Let it fly

While TNT televised the Los Angeles Clippers' 48-point rout of the Lakers in its Thursday doubleheader … Phoenix's guard Gerald Green's scored a career-high 41 points in Thursday's sizzling 128-122 home victory over Oklahoma City that so very few people saw.

The Suns needed the comeback victory in their pursuit of the playoffs, especially considering they play 14 of their final 21 games on the road.

"I'm not trying to be selfish, but I want it every time," Green told reporters after he made six three-pointers and scored 25 points in the third quarter alone. "I'm not afraid to take big shots. I'm not afraid to take any type of shots. I want to embrace those shots. I don't think I've earned the right to do that yet. I'm still trying to prove myself to this team and this league. "

A loss like no other

The Lakers' 48-point loss Thursday beat by two the franchise record for most lopsided loss: The Lakers lost 129-83 at Portland in 1995. The franchise's worst home loss was by 39 points to Boston in 1960, its last season in Minneapolis before the team moved to L.A.

"Clearly, you like the bragging rights," Clippers coach Doc Rivers told reporters after beating the team the Clippers share a city and an arena with.

Why we can't be friends?

Indiana's Paul George last week said he'd like to spend time this summer learning from LeBron James, who in turn said he'd be willing to mentor the Pacers' blossoming star.

Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley is one guy who doesn't like the idea, no sir.

"Paul George, I like you," Barkley said. "You're a great player, but you can't say you want to be mentored by LeBron James. That's wrong. I love Michael Jordan like a brother, but I would never ask [Jordan] for advice on how to beat him. Same with Larry Bird. I admire and respect him, so I would never ask him for advice. You should want to beat your friends more than anybody."