SCOREBOARD
Saturday, April 7
Denver at L.A. Clippers (10:30 p.m. EDT) The Clippers have won seven of eight and are hanging on to a playoff spot.
STARS
Thursday
-Tony Parker, Spurs, scored 35 points to lead San Antonio to a 92-85 win over Phoenix.
-Antoine Walker and Shaquille O’Neal, Heat, scored 20 points apiece to help Miami ensure itself a playoff spot with a 94-90 overtime victory at Cleveland.
NO AGENT ZERO
Washington’s Gilbert Arenas is essentially done for the season after having surgery Thursday for a left knee injury that will sideline him for two to three months. Even the most optimistic scenario has him coming back only if the Wizards manage to make the NBA finals without him.
THE HEAT ARE IN
Miami qualified for the NBA playoffs Thursday night by beating Cleveland 94-90 in overtime. The Heat overcame injuries to Dwyane Wade (dislocated shoulder) Shaquille O’Neal (knee surgery), Jason Williams (knee and stomach problems), Jason Kapono (sprained ankle) and even lost coach Pat Riley for 22 games because of operations on his knee and hip.
THIS IS OUR HOUSE
San Antonio beat Phoenix 92-85 Thursday night for its seventh straight home win over the Suns.
SPEAKING
“My worst nightmare was to win a championship, and then not make the playoffs the following year. We’re in, but we’re shooting for much higher things.” – Miami coach Pat Riley after the defending champions qualified for the NBA playoffs with a 94-90 overtime win at Cleveland.
