NBA Update: The Lakers stay undefeated with a win over the Kings 112-110
The Los Angeles gave the Sacramento Kings a very tough opening as they stood face to face last night in Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA. They lead the game by 112-110. Among a large audience of 16,113 was also present the state governor of California, Arnold
Schwarzenegger which was very encouraging for both the teams.
Kobe Bryant was the leading player of the match as he scored his season high score that included 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. This really helped the Lakers to get in flow with the game and gave a tough time to the Kings.
Bryant gave his 17th career triple double since January 1, 2009. He was gone for a long time after his knee injury but he made it this time.
“I just feel better. I feel fine,” Bryant said beaming with joy.
“I’m 100 percent.”
The Kings had not yet committed a foul until Tyreke did in the 7:13 point of the second quarter. It seems like Tyreke wasn’t satisfied with his first foul because he committed four more fouls in a span of only three short minutes.
Bryant took advantage of the fouls, scoring four points with the first foul. However, the second and third ones were shooting fouls. It was the fortunate span of those four fouls by Evans that Los Angeles outscored the Sacramento Kings by 30-16. It became
essential to make Evans sit back for some time when he gave his fourth foul.
Sacramento Kings had been very hopeful when they had won three out of four games in the beginning of the season. This was the best start for them in the seven years. Both the teams had been in the top contenders for titles but the Kings were not prepared
to face the Lakers like this.
The Kings had been thinking that may be beating Cleveland, Toronto and Minnesota would be enough practice to beat the Lakers, but the Lakers proved them wrong. They forgot that they were going to face the two time defending NBA champions.
“The Lakers don’t even know who we are right now,” said Paul Westphal from the opposition.
“We would like to build rivalry with the best team in the world… We have got to win some games before there’s a rivalry. They are where we want to be.” But to do so, the Kings must have a lot of practice and strength because it is quite a big challenge
that they are giving out.
There came a turning point in the game when there were only six minutes left in the first half of the game. The Lakers were lagging 45-42 and that’s when everyone was surprised to go on a 20-8 run that closed the half cap. After that, the buzzer rang and
it turned the game totally into the direction of the Lakers, not that it was not heading there before but still.
Bryant took special advantage of the last four seconds, played a defensive rebound, and fired a dazzling downcourt to Barnes.
This turning point proved to be very successful for the Lakers as they took the lead 62-53 and never looked back in the match again.
The Lakers have been having a very good season as they have an average of scoring 107 points in every game. Their records with the Kings are also highly impressive as they have passed the ball only six times.
“It’s just picking up where we left off,” said the coach of the winning team Phil Jackson.
“Kind of generating energy from the championship season, going out with a lot of knowledge of what we want to do.”
Evans won 21 points for the Sacramento Kings whereas Francisco Garcia, Carl Landy and Beno Udrih scored 17 each.
The Lakers were worried in the third quarter when their player Odom felt pain in his left hand and he shrieked with the intensity of it. He was later playing again as the training staff checked him and was declared fit to play again quickly. After that,
he made a 3 pointer proving that he was in his perfect form.
Bryant was in the limelight throughout the game and with his first three pointer for the Lakers he took the scoring load. He was successful in passing the ball over to his team later on as well. He took six assists in the very first quarter and in doing
so he really made a day for his team.
“He’s the best player in the game right now,” Landry said referring to Bryant.
“He went out there and played hard, carried his team throughout the night and gave them the win.”
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