News from February 7.

The NBA announced the contestants for the Skills Competition for All-Star
Saturday night on February 18.  The contestants for the timed event
featuring dribbling, passing, and shooting skills are: 
  LeBron James (Cle)            Steve Nash (Pho)
  Chris Paul (NO)               Dwyane Wade (Mia)

Denver assigned Julius Hodge to the NBADL.

Detroit activated Lindsey Hunter and placed Jason Maxiell on IL.

Sacramento activated Brad Miller and placed Bonzi Wells on IL with a
strained right groin.


Dal 102, LAL 87  at Dal
Josh Howard (Dal) had 22 points including 9-13 FG and 10 rebounds.
Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) had 26 points including 9-10 FT and 12 rebounds.
Jerry Stackhouse (Dal) had 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Brian Cook (LAL) had 28 points including 12-16 FG.
Kobe Bryant (LAL) had 24 points on 5-22 FG, 3-11 3-pointers, and 11-13 FT
and 3 steals.
Dal shot 49.3% (34-69) FG and LAL shot 38.8% (31-80) FG.
Dal shot 30-44 FT and LAL shot 18-22 FT.
Chris Mihm (LAL, strained right shoulder) did not play.

Atl 99, Det 98  at Atl
Al Harrington (Atl) had 14 points including 6-18 FG and 5 rebounds.
Zaza Pachulia (Atl) had 16 points including 5-6 FG and 9 rebounds.
Joe Johnson (Atl) had 29 points including 12-17 FG and the game winning
layup with 7.5 seconds left, 5 assists, and 5 turnovers.
Tayshaun Prince (Det) had 29 points on 10-13 FG and 8-10 FT.
Chauncey Billups (Det) had 20 points on 4-13 FG and 11-11 FT and 7
assists.
Atl shot 12-14 FT and Det shot 28-33 FT.
Tyronn Lue (Atl, sprained MCL) did not play.

Sac 104, Mem 96  at Sac
Kenny Thomas (Sac) had 15 points including 7-11 FG, 9 rebounds, 3 steals,
and 5 turnovers.
Brad Miller (Sac) had 22 points including 7-19 FG, 10 rebounds, and 3
blocks.
Kevin Martin (Sac) had 22 points including 7-8 FG and 4-5 3-pointers and 6
rebounds.
Pau Gasol (Mem) had 15 points including 5-15 FG, 9 rebounds including 6
offensive, and 6 assists.
Bobby Jackson (Mem) had 24 points including 4-8 3-pointers and 6-10 FT.
Sac shot 56.7% (38-67) FG and Mem shot 42.4% (36-65) FG.

LAC 85, NY 82  at NY
Elton Brand (LAC) had 25 points including 11-19 FG, 12 rebounds, and 5
blocks.
Chris Kaman (LAC) had 22 points including 10-16 FG and 11 rebounds.
Sam Cassell (LAC) had 13 points including 4-11 FG and 3-4 3-pointers, 7
rebounds, and 5 assists.
Jalen Rose (NY) had 23 points.
Eddy Curry (NY) had 14 points including 5-7 FG.
LAC shot 47.9% (35-73) FG and NY shot 35.4% (30-85) FG.
LAC shot 11-13 FT and NY shot 20-24 FT.