Spencer Hawes Ties Career High with 24

In what seems to be a continuing theme young players playing well, Kings center Spencer Hawes tied his career-high with 24 points on Saturday, adding nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks in a loss to the Rockets. Hawes was 10-of-16 from the field and even made his first 3-pointers of the season, going 2-of-3 from downtown. The Kings have reportedly been shopping around for another center (rumors linked them to Samuel Dalembert) but hopefully a few more games like this will curb that impulse.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Portland: Trail Blazers guard/forward Martell Webster started Saturday’s game over Andre Miller, finishing with a season-high 21 points 13 rebounds in only 31 minutes of work. Webster made 7-of-13 FGs and 4-of-7 three-pointers, with two assists, one turnover and seems to have landed a starting role in Portland Trail Blazers.

Chicago: Bulls PG Derrick Rose broke out for a season-high 28 points against the Nuggets on Saturday, making 11-of-20 FGs and 6-of-7 FTs with six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Rose continues to struggle with turnovers, committing five more on Saturday, and defense but no argument came be made against his offensive talent.

Denver: Nuggets SF Carmelo Anthony continued his stellar play while scoring 30 points on Saturday as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Bulls for their 15th consecutive home victory. Melo has scored 30+ points in nine of his first 13 games this season and appears to be a threat to win the scoring title.

San Antonio: San Antonio Spurs PG Tony Parker returned from a sprained ankle on Saturday, scoring 17 points, grabbing six rebounds and handing out eight assists in 32 minutes of play. Parker appeared to be playing well and not showing any ill effects from the injury.

Milwaukee: Bucks rookie guard Brandon Jennings scored 26 points on Saturday (24 of them coming in the second half) as the Bucks defeated the Grizzlies and improved their record to 8-3.

Detroit: Pistons G Ben Gordon scored 25 points in an overtime loss to the Jazz on Saturday, going 10-of-20 from the field, 2-of-4 from downtown, and 3-of-4 from the FT line. He added five rebounds, three assists and two steals, which is icing on the cake for Detroit’s explosive scoring guard. And after sitting out nearly all of the fourth quarter on Thursday, he logged 47 minutes in this game.

Utah: Jazz F Paul Millsap needed five stitches to close a gash above his right eye sustained during Saturday’s game, though he returned and played 34 minutes. Millsap, who had just four points (2-of-6 FGs), four rebounds and two steals, shouldn’t be in danger of missing any games.

Houston: Rockets forward Carl Landry scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 25 minutes against the Kings on Saturday. Landry made 6-of-8 FGs and 8-of-8 FTs, building on his recent string of excellent performances. He even blocked a shot, ending his block-less streak at three games.