That has left some people skeptical of the Bobcats' ability on defense, especially because of how close together Anthony and James' performances were. But the Bobcats are seventh in defensive efficiency, which rates better than contenders such as the Miami Heat, LA Clippers and Houston Rockets.

After the most recent big game, by James on Monday, Bobcats coach Steve Clifford said that the team's defensive philosophy was more to blame than any deficiencies by forwards Michael Kidd-Johnson and Anthony Tolliver.

“Consider the greatness of the player and the sequence of what happened,” Clifford told Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer. “(James) was in the pick-and-roll most of the time, which is where most of his baskets happened. As the ball was released, if you stopped (the video) and said, ‘Can we live with that shot?’ you’d realize MKG and Tolliver did a good job.

“If there’s somebody who could be blamed for that, then blame me. We did change our coverages somewhat (as the game transpired). You could have flat-out doubled him, but then they would have scored 150. (Kidd-Gilchrist and Tolliver) taking heat for that? No. That’s a coaching decision.”

James hit some shots that were impossible to defend. In fact, he started 8-of-8 from the 3-point line and finished the night 8-of-10 from 3. He was 22-of-33 from the field overall.

When James has it going from deep, he becomes deadlier near the basket. And he doesn't need help near the rim, as Clifford pointed out.

“There are many aspects to his greatness,” Clifford said. “The first thing is his ability to get to the basket and finish. I believe, and you can look this up, something like 53 to 54 percent of his makes are at the rim. Going into our game he was 69 percent (shooting at the rim). That’s a thing not many other guys — maybe nobody else — can do, scoring that many of his points at the basket at that percentage. And that doesn’t count how many times he gets fouled.

“The second part is they have 3-point shooting all around him and their corner-3 shooting is through the roof. Because of his incredible passing ability, every time he comes off the pick-and-roll and you commit two guys, he looks first at the roll man for the dunk or then he hits the weakside corner — which is the biggest part of their 3-point shooting.”


COLLINS SIGNED


Jason Collins' second stint with the Brooklyn Nets will last at least 10 more days.

The Nets signed Collins to a second 10-day contract Wednesday, and he was in uniform for their game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Collins became the NBA's first openly gay player when he signed his first deal Feb. 23. Teams can sign players to two 10-day contracts, and then have to sign them for the rest of the season if they want to keep them.

Collins has appeared in all five games since his return, with three points and five rebounds in 36 minutes. The 13-year veteran played for the Nets from 2001-08.


MADE BY KOBE


Kobe Bryant has had some time on his hands as he rehabs from a broken tibia in his left leg.

And, judging from his latest commercial for the Kobe 9s, the Lakers star took some time from that rehab to create the hilarious "Made by Kobe" campaign.

 



A few days ago, Bryant posted a tweet with a piano and the phrase "Made by Kobe." The tweet took folks by surprise because of its cryptic nature, but we now see it was a precursor to the commercial in which Lionel Richie plays the piano to end world war.

And judging by a subsequent Instagram post, there could be more commercials in the works, about pens and light bulbs and Kobe beef, from which his mother drew inspiration for his name.


TRIPLE THREAT


Russell Westbrook posted the fastest triple-double in almost 60 years, posting a stat line of 13 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds in 20 minutes of work.

Westbrook's passing played a part in Kevin Durant's big night, which included 42 points and nine rebounds.

Jim Tucker came up with a triple-double in 17 minutes in 1955.

 


BARBOSA INJURY


Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa, who entered this season fresh off an ACL tear, suffered another bad break when he fractured his hand in a Tuesday loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The team announced the injury.

Barbosa was hurt when he tried to take a charge from Clippers guard Chris Paul. The injury will not require surgery, but no timetable has been set for his return.

Barbosa has been counted on to provide offense in the absence of Eric Bledsoe, who went down with a torn meniscus. He has done that on some level, averaging 7.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 20 games for the Suns.

Contributors: DeAntae Prince, The Associated Press