World Events

Stars

China

Basketball

Soccer

Tennis

N.America

Olympics

Lakers rally from 15-point deficit to beat Knicks

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-17 17:50

LOS ANGELES - Kobe Bryant scored 28 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers rally from a 15-point halftime deficit to edge the New York Knicks 116-114 on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Lakers' Sun Yue of China (R) and Kobe Bryant watch their NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks in Los Angeles December 16, 2008. [Agencies]

New York shocked the Lakers by taking a 65-50 lead at the midway stage but the Lakers out-scored the Knicks 66-49 in the second half to subdue the visitors, who slipped to 11-14 with their second straight defeat.

"It was a challenging game," Lakers coach Phil Jackson told reporters. "I think we anticipated that as staff but I don't think our players anticipated that kind of ball game."

Los Angeles (21-3) won their fourth straight game, their 14th victory in 16 games, but struggled all night against the determined Knicks, who made 13 three-point shots and 27 of their 28 free throws.

Despite the defeat, New York coach Mike D'Antoni was happy with his young team's progress.

Los Angeles Lakers Sun Yue of China watches the team play the New York Knicks during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, December 16, 2008. [Agencies]

"We worry about the losses, but I think we're playing better," said D'Antoni, whose team went 2-3 on its five-game road trip.

"We said that this was going to be a measuring stick. We need to learn how to finish games and play a little better together and cut down on some bad shots, but we'll get there."

Trevor Ariza's basket with 1:03 remaining finally gave the Lakers the lead for good, with the teams exchanging free throws in a tense final minute before New York's Chris Duhon missed a desperation shot from the backcourt as time expired.

Bryant added seven rebounds and six assists and scored nine of his points in the final eight minutes.

Related readings: Sun makes NBA debut for Lakers Sun finally comes out for Lakers Lakers squeeze past Suns 115-110 Lakers' Sun Yue sidelined by mononucleosis

Lamar Odom had 17 points and 12 rebounds for Los Angeles and Andrew Bynum chipped in with 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Lakers were without Pau Gasol, who was sidelined through illness.

"We remembered all the battles we've been through. We didn't panic," said Bryant. "Just to be able to stay calm and push our way through, it was a good game for us to have."

Nate Robinson led the Knicks with 33 points, while David Lee had 18 points and had 14 rebounds.

   Previous page 1 2 Next Page  

   Previous page 1 2 Next Page