Slam Dunk Central

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant made a visit to his hometown, Philadelphia, to take on the Philadelphia 76ers; Bryant did get one thing out of the visit - he got a win under his belt.  But Bryant wasn’t the main reason; actually, it was forward Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum who provided the clutch shots when needed the most; they led the Lakers to a tight, 106-101 win over the 76ers Friday night.  Not even the pre-game ceremony honoring Julius Erving - Dr. J to those who weren’t following the Sixers back in the 80’s - and Philadelphia’s 1983 championship team being honored couldn’t lift the 76ers tonight.

The Sixers managed to keep up with the Lakers, with the highlight being an Andre Miller steal; he passed the ball to Andre Iguodala who in turn got an assist by passing the ball to a streaking Willie Green who slammed the ball home.  Philadelphia would take into the third quarter a 56-53 lead.   Los Angeles’ Derek Fisher scored 8 straight points during a 10-0 run late in the third quarter that put the Lakers ahead and helped them take an 84-81 lead into the final quarter.

Philadelphia pulled into within 5 late in the game, but Bryant sank 3 free throws - the result of being fouled on a 3-point attempt - that put the Lakers up for good 99-91.  Los Angeles was led by Bynum with a career-high 24 points and 11 rebounds; Odom and Fisher added 21 each, with Odom also grabbing 11 boards.  Bryant added 19 in a winning effort.  Philadelphia’s leading scorer was Miller with 21 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists; Iguodala pitched in with 20 along with 4 rebounds and 9 assists, while Green chipped in with 16.  Los Angeles (16-10) travels a very short distance to New York City to take on the Knicks Sunday afternoon, while Philadelphia (10-16) flies to Tennessee to take on the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday.

Stumble it!