The Round Up - January 18th, 2013.

Matt Strasen/AP Photo

Stats Rundown

Kevin Durant is simply unstoppable. The Thunder swing-man scored a career high 52 points (13 of 31), grabbed 9 boards and stole two basketballs. His partner, Russell Westbrook had 31 points (12 of 26), 6 rebounds and 6 dimes against the Dallas Mavericks. This game was supposed to be over by halftime, but the resilient Mavericks came back in the 4th quarter, powered Dirk Nowitzki's 12 points, to outscore the Thunder 33 to 24 in that period to force over time. Down three, with 6 seconds left on the clock, Rick Carlisle drew up a beautiful play for a OJ Mayo basket that led to free basketball. But KD would prove to be too much for Dallas to handle, as he seals the game with a dagger that coincidentally resembled a shot he made in the last postseason.

Vinsanity: This is insane, because Vince Carter, who is approximately 3,000 years old dropped 29 points (10 of 17) on the Thunder and even got a vintage routine dunk on the big man of the opposing team. What a trip down memory lane.

This is exactly why you don't play Kendrick Perkins late in the game.

Rookie Watch: The Washington Wizards are good now guys, seriously. Ever since John Wall returned to the team, they have won the last 3 of their 4 games. The best part is that he makes Bradley Beal even better. The rookie shooting guard had 23 points (8 of 13), 3 rebounds and 4 assists in the victory over the Denver Nuggets at home.

Honorable Mention: To Ty Lawson's 6 assists, 2 steals and 29 points (11 of 16), 23 of which came in the third quarter, where the little man from UNC exploded for 23 points, knocking down all nine of his field goal attempts. Too bad John Wall rejected your game winning field goal attempt.

Time Machine User: Did you know that Tim Duncan has never lost a home game against the Golden State Warriors? The Spurs are 28-0 and Tim Duncan added another win to the total last night with his 24 points (9 of 16), 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks to keep the streak alive.

Fast Pace(r): Paul George of the Indiana Pacers scored 18 of his total 31 points (11 of 19) in the first quarter, to match the exact same amount Houston had in the same period of time. The man with two first names also got 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and legitimate considerations for a spot in the All Star reserves.

Oh Canada: You can always count on the Toronto Raptors to crumble in the second half. Up 17 points at halftime, the Raptors came out into the third scoring 13 points while allowing the Philadelphia 76ers to an easy 29 points. Jrue Holiday added another strong performance to his All Star campaign, going for a career high tying 33 points on 13 of 23 shots, 5 rebounds, 14 assists and 3 steals in the overtime victory. He scored the team's final 14 points, including 12 in overtime. Where would the Sixers be without him?

FROLO: Your Andrew Bynum hair update. It is okay to be frightened. (Via: @Ez_mo_bee)

Two Horns: With the win against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden, this marks the fifth time in the last 8 games, where both Carlos Boozer (19 and 20) and Joakim Noah (14 and 13) recorded a double double. This game was close from the start to the finish. Despite Rajon Rondo's 30 points on 12 of 21 shots and 7 assists, the Bulls pulled it out in overtime thanks to some late game heroics. In the final seconds of the game, Kirk Hinrich knocked down a jumper to force overtime. Even though Marco Bellinelli almost lost the game for the Bulls with a terrible possession, he redeemed himself by hitting the a tough turn around fade-away for the win. The Bulls are still undefeated on Fridays.

Rondo is shocked. (Via: @CorkGaines)

Highlights

Trick Tricks: Marc Gasol fooled the Kings into believing the basketball disappeared.

Grave Digging: Brook Lopez is just asking for death with transition defense like that. I am glad Josh Smith granted his request.