The Basketball Diaries

Even the Grizzlies are embarrassed about losing to the Bulls

Chicago Bulls 112 Memphis Grizzlies 97

For one night at least, the Bulls played wonderful basketball. They built an early lead, and they held on to it the entire game. Drew Gooden had 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Kirk Hinrich had 19 points and 12 assists, but they weren't the only guys to fill up the stat sheet. Lu had 21, Noc had 20, and Ben Gordon dropped in 16. Unfortunately, this all came against the Grizzlies, so it means absolutely nothing. Though it was nice to see Shannon Brown get some playing time in the last two minutes, making a sweet spin move in the lane and finishing it off.

Los Angeles Lakers 117 Sacramento Kings 105

The Lakers kept right on rolling along Tuesday night. Kobe Bryant followed up Sunday's 52 point performance with a paltry 35 point effort, but, somehow, the Lakers were able to pull off their 12th win in their last 13 games. "He really stepped it up, really took it to the hole, really took it personally," said Pau Gasol. "We know what he's capable of doing. I know he can take over games. He's so gifted athletically and skill-wise. He's got a tremendous passion inside him. The way he attacked tonight, it was the kind of effort we need every night." Gasol did what he could as well, adding 31 points, and 10 rebounds. I'm starting to agree with Jeff Van Gundy, who said that the Memphis Grizzlies should be voted league MVP this year for just giving him away.

Phoenix Suns 97 Portland Trail Blazers 92

The Suns have been struggling since trading for Shaq, and that's no surprise, but they were able to end a two-game losing streak against a team they've dominated for a while. Phoenix did all it could to blow a 23-point lead, but held off the Blazers to get their 7th straight win against them. Amare Stoudemire had 22 points, Steve Nash 19, and Grant Hill 18 to lead Phoenix. Shaq scored 6 points and had 13 rebounds. "I thought Shaq made his presence felt, especially in the first half. We used him the way we want to," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "He's comfortable with that role."

Elsewhere...

• Warriors 135 Hawks 118
• Magic 102 Raptors 87
• Pistons 100 Sonics 97
• Bobcats 109 TWolves 89
• Spurs 81 Nets 70