Reasons to Love the NBA!

Last night's NBA schedule featured returning superstars, quite a few sick plays, amazing stats and of course plenty of great NBA action. There's nothin but love from around the NBA...

TJ Ford returned from his second neck injury. He's been away for quite a bit after that nasty fall he took on the layup against the Hawks. Despite coming off the bench and only scoring 4 points, Ford's Raptors beat the Heat. TJ also had a great highlight with a baseline drive and dunk. Raptors win 114-82.

Corey Maggette and Chris Kaman both returned from cases of the flu to help the Clippers bring the Knicks down with the sickness, 103-94.

Allen Iverson had two top 10 shots, both buzzer beater types. The first was nearly half court, running with time expiring. The second was more crucial as it won the game for the Nuggets in OT.

J-Rich had an amazing dunk as he drove underneath the basket jumped up, cocked the ball and the reverse dunked on the rim. Gotta see it to believe it. Despite the play, J-Rich's Cats were outdone by Phoenix.

Josh Smith had an incredible game nearing a triple double with 17 points scoring. What was most incredible was the 9 blocks and 9 rebounds. According to Rick Kamla on Fantasy Hoops nobody really achieves those stats these days, making Smith one of the most unique players around. Smith also had a top highlight play as he did an around the back dribble move to elude defenders then hit a no look pass to his teammate down low for the score. Hawks rallied to beat the Sixers.

The 4 competitors for the NBA All-Star skills challenge were also announced. D-Wade will defend his title from last year against Jason Kidd, Deron Williams and New Orleans' hometown hero, Chris Paul.

Chris Kamla of NBA TV listed his 5 teams who could play spoilers in the Playoffs:

1)Jazz - last year's playoff run, great inside play
2)Lakers - Kobe, Kobe, Kobe, bench & Pasol
3)Nuggets - AI + Melo = win unless Spurs is the opponent
4)Hornets - Chris Paul continues to excel
5)Magic - playoff experience w/dominant Howard

Check out NBA.com if you haven't seen some of the amazing plays from last night's NBA games!