The Roberts Roundball Report

NBA Star Search (Jan.26th): James vs. Wade Steals the Show

There were nine games on Monday night, starting off the NBA week in style, as five of them went down to the wire.

The best of which, was a hyped duel between LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, a match that did not disappoint.

Remember, the criteria for this list is to hit or exceed 30 points, 15 rebounds, 15 assists, or 5+ blocks or steals. This list is also friendly to rookies who drop in stellar performances.

For a preview on the rest of this week’s top games, go here.

As for the fantasy side of things, read on to see which players did well enough to get the spotlight placed on them after stellar performances on Monday night:

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Miami Heat

The Cav’s notched their 35th victory of the season behind a solid performance by LeBron James, as he scored 32 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while also coming through in the clutch with the game’s deciding free throws.

Dwayne Wade lived up to his end of the bargain in a star-studded contest, as well, as he dropped in 32 points in a losing effort, while grabbing 10 boards (alert the double-double police), and dishing out five assists.

L.A. Clippers @ Boston Celtics

Boston’s Kendrick Perkins had a stellar day cleaning the glass, grabbing 15 rebounds, while blocking two shots and pouring in nine points.

Rajon Rondo didn’t reach the lucky number in assists, but his 12 are definitely worth noting, as well as his four steals. Dude’s quick.

Orlando Magic @ Memphis Grizzlies

The Magic let another game they should have won get away from them, but that didn’t stop Dwight Howard from making this list, as he recorded a double-double with 27 points and 15 boards. Oh, and six blocked shots, well, that’s just amazing.

Zach Randolph continues to be a huge reason why Memphis is well above .500, as he recorded a double-double of his own, grabbing 19 boards, while chipping in with 23 points. The guy even hit a three-pointer.

Chicago Bulls @ San Antonio Spurs

DeJuan Blair makes the list with some impressive numbers for a rookie. He scored a pedestrian eight points, but grabbed 11 rebounds, with eight of them being on the offensive end.

Kirk Hinrich (18 points) and Derrick Rose (27) were on all night though, as the surging Bulls downed the Spurs.

Phoenix Suns @ Utah Jazz

The Suns dropped their 20th game of the season much sooner than they would have liked to, but they sure looked good doing it.

Steve Nash recorded a very usual 15 points and 15 assists, while back-up point guard Goran Dragic had a career night, pouring in 32 points off of 10-13 shooting (6-7 from three).

Carlos Boozer had an elite double-double with 21 points and 20 boards, as the Jass ran away with the win. Deron Williams also chipped in a double-double of his own, scoring 18 points and dishing out 11 assists.

Charlotte Bobcats @ Denver Nuggets

Chris Anderson played stellar defense in just 19 minutes for the victorious Nuggets, as he laid five rejections out against the Bobcats, while grabbing five rebounds.

Chauncey Billups also stood out, recoding a double-double with 27 points and 11 assists. Arron Affalo had a break-out game with 24 points on 9-11 shooting (6-7 from three), while also helping the flow of the offense with seven dimes.

New Orleans Hornets @ Portland Trailblazers

Chris Paul was his usual stud-self, as he stole five passes while recording yet another double-double, with 24 points and 12 assists.

Rookie guard Marcus Thornton continued his consistent play, as he scored 19 points on 8-12 shooting from the floor.