RealGM Wiretap
All three of Thursday night's games were close, a quick departure from Wednesday night's schedule of blowouts.
The Detroit Pistons (10-12) outlasted the Denver Nuggets (16-7) on Thursday night. Rodney Stuckey scored 25 points on 7-for-14 shooting, Ben Wallace posted seven points and 16 rebounds and Charlie Villanueva added 27 points, five boards and five assists off the bench. Detroit outrebounded Denver by six and went 30-for-41 from the charity stripe. Carmelo Anthony starred with 40 points and six rebounds, Nene tallied eight points and 11 boards and J.R. Smith contributed 14 points and seven rebounds in the loss.
The Boston Celtics (18-4) edged past the Washington Wizards (7-13) at the Verizon Center for their ninth consecutive victory. Rajon Rondo had 21 points and 11 assists, Kendrick Perkins tallied 16 points and 11 rebounds and Ray Allen totaled 18 points and seven boards. Boston outrebounded Washington by six and attempted 15 more foul shots on the road. Gilbert Arenas led with 25 points and eight assists, Brendan Haywood posted 17 points and eight rebounds and Antawn Jamison put up 16 points and eight boards.
The Utah Jazz (13-9) scored 38 points in the third quarter en route to an impressive win over the Orlando Magic (17-5) on Thursday night. Deron Williams exploded for 32 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds, Carlos Boozer posted 20 points and 14 boards and C.J. Miles scored 22 points off the bench. Utah shot 50% from the field and turned the ball over just six times. Vince Carter led with 34 points and six rebounds, Dwight Howard tallied 18 points and 10 boards and Matt Barnes chipped in 17 points and five rebounds in defeat.