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Lakers defeat Nuggets 99-97 in overtime
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-03 20:50
The Lakers missed the playoffs for the first time since 1994 last season, and
when they beckoned Jackson back, Kobe and Phil appeared to put their differences
aside. Not much was expected of the Lakers this season, but on the first night,
they came out ahead in what is supposed to be a difficult place to win this
season.
On the other bench, Nuggets assistant Scott Brooks fell to 0-2 in his stint
as an interim replacement for George Karl, who served the second game of a
two-game suspension.
The Nuggets probably could have used Karl's expertise in this one, to say
nothing of power forward Nene, who injured his knee Tuesday night in Denver's
opener and will probably miss the rest of the season.
Camby, Anthony and Kenyon Martin played most of the night in foul trouble and
didn't take full advantage of the matchups with Los Angeles' less-talented
frontcourt.
In the end, though, this game came down to Bryant.
Demanding the ball, jawing with refs, ignoring the constant boos that rained
down, he was a picture of confidence. He went 13-for-28 and also finished with
five rebounds and four assists.
Surprisingly, Jackson didn't draw the final play up for him, instead opting
to go to forward Kwame Brown, who had a mismatch on Eduardo Najera. But after
Brown's shot missed and the Lakers got the rebound, it was time for freelancing
and there was no doubt where the ball was going.
Bryant got his shot, sank it, and Jackson walked away a winner in his second
debut with L.A.
Notes:@ The Lakers improved to 32-14 in regular-season openers. ... Earl
Watson, the guard the Nuggets gave a $29 million contract to in the offseason,
didn't play for the second straight night.
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warrant
Nuggets can't hit the 3 in two losses
Pacers to retire Miller's No. 31 in
March
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