Five Stars: Around the NBA

First Star

Chris Paul (LAC) 32.1

In the 10 games played last night, the Clippers perennial all-star point guard was tops in the NBA. Paul played a game-high 35:55, and led all players with points (32) and with assists (nine). He shot 10-for-13 from the field, sinking five of his six attempts from outside. He also enjoyed success from the foul stripe, draining seven-of-eight. He added five boards and two steals, along with three turnovers and three fouls as the Clippers topped the Phoenix Suns by a 120-107 final. He finished the night at plus-16, helping push Los Angeles to 5-3.

Check out Clips Nation for more on the Clippers.

Second Star

Jimmy Butler (CHI) 27.9

The second star of the night was earned in a losing effort, as the Pacers set down the Bulls 99-90. Jimmy Butler played a game-high 40:59 on the night, making 10-of-17 field goals. He made 11-of-14 free throws and one of his two three-pointers. He would add six total rebounds (tying for the team lead with four other Bulls), along with two steals, an assist and a block. He ended up with 32 points while finishing with a plus-3 rating on the night.

Blogabull has your Bulls news.

Third Star

LeBron James (CLE) 27.2

On just another night for the King, James helped the Cavs earn their fourth straight win by scoring 32 points with six rebounds and seven assists. He made 13-of-20 from the field while playing for 28:54 in the 127-94 blowout win over the Atlanta Hawks. He also was successful on four-of-five from outside, made two free throws, and added a block on the defensive end for good measure. He finished the game at plus-14.

Coming off a back-to-back I didn't want us to have a slow start. I feel like the guys feed off my energy and I wanted to go out and be aggressive and see where it takes us. It got us to a huge lead. - James, totally not taking credit for everyone else, too.

Fear the Sword has everything else you need to know about the Cavaliers.

Fourth Star

Kevin Martin (MIN) 26.3

Kevin Martin averaged over a point per minute, and led the entire NBA last night with 34 points in 28:40 as the T-Wolves dropped a 131-117 decision to the Dallas Mavericks. He made 12-of-17 shots, all six of his free throws, and four-of-six shots from deep. He would add three rebounds and an assist to go along with one turnover and three fouls. He also finished with a game-worst minus-21 rating, but we won't hold that against him.

It's amazing how things can change in a week in the NBA. Things can change for us on the positive side. We've just got to stick with it. - Martin, staying optimistic about the 2-7 Timberwolves.

For more on the Wolves, go to Canis Hoopus.

Fifth Star

Damian Lillard (POR) 24.7

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 97-87 last night, led by Lillard. He earned a double-double, scoring 28 points on eight-of-14 from the field, four-of-six from outside, and eight-of-nine from the line. He collected five rebounds and dished out 10 assists on the night. He also made four turnovers and two personal fouls, finishing the night at plus-2.

That's it for the off-day Five Stars. Join us tonight as the Heat try to get back in the drivers seat against the vastly improved Milwaukee Bucks.