 57.3% from the field (they only 56.5% from the line) and drained nearly half their three pointer in a game they were leading by 17 at halftime.  Devin Harris led 6 Hawks in double digits with 20, while non of the starters played more than 31 minutes. Gerald Henderson led all Bobcats with 17.

Game 2:
LA Lakers-107
NY Knicks-116

The Knicks used a fast start to lead by 19 going into halftime, a lead they wouldn't surrender.  Carmelo Anthony led the offensive barrage with 30 points on 10 of 15 shooting, while 3 other Knicks had at least 18 points.  The Knicks spread the floor beautifully on offense using ball movement to create open jumpers at will.  The Lakers defense looked about as bad as they could in the first half, but managed to make a stand in the 4th, although the comeback was a case of too little too late.  Kobe Bryant did all he could to carry the stumbling Lakers, adding 31 points of his own.  He also had a team highs of 44 minutes played, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.  Lakers point guards struggled in this one shooting 4 of 17, while also allowing the Knicks guards to dictate tempo.  I know it's been said, but this Lakers team needs Steve Nash healthy ASAP, what they have is just not effective.  Both Dwight Howard and Meta World Peace had over 20 points, but the rest of the Lakers supporting cast was invisible.  Another notch on the belt for this Knicks team, who seem to be gaining confidence with each outing.

Game 3:
San Antonio Spurs-90
Portland Trailblazers-98

Damian Lillard is off to a quick start in his NBA career.  The frontrunner for Rookie of the Year (the man I choose at the start of the year) had another great game Thursday.  Coming off a performance in which he just could not hit a shot (he went 2 of 14 in that one), Lillard scored in variety of ways last night on his way to a 29 point, 7 rebound 6 assist night.  Lemarcus Aldridge outplayed Tim Duncan at the PF matchup as he dropped 22 on Duncan, who only finished with 16 points.  For the Spurs this was their second loss in as many days.  The Spurs have a much needed off day Friday before the head home to host the visiting Celtics on Saturday.  Look for Pops team to be firing on all cylinders for that one.