More NBA

In an earlier post I mentioned Josh Smith's strong line from last night. ESPN's Jon Barry agreed:

"Hawks forward Josh Smith: Even though his team lost by 13 to the Nuggets, Smith had 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks and 4 steals to become the first player since Hakeem Olajuwon to have a stat line of at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks, and 4 steals in a single game."

- That's pretty good company to keep.

More from the Barry's Daily Dime:

"That's the first time I've put the ice on and had to come back out and play. It's almost like Red Auerbach smoking the cigar." - Kobe Bryant, whose Lakers led the Rockets by 27 points -- 93-66 -- with 9:45 left. Coach Phil Jackson pulled Bryant 3 minutes later and Bryant figured his night was over, icing the knees after icing two 3s. But it wasn't.

- Is it okay for Bryant to reference Red? It's done in a respectful way but it still feels like blasphemy.

Finally, SI.com's Kelly Dwyer mentions Celtics struggles in passing, "Anyone making excuses for the disappointing Celtics..." as he gives some credit to the Atlanta Hawks and coach Mike Woodson.

- The Celtics are 7-13 and the Hawks are 8-12. But Boston has played a softer schedule thus far.