Apr

12

Kobe’s 29 Helps Lakers Edge Hornets 107-104, Clinches Division

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under Main 

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, in Friday’s game against the New Orleans Hornets, made it a priority to ensure that his team would win the game and perhaps more importantly, the Pacific Division.? Bryant did more than his share, scoring 29 points as Los Angeles almost blew a 30-point lead, edging New Orleans 107-104.? The win ensured that the Lakers will be seeded no lower than third - meaning they will host a first round playoff series.

The Lakers benefited from some hot shooting as they?held a 63-33 lead late in the second quarter, but Chris Paul and the Hornets regrouped, outscoring the Lakers 36-10 to move to within 4 points with 3:51 left in the third period; Bryant would score 10 points during a Los Angeles 17-6 run that extended their lead to 92-77 with 9:25 left in the game.? But New Orleans would rebound again, outscoring Los Angeles 12-1 to draw to wihin 4 points; however, Sasha Vujacic made a trey to give the Lakers a 7-point lead.?

But New Orleans’ Peja Stojakovic reduced?Los Angeles’ lead to 96-95 with 3:58 remaining, but the Lakers’ Ronnie Turiaf then made 2 free throws, Derek Fisher would make a 3-pointer and Bryant would make a foul shot to give Los Angeles a 7-point lead with 2:39 left to go; New Orleans wouldn’t get any closer than 5 after that ?point.? Los Angeles was led by the aforementioned Bryant with 29 points, including 3three-pointers, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals while Pau Gasol scored 25 with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks; Fisher added 15, including 3 treys, 6 assists and a steal.

New Orleans was led by Stojakovic with 24 points, including 6 treys, 3 rebounds, an assist and a steal while Tyson Chandler scored 18 with 8 rebounds; Jannero Pargo added 17 with 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a block while Paul chipped in with 15 along with 6 rebounds, 17 assists and 4 steals.? Los Angeles (55-25) continues their homestand as they host the San Antonio Spurs Sunday while New Orleans (55-24) flies north to Sacramento to take on the Kings Saturday.



Comments

One Response to “Kobe’s 29 Helps Lakers Edge Hornets 107-104, Clinches Division”

  1. Eric on April 12th, 2008 8:20 pm

    Lakers with a tough fought win.Good job

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