Lakers Blot Out Suns 122-115

Kobe Bryant scored a game high 38 points Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom each had a double-double as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns Christmas day 122-115. Phoenix lost the game despite having 7 players score in double figures including Steve Nash, and Shawn Marion each with a double-double. With the win the Lakers now trail first place Phoenix by just one game in the NBA’s Pacific Division.

This game was tightly fought as there were 22 ties, and 30 times the lead changed hands. Phoenix led after the first quarter by the slimmest of margins, 26-25, and the two teams were tied as they went to their respective locker rooms at the half 62-62. Los Angeles led at the end of three quarters 92-89, but the game was still in doubt until about the 4:20 mark of the final period. With Phoenix trailing by 6, Bryant hit a “J” and on the next series was fouled and both at the line, putting the Lakers up 110-100. Phoenix never really was able get back into the game after that.

Bryant had a good night shooting, 12-20 from the floor including 1 trey, and went 13-14 at the line for his game high 38 points, he also had 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals. Bynum scored 28 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, Odom scored 15 points, a game high 14 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block. Derek Fisher scored 19 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and Trevor Ariza scored 14 points, 7 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block.

Nash shot 8-18 from the field, 5-11 from outside the arc, 3-4 at the charity stripe for 24 points, a game high 14 assists, 3 steals, 2 rebounds, 1 block. Amare Stoudemire scored 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, Shawn Marion scored 15 points, 10 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal. Raja Bell also scored 15 points, 2 steals, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, Grant Hill 14 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal. Leandro Barbosa scored 10 points off the bench, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and Brian Skinner also came off the bench to score 10 points, 4 boards, 3 blocks, 1 assist. Los Angeles improves to 18-10, while Phoenix is 19-9.