FP - Boomers' centre Andrew Bogut has had his injury-enforced absence extended, as his Golden State Warriors downed Houston 102-99 on Thursday.
The impressive big man has missed six straight games with a shoulder injury, his first injury-related stint on the sidelines this season, though coach Mark Jackson doesn't consider the matter too serious.
"Hopefully he doesn't (need) much more time, but obviously it's something that is requiring treatment, rest and most importantly daily treatment from our training staff," Jackson said.
"But I wouldn't consider it major at all."
Bogut's absence was negated by a monster performance from his front-court partner-in-time David Lee.
The power forward finished with 28 points and 14 rebounds in the crucial win over western conference rivals the Rockets.
Meanwhile, LeBron James scored a game-high 33 points despite having his nose bloodied and being knocked to the floor in the fourth quarter of Miami's 103-81 victory at Oklahoma City.
The two-time defending champion Heat avenged a 112-95 loss to the Thunder last month in Miami, trailing only 66 seconds in the entire game but still having cause for worry when James went down.
James, who made 15-of-22 shots from the floor in 33 minutes, dribbled up the middle past a defensive double team midway into the fourth quarter when he was struck by Thunder big man Serge Ibaka.
Laying dazed for most of the next minute, blood was visible on the court and when James rolled over it became clear his nose had been bloodied.
"He got hit pretty good," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
James passed a concussion test and a doctor examined James' nose and found it was not broken.
James added seven rebounds and four steals, sparking Miami to an early lead with solid offensive and defensive efforts.
"LeBron set the tone with his game," Chris Bosh said.
James' performance dismissed the idea that NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant of the Thunder was going to be a runaway winner of this year's MVP award.
"It was flawless," Wade said. "He was aggressive. Defensively he was able to be in the passing lanes. He played a great game and that's what we needed from our leader."
