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Daily NBA Fix: Returning as the Enemy

By Ben Gibson

Nov 11, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) shoots a free throw as Dallas Mavericks fans wave signs during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) shoots a free throw as Dallas Mavericks fans wave signs during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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If Wednesday night’s games had a theme it certainly was former teammates facing off against their old teams. Though for the most notable one on the night, it was the fact that he never became a teammate that drew the most ire from the home fans.

DeAndre Jordan and the Los Angeles Clippers played their first game in Dallas against the Mavericks since this summer’s emoji-filled drama.

Needless to say, Dallas fans let him know their feelings early and often.

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In the end even though DeAndre had a few highlight plays with his 11 rebounds and nine points, it was Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks that came out on top.

Nowitzki scored 31 points in the win while also leading the Mavericks in rebounds with 11. Dallas won 118-11 over the Clippers.

But DeAndre wasn’t the only one with a homecoming of sorts last night. LaMarcus Aldridge returned to Portland with the San Antonio Spurs to face off against the Trail Blazers but he was given a much warmer reception than DeAndre had in Dallas.

Aldridge had 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block as the San Antonio Spurs won 113-101 over the Trail Blazers.

Two other games saw familiar faces in different places, but it was the visiting team coming to their old friend’s new home. Jeremy Lin and the Charlotte Hornets hosted the New York Knicks on Wednesday and it came down to the final seconds before the Hornets won with a Cody Zeller game winner.

Evan Turner and the Boston Celtics played host to the Indiana Pacers but it certainly wasn’t a case of getting any sort of revenge for Turner as the Celtics watched the Pacers pull away late for the 102-91 victory.

Sometimes it might not be such a bad idea to never go home again.

Curry Can Do No Wrong

Stephen Curry almost loses the ball on his dribble before thinking he got foul and heaving up a 3-pointer. The referee’s whistle never blew but it didn’t matter as he still banked in the shot. Thanks to the Phantom Cam, we get to enjoy that and a Curry steal and another 3-pointer in the Golden State Warriors 100-84 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Kawhi Nearly Takes Himself Out With a Dunk

Kawhi Leonard saw enough open space to charge in for a powerful dunk against the Portland Trail Blazers but the physical contact and not quite getting the ball over the rim at first threw off his balance on this scary play. Thankfully he was no worse for wear and we can enjoy the dunk without worrying how long he’ll be out.

Nikola Vucevic Can’t Be Stopped

Nikola Vucevic took the inbound pass but Roy Hibbert was there to take away any space to shoot. Yet somehow Vucevic enough space on his fadeway to hit the game winner over Hibbert to give the Orlando Magic a 101-99 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Zeller’s Gets Gamewinner, Porzingis Nearly Gets His Own

The legend of Kristaps Porzingis almost got a new chapter last night as he hit what looked like a game-winning basket after Cody Zeller had just made the go-ahead basket on the other end.

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However, a review would show that Porzingis’ shot was just a tad late so the Charlotte Hornets’ screen and score for Zeller held as the winning shot in the win over the New York Knicks.