NBA Player News Nov. 23: Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, a Potential Lockout and More

News

The Suns welcomed Steve Nash back to the lineup on Monday night. It was thought that Nash might miss another game or two, but his 24 points and nine assists in a win over Houston proved otherwise.

NBAPA executive director Billy Hunter said yesterday that he is 99 percent sure of a lockout next summer. Only time will tell, but this is not a good sign. Still, this may be nothing more than posturing by the players’ association.

After missing his team’s last two games, Kevin Durant returned to the Oklahoma City lineup last night looking just like we’ve come to expect: 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

It looks like Erick Dampier is going to accept Miami’s offer to sign him. Why would he not? As soon as it became apparent that Miami would offer him, who really wondered whether he’d sign?

Game Notes

Nate Robinson continues to impress as he fills in for the injured Rajon Rondo. In last night’s win over Atlanta, Robinson had 16 points and 10 assists. The increase in minutes now might lead to better stats coming off the bench later in the year. Either way, right now he’s definitely ownable.

Shaquille O’Neal looked very healthy last night. He scored 13 points and pulled down 11 boards. He’s never going to be the Shaq of old again, but "The Big Shamrock" has been playing quality minutes this season.

The Hawks’ starting lineup box score last night is one of the most pitiful things I’ve ever seen. It looks like a first quarter recap.

Brandon Rush started for Indiana in the place of Mike Dunleavy and scored 20 points. Rush has now started two of the last three games for the Pacers and has scored 48 points in those three games. Rush’s ability to score for Indiana will definitely mean an increase in playing time for a team that could use more help.

It’s looking like Miami Thrice can only strike two at a time. Chris Bosh had another big game Monday night with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, LeBron James scored 25 points with five rebounds and six assists. Amid all this, Dwyane Wade managed to score only three. It’s obvious that the dynamic between these three is still developing and the final product has yet to be seen. Don’t tell that to the media, though.

Kevin Love is a beast: 24 points and 17 rebounds. It’s getting to the point that this is not even notable for him.

Is Darko Milicic for real? That remains to be seen, but he did score 21 points again last night. Has Kahn struck again?!

Carmelo Anthony had a huge game last night, scoring 39 with nine rebounds in a win over the Warriors.

David West played well in the Hornets’ loss to the Clippers. West scored 30 points and grabbed 10 boards, earning him the double-double on the night.

Blake Griffin continues to separate himself as the clear front runner for Rookie of the Year. Against New Orleans on Monday, Griffin had a strong 24-16 game.