The Round Up - February 20th, 2013.

Stats Rundown

David Liam Kyle/NBAE/Getty Images

Buzz Kill: Once again, Kyrie Irving had to drag his deadweight of a team to another rare victory. The All-Star sophomore went off for 20 of his total 35 points in the 4th quarter to take down the New Orleans Hornets. Irving shot 59 percent from the field, grabbed 5 boards and handed out 7 assists to "improve" the Cavs to a 17-37 record.

Frenemy: In the third reunion between ex-teammates, James Harden led his Houston Rockets over the Oklahoma City Thunder. In their last 2 meetings, the Rockets have lost both games to the Thunder by a margin of 20+ points. However history did not repeat itself last night, as the Beard explodes for a career high 46 points on 14 of 19 shooting (7 of 8 from three), 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Jeremy Lin added 29 points (12 of 22), 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Kevin Durant finished with a second career triple double of 16 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. Russell Westbrook chipped in 28 points (8 of 20), 10 boards and 8 dimes.

Man on Fire: James Harden gets buckets.

Montenegrin Monster: Nikola Pekovic of the Minnesota Timberwolves had 27 points on 9 of 16 shooting and 18 rebounds in the victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers have now lost 7 of their last 8 road games. They are 1-8 on the road in the month of January and February.

Early Pace: The Indiana Pacers are now 4-1 against the top 2 teams of the East (Miami and NY) with this win against the New York Knicks. The Pacers got off to an early start, scoring a ridiculous 72 points in the first half. Paul George paved the way with 27 points (11 of 19) and 8 rebounds. The Knicks never once took the lead in this game. Carmelo's shooting slump continues as the leading man scores 15 points on 21 shots.

It is save to say that Mike Woodson wasn't too pleased with his team's effort. (Via: @TheKnicksWall)

Blocklyn: After a thrilling overtime loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks looked to exact revenge on their home floor last night. Larry Sanders threw his 4th straight block party, rejecting 5 shots to go with his 13 rebounds and 12 points. Brandon Jenning led the way with 31 points on 12 of 18 shooting, and 11 assists. Despite giving up a 9-0 run in the last minute, the Nets somehow managed to hang to their lead to defeat the Bucks for a second consecutive time. Deron Williams scored team-high 23 points and dished out 8 assists.

Singed Feathers: Down 10 at the start of the 4th quarter, the Miami Heat went on a 40-17 point run in the last 12 minutes to comeback for a 13 point victory over the Atlanta Hawks. LeBron James's 24 points (8 of 15), 6 rebounds and 11 assists (8 of which were dished out in the 4th) snaps his 7 straight 30+ point game streak. Al Horford of the Hawks shot for 12 of 15 from the field for a game-high 27 points and also snagged 9 boards.

Historic Rivalry: The Los Angeles Lakers pulverized the Boston Celtics at home in first game since Jerry Buss's death. It was memorable night for Steve Nash, who passed Magic Johnson for 4th in the NBA for the most assists in history. Dwight Howard had 24 points (10 of 13) and 12 rebounds. On the Celtic's side, after going off for 23 points in the first half, Paul Pierce was rendered to only 3 points for the rest of the game.

Worst Dressed: Looks like Walt and Dwight decided to match, while Dwyane Wade cuts off the circulation in his lower body with his skinny camo pants.

Highlights

Condiment Hustle: OJ Mayo does not give up on plays.

Wild Garbage Time: Sam Who?

Bonus link: Fan heckles Kevin Garnett.