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NBA Capsules: Spurs hand Grizzlies fourth straight loss
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs hardly looked like an aging team playing the second night of a back-to-back. But the Memphis Grizzlies sure appeared to be a team still in a haze from a four-game road trip.
Matt Bonner scored 15 points, going 5 of 9 from outside the arc, and Tim Duncan added 14 points as San Antonio sent Memphis to its fourth straight loss with an 83-73 victory over the Grizzlies on Monday night. The win was a nice rebound for the Spurs, who lost 101-100 in overtime at Dallas on Sunday night.
"We had a disappointing loss (Sunday), but fortunately enough, our bench played a lot of the minutes," Duncan said. "So, we wanted to get off to a good start, came out with pretty good energy and got a little lead, and our defense sustained it throughout."
That's despite the Spurs earning a reputation of not playing well on consecutive nights.
"I guess that's what everybody is saying," Duncan said. "This season has been a tough one, and it's going to be exhausting on everyone. After the loss last night, I was really disappointed, and I think a lot of us wanted to come in here and give a much better effort."
Memphis couldn't answer the effort, looking sluggish from the start, leading to poor shots, lackadaisical play and lethargic defense.
"Did you see effort out there?" Memphis coach Lionel Hollins responded in his postgame remarks. "That's the problem. We're not working. First effort, second effort, third effort — when we give effort, it's just for a few seconds, and then we let up."
Rookie Kawhi Leonard had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Spurs, who snapped a two-game skid. Richard Jefferson scored 13 points, while Danny Green finished with 11 points.
Even though Parker managed only five points, he did hand out 12 assists, two less than the entire Grizzlies team.
O.J. Mayo led Memphis with 17 points, shooting 7 of 11. Mike Conley had 15 points for Memphis, and Marreese Speights scored 10, all in the first quarter.
But Memphis was held to 37 percent shooting on the night, primarily because Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies' two leading scorers, were a combined 3 of 18 from the field. Gay finished with one point, missing all seven of his shots. Gay was held scoreless in three games his rookie season, and had not gone without a field goal in a game since April 16, 2007, against the Spurs, also in his rookie season.
"I don't think it was too much about what (the Spurs) did," Gay said of his night. "It's about me finding the spots to make shots. I will take responsibility for that."
The Spurs built the lead to 17 points in the first half, and Memphis never got it under double-digits after halftime.
San Antonio outrebounded Memphis 46-37, including 14 offensive boards, and held a 32-28 advantage in the paint.
"That's what we are going to have to bank on," Duncan said of the energy and hustle. "We're not going to score a bunch of points each night. Sometimes we're not going to shoot the ball the way we need to. ... One thing we can bring is that energy and rebounding and defensively be solid."
It was the Spurs' first trip to Memphis since the Grizzlies ousted them in the first round of last season's playoffs. San Antonio had lost six straight on the road to Memphis, including last year's postseason.
The Spurs had energy from the start, and Memphis looked out of sync. The Grizzlies were getting beaten on the boards and outhustled for loose balls. The Spurs were the aggressors on both ends of the floor.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said the performance after Sunday's loss at Dallas was "a hell of an effort to come back and play with the intensity they played with. It was really nice to see."
San Antonio shot 5 of 10 from outside the arc in the first half as Bonner hit a trio of 3-pointers. His nine points and eight by Leonard led the Spurs to a 45-35 lead at the break, but it took San Antonio going scoreless over the final 3:34 of the half for the Grizzlies to get that close.
Memphis didn't start the second half much better. The Spurs extended the lead, but Tony Allen was able to put a bit of a charge into Memphis' play with steals.
However, every time Memphis got close to pulling within double-digits, the Spurs would answer with a couple of baskets. A 3-pointer by Bonner gave San Antonio a 64-47 lead, matching the Spurs' largest at that point.
"Firing them up as always," Bonner said of his shooting. "It's all about the shooter's mentality. You treat every shot independent of what happened to the last shot, whether it went in, it didn't go in, whether you banked it in. It doesn't matter. You are going to step in and fire."
The lead would reach 20 when Gay received a technical arguing a no call. Parker's free throw made it 67-47.
By the time the game reached the end of the third, San Antonio was still up 70-50.
Memphis cut into the lead opening the fourth with seven unanswered points, a streak stopped by yet another 3-pointer from Bonner, and Memphis never threatened the rest of the way.
Notes: The Spurs are in the midst of playing 16 of 21 games on the road, one of the toughest road stretches in franchise history. . Memphis was playing its first home game in 10 days. The Grizzlies were 1-3 on a West Coast swing. . The Grizzlies played their 16th game since All-Star forward Zach Randolph went down with a torn right MCL. Memphis is now 9-7 without Randolph. . With two steals, Gay moved within two of tying Shane Battier for the career franchise lead in that category.
Carter, West lead Dallas rout of Nash-less Suns
PHOENIX (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks, with their offense rolling in high gear, gave Phoenix fans a glimpse of how ugly life could be without Steve Nash.
With the Suns' 37-year-old star point guard sidelined with a bruised left thigh, the Mavericks routed Phoenix 122-99 on Monday night, the third victory in a row and sixth in seven games for the reigning NBA champions.
"We caught a break with Nash not playing," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "I don't think you can overlook that as a big factor in the game. We played and I thought our effort was even and consistent. We were able to keep fresh guys on the floor. We moved the ball well and made shots and our defense was good enough to win."
Nash is certainly no defensive stopper, though, so his absence could not explain the Mavericks' onslaught in Dallas' eighth straight victory over Phoenix.
"They've always been tough for us," the Suns' Jared Dudley said. "It's just a tough team to guard and once they start hitting shots, the flood gates really opened."
A strained right calf sidelined Dallas point guard Jason Kidd for the second night in a row, but the Mavericks were just fine without him, amassing a season-high in points for a half (66) and for a game.
Delonte West scored a season-high 25 for Dallas on 9 of 12 shooting, including 5 of 6 3-pointers. Vince Carter, still being paid by Phoenix after the Suns waived him before the season began, scored 21 for the second night in a row.
"We have so many playmakers, so many guys who can put the ball in the hole," West said. "We just have to trust each other and that was on display tonight. We didn't have our leader, Jason Kidd out in the mix. He can knock down 3-pointers. We hope we can build on this and get him back as soon as possible and get him back in the flow of things."
The Mavericks were 13-5 in January, wrapping the month up with wins on consecutive nights over San Antonio and Phoenix.
Carter was waived by Phoenix when the lockout ended, but his contract still guaranteed him $4 million. He would have made $18 million had he stayed with Phoenix. He had missed five games with a sprained left foot before returning two games ago. He has matched his season high with 21 points in each of his last two appearances.
"Just getting into the flow," he said. "With the injury, I had some time to get my body right and focus on getting healthy. I was trying to do all the things I could to just to get back and step back in and continue to play."
The 122 points surpassed Dallas' 116 against Utah two games ago. It also was the highest score for a Phoenix opponent this season, topping the Bulls' 118-97 victory at Chicago on Jan. 17.
Longtime Sun Shawn Marion scored 20 for the Mavericks, winners of three straight and six of seven. Dirk Nowitzki had 10 points in his second game back after missing four games to rest his sore right knee.
Marcin Gortat had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Phoenix. Dudley added 15 points, Sebastian Telfair 13 and Grant Hill 12.
Dallas shot 55 percent, including 14 of 27 on 3-pointers.
Phoenix had cut Dallas' lead to 55-47 on Gortat's 9-footer with 1:56 left in the half, then the Mavericks finished the half with an 11-1 run, taking a 66-48 lead on West's layup at the buzzer. Officials reviewed the play and called it good. West had a pair of 3-pointers to start the run.
The Suns got no closer than 16 early in the second half, with Dallas leading by as many as 28.
Notes: Nash needs seven assists to pass Kevin Johnson as the Suns' career assists leader. ... Dallas had never beaten Phoenix eight times in a row until Monday night. ... Phoenix last beat Dallas on Jan. 28, 2010. ... The Mavericks have scored 116, 101 and 122 in their last three games after reaching the century mark four times in their first 19 games.
-- Bob Baum
Adelman wins return to Houston
HOUSTON (AP) — Rick Adelman has mostly good memories from his years in Houston, and his new team delivered one more on Monday night.
Michael Beasley scored 34 points, Ricky Rubio had 18 points and 11 assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Rockets 120-108 in Adelman's return to Houston.
Kevin Love had 29 points for the Timberwolves, who blew open a close game with a franchise-record 42 points in the third, also a season high for any quarter.
The 6-foot-10 Beasley, in just his third game back after missing 11 games with a sprained right foot, set a franchise record for single-game points by a reserve. He went 10 for 14 from the field and 12 for 12 from the free-throw line to finish just eight points shy of his career high.
"That's what I've got to do," Beasley said. "I've got to penetrate, use my athleticism."
Minnesota shot a season-best 58 percent (43 of 74) from the field and eclipsed its previous high point total for the season by 14.
And it could've hardly happened on a better night for Adelman, who turned down the Rockets' offer to renew his contract after last season because of philosophical differences with owner Leslie Alexander and general manager Daryl Morey.
"We didn't try to attack on one pass, we moved the ball from side to side," Adelman said. "I thought we could get to the basket if we did that. It was a really good team win. A lot of guys played and a lot of guys contributed."
Adelman revealed more about the reasons for his departure before the game, half-joking that he was still awaiting a phone call from Alexander. Adelman said he read in a local newspaper column that he was to blame for the communication breakdown between the two during his tenure.
"I didn't think anything of it, until I saw the stuff about how I never listened to anything," he said. "I'm not real smart, but I'm going to listen to my boss. That just kind of turned me the wrong way."
Morey walked up and shook Adelman's hand during pregame warmups, and the two had a brief, apparently cordial conversation.
Adelman seemed more animated on the sideline than usual, though, especially once the second half began.
The Timberwolves opened the second half with a 12-4 burst, capped by Love's second 3-pointer for a 66-60 lead. Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin answered with 3-pointers, and Lowry turned a steal into a breakaway layup to tie it at 68.
Minnesota then pushed the tempo and poured it on, finishing the quarter with a 19-6 spurt. The Wolves hit 15 of 24 shots, including four 3-pointers, and went 8 for 8 from the free-throw line to put together the highest scoring quarter against Houston this season.
"It was just like we were sitting there and we could never find any kind of rhythm defensively," Houston coach Kevin McHale said. "We never got many consecutive stops, we never really dug in and got things."
Rubio, Beasley and Love led the scoring barrage, with 32 points in the third on 10-for-12 shooting. Minnesota led 96-81 heading to the fourth, and the Rockets hardly challenged the rest of the way.
"It's fun basketball when you're that efficient," Love said. "We got open shots, set good picks and we just did the little things that helped us have a big third quarter."
Martin scored 29 points after missing two games with inflammation in his right heel. The Rockets lost for only the second time in 11 games.
"Just felt like one of those games when we were stuck in the mud," McHale said.
Minnesota finished 28 of 31 from the free-throw line and dished out 18 assists. The Timberwolves have won six of nine to get within one game of .500, and they're starting to get excited about the possibilities this season.
"We know we can go on big runs," Love said. "It's just the case of not getting down so much and not having to fight back from such a large deficit."
Chase Budinger scored 13 for Houston, also outrebounded 40-34.
The Rockets beat Minnesota 107-92 a week ago in McHale's first game back in his home state since he succeeded Adelman last June. The teams play again in Minneapolis on Saturday.
NOTES: The Timberwolves have five road wins, already matching their total in each of the previous two seasons. ... Timberwolves G J.J. Barea (sprained left ankle) sat out for the 10th time in 11 games. ... The Rockets had their streak of games with double-digit leads halted at 13. ... Minnesota's field-goal percentage (58 percent) was a high for a Houston opponent this season.
-- Chris Duncan
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James, Wade, Miller send Heat past Hornets
MIAMI (AP) — LeBron James and Dwyane Wade each scored 22 points, Mike Miller added 14 off the bench and the Miami Heat shook off a slow start to run away from the New Orleans Hornets 109-95 on Monday night.
James added 11 rebounds and eight assists for Miami, which won for the eighth time in nine games and ended up with six players in double figures. Chris Bosh and Norris Cole each scored 12 for the Heat, and Mario Chalmers added 11.
Miami was down 45-33 midway through the second quarter, then outscored New Orleans 76-50 the rest of the way.
Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry each scored 14 for New Orleans, which lost for the 17th time in 19 games after a 2-0 start. The Hornets managed 25 rebounds — the lowest total in the NBA this season.
CLIPPERS 112, THUNDER 100
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Paul had 26 points and 14 assists, Blake Griffin added 22 points and a monstrous dunk, and Los Angeles snapped Oklahoma City's four-game winning streak in a matchup of division leaders.
Caron Butler also scored 22 points and DeAndre Jordan had 11 points and 11 rebounds as the Pacific-leading Clippers won their third in a row, dunking with high-flying abandon against the team with the NBA's best record at 16-4.
Kevin Durant had 36 points and 13 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook added 31 points for the Northwest-leading Thunder, whose league-best road record dropped to 8-3. They had won 11 of their previous 12.
Griffin's one-handed jam over Kendrick Perkins early in the third sent the crowd into a frenzy, with Jordan grabbing Griffin from behind in a celebratory bear hug as the basket got replayed over and over.
BULLS 98, WIZARDS 88
WASHINGTON (AP) — Derrick Rose scored a season-high 35 points, Carlos Boozer had 18 and Kyle Korver added 17 to lead Chicago over Washington.
One day after a four-point loss in Miami, the Bulls rebounded to improve their Eastern Conference-leading record to 18-5. They had dropped two of three.
Meanwhile, the Wizards have lost 16 of 20. Washington won two of its previous three games — both against the woeful Charlotte Bobcats, who have the worst record in the NBA.
Rose, who was 10 for 20 from the field and 14 of 15 from the free-throw line, had 34 points in his previous two games. He had 13 in the first quarter for the Bulls, who never trailed.
John Wall led the Wizards with 20 points.
76ERS 74, MAGIC 69
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Andre Iguodala had 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead the surprising Philadelphia 76ers past Orlando for their third straight win.
The Sixers raced to their best start in nearly a decade by taking advantage of a soft schedule for the first third of the season, but it gets tough from here. Orlando was the first opponent in a long run of games against winning teams that includes home games this week against Chicago and Miami.
Led by Iguodala's burst in the third quarter, the Sixers (15-6) outlasted the stumbling Magic and won despite posting their lowest point total of the season. Dwight Howard's 17 points and 11 rebounds weren't enough in Orlando's fourth straight loss.
Ryan Anderson had 14 points and 20 rebounds.
BUCKS 103, PISTONS 82
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brandon Jennings had 21 points, reserve Mike Dunleavy added a season-high 20 on 8-of-10 shooting and Milwaukee rolled to an easy victory over skidding Detroit.
Drew Gooden shot 7 of 9 and scored 16 points for the Bucks, including seven straight in the third quarter during a decisive 12-2 run to open the second half. Detroit, which has lost five straight and nine of 10, never led in falling to 4-18.
Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons with 19 points, and Greg Monroe added 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Milwaukee has won four of six after losing three straight.
JAZZ 93, TRAIL BLAZERS 89
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Paul Millsap had 19 points and 15 rebounds, and Utah used a 13-0 fourth-quarter surge to beat Portland.
LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 25 points, including 14 in the third quarter as the Blazers built an 11-point lead. But the Jazz fought back, even without starting center Al Jefferson and guard Raja Bell, who did not play because of injuries.
The loss was the eighth in 11 road games for the Blazers, who had beaten Utah three consecutive times.
Wesley Matthews' runner pulled Portland to 90-89 with 5.6 seconds left before C.J. Miles made one of two free throws. Gordon Hayward, who started 0 of 8 from the field, grabbed the rebound of Miles' miss and sank a pair of foul shots for the final margin.
Hayward finished with 12 points. Josh Howard had 11 points and seven rebounds in his first start for the Jazz.
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Disappointing Knicks know they must get going soon
GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — High hopes have given way to high anxiety in New York.
Thought to be a contender, the Knicks are the runaway leaders as the NBA's biggest bust thus far. The superstars haven't been super, the offensive guru coach can't fix the offense, and the team is closer to last place than first in the Eastern Conference at 7-13.
"It's not a great feeling. The whole purpose of playing is to contend for a championship, and right now we're not on that pace, on track right now to contend, so we've just got to keep getting better," forward Amare Stoudemire said. "It's a long season, but we can't have any excuses. We've got to start winning now, we've got to start playing top-notch basketball right now, so we've got to get it going."
That won't be easy this week, when the Knicks play three games in three nights. Even worse, they don't know if Carmelo Anthony and Baron Davis will be available.
Neither practiced Monday, and coach Mike D'Antoni said both would probably be considered doubtful to play Tuesday against Detroit. The Knicks would like to get that one, because they face Chicago and Boston during their back-to-back-to-back that starts Thursday.
"We've got to get going now," Stoudemire said. "It's an important part of the year where we've got to get going. We've got to try to win by any means right now, so we don't want to get too behind to where we have to dig out of deep hole. We've got a deep enough hole as it is now."
The Knicks have lost three straight and nine of their last 10 games, with Anthony missing the last two because of injuries to his right ankle, right thumb and left wrist. He said the latter two are feeling better and he hoped to play Tuesday because his team is struggling, but then again doing that the first time made the nagging injuries worse.
"If we was winning, I would try to take my time, but right now I want to try to push and see what I can do," said Anthony, who will work out Tuesday before a decision is made.
Davis still hasn't played because of a herniated disk in his back, and the Knicks believe he's the key to getting their offense going whenever he is ready. They hoped that would have been last week during their four-game road trip, but D'Antoni said the plan is now to have him practice Wednesday and see how he feels from there.
New York was expected to be a playoff team after acquiring Tyson Chandler to play between Anthony and Stoudemire, and maybe even good enough to unseat Boston in the Atlantic Division. But while the newcomer has been solid, Anthony has made just 31.7 percent of his shots in six games since he was originally hurt, and Stoudemire continues to suffer without a playmaker, with a 17.7 points per game average that's his lowest since his rookie year on a career-worst 42.8 percent shooting.
Despite the disappointing start, D'Antoni said he isn't worried about his job status, or lobbying management to upgrade the Knicks' talent — which wouldn't be easy anyway because they traded away most of their assets last February to get Anthony.
"We need to maximize what we got right now on the floor," D'Antoni said. "That's my job, that's hopefully what we can get done and we need to do it."
But D'Antoni, whose offense was once the envy of the league when he coached in Phoenix, seems just as baffled as anyone by the Knicks' struggles on that end. They are in the bottom half of the league with 93.7 points per game and 41.4 percent shooting, wasting their improved defensive play with Chandler, who said he never could have expected his new team to struggle to score.
"Given (D'Antoni's) history, the success has always been on the offensive end, more so lacking the defensive end," Chandler said. "The defense has picked up but we're struggling offensively. We have to find a way to make it work."
The Knicks knew their offense wouldn't be right until Davis played, giving them the veteran point guard they lack. But in the meantime, they've blown an easy part of their schedule, dropping home games against sub-.500 teams such as Charlotte, Toronto and Milwaukee, and there's no telling how long of an adjustment there will be once Davis plays.
Chandler won a title with the Dallas Mavericks last season, so he knows what an elite team looks like. And he still sees one in the locker room, even if the Knicks aren't one in the standings.
"In all honesty, I still feel like this is a team that can win a championship," he said. "You know, I feel like we definitely have the pieces, I feel like we haven't came together yet, and it's a process. I feel like guys are going to have to step up and play roles that they're not necessarily used to, and when we get everybody back healthy and get everybody on the floor at one time, we can really see what we got."
-- Brian Mahoney
Bobcats encouraged by Kemba Walker's progress
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bobcats coach Paul Silas spent the better part of a week preaching to Kemba Walker the importance of passing first, shooting second.
Apparently Walker's a pretty good listener. In just his fourth start at point guard Walker handed out 11 assists en route to his first career triple-double in Charlotte's 102-99 loss Saturday night to the Washington Wizards. It was a remarkable improvement over Walker's first three starts in which he had just eight assists combined.
Walker also scored 20 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.
"Let me tell you, it was just wonderful," Silas said. "I didn't know that he could pass the ball that well or even see guys that were open like that. He hadn't done it before, but he's learning. To get a triple-double after 21 games, to me, that's just out of this world.
"I just can't think of enough good things to say about him and how well he's going to do in the future."
Silas has been around the league long enough to know that one game doesn't make or break a player. As promising as Walker's breakout game was, he'd like to see the rookie the consistently take charge.
The No. 9 overall pick in the draft out of Connecticut will get that chance to do that over the next four games with regular starting point guard D.J. Augustin already ruled out because of inflammation in his right toe.
The Bobcats will look to snap an eight-game losing streak Tuesday night when they begin a four-game road trip against the Los Angeles Lakers.
"Honestly, I'm still trying to learn this game," Walker said. "I'm a very unselfish player. I don't mind passing the ball at all. Coach told me he wanted me to get guys the ball and he showed me on film a lot of the opportunities that I have to get to the basket and distribute."
Walker admittedly struggled during his first three starts.
Silas urged him both publically and privately to do a better job of distributing the ball, hoping to get the point across.
"We talked to him about what was needed and we talked to him about how to distribute first and score second," Silas said.
They watched hours of tape together.
It culminated in what Walker said was probably his best game, but he downplayed the effort by noting his team's NBA-worst 3-18 record.
"I just want to win, whether that means getting assists or rebounds," Walker said.
He said he is most comfortable playing the point guard position.
"I've been playing it my whole life," Walker said. "I love playing point guard. But if I had to be out there playing the two spot it doesn't matter. I'm still going to be doing the same thing. I'm still going to push the ball and I'm still going to run some plays — just maybe not as much."
The Bobcats' long-term future at point guard looks good. Augustin will be a restricted free agent next year but has improved enough to where it would be hard to fathom the team not keeping him.
Walker clearly will be a big part and it doesn't hurt having owner Michael Jordan as one of his biggest fans. For now, Walker is just trying to make his mark.
On Tuesday night, he'll face off against one his heroes, Kobe Bryant. The Lakers star would make an annual visit to Rice High School in The Bronx, where Walker first gained national recognition.
"Kobe sponsored my high school, so once a year he would come down and talk to us," Walker said. "So I've been around Kobe for a while. But to finally be able to play against him in the NBA is going to be exciting. He's one of the best players in the world. I'm really looking forward to it."
Notes: Silas said guard Reggie Williams and forwards Gerald Henderson and D.J. White will be available for the Lakers game. Williams, a 3-point shooting specialist, hasn't played all season but returned to practice Monday and was deemed ready to play. The return of those three players helps, but the Bobcats remain without two key starters in Augustin and Corey Maggette.
-- Steve Reed
Irving's big shot a big moment for Cavaliers
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — The moment arose from one of Kyrie Irving's dreams.
With the Cavaliers trailing by one and the clock fading to its final seconds, Irving took off toward the basket with the ball and game in his hands. As he drove and spun in the lane, his father, Drederick, sat just a few feet away inside Boston's TD Garden, where rows of Celtics' NBA championship banners dangled overhead.
After slipping past two defenders, Irving flipped in a left-handed layup with 2.6 seconds to play, giving Cleveland an improbable 88-87 win.
"It was just a shot," Irving said Monday.
In truth, it was so much more. On the same court where LeBron James played his final game for the Cavaliers, Irving had the defining moment of his promising career. The kid who doesn't act or play likes he's 19, came of age.
"We're blessed to have him," said Cleveland coach Byron Scott, who never hesitated in drawing up Sunday's final play for Irving. "There's no doubt about it."
And there's no denying Irving's immense talent and potential, which seem boundless.
One day after making the game-winning shot on a nearly identical play to one he missed a month ago at Indiana, Irving was taking all the extra attention in stride. Before speaking to reporters, he joked around on the practice court with Cavs general manager Chris Grant and Scott, with whom he has developed a close bond.
Irving's basket, which capped a game-ending 12-0 run by the Cavs, was replayed dozens of times on local and national TV. It was the talk of Cleveland, where the 19-win Cavs of last season are being viewed in a positive light thanks to Irving.
After he stepped inside the media huddle, Irving was asked if his clutch shot had changed him.
"No," he said. "Same old Kyrie. I just came in ready for practice. I got some work in and I'll go home and get some rest and get ready for another grueling game against Boston."
Some rookie. According to STATS LLC, Irving is the third youngest player to hit a game-winning shot in the final three seconds since 2002-03. And by comparison, James didn't make his game-winner until 2006 — his third season.
While Irving made "a few" last-second game-winners in high school, a foot injury prevented him from showcasing his flair for drama last year at Duke. But although he's felt the thrill of destroying an opponent's hopes, nothing compared to dropping his shot on Boston's famed parquet, one of basketball's Meccas.
"It's a dream come true for me, first time in Boston, playing against the Celtics. I've been watching them for so long and to hit a big shot like that feels good.
After his shot slithered through the net, Irving's next move was to point at his dad, a former Boston University star who pointed back at his son.
"He was proud, a proud father," Irving said. "He grew up watching the Celtics as well and seeing him sitting courtside, I know it was a good feeling, especially seeing me out there."
Irving's shot provided some redemption for a miss at Indiana on Dec. 30, when he weaved to the rim but couldn't get a layup to drop at the buzzer and the Cavs eventually lost in overtime to the Pacers.
Scott wasn't thinking about that shot when he called a timeout in the closing seconds to set up the final play against the Celtics. He knew Irving should have the ball. He also knew Irving wanted it
It's a look Scott has seen before in teammates like Magic Johnson and players he's coached like Chris Paul and Jason Kidd.
"When the game is on the line, he wants the ball," Scott said. "I've had a few and played with a few as well. I don't know if it's a mindset or whatever, their makeup or in their DNA, but you can tell when they want the ball. When the game is on the line, their eyes light up a little bit and they don't mind being the goat, just like they don't mind being the hero."
Irving is fearless, a trait that served him well in AAU games back New Jersey and so far as a pro. To him, there was nothing special about the shot. It's one he's taken countless times before.
So he missed one in Indiana. Big deal. To Irving, the next one is always going in.
"When you take shots like that, there is no pressure, unless you're unprepared," he said. "You practice shots like that, moves like that, all the time. It's a game of percentages. You're going to make some and miss some. If you miss one, you look back on it and say, 'I'll get the next one.'
You've just got to move on. You just have to have a fearlessness especially taking shots like that. As long as you have the confidence in your teammates, like my teammates do in me, I'm comfortable taking game-winning shots.
Although opposing coaches are quick to gush about Irving, Scott has been careful not to fill his point guard's head with too much praise — that will come. Scott sees enough flaws in Irving's game to know he's an incomplete package and there's room for growth.
Scott doesn't miss a chance to remind Irving of his rookie status. His running joke is to tell Irving his breath smells like Similac, the baby formula
"That guy," Irving said, smiling and shaking his head. "Coach Scott, he's a jokester. ... I don't expect him to give me any more gratitude than I deserve. I love to play for him."
Scott believes Irving's a star, one rising quickly. The shot in Boston was the first twinkling of brilliance. It won't be the last.
"I see him every day and I know there are a lot of things he still has to improve on at both ends, offensively and defensively," Scott said. "But do I think that he has the potential of being a great player in this league and being an All-Star? Absolutely."
-- Tom Withers
Cavs' Gibson in hospital with neck infection
INDEPENDENCE. Ohio (AP) — Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson remained hospitalized in Boston for more tests on a neck infection.
Gibson was at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he was being treated with antibiotics for what the team said has been diagnosed as a soft tissue infection in his neck. The team said Monday night that Gibson would stay in the hospital for additional treatment and tests.
Gibson, who has been with the Cavs since 2006, did not play in Sunday night's win over the Celtics because of a sore neck. He stayed behind after the team returned to Cleveland following the game.
Both Gibson and starting guard Anthony Parker will miss Tuesday's home game against Boston, and Cavs coach Byron Scott doesn't know how long he'll be without the two players.
Parker has been bothered by a sore lower back, which limited him to 14 minutes in Sunday's win over the Celtics. Parker sat out Monday's practice as the team prepared for their second game in three days with the Celtics.
Scott said Parker was hurting early in the game at Boston.
"I just remember him going up and down the floor a couple times and he was kind of grimacing," Scott said. "Then he gave me the sign to take him out. I don't think it had to do with playing 10 minutes in the first quarter."
Parker, who is averaging 6 points and 23 minutes, sat out one game last week because of his back. The Cavs don't have many options to replace Parker or Gibson, who started the game Parker sat out.
Rookie Mychel Thompson played the entire fourth quarter on Sunday against the Celtics. Also, 6-foot-6 Alonzo Gee, who has been playing small forward, could move into the backcourt as he has done at times this season.
There's also a chance the team could recall Manny Harris from their Canton affiliate in the NBA Development League. Harris was named the D-League's player of the week after averaging 25 points and 7.3 rebounds in three games.
-- Tom Withers
Bucks' Jackson doesn't play against Pistons
MILWAUKEE (AP) — After sitting out the last game for his verbal abuse of an official, Stephen Jackson was held out of Milwaukee's victory over Detroit on Monday night.
"It was my decision," Bulls coach Scott Skiles said. "I liked the way we've played the past couple games. He'll have an opportunity to work himself back in there."
Jackson, acquired in a 2011 draft-day trade from Charlotte, has already missed two games this season — one for missing shootaround against the Knicks on Jan. 20 and Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers while serving the one-game suspension his tirade after the Bucks' loss at Chicago on Friday. Jackson was on the active roster Monday and suited up, but never played.
"I ain't surprised," Jackson said. "They know how I feel. Everybody knows the situation. One thing I'm not going to do is not be professional. I'm going to cheer the team on and do what I have to do.
"My situation is going to get better soon. Until then, I'm going to support these guys and continue to collect my check."
Jackson also agreed with Skiles' assessment of the team's recent play.
"You know what? For the most part, Scott is right," he said. "We are playing well without me in the lineup but it's all good. It's all about winning. It happens. Like he said, the team is playing well. The rotation is great, and as long as we're winning, there's nothing for nobody to complain about.
"I'm expected to be prepared for anything. I came in, did my work. I'm going to come in tomorrow and work at practice and continue to work on my game. But at the end of the day, I have to be able to perform wherever I'm at."
James rides bike to work _ even before some games
MIAMI (AP) — LeBron James rides his bike to work all the time, usually without anyone noticing.
Looks like that's changing. James' bike ride to work before the Miami Heat played the Chicago Bulls on Sunday was caught by some photographers, and suddenly became quite a talking point. James says he doesn't understand what all the fuss is about, especially since he chooses pedal-power over horse-power on a fairly regular basis.
Of course, his bike is not like any other — custom-made, even with his "King James" name emblazoned on the frame.
James has long been a fan of cycling, and has hosted several offseason bike rides to draw attention to charitable causes in his Akron, Ohio, hometown during his NBA career.
And for the record, James drove to work Monday. He scored 22 points as Miami beat New Orleans 109-95 on Monday night.
Jefferson, Bell out for Jazz; Howard to start
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson and guard Raja Bell are sitting out against the Portland Trail Blazers because of injury. Small forward Josh Howard, acquired as free agent after the NBA lockout ended, was set to make his first start Monday night for the Jazz.
Gordon Hayward moves from small forward to shooting guard in place of Bell, and second-year pro Derrick Favors starts in place of Jefferson. It is Favors' fifth start this season.
Jefferson, bothered by inflammation in his right ankle, leads the Jazz in scoring at 17.9 points per game and is second in rebounding with a 9.0 average.
Bell had started every game this season but strained his right adductor Saturday against Sacramento. He is averaging 5.9 points and 1.4 rebounds a game.
Howard has averaged 8.9 points and 2.9 rebounds off the bench.
-- Lynn DeBruin
Nets rookie Brooks has broken little toe
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Nets rookie guard MarShon Brooks has a broken little toe on his right foot and will miss Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers.
Nets coach Avery Johnson disclosed the injury Monday and said Brooks would be seen by doctors Monday night.
It is not immediately known how long Brooks will be sidelined. He scored six points in Sunday night's 94-73 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Johnson was not sure when he was hurt. The toe was swollen when Brooks reported to work on Monday.
Brooks is the Nets' second leading scorer, averaging 14.8 points in 17 games, including nine starts. He had missed the previous three games with a sore Achilles tendon.
Guard DeShawn Stevenson also will miss the Pacers' game with a swollen knee.
Blatche out 3-5 weeks with strained left calf
WASHINGTON (AP) — Wizards forward Andray Blatche will be out three to five weeks because of a strained left calf. Washington coach Randy Wittman made the announcement before Monday night's game against Chicago.
Blatche was injured in Saturday's win in Charlotte. After an MRI exam, he was advised to stay off his feet. Blatche missed three games earlier this month with a sprained right shoulder. He was averaging 10 points and seven rebounds per game.
Since Wittman became coach last week, Blatche had been coming off the bench. To help replace him, Washington recalled center Hamady Ndiaye from Iowa of the D-League.
The Bulls will be without Richard Hamilton (right thigh) and Luol Deng (left wrist). It's the fifth straight game Deng has missed.
Bobcats finally get a look at Williams vs. Lakers
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Coach Paul Silas says the Bobcats will get their first look at shooting guard Reggie Williams when they face the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night.
Williams practiced for the first time Monday with the Bobcats. He hadn't been expected to play until later in the week, but Silas says Williams is ready to go after having surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee in December. Silas says Williams should be a "big help to our offense" because of his long-range shooting.
Silas also says forwards Gerald Henderson (back) and D.J. White (bruised knee) will also play against the Lakers after both players sat out Saturday night's game against the Washington Wizards. However, D.J. Augustin will miss the upcoming four-game road trip with a right toe injury.
Suns without Nash against Mavericks
PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns are without star point guard Steve Nash for Monday night's game against the Dallas Mavericks.
The 37-year-old two-time NBA MVP bruised his left thigh when he took a knee from Marc Gasol in the final seconds of the Suns' 86-84 victory over Memphis on Saturday night. Dallas was without point guard Jason Kidd for the second straight game because of a strained right calf.
