Kobe’s 14 Fourth Quarter Points Elevate Lakers Past Nuggets 104-97

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

The Denver Nuggets were looking for a offensive booster shot from forward Carmelo Anthony; against the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday night, the offensive booster shot came from guard Kobe Bryant. Bryant’s 14 fourth-quarter points helped Los Angeles escape from Pepsi Center with a 104-97 victory over Denver.

The Nuggets perhaps were a victim of being a bit tired as they arrived in Denver late after a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday while the Lakers watched the Nuggets-Clippers game from their hotel rooms. Then there was Anthony; he was rusty after a two-game suspension and it showed, although he did score 11 points in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets’ newfound emphasis on defense seemed to work as they held the Lakers to 38% shooting, but as would happen tonight, the offense sputtered, shooting 45.9% from the floor and only 70% (21-of-30).

Los Angeles’ high scorer was the aforementioned Bryant with a game-high 33 points, along with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while Pau Gasol added 16 with 16 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and 2 blocked shots; Denver was led by Anthony Carter with 20 points, along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists while Kenyon Martin added 18 with 5 rebounds, 2 steals and a blocked shot. Los Angeles (3-0) will look to extend their current winning streak to 4 as they return home to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in a rematch which occurred last Wednesday while Denver (1-2) travels to Oakland to face the Golden State Warriors – also on Wednesday.

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