Fansided

NBA Monday Recap: Jose Calderon returns to Toronto, Manu Ginobili injured and more

By Joshua Santos

March 10, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Jose Calderon (8) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 10, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Jose Calderon (8) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) watches the game against the Houston Rockets during the first half at the Toyota Center. The Rockets won 96-95. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) watches the game against the Houston Rockets during the first half at the Toyota Center. The Rockets won 96-95. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s April Fool’s day in the NBA as another week, and another day of NBA action is in the books. We have about three weeks left until the NBA playoffs, so without wasting too much time, April 1. 2013 NBA recap!

  • We start-up in Canada where the Toronto Raptors welcomed the Detroit Pistons. This was the first game against the Pistons, after the Rudy Gay blockbuster trade which sent point guard, Jose Calderon to Detroit. Calderon began his career with the Raptors and played in Toronto for eight years. He loved Toronto so much that he even bought a house there. When Calderon was introduced, the crowd at the Air Canada Centre rightfully so gave him a standing ovation for his years handwork and service  to the franchise. Onto the game, and it was Greg Monroe who led the Pistons to a 108-98 victory Monday, as he had 24 points, shooting  55%, 10-of-18 from the field. Jose Calderon also contributed with his 19 points and nine assists. Daniel Poarch of Life on Dumars recaps that stellar game here.
  • Up next we have the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Atlanta Hawks. These teams met various times tonight during the season. On monday, they met for the fourth and final time this season. While the Cavs had recent struggles with players injured and losing multiple games, the Cavs were optimistic for a win. That win wouldn’t be found however, as the ATL Hawks defeated the Cavs 102-94. Marreese Speights had a terrific performance scoring a team high 23 points, shooting 73% from the field, knocking down 11-of-15  shots but ultimately that wasn’t enough. The Cavaliers losing streak now extends to nine games. Zachary Kolesar of Right Down Euclid reviews Cleveland’s loss here. 
  • Following that, we head over to Milwaukee. While the Marquette Golden Eagles had a fantastic run during the NCAA March Madness tournament, which ended short, the Milwaukee Bucks continue their run as well, dominating game after game this NBA season. On monday the Bucks took on the lowly Charlotte Bobcats. Kemba Walker of the Cats had a great game dropping 27 points. Gerald Henderson also dropped 17 but the Bucks prevailed, winning 131-103. Bryan Wendland of Roberto Gato recaps the game here.
  • Up next, the Orlando Magic against Jeremy Lin and the Houston Rockets. While the Magic aren’t in playoff contention, they put up a great fight nonetheless as rookie guard, Maurice Harkless of the Magic scored a career-high 28 points. The Rockets however were too much to handle as Omer Asik dominated off the glass, scoring a double-double 22 points and grabbing 18 boards. The Magic loss to the Rockets to a final score 111-103. Michael Ma of Space City Scoop breaks down that game here.
  • The next game on the docket was a matchup between two western conference foes. The San Antonio Spurs against the Memphis Grizzlies. Before we get into that game though, we get news about sixth man off the bench, Manu Ginoblli. The Spurs managed to play well without their starting point guard, Tony Parker and while he is back healthy from his injury, the Spurs will once again be one man short as Ginoblli is out with a tweaked hamstring. Josh Sanchez has that report here.
  • Now onto the Grizzlies, Spurs game. Grizzlies guard, Mike Conley led Memphis to a dominating 92-90 win against the Texans as he scored 23 points, shooting 64% from the field, making 11-of-17 shots and dishing out two assists. Marc Gasol also added 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. The Grizzlies have no obtained 50 wins and are making their way up the ladder to the number on seed in the western conference. John Hugar of Beale Street Bears reviews that close contested game here.
  • Following that game, we had the Boston Celtics taking on a fierce Minnesota Timberwolves squad. The Celtics came into this game to obtain a win and move up the eastern conference rankings in spite of avoiding the Miami Heat as a first round exit. They wouldn’t find a win monday night, as the Nikola Pekovoic T-Wolves team defeated the Celtics 110-100. The Celtics had no answer for Pekavoic and his front court abilities, as he scored 29 points, shooting 60% from the field, dropping 9-of-15 shots and he made all his 11 free throws. Ben Beecken of Dunking With Wolves breaks down that marvellous game here.
  • Up next we had another western conference showdown as the Portland Trailblazers took on the Utah Jazz. Al Jefferson led the Jazz as he scored a double-double 24 points and 10 boards. Five other Jazz reached double figures in points. Also to note is that Jefferson was selected as the western conference player of the week as well. Bill Orma of The Salt Lake City Tribune recaps the Jazz win here.
  • Finally we had the last game of the night as the Indiana Pacers walked into Staples Center to take on the Los Angeles Clippers. At one point during the game the Clippers trailed by 24 against this Pacers squad. They however cut it to a one point deficit but were unable to get the win as Indiana won 109-106. Jamal Crawford scored 24 points off the bench. As well Lamar Odom scored nine points and 10 boards and Ryan Hollins added his 11 points and six rebounds but it wasn’t enough. It was Roy Hibbert spectacular performance that won the game as he led the Pacers to the win scoring 26 points. Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times breaks down the Clippers loss here.
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