Hurting LBJ leads Wednesday’s S&Ds

LeBron James was hurting after Miami’s victory over Oklahoma City Wednesday night.

During the course of the game, James twisted his left ankle, rejammed his left ring finger and was taken down by Russell Westbrook in a hard foul that helped  turned the game around.

“I need to find the best damn masseuse in Miami,” James groaned to ESPN.com’s Heat Index after the game.

Despite the physical toll, James came up with perhaps his best all-around effort to lead the Heat’s 98-93 victory over the Thunder — their 17th consecutive home victory.

James notched 34 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and four steals to lead the matchup between two of the league’s power teams.

The Westbrook play may have energized the Heat. James was driving for breakaway dunk when Westbrook pulled him off balance and sent him sprawling to the floor. 

“I don’t know, I’m not one to say it was a dirty play or not a dirty play, I’ll let you guys decide,” James told the Heat Index. “It’s a dangerous play. Just look at the other end, Russ being as athletic as he is going down the lane and someone tries that. It’s a fine line.”

It could have been a playoff preview that some NBA fans would savor.

But before that, James came up with another strong effort to lead Wednesday’s Studs and Duds.

STUDS

Miami F LeBron James: Filled the stat sheet for 34 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, four steals and was a game-high plus-20 in the Heat’s triumph over  Oklahoma City.

Los Angeles Lakers C Andrew Bynum: Notched 36 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and was a team-high plus-10 in the Lakers’ victory over the Clippers.

Los Angeles Lakers G Kobe Bryant: Went for 31 points, five rebounds, six assists and was plus-8 in the Lakers’ triumph over the Clippers.

Milwaukee G Monta Ellis: Notched 30 points, five rebounds, eight assists and was a game-high plus-10 in the Bucks’ triumph over Cleveland.

Los Angeles Clippers G Chris Paul: Went for 22 points, 16 assists and two rebounds in the Clippers’ loss to the Lakers.

DUDS

New Jersey F Gerald Wallace: Clanked through a 3-for-12 shooting effort with a turnover and was a game-worst minus-38 in the Nets’ loss at Portland.

Washington G John Wall: Clanked through a 4-for-15 shooting effort with five turnovers and was a game-worst minus-22 in the Wizards’ loss to Indiana.

New Jersey G Sundiata Gaines: Missed all five shots, had two turnovers and was minus-24 in the Nets’ loss at Portland.

Denver F Corey Brewer: Missed all seven shots with a turnover and was a game-worst minus-18 in the Nuggets’ loss at New Orleans.

Cleveland F Samardo Samuels: Missed both shots and was a game-worst minus-22 in only 15 minutes in the Cavaliers’ loss at Milwaukee.

Leave a Reply