Slam Dunk Central

Golden State Warriors point guard Baron Davis put on a spectacular show as he ignited a late rally, enabling the Warriors to come from behind to escape with a 108-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers before a record crowd at Oracle Arena - 20,705 to be exact, which would make tonight’s game the largest attendance-based game in the state of California.The Lakers would shoot well during the first half, holding a 54-47 halftime lead. Both teams scored plenty in the third period, with Golden State outscoring Los Angeles 36-31, giving the Lakers a narrow 85-83 advantage. Los Angeles had an 8-point lead with 3 1/2 minutes left in the game, but Davis led the Warriors back with 2 free throws, a 3-pointer and a layup by Stephen Jackson with 1:54 left before the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant injured himself. Los Angeles’ Derek Fisher made a free throw after Bryant left, but Golden State’s Andris Biedrins tipped in Monta Ellis’ miss to put Golden State ahead 105-104 with 1:03 left.

After the Lakers’ Lamar Odom missed a jumper, Davis took the ball to the other end, making a key 3-pointer with 16.8 seconds left. Bryant would return but missed a 3-pointer before Odom scored the Lakers’ final basket. Odom drew a foul then rebounded his own missed free throw, but Ellis stole the ball with 4 seconds left, sealing the deal for Golden State. Golden State was led by Davis and Al Harrington with 22 points each; Jackson added 20 and 8 rebounds while Ellis chipped in with 19.

Los Angeles was led by Bryant with a quiet 21 point effort, while Odom added 18 wth 15 rebounds and 5 assists. Andrew Bynum poured in 17 while grabbing 16 rebounds, while Fisher chipped in with 16. Golden State (13-10) flies to Detroit to take on the Pistons Sunday afternoon, while Los Angeles (13-9) returns home to participate in the Battle of Los Angeles as they host the Los Angeles Clippers - also on Sunday.