Kobe Bryant scores 26; Los Angeles Lakers down Memphis Grizzlies 90-82: NBA Recap
Playing at the Staples Centre, after a much needed break, the Los Angeles Lakers put in a professional shift to carve out a win over the short handed Memphis Grizzlies.
The Lakers went ahead early and were able to thwart the Grizzlies attempts at a surge, clinching the 90 – 82 win as a result. They were once again led by super star Kobe Bryant. The shooting guard was in fine form on the night,
scoring a game high 26 points and laying on 9 assists, also a game high.
The Lakers also saw impressive performances from the frontline, with three players recording double-doubles. Centre Andrew Bynum had 15 rebounds and 15 rebounds, power forward Pau Gasol had 13 points and 15 rebounds while small
forward Matt Barnes scored 15 and grabbed 10 boards.
Rudy g*y was most prolific for the Grizzlies with 19 points. There were also some impressive play from Marreese Speights, who scored 17 points and grabbed 7 boards, and O.J. Mayo, who had 15 points on the night.
The game was slow early on but picked up pace when the Lakers streaked 8 – 2. Memphis did well to keep the scores close as the first quarter progressed but Los Angeles ended it with a 9 – 2 spurt, taking a 31 – 22 lead into the
next period.
The second quarter was fast paced and both teams showed good execution on offence. They combined for 49 points overall, with Los Angeles scoring 25 and 24 came from the Grizzlies. That though went in the home teams favour because
their opponents were unable to close the gap, going into the interval at 56 – 46.
It was more of the same after the break. The Grizzlies huffed and puffed, trying to cut their deficit, but Los Angeles were too cautious and composed to let it happen. The teams matched each other pretty much shot for shot and
the third ended with the Lakers maintaining their double digit lead at 78 – 68.
The final quarter was hard fought as both sides turned the heat up on defence. Memphis set about the job of reining in Los Angeles but never truly threatened to do so, coming as close as 5 points at one occasion. Los Angeles though
were able to hold on and in the end finished comfortably at 90 – 82.
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