Where Gilbert Arenas Could've Scored 50

Chris Paul had the best line tonight, scoring 30 points on 13-20 shooting, 1-2 treys, 3-3 free throws, 9 rebounds, a ridiculous 19 assists, and a steal. CP3 always finds the ball in his hands some how some way. He'll wait on the opponent's side to chase down rebounds (or receive the in-bounds pass). He'll handle the ball as the Hornets set up their offense. He'll facilitate everything the Hornets want to do. He'll find his own shot. He'll make easy opportunities for his teammates. He'll do it all- except block shots. But what he does, he does well, and it more than overcompensates for his shortcomings.

When the Warriors play, you really don't know what's going to happen. You don't know who's going to start. You don't know who's going to be in the doghouse all game long. But there is one thing you can expect when the Warriors play: You're not going to see a lot of defense. That probably explains why Gilbert Arenas scored 45 points on 15-25 shooting, 4-10 treys, 11-16 free throws, 3 rebounds, 13 assists, and even a block. Arenas was a monster this game- he drove and scored, he drove and kicked out to open teammates, he launched from beyond the arc and converted 4 triples. But for some reason, Arenas could not consistently hit his free throws- not that it mattered since the Wiz won. But it's not just this game, either. In a recent game (Saturday), he missed 2 free throws in the final seconds in a game where the Wizards lost by 1 to the Indiana Pacers. In another recent game (last Thursday), he missed a crucial free throw in the final seconds in a game where the Wizards lost by 2 to the Boston Celtics.

Other than Arenas, Caron Butler also took advantage of the Warriors' defense- or lack thereof, should I say. He scored 28 points on 13-23 shooting, 2-2 free throws, while adding 10 boards, 2 assists and 5 steals. I'm not going to say that Arenas and Butler have suddenly come out of their season-long slumps, but their offensive outbursts can be a spark for their confidence and their team's confidence, as well.

Kyle Lowry (26 points on 8-13 shooting, 3-5 treys, 7-9 free throws, 6 boards, 10 assists, 5 steals, and even a block) exploded out of no where to lead the Rockets to an overtime victory over the Mavericks, who were without their star player Dirk Nowitzki (5 points on 2-4 shooting in 10 minutes) for the final three quarters of the game. In one particular play, Nowitzki drove to the basket, and as he did, his elbow collided with Carl Landry (2 points in 6 minutes)'s face as Landry stood still, attempting to draw a charge. Apparently, Nowitzki knocked off two teeth out of Landry's mouth; he found them lodged in his bone. The two players had to leave the game.

Zach Randolph went for 26 and 16 on 11-20 shooting, 4-5 free throws, 16 boards, 3 assists, and 3 blocks in a victory over Indiana. LeBron James missed a triple-double, but still managed 26 points on 6-13 shooting, 2-4 treys, 12-14 from the line, 10 boards, and 8 assists. Speaking of missed triple-doubles, Chris Duhon continued his strong play, going for 17, 8 and 10, and Jason Kidd recorded 11 boards and 10 assists, but could only muster 8 points on 3-11 shooting.

Elton Brand (23 and 8, on 7-12 shooting, 9-10 from the line, in 27 minutes) made a game-winning tip-in for the Sixers, winners of 1 game over their past 14 games, against the Celtics, winners of 11 games over their past 11 games. It's good to see Brand producing solid numbers (though not as great as they were in years past) despite coming off the bench for Eddie Jordan, who clearly does not want to utilize Brand's skill set.

Overall, there were a lot of solid numbers tonight, but you can expect that on a Friday night with a full slate of games.

Life lesson of the day: Don't try to take charges. It leaves your entire body vulnerable for opponents to whack you anywhere they like. Be a man, and try to block the shot. If you block the shot, you're a hero. If you miss, then so be it. But at least you get to keep your teeth.