Running the Point 1.4.08: Daily NBA Recap

Joe Smith (CHI) was the NBA Vine's player of the night. He scored 31 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in Chicago's double overtime loss to the Blazers Thursday night. Portland remains hot. The Nuggets defeat the Spurs. Check out the daily vine.

Joe Smith (CHI) scored 31 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in the double overtime loss to the Blazers. He is quietly averaging 16 points and 6 rebounds over the past five games. Ben Gordon (CHI) continues to play inspired basketball. Gordon, the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year in 2004-05, has averaged 32 points per game since being removed from the starting lineup. Steve Blake (POR) has turned into a steady three point threat for the Blazers this season. He is shooting 44% from long range and has hit 13 out of his last 21 attempts. Tyrus Thomas (CHI) played only 3 minutes in Thursday's game against the Blazers. He is moving further and further down the depth chart.

Kenyon Martin (DEN) may have only scored 4 points in Thursday's win against the San Antonio Spurs, but his 7 blocked shots were a pivotal part of the Nuggets' defensive effort. Martin has missed a good bit of time recently with a hamstring injury and has made only 2 of his last 12 field goal attempts. Marcus Camby (DEN) continues to make his case for his first All-Star nod. The veteran is averaging 5 blocks per game since December 23rd. Camby is also averaging 14.8 rebounds during this span and scored his 7,000th career point. Allen Iverson (DEN) may be known for the infamous "practice" episode, but he revealed to reporters after the game the true reason he missed Nuggets workouts this week. Iverson's son suffered a gash under his chin that required plastic surgery. Tim Duncan (SAS) shot poorly from the field in the loss to the Nuggets, going 7-for-20, with 4 costly turnovers. Manu Ginobili (SAS) missed his fourth straight game nursing his injured finger. Michael Finley (SAS) is averaging 18.5 points per game over the last three contests.