Despite the bare slate of games last night we at least had two very good basketball games featuring the polarizing Lebron James and Kobe Bryant to watch, unlike Wednesday night’s relatively mediocre matchups.

Think the Celtics know something about shutting down Dwayne Wade that nobody else is aware of? Come on Doc, share that notebook with the rest of us!

Here we go…

Celtics (112) at Heat (107)

A few obvious points were hammered home in tonight’s highly anticipated clash - A) The Heat have a clear problem defending the quick, elite point guards. They have been shredded this season by Rondo twice, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams. Another test looms against the ageless Steve Nash next Wednesday night. B) Boston sure knows how to contain Dwayne Wade, holding him to another miserable shooting performance (eight points on 2-12 shooting). C) Ray Allen is still simply the best pure shooter this league has to offer, pouring in 35 points and going 7-9 from downtown. He has his dreadful performances like any human but man, when he’s on Allen has no equal. D) On some nights I wonder if Lebron feels like anything has changed despite switching teams - 35 points, 10 boards, and 9 assists in this one and whenever it looked like the Heat might take over his mates came up short.

While the Heat are still finding themselves offensively, especially how they are going to utilize Lebron and Wade in the half-court, Boston has played together in the same offense for years. I’m pretty sure that by playoff time the Heat will be operating more fluidly but tonight, even on the road and despite the score being close, watching this game I didn’t really feel like the game was ever in doubt.

On a side note, Udonis Haslem continues to prove why the Heat desperately wanted to resign him, scoring 21 points on 9-10 shooting with ten boards off the bench. Paul Pierce added 25 points and KG pulled down thirteen boards for the victorious Celtics.

Oh, and sixteen more freakin’ assists for Rondo tonight - at this rate Stockton, Isiah Thomas, and Kevin Porter are going to have company in the “1,000 assist season” club.

Bulls (120) vs. Warriors (90)

Tough game to watch as Golden State looked a step slow on rotations all night. Derrick Rose looked lightning quick and bullied Stephen Curry, piling up 22 points and 13 dimes. Luol Deng led the victors with 26 points and 11 rebounds - he is finally beginning to resemble the player we all remember from a few years back, aggressive going to the basket and shooting that sweet mid-range jay. Zero turnovers for Deng as well in over 39 minutes. Warriors received 24 points from Monta Ellis and 17 from Curry but could not withstand the lack of David Lee’s presence. When Vladimir Radmanovich plays 23 minutes for your squad something bad is bound to transpire, my friends.

Nuggets (118) vs. Lakers (112)

Los Angeles was bound to lose at some point and the Nuggets are better than their record indicated so I’m not shocked by this one. Kobe Bryant scored his typical 34 points but needed an insane 32 shots to reach that total. Stop chucking the threes, my man! You have a beast named Gasol in your corner! Pau scored 17 and grabbed 20 boards in the loss as the Lakers shot an abysmal .408 from the floor. Denver shot .489 from the field and were paced by Carmelo Anthony who looked explosive on the way to 32 points and 13 boards. Ty Lawson continues an impressive season backing up Mr. Billups and J.R. Smith had moments of brilliance in this one, although as usual he makes us forget them sometimes by not rotating (or hustling) well enough defensively, but he was effective regardless tonight. Just ten turnovers apiece for both squads.

Until tomorrow night…