USA TODAY International Edition
Best of weekend, looking ahead
Every Monday, USA TODAY NBA reporters Jeff Zillgitt and J. Michael Falgoust will look at the best of the weekend and the week ahead and project leaders across the statistical spectrum.
Lines of the weekend
Indiana Pacers F Paul George: 30 points, 11 of 19 FGS, seven of 11 3FGS, nine rebounds, five assists, five steals in a 98- 87 win Friday vs. the Dallas Mavericks.
New Jersey Nets G Anthony Morrow: 42 points, 13 of 20 FGS, eight of 11 3FGS in a 108105 loss Friday to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
San Antonio Spurs G Tony Parker: 42 points, 16 of 29 FGS, 10 of 12 FTS, nine assists, two steals, one block in a 107- 96 win Saturday vs. Oklahoma City Thunder.
Best games this week
Pacers- Atlanta Hawks ( Wednesday, 7: 30 p. m. ET): Two deep East teams aiming to finish in the top four for homecourt advantage for at least one playoff round. But both have key injuries: Pacers reserve G George Hill ( chip fracture left ankle) and Hawks C Al Horford ( torn left chest) and C Jason Collins ( sprained left elbow).
Los Angeles Lakers- Boston Celtics ( Thursday, 8 p. m. ET, TNT): The 2010 NBA Finals teams are trying to stay in the conversation for playoff runs. Do G Kobe Bryant and F Pau Gasol of the Lakers and F Paul Pierce, F Kevin Garnett and G Ray Allen still have it in them?
Oklahoma City ThunderUtah Jazz ( Friday, 10: 30 p. m. ET, ESPN): Coach Tyrone Corbin has led the Jazz to a surprising 13- 9 start but faces a tough test vs. the best of the NBA.
MVP race
Miami Heat F Lebron James: On pace to join only Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan to average at least 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Thunder F Kevin Durant: Third in scoring at 26.8 points a game and shooting a careerhigh 50.9%.
Chicago Bulls G Derrick Rose: Averaged 29 points, 9.2 assists in five games last week.
Rookie of the year
Cleveland Cavaliers G Kyrie Irving: Putting on a show with dazzling, last- minute, winning baskets; averaging a rookie- best 18.1 points; shooting 50%, including 40% on three- pointers.
Minnesota Timberwolves G Ricky Rubio: More than just flash, he’s on the verge of being a double- double guy in points and assists ( 11.4 points, a rookie- best 8.9 assists a game).
Charlotte Bobcats G Kemba Walker: Providing highlights in a tough season for the Bobcats; only rookie with a triple- double.
Coach of the year
Bulls’ Tom Thibodeau: In second year, has team atop the East at 20- 6 and complete buyin from players.
San Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popovich: Keeps finding ways to win despite the Spurs’ age and the injury absence of AllStar G Manu Ginobili.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Doug Collins: Giving his players ownership of success while teaching them the right way to play offensively and defensively.