SBNation.com - Friday's NBA scores: Exciting finishes in Utah, Sacramentohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2012-12-29T10:00:36-05:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/35770872012-12-29T10:00:36-05:002012-12-29T10:00:36-05:00Video: Jarrett Jack throws an opponent's sneaker
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Dorell Wright lost his shoe during a botched fast break. Jarrett Jack helpfully tossed it 10 rows into the crowd.</p> <p><span>Jarrett Jack</span> is just concerned about safety, y'all.</p>
<p><span>Dorell Wright</span> (a former Warrior and current Sixer) loses his shoe during this botched fast break. Jarrett Jack, sensing danger from a foreign object in play, tosses the shoe as far as possible into the Oakland crowd. Jack gets scored on by <span>Evan Turner</span>, but nails a triple on the other end.</p>
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<p>Even worse for the Sixers, Wright ended up having to come out of the game to fix his shoe situation. He missed three minutes of game time. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> extended their lead by six points in that span.</p>
<p>Needless to say, Wright wasn't pleased. It's quite possible that Jarrett Jack can do absolutely nothing wrong this season. Jack's long been one of the league's more solid back-up point guards, but he's reaching Mike James Crazy Late Career Contract territory with his performance behind <span>Stephen Curry</span> this season.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/29/3814394/jarrett-jack-shoe-dorell-wright-warriors-vs-sixersTom Ziller2012-12-29T08:19:38-05:002012-12-29T08:19:38-05:00Clips finish massive comeback, Knicks do not
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<p>The Knicks quite nearly pulled off their biggest comeback since 1991 after trailing 27 to the Kings. Then James Johnson happened.</p> <p><b>Kings 106, Knicks 105</b><br>Well, this was one heck of a wild game. The Kings opened up a lead as large as 27 points in the first half, and were ahead 71-50 at halftime. The Kings' offense isn't great. For two quarters on Friday, it was incredible. Jimmer Fredette had 15 points, and the Kings had 10 first-half threes. Seventy-one points in the first half and ... 16 in the third quarter. The Knicks' defense ratcheted down, the Kings stopped making shots they probably shouldn't have been making all along and the Knicks took the lead with six minutes left on a Jason Kidd three. It was fate: not content to continue losing games at a rapid rate, the Kings decided to lose one in harrowing fashion. But then something really weird happened. The Kings perked up and stuck within two possessions of New York until the final seconds. The Knicks had the ball up two with 33 seconds left. No one had any timeouts left. And this happened.</p>
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<p>That's right: DeMarcus Cousins steal, two badly missed Sacramento shots for the tie, two offensive rebounds for the Kings and James Johnson's first three-pointer of the year on his 12th attempt. Just like you draw it up.</p>
<p><b>Clippers 116, Jazz 114</b><br>Chris Paul led a huge comeback for L.A. to get that magical win streak to 16. Let's let <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/2012/12/28/3813876/clippers-storm-back-in-utah-116-114">Clips Nation's Steve Perrin tell us about the closing moments</a>:</p>
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<p>Al Jefferson scored four straight to put Utah back on top with 1:39 remaining, and then it was time for Chris Paul to take over. Utah decided to defend Paul with length in the final quarter, placing [Gordon] Hayward on him. Unfortunately, Hayward was not really able to stay with Paul without fouling him and he immediately put Paul on the line where he put the Clippers back on top. After a couple of empty trips, Paul then left Hayward backpedaling in the lane as he pulled up for a jumper to give the Clippers a three point lead. And it still wasn't over. With 17 seconds remaining Paul stepped to the line again for two free throws to extend the Clippers lead back to three. Having made his first 11 in the game, he missed the second, and [Blake] Griffin was called for a loose ball foul on the rebound. Jefferson made both of his foul shots to tie the game, but the Clippers had another possession to try to win it. Of course the ball went to Paul, and once again Utah was unable to contain him without fouling, as Jefferson was caught reaching in as he tried to step out and defend the pick and roll. This time Paul made both free throws. With three seconds remaining Utah gave the ball to [Randy] Foye to try to win it with a three pointer, but [Matt] Barnes played solid defense to force a tough shot which came up short. Foye argued to no avail for a foul, but there was no whistle, which seemed like the correct call given that Foye had created the contact by jumping into Barnes.</p>
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<p>Chris Paul is not of this world.</p>
<p><b>Pistons 109, Heat 99</b><br>Will Bynum has more double-doubles than Andrew Bynum this season. On Friday, Bynumite went for 20 points and 10 assists. LeBron James and Chris Bosh had big nights in Dwyane Wade's absence, but it wasn't enough as Detroit held court.</p>
<p><b>Spurs 122, Rockets 116</b><br>San Antonio's Big Three combined for 82 points. James Harden had 33, and Jeremy Lin was solid with 21 points and eight assists, but Houston's defense needs serious work.</p>
<p><b>Warriors 96, Sixers 89</b><br>Jrue Holiday is back, but the wins are not. David Lee had 25 and 12 for Golden State.</p>
<p><b>Lakers 104, Blazers 87</b><br>Steve Nash had 10 assists and Dwight Howard looked like he cared, for a change.</p>
<p><b>Nuggets 106, Mavericks 85</b><br>Thirty-nine points for Danilo Gallinari and two straight pummelings for Dallas.</p>
<p><b>Raptors 104, Hornets 97 (OT)</b><br>Kyle Lowry came off the bench to help save the Raps from a terrible night for Jose Calderon. The Spaniard had two points in 30 minutes; Lowry had 17 in 27 on 5-7 shooting.</p>
<p><b>Hawks 102, Cavaliers 94</b><br>Standing Cleveland recap: Kyrie Irving was awesome, the rest of Cleveland was not.</p>
<p><b>Nets 97, Bobcats 81</b><br>P.J. Carlesimo for Coach of the Year!</p>
<p><b>Pacers 97, Suns 91</b><br>When Sebastian Telfair is your leading scorer ...</p>
<p><b>Wizards 105, Magic 97</b><br>Freshly demoted Jordan Crawford had a game-high 27, making one wonder if one can demote Jordan Crawford every game.</p>
<p>Check out our team blog recaps at <a href="http://www.SBNation.com/NBA-Scores">SBNation.com/NBA-Scores</a>.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/29/3814196/nba-scores-2012-knicks-kings-clippers-jazzTom Ziller2012-12-29T00:33:25-05:002012-12-29T00:33:25-05:00James Johnson buzzer-beater wins it for Sacramento
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<p>Sacramento built a big lead in the first half, but needed a three-pointer at the buzzer to beat the Knicks, 106-105.</p> <p>Despite blowing a 27-point lead, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sacramento Kings</a> knocked off the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a> on Friday, 106-105, on a buzzer-beater by <span>James Johnson</span>.</p>
<p>The Kings got off to a great start in the first quarter, taking a 32-23 lead behind 11 points from <span>Marcus Thornton</span>. Sacramento was even better in the second quarter, building their lead to as many as 27 points. <span>Jimmer Fredette</span> scored 15 points in the quarter and Sacramento led, 71-50, at halftime. The Kings made 10 of their 15 three-point attempts in the first half.</p>
<p>While the Kings were red hot in the first half, they went cold in the third quarter, allowing the Knicks back into the game. Sacramento shot 7-of-20 in the quarter, as New York trimmed the lead to just six. New York continued to cut into the lead, eventually taking over for the first time since the first quarter. New York was up, 105-101, with 33 seconds to play, but the Kings had one final run. Trailing 105-103, the Kings missed two shots which would have tied the game, but got offensive rebounds both times leading to Johnson's three-pointer as time expired.</p>
<p><span>J.R. Smith</span> led the Knicks with 28 points, while <span>Tyson Chandler</span> finished with 21 points and 18 rebounds. Johnson scored 17 points for the Kings, while <span>DeMarcus Cousins</span> notched a double double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/29/3813884/knicks-kings-final-scoreMark Sandritter2012-12-28T23:57:23-05:002012-12-28T23:57:23-05:00Chris Paul wills Clippers to 16th straight win
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<p>The Clippers won their 16th straight contest in a hostile, playoff-like atmosphere on the road in Utah, and continue to look like the best team in the NBA during their historic run. </p> <p><span>Chris Paul</span> scored 29 points, 13 of which came in the third quarter, and hit a pair of free throws with 3.4 seconds remaining in the game to lift the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> past the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a>, 116-114, on Friday night in Salt Lake City.</p>
<p>The dagger for Utah (15-16) came when Paul played hero with 23.4 seconds left in the fourth quarter, hitting a jumper from the top of the key after a hellacious fake on Gordon Hayward. That shot gave the Clippers (24-6) a 113-110 lead. After Utah tied the game at 114 apiece, it was Paul again who made two foul shots to complete the comeback. The Clips' superstar would also add six assists, two rebounds and one steal.</p>
<p>Utah led by as many as 19 points in the third quarter, but Paul's scoring barrage, along with L.A.'s 61.1 percent shooting from the field, gave them the momentum to get back into the game.</p>
<p><span>Randy Foye</span> led the Jazz with 28 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-9 from the three-point line. <span>Blake Griffin</span> added 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Clippers.</p>
<p>With the victory, the Clippers extended their franchise-best win streak to 16, becoming just the 23rd team in NBA history to do so.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/28/3813726/clippers-jazz-final-scoreMichael Jones2012-12-28T22:55:35-05:002012-12-28T22:55:35-05:00Nets win Carlesimo's debut
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<p>Brooklyn Nets win their first game under new coach P.J. Carlesimo, had Charlotte Bobcats 17th straight loss.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> 97-81 Friday, giving interim coach P.J. Carlesimo a win in his first game as head coach after taking over for the recently fired Avery Johnson.</p>
<p>Brook Lopez led the Nets with 26 points on 9 for 12 shooting with 11 rebounds and two assists. The 11 rebounds tie a season-high for Lopez, who averages 7.1 rebounds per game for the season.</p>
<p>Deron Williams scored 19 points and had two assists. Williams shot 7 for 14 in the game. It was just the fifth time this season that Williams has made 50 percent or more of his shots in a game.</p>
<p>Joe Johnson added 16 points and had four assists for the Nets, who improved to 15-14 on the season.</p>
<p>Three Charlotte players scored in double figures. Hakim Warrick had 13 points, Ramon Sessions scored 12 points and Ben Gordon scored 10 points, but the Bobcats shot just 38 percent from the field and lost their 17th straight game to drop to 7-22 on the year.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/28/3813656/nets-vs-bobcats-2012-results-brooklyn-wins-p-j-carlesimos-debut-97-81Patrick Hayes2012-12-28T22:02:10-05:002012-12-28T22:02:10-05:00Pistons top Wade-less Heat
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<p>The Detroit Pistons shocked the Miami Heat, ending Miami's six-game winning streak.</p> <p>Without <span>Dwyane Wade</span> in the lineup, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> fell flat against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> on Friday night, dropping a 109-99 decision at Detroit's Palace of Auburn Hills.</p>
<p>Wade <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/27/3809924/dwyane-wade-suspension-ramon-sessions">was suspended</a> for kicking <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> guard <span>Ramon Sessions</span> in the groin during the Heat's 105-92 victory on Wednesday night. Friday's loss snapped a six-game winning streak for Miami.</p>
<p>The Heat (20-7) got off to a good start against the Pistons (10-22), scoring the game's first 10 points and taking a 32-17 lead after one quarter. But Detroit dominated the middle quarters, outscoring Miami over that stretch, 64-39.</p>
<p><span>Will Bynum</span> came off the bench to lead the way for the Pistons, scoring 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Bynum added 10 assists, two rebounds and one steal, and went 3-of-4 from three-point range. <span>Charlie Villanueva</span> contributed 18 points, six rebounds and a steal.</p>
<p><span>LeBron James</span> and <span>Chris Bosh</span> played well for the Heat, but that was about it. James compiled 35 points, six rebounds, six steals and five assists, and Bosh had 28 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and an assist. No other player for Miami scored more than nine points.</p>
<p>Next up for the Pistons is a home game on Sunday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a>. The Heat travel to face the Bucks on Saturday.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2012/12/28/3813504/heat-vs-pistons-final-score-results-recapChris Fuhrmeister2012-12-28T21:00:31-05:002012-12-28T21:00:31-05:00DeMarcus Cousins will play against Knicks
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<p>The Sacramento Kings leading scorer and rebounder will be back on the court after missing the last two games following a suspension by the team.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sacramento Kings</a> forward <span>DeMarcus Cousins</span> will start tonight against the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a>, the team announced.</p>
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<p>Coach Smart on Cousins: "DeMarcus is back. He's going to play tonight."</p>
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) <a href="https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings/status/284837062962720770" data-datetime="2012-12-29T01:43:42+00:00">December 29, 2012</a>
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<p>Cousins has had a rough week since the team indefinitely suspended him following a prolonged argument with Kings head coach <span>Keith Smart</span> during halftime of the game against the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Clippers</a> on Dec. 21. Cousins was pulled from the game and spent the entire second half in the locker room.</p>
<p>He was reinstated after missing one game with the suspension, but then he didn't travel with the team to face the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> on Dec. 26. The Kings lost against the Blazers 109-91 to fall to 9-19 on the season.</p>
<p>However, Smart ended any uncertainty and the Kings will have their starting big man. Cousins is averaging 16.6 points and 9.5 rebounds a game, leading the team in both categories. The Kings have two games at home before heading out on a four game road trip to start the new year.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/28/3813388/demarcus-cousins-suspension-kings-knicksPeter Woodbrook2012-12-28T10:00:33-05:002012-12-28T10:00:33-05:00Friday's NBA schedule and TV info
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<p>A matchup of the league's two highest-scoring teams highlights the Friday slate.</p> <p>Friday's NBA schedule is highlighted by a matchup of the league's two hottest teams in Houston and a tough test for the league's longest winning streak.</p>
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<a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> at <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pacers</a>, 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Arizona</h4>
<p>Indiana's three-game run has moved the Pacers into the Central Division lead. Phoenix is just 2-11 on the road this season.</p>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Magic</a> at <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a>, 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Florida</h4>
<p>Orlando has lost three straight. Washington's in danger of doing that three times in a row.</p>
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<a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> at <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a>, 7 p.m. ET, Sun Sports</h4>
<p>After a sluggish start, Miami is rounding into championship form and looking for a seventh consecutive win. Detroit managed to overcome a 19-point fourth quarter deficit against Atlanta Wednesday, only to lose in overtime.</p>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Hawks</a> at <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a>, 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports South</h4>
<p>After a 5-23 start, Cleveland has won its last two games. Atlanta's getting 17.0 points and 2.1 blocks per game from <span>Josh Smith</span>, and remains only three games behind Miami in the Southeast Division.</p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobcats</a> at <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a>, 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports South</h4>
<p>Brooklyn's newly-minted intrerim coach, P.J. Carlesimo, makes his debut against one of the league's worst teams. After a shocking 7-5 start, Charlotte has lost 16 straight games.</p>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a> at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">Hornets</a>, 8 p.m. ET, TSN2</h4>
<p>Toronto is just 2-15 on the road so far this season. New Orleans is 6-22 and being outscored by 6.2 points per game.</p>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> at <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a>, 8:30 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Houston</h4>
<p>Arguably the game of the night: San Antonio takes a three-game winning streak and first place spot in the Southwest Division to Houston, where <span>James Harden</span> and company have won five in a row. Houston leads the league in scoring (105.3 ppg), followed closely by San Antonio (104.9 ppg).</p>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nuggets</a> at <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a>, 8:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest</h4>
<p>Dallas has to recover quickly from an overtime loss to Oklahoma City Thursday night, its fourth straight defeat. Denver has struggled on the road, going just 7-13 so far this season.</p>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Clippers</a> at <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jazz</a>, 9 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket</h4>
<p>The Clippers have won their last fourteen games, building a 3.5-game lead over Golden State in the Pacific Division, while the Jazz are 9-3 at home. Something has to give.</p>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a> at <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kings</a>, 10 p.m. ET, MSG</h4>
<p>Sacramento is 9-19 on the season, but is a surprisingly good 8-7 at home. New York is just 3-3 in their last six games, and has gone just 3-4 in road games against Western Conference opponents.</p>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">76ers</a> at <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a>, 10:30 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia</h4>
<p>After a fast start, the Sixers have faded in December, going just 4-9. Golden State has gone just 3-2 since returning from a highly-successful Eastern Conference road swing earlier this month.</p>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Trail Blazers</a> at <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a>, 10:30 p.m. ET, KGW Portland</h4>
<p>The Lakers offense has rebounded since a slow start, averaging 102.9 points per game. It has not yet translated to consistent winning, as LA's five-game winning streak was broken at Denver Wednesday. Portland had their own five-game streak snapped Sunday against Sacramento.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/12/28/3810412/2012-nba-schedulePatrick Vint