NBA Tuesday Recap: Thunder tie NBA record against Lakers, Serge Ibaka fined $25,000 and more

Mar 5, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Derek Fisher (6) handles the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the first half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Derek Fisher (6) handles the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the first half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 25, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Serge Ibaka (9) reacts after a pass was deflected out-of-bounds against Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
January 25, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Serge Ibaka (9) reacts after a pass was deflected out-of-bounds against Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Another day of NBA games is officially in the books. Tonight, we had only three games around the league, however we have more news to accompany you so without further ado, here’s your March 6. 2013 NBA recap!

  • We being today’s travels at Wells Fargo Center, where the still-Andrew-Bynum-less Philadelphia 76ers welcomed the Boston Celtics, without open arms, obviously. The Celtics, trying to stay away from the 8th spot in the eastern conference to avoid playing the Miami Heat in the first round, defeated the 76ers as Avery Bradley led with a season high 22 points. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett contributed with 18 points each. Mike Cerra of Hardwood Houdini recaps Bradley’s sensational game here.
  • We head over to Buckets Over Broadway for some news about New York Knick’s forward, Carmelo Anthony. Yesterday  if you were unaware or just didn’t watch the game, ‘Melo apparently tripped on his own feet and went to the locker room with an apparent knee injury. Matt Shelter updates you on ‘Melo’s status with some optimistic news. You can read all about it here.
  • We return to the games where the Oklahoma City Thunder took on the .500 Los Angeles Lakers. In a game where the vast majority of people knew who the winner would be, the Lakers played bad. Giving up 71 points to the Thunder at the half, the Lakers were ultimately defeated as Russell Westbrook scored 37 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Kevin Durant also contributed with 26 points, nine rebounds and five rebounds while Serge Ibaka, still not suspended for his groin altercation, added 13 points and six rebounds. Kobe Bryant led his squad with 30 points while Steve Nash added 20, but it wasn’t enough. Trenise Ferreira of Thunderous Intentnions reviews the game here.
  • We get more Knicks news right from Buckets Over Broadway. If you followed the Knicks this season, than you’re well aware that the Knicks signed Kenyon Martin. Previously, Martin signed a 10-day contract with the Knicks. While his contract did eventually expire, the Knicks have decided to extend it, giving him another 10-day contract. Looks like he’s not going anywhere ladies and gentleman. Matt Shelter has all the news here.
  • Finally our last game of the night. The Denver Nuggets traveled to Sacramento where they battled the Kings at Sleep Train Arena.  The Nuggets rolled over the Kings, defeating them 120-113, as Ty Lawson had 24 points. Danilo Gallinari added 23 points. The Nuggets have won their sixth straight game. Marcus Thornton had 32 points off the bench while Isiah Thomas had 23 but it wasn’t enough. Scott Levin of A Royal Pain recaps the Kings’ loss here.
  • We finish off this recap with some more Oklahoma City Thunder news, specifically Serge Ibaka news. if you don’t know, Ibaka only received a flagrant two foul for hitting Blake Griffin in the groin. He was not ejected. The league responded today and has only fined Ibaka $25,000. Ridiculous considering that J.J. Barea was ejected for his shoving match against Miami’s Ray Allen the other day. To be fair, the league changed Barea’s flagrant from a two to a one but nonetheless, it doesn’t change anything. Back to Ibaka, I don’t understand how the league decided just fining the guy was justified because it ultimately wasn’t. Miami Heat’s Dwayne Wade received a $2oo,000 fine for hitting Bobcats’ Ramon Sessions in the groin and surely, if it was Metta World Peace, DeMarcus Cousins or Matt Barnes, they would’ve been suspended five games easily. This situation has completely made me frustration because favouritism in the league is sickening. Enough NBA. Ibaka should’ve been suspended. Broadrick Turner of The Los Angeles Times has all the details here.