Lakers Machine Like As They Rip Raptors 112-99

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

If next June comes down to a repeat of the 2008 NBA Finals (and to say any trends have been established before the campaign is 20 games old is ludicrous) the Los Angeles Lakers when they are playing at their best they just might have a “Big Three” to rival the celebrated trio from Boston. Sunday night was one of those nights as Pau Gasol scored a game high 24 points, Kobe Bryant added 23 more, and center Andrew Bynum had a double-double as the Lakers beat the Toronto Raptors 112-99. Los Angeles shot 51.1% (47-92) from the floor for the game as the handily defeated the team from north of the border.

Both teams shot well in the first quarter, but the Lakers were just a little better leading 34-29 at the end of the period. The Raptors would pull within 1 point a couple of times early in the second, but Los Angeles regained the momentum and were up 61-51 at the half. L.A. came out strong to start the third and looked as if they were on their way to a rout. Toronto however struck back in the periods final moments, and cut their deficit back to single digits, trailing 90-81 at the end of the quarter. Roko Ukic drove the lane for the Raptors and laid the ball up and in to get his club within 6 points at 90-84 with 10:30 remaining in the game. The Lakers would however score 6 unanswered points, putting them ahead 96-84 with 8:27 left. Toronto never threatened the rest of the contest.

Pau Gasol led the way with 24 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, in the Los Angeles victory. Kobe Bryant added 23 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal. Andrew Bynum recorded a double-double, 18 points, 10 boards, 1 assist, 1 steal. Trevor Ariza came off the bench and had 14 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block.

Anthony Parker was the leading scorer for the Raptors as he had 19 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 block. Andrea Bargnani recorded a double-double, 14 points, 11 boards, 4 blocks, Jose Calderon also was credited with a double-double, 12 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal. Chris Bosh added 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, Jamario Moon put in 11 points, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 rebound, 1 block. Jason Kapono came off the bench with 11 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound. Los Angeles have won their last 7 straight games and have a 14-1 record, Toronto falls to 8-8.

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