Day 6 of the delayed/cancelled NBA simulation season as it was originally scheduled:
The NBA stars shined on Sunday with Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul putting in vintage performances.
Cleveland Cavaliers 97, Los Angeles Clippers 110
It was turn back the clock night for Antawn Jamison. The veteran forward scored 26 points to go with 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to lead the Cavs to a win. The Clipper backcourt of Eric Gordon and Mo Williams combined for 48 points as L.A. moved to 3-0. The duo schooled rookie Kyrie Irving who ended with 13 points and 4 assists. Blake Griffin would add 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists for the Clips.
Philadelphia 76ers 83, Orlando Magic 88
It took four games, but Orlando finally got its first win of the year. Dwight Howard was a monster again scoring 27 points with 18 rebounds. Best of all he hit 11 of 15 free throw attempts. J.J. Redick chipped 14 points hitting four three-pointers. Philadelphia simply had no answer for Howard. Sixer forwards Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young combined for 28 points in the loss.
Washington Wizards 84, Miami Heat 104
The Big Three were indeed large on this night in the nation’s capital. LeBron James was the first star with 42 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. Chris Bosh was star two with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Dwyane Wade was the third star with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists. John Wall was super for the Wizards, but he was largely a one-man show scoring 18 points with 13 assists and 5 rebounds.
New York Knicks 103, Detroit Pistons 99
Chauncey Billups showed his younger star teammates that his old legs still have some bounce in them scoring 24 points to lead New York to a win. Carmelo and Amare would combine for 42 points and 19 rebounds to help pace the Knicks. Rodney Stuck led Detroit with 20 points and 6 assists.
Portland Trail Blazers 82, Phoenix 102
Who says you can’t play two point guards together? Steve Nash and Aaron Brooks both scored 20 points in an easy 20 points win over Portland. The Nash factor was very evident in this game as Phoenix shot 48 percent from the field (Portland shot just 42 percent), hit 9 three-pointers, and turned the ball over just 6 times. Blazer LaMarcus Aldridge led his team with 20 points, but shot just 8-21 from the field.
New Orleans Hornets 85, Los Angeles Lakers 103
Chris Paul had 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists, but he was hardly the biggest star in this game. Kobe Bryant scored 42 points, his teammates beat up the Hornets inside, and the Lakers rolled to an easy 18 point win. L.A. out-rebounded New Orleans by 21 paced by a double-double by Pau Gasol (15 and 15). Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, and Matt Barnes combined for 27 rebounds doing the dirty work to get Kobe more shot opportunities.