MySports Today

The Boston Celtics won their 8th straight game, crushing the Mavericks 124-100 at home. The Celtics raced out to a 38-23 1st quarter lead, and then outscored the Mavs 36-24 in the 2nd quarter to take an insurmountable 27 point halftime lead. Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Eddie House each scored 23 points for the Celtics. Paul Pierce battled foul trouble all night and only scored 8 points – his lowest point total of the 2008-9 NBA season. Jason Terry led the Mavs with 27 points off the bench, while starters Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard each scored 18 points.

The New York Knicks played better in Dallas but continued their losing ways with the 99-94 loss at the hands of the Mavericks. Once again, Chris Duhon led the Knicks in scoring with 24 points. Never a good sign, although he did add 7 assists. Wilson Chandler chipped in 20 points in a rare start, while David Lee put in another solid effort – 13 points and 15 rebounds in 37 minutes. Al Harrington scored 14 points off the bench, while Tim Thomas chipped in 10 points in a reserve role. The Mavericks put in a balanced offensive attack – with 6 players in double-digit scoring – led by Josh Howard with 19. Dirk Nowitzki was kept in check for most of the night – 3 of 13 shotting for only 10 points. Brandon Bass had the best night for the Mavericks in a reserve role – 12 points and 11 rebounds in only 27 minutes.

The Knicks are now 13-21 – 2.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Mavericks are now 22-13 and are playing well after a slow start. They are currently the 5th seed in the Western Conference but are within 2 games of the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Hornets for the race in the Southwest Division.