NBA roundup 3rd April: Washington Wizards, Miami Heat and New York Knicks win (Part-2)
Washington Wizards 97 – Charlotte Bobcats 91
The shorthanded Charlotte Bobcats playoff hopes received a major setback on Sunday night when they faced a surprising meltdown against the Washington Wizards at Time Warner Cable Arena. Jordan Crawford and
Andray Blatche combined for 48 points for the Wizards, who snatched an electrifying 97-91 victory over the Bobcats.
Matt Carroll, who was averaging 3.7 points for the season entering Sunday night, proved to be a revelation for the Bobcats. He landed a blistering game-high 26 points off the bench for Charlotte. D.J Augustin also supported him with 21 points and seven assists,
however their incredible effort proved to be insufficient against the Wizards solid performance.
Washington’s starters had an inspiring impact on the game and all contributed towards the win. Keyed by the team effort, the Wizards snatched the early advantage from the Bobcats and romped towards a 48-43 lead before halftime.
Washington continued their action in the third quarter as John Wall carried the momentum and scored 11 points to take the lead to 76-65 before entering the fourth quarter.
Carroll exploded in the final quarter and nailed Washington with 17 points. However the extensive lead constructed by the Wizards in the first three periods proved a bit too much and the Wizards held on to a 97-91 victory.
Miami Heat 108 – New Jersey Nets 94
On Sunday night, the two-time reigning MVP LeBron James continued his formidable run and landed a blistering game-high 31 points to spearhead the Miami Heat t a comprehensive 108-94 victory over the New Jersey Nets at Prudential Center. The Heat also swept
the Southeast Division title after their recent victory.
Miami was quiet relieved knowing their superstar Dwyane Wade is not seriously injured when he bruised his thigh in the first period. He returned after the halftime and finished the night with 18 points.
Star guard Deron Williams had a double-double as he scored 18 points and dished out 12 assists for the Nets while Travis Outlaw supported off the bench with 17 points.
James and Wade took the charge assertively in the preliminary moments of the game. Wade scored nine points before limping off the court as James spirited with 24 points in the first half and Miami cruised to a 58-44 advantage.
Outlaw and Williams strived to cut down the deficit after halftime as their efforts went in vain when the invincible trio joined the action once again with Wade’s return. James Jones marked his contribution for heat in the defining moments and landed two
scorching blows from downtown as Miami cheered their eighth victory in the last nine games.
New York Knicks 123 – Cleveland Cavaliers 107
On Sunday night, the New York Knicks finally figured out the Cleveland Cavaliers and snapped eleven-game losing streak against the Cavs’ at Madison Square Garden in style. Their 123-107 win not only helped them to beat the Cavs for the first time in four
attempts this season, but also sealed a playoff berth for them eventually after seven years.
New York were once again led by their big three Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups. The superstar trio combined for 76 points to put Knicks on the frontline and overshadowed the team that had been hounding them for quite a long time.
J.J. Hickson landed a team-high 23 points for Cavaliers but this time he was facing a different Knicks who were determined to make a place for themselves in the top eight. The Knicks started the proceedings stoutly and buried seven sizzling shots from beyond
the arc to gain a 67-57 advantage, going into halftime. Anthony and Billups combined to score 39 points in the first two periods.
Boris Davis and Hickson lifted the momentum for the Cavaliers in the second half but Stoudemire stood in their way. The 28-year-old power forward completely took over the game, leaving no room for the visiting team to strike back. Stoudemire landed 19 points
in the last two quarters as the Knicks ended the night on a high note.
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