Daily Duke in the NBA Recap: Kelly plays. Irving, Singler shine.
By Ethan Novak
Dec 13, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Brooklyn Nets small forward Paul Pierce (34) dribbles past Detroit Pistons small forward Kyle Singler (25) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Last night, we had eleven former Duke Blue Devils see NBA action, two play against one another, and another one go off for 31 points. Oh, and did I mention that Ryan Kelly finally got into a game?
NBA Action
Josh McRoberts and Gerald Henderson were both received plenty of action in the Charlotte Bobcats’ upset bid against the Indiana Pacers. While the game was close throughout, with the Bobcats even holding a 90-89 lead with 5:16 remaining, the Pacers’ defense was too strong down the stretch, and Indiana pulled out a 99-94 victory. McRoberts did his typical statsheet stuffing, finishing with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and a block in 29 minutes. Henderson contributed 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Dec 13, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Kyrie Irving had his second straight big performance in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 109-100 victory over the Orlando Magic, knocking down 12 of his 24 shots and hitting all five free throws for 31 points. Irving also tacked on 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, turning the ball over just two times throughout.
Elton Brand and the Atlanta Hawks hung on for a 101-99 victory over the Washington Wizards at home. Brand only played 11 minutes, but he managed to tally 7 points in 4 rebounds in the short stint.
Mason Plumlee and Kyle Singler went up against one another in Detroit, with the Pistons coming out with a 103-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Plumlee played 11 minutes and finished with 4 points, a rebound, an assist, a steal, a block, a turnover, and a personal foul. Seriously, his infatuation with the number one during this contest was remarkable:
Singler, meanwhile, scored 16 points to go along with two rebounds and a block in 23 minutes.
Dec 13, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard Austin Rivers (25) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies power forward Jon Leuer (30) and power forward Ed Davis (32) during the second quarter of a game at New Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Out in New Orleans, Austin Rivers received double digit minutes for the second straight game, but he failed to do anything with them, managing just one rebound and two personal fouls during his time on the court. Over his last three contests, Rivers has hit just one of eleven shots and has more personal fouls (6) than points (4). Despite his performance, the Pelicans managed to hold off the Memphis Grizzlies, 104-98.
Ryan Kelly finally received some playing time (YEAAAAAAAAH) during the Los Angeles Lakers’ blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The rookie recorded 2 points, 3 rebounds, and a block in 5 minutes, which was good enough to leave his substantially small sample size PER at an elite level (26.39). Clearly, Kelly needs to be in the running for Most Valuable Guy Who Sometimes Plays But Not Really.
Carlos Boozer and Mike Dunleavy were once again tasked with carrying the Chicago Bulls to victory, but this time they received plenty of help from the rest of the starting lineup. All five starters finished in double digits, with Boozer scoring 14 on 5-16 shooting and Dunleavy totaling 12 on 4-8 shooting. The balanced effort resulted in the end of the three-game losing streak for the bulls, who scratched and clawed their way to a 91-90 victory over the miserable Milwaukee Bucks. Boozer also added 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks while Dunleavy added 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal.
Miles Plumlee put together a pretty decent all-around performance in the Phoenix Suns’ 116-107 victory over the Sacramento Kings. The second-year forward scored 12 points–shooting 6-12 from the field, the most shots he has taken in a single game since November 8th–and tacked on 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks in 27 minutes. Just when you think he is starting to slip.
D-League Action
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