Gilbert Arenas back in starting lineup

The AP reports: Gilbert Arenas was listed in the starting lineup Thursday night for the Washington Wizards, who needed a spark after going down 0-2 in their playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The three-time All-Star started for the first time since Nov. 16, his last game before having a second surgery on his left knee. He missed 66 straight games and had been used as a reserve since returning late in the regular season.

Ron Artest has left thumb surgery

Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest underwent successful surgery today to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.  Dr. Michelle Carlson performed the procedure at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Artest will wear a removable splint for six weeks and return to full basketball activities in approximately eight to 10 weeks.

Former NBA referee Darell Garretson dies

The AP reports: Darell Garretson, the longtime NBA referee who also directed the league’s officiating staff, has died. He was 76. The National Basketball Referees Association said Wednesday that Garretson died Monday at his Mesa home. The union said Garretson’s health had been in decline following surgery and various illnesses… Garretson began his career as an NBA referee in 1967.

Apr. 23: Lakers 122, Nuggets 107

The AP reports: Kobe Bryant had 49 points and 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 122-107 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series… Bryant, who was 18-for-27 from the field and finished one point off his career playoff high, scored 20 points in the first quarter to get the Lakers off to a fast start, and 19 over the last seven minutes to keep them safely ahead… Pau Gasol added 18 points and 10 rebounds and Luke Walton scored 18 points for the Lakers. Lamar Odom, hampered by foul trouble throughout the second half, was held to four points, four rebounds and six assists, but in the end it didn’t matter. Allen Iverson had 31 points and six assists to lead the Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony added 23 points, J.R. Smith had a career playoff high 21 and Marcus Camby had 17 rebounds for Denver. Kenyon Martin, who fouled out with 5:47 remaining, scored 10 points… Linas Kleiza made just his 14th start of the season in place of Anthony Carter, giving Denver more firepower and additional size.