Thanks misow.
I've reached the end of January, so a big update.
January 29th, 2005
Chicago 92, Boston 85
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Boxscore ]
Ben Gordon once again came through in crunch time, scoring 9 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter as Chicago defeated Boston 92-85 to finish the month of January 12-4.
Though he sat most of the fourth quarter due to foul trouble, the impressive rookie out of Connecticut scored the Bulls' final 7 points to lead Chicago to its ninth straight victory, a season high. Kirk Hinrich added 22 points and dished out 6 assists while Eddy Curry had 10 points and 15 rebounds.
The first two quarters were hotly contested as both teams clamped down on defense and had trouble making shots in the paint. The Bulls escaped the first half with a one point lead but seemed to be in control during the third quarter, where they outscored Boston by seven to hold a seemingly comfortable 8 point lead heading into the fourth.
But the Celtics were not finished. Though Paul Pierce had a quiet night with 12 points, rookie Delonte West and journeyman Ricky Davis led a charge that saw Boston take a 68-67 lead early in the fourth. The lead bounced back and forth with Chicago finally gaining the upper hand, with Gordon providing the final boost.
Current Record: 28-14
Next Opponent: New Jersey Nets (February 1st)
January Recap
Gordon, Harris top rookies
The NBA announced that Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls has been named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for January. Gordon averaged 23.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 5.1 apg leading the Bulls to a 12-4 record.
Out West, the Dallas Mavericks' Devin Harris took home Rookie of the Month honours for the third consecutive month, with averages of 10.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.0 apg and 2.38 spg.
KG top out West, Shaq goes "Baq-2-Baq"
Reining Most Valuable Player, the Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett, has been named Western Conference Player of the Month for the first time this season. KG's Wolves have the third best record in the league through January, thanks in part to his 23 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.06 bpg and 1.82 spg during the month.
Shaquille O'Neal is all smiles down in Miami, where he has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for the second month in a row. The Diesel posted an impressive stat line in January, averaging 26.9 ppg, 13.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.53 apg and 1 spg. The Heat currently lead the Southeast Division with a 22-24 record.
Statistical Leaders (through January)
Points Per Game
1. Ray Allen, SEA (28.2)
2. Antoine Walker, ATL (26.9)
3. Kobe Bryant, LAL (25.0)
4. Paul Pierce, BOS (24.5)
5. Michael Redd, MIL (24.4)
Rebounds Per Game
1. Shaquille O'Neal, MIA (13.3)
2. Antoine Walker, ATL (11.7)
3. Kevin Garnett, MIN (11.5)
- Zach Randolph, POR (11.5)
5. Tim Duncan, SAS (11.4)
Assists Per Game
1. Jason Kidd, NJN (7.7)
2. Sam Cassell, MIN (7.5)
3. Tony Parker, SAS (7.2)
4. Allen Iverson, PHI (7.2)
5. Stephon Marbury, NYK (7.0)
- Steve Nash, PHO (7.0)
Blocks Per Game
1. Shaquille O'Neal, MIA (2.61)
2. Ben Wallace, DET (2.30)
3. Tyson Chandler, CHI (2.26)
4. Pau Gasol, MEM (2.17)
5. Jermaine O'Neal, IND (2.07)
Steals Per Game
1. Allen Iverson, PHI (2.23)
2. Kobe Bryant, LAL (2.17)
3. Baron Davis, NOH (2.13)
4. Peja Stojakovic, SAC (2.09)
5. Ron Artest, IND (2.07)
Top Five Teams
1. Memphis Grizzlies (33-13)
2. Sacramento Kings (30-13)
3. Minnesota Timberwolves (30-14)
4. Indiana Pacers (29-14)
5. Chicago Bulls (28-14)
Bottom Five Teams
1. Golden State Warriors (10-34)
2. Utah JaZZ (11-34)
3. Charlotte Bobcats (11-30)
4. Washington Wizards (14-29)
5. Milwaukee Bucks (18-27)