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Bryant sparks Lakers to road win over Rockets

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-14 16:43

HOUSTON - Kobe Bryant's clutch three-pointer capped a 33-point performance and launched the Los Angeles Lakers to a 105-100 road win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming passes the ball through the outstretched arms of Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during their NBA basketball game in Houston January 13, 2009. [Agencies]

Bryant's long shot with 27 seconds remaining put the Lakers ahead 102-100 and they never trailed again, bringing the Rockets' three-game winning streak to an end.

"I just rose up and hit it," Bryant told reporters after his only three-pointer of the game.

"Houston played extremely well and we found a way to win," he added. "We came into a hostile (environment) and got a big win"

Bryant had 13 points in the quarter, coming up with his key shot after Shane Battier had given Houston a 100-99 lead with 47 seconds to play with a three-pointer of his own.

The Rockets had a chance to tie the score after Bryant's shot when Derek Fisher fouled Houston's Rafer Alston, but Alston missed two free throws.

Pau Gasol sealed the victory with three free throws in the final seven seconds.

Von Wafer scored a career-high 23 points for the Rockets, who were playing without the injured Tracy McGrady. Carl Landry added 21 points and Yao Ming posted 19 points and 17 rebounds.

"If we get that effort every game then we are going to be fine," Rockets coach Rick Adelman told reporters. "We played hard, we competed the whole game, we just didn't make the plays that they made, that Kobe made at the end."