Morning Hardwood: Bow Down

A quick look back at Wednesday night in The Association ...

Cruise Control, Off. You can keep your Suns and Mavericks and Spurs action, son. I'll take the Eastern Conference's top two teams battling it out over that Western crap any day of the week. (I'm kidding, I'm kidding; I take it back.) LeBron James blow-up-chelated -- new word! --- for 41 points, seven boards and eight dimes as the Cavaliers edged the Pistons, 101-97, in overtime. James appeared to have won the game in regulation with a 30-foot three at the buzzer, but the replay showed he just didn't get it off in time. Still ... hell of a shot. The Cavs now sit two games back from the Conference leading 'Stons.

How Do Ya Like Dem South Florida Apples? Shaq kept his "effort switch" emphatically "on" (24 points, nine boards and eight assists) as Miami outscored Chicago 38-9 during a second-half run to beat the Bulls 103-70. The Heat win helped avenge the 108-66 hurt Chicago laid on them in Miami opening night, spoiling their championship ceremony.

Last Night's Lottery Winning Numbers Were ... Toronto 94, Memphis 87 and Houston 111, Boston 80. Both outcomes keep the Grizzlies (15-47) two games behind/ahead of the Celtics (17-43) for the #1 spot in this year's NBA draft lottery race. Why do I mention this? Oh, gee, I don't know ...

Congratulations Papa Melo. Baron Davis scored 22 points, and Golden State took advantage of Carmelo Anthony's absence to beat Denver 110-96. As you may have heard, Anthony missed the game to be with his fiancée who had the couple's first child earlier Wednesday. Kiyan Anthony arrived weighing 5 lbs., 9 oz. and sporting a headband.

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