Here’s a warning for rival fans who might taunt Orlando guard Jason Richardson: he listens.
After being berated by a rival fan early in the game, Richardson erupted for 28 of his 31 points in the second half to lead the Magic’s 99-94 victory at Milwaukee.
A courtside spectator yelled ”you’re washed up” at Richardson during the first quarter.
Richardson told reporters after the game that he was listening — particularly after missing his first three shots during that first quarter.
“I’m a competitor,” Richardson told the Associated Press. “I love when people talk trash to me.”
But this particular taunt rubbed Richardson the wrong way.
“When you go past the line where I thought the guy did,” he said, “I had to show the guy I wasn’t.”
Richardson hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to spark the Magic’s comeback.
“People think that once you turn a certain age, you don’t have it anymore. You don’t have the certain style of play you used to play,” Richardson said. “I’m still young, so I had to show the guy I still had energy.”
Enough, that is, to lead Saturday’s Studs and Duds.
STUDS
Orlando G Jason Richardson: Erupted for 31 points in 25 minutes, including nine 3-pointers, and was a team-best plus-19 in the Magic’s victory at Milwaukee. Richardson was the second player to top 30 points in 26 minutes or less this season.
Los Angeles Clippers G Chris Paul: Tallied 18 points, 14 assists, five rebounds, two steals and was plus-28 in the Clippers’ victory at Charlotte.
New York G Jeremy Lin: Another night, another big performance as he directed the Knicks’ fourth straight victory. Lin tallied 20 points, six rebounds, eight assists, was plus-5 and hit a couple of clutch foul shots to lead the Knicks’ victory at Minnesota.
Minnesota F Kevin Love: Went for 32 points and 21 rebounds — his second 30-20 of the season and sixth of his career — in the Trail Blazers’ loss to New York.
Portland F LaMarcus Aldridge: Notched 33 points and 12 rebounds and was plus-1 in the Trail Blazers’ overtime loss at Dallas.
DUDS
Charlotte F Reggie Williams: Clanked through a 1-for-12 shooting effort with two points and was minus-17 in the Bobcats’ loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Milwaukee G Brandon Jennings: Went 3 of 14 from the field with three turnovers and was minus-9 in the Bucks’ loss to Orlando.
New Jersey F Marshon Brooks: Struggled with a 2-for-10 shooting night, scored seven points, had six turnovers and was a team-worst minus-19 in the Nets’ loss to San Antonio.
Sacramento G Tyreke Evans: Hit 1 for 9 from the field with four turnovers and was minus-9 in the Kings’ loss to Phoenix.
New Jersey F Shawne Williams: Clanked through a 1-for-9 shooting night and was minus-14 in the Nets’ loss to the Spurs.