Attacking the Boards: O'Neal, Billups Beat By Former Teams; Gasol Victorious

Phoenix 99 - Orlando 111: This matchup was deemed the title of “Superman vs Superman 2.0,” and it sure lived up to the hype. Right off the tip, Shaq and Dwight were battling to the tooth, fighting for every single rebound and shot attempt. Each had their own play of the game.

Shaq’s came on a dunk that resulted from what should have been an offensive foul on O’Neal as he pushed Howard off. The real Superman’s was much more impressive, using his quick feet to establish his position on the post and then going up for a monster jam.

Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy criticized Shaq for flopping on that play after spending years complaining about floppers. Howard finished with the win and the better line: 21 points and eight boards. Shaq finished with a double-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Even though their play warranted the most attention, Jason Richardson with 27 and Rashard Lewis with 29 lead their respective teams in scoring.

Even though Howard is clearly the next dominant big man in the game, O’Neal would not leave the arena without an excuse: ”Fun matchup,” said O’Neal, who was double teamed most of the night. “I like to play people one-on-one. My whole career I had to play people one-on-one. Never once had to double or ask for a double. But it’s cool.”

Denver 95 - Detroit 100: Chauncey Billups was the best player on the court in this contest, but the Pistons played as a team to spoil his return to the Palace.

Billups finished with 34 points and four assists and Nene dropped 20 points and grabbing 8 rebounds to lead the Nuggets. Tayshaun Prince had 23 points, Antonio McDyess had 16 and 10, Rasheed Wallace had 16 and 10, and Richard Hamilton 21 points and seven dimes to welcome Chauncey back to Detroit.

The player that the Pistons got back in the Billups deal was in Washington D.C. getting a second opinion on his back.

Memphis 89 - Los Angeles (Lakers) 99: Kobe Bryant was in scoring mode tonight, dropping 31 points with two boards in 30 minutes of play. Lamar Odom put up one of the most unique lines you will see from a big man that can score, putting up two points, 13 boards, eight assists, and six blocks. Pau Gasol added 13 and eight.

Marc Gasol had a nice game going up against his brother, scoring 17 points to go with 14 rebounds and three blocks. O.J. Mayo had 17 points and two boards while guarding the best player in the NBA. 

New Jersey 99 - Milwaukee 95: The Nets’ two stars had a horrid night from the field, with Devin Harris and Vince Carter shooting a combined eight of 34. Fortunately, New Jersey had Brook Lopez to pick up the slack. Lopez had 24 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Charlie Villanueva had 24 points and 15 boards to lead the Bucks. Ramon Sessions added 19 points and 8 rebounds. 

Indiana 117 - Sacramento 109: Jarret Jack is on some kind of roll. Since the Pacers’ superstar, Danny Granger, went down with an injury in February 20, Jack has averaged 22 points in 8 games. That is an increase of 10 points over his season average, and he lead Indiana with 26 points and seven rebounds in this one.

Other Finals:

Chicago 80 - Charlotte 96

Golden State 118 - Minnesota 94

Toronto 97 - Houston 107