L.A’s game Number 81 of the season and game number 1 without Kobe. It figured to be an emotional night in the first game since Kobe went out with his devastating season ending Achilles tear. The Lakers were able to use the charged atmosphere to its advantage as they defeat the Spurs, 91-86.
How it happened:
The Lakers were able to control the game from the tip and withstood the hack-a-Howard strategy that the San Antonio Spurs tried to use going into the fourth quarter. But the Lakers were able to stay a-float thanks to some clinch fourth quarter buckets by Antawn Jamison and made free throws by Dwight Howard and Steve Blake.
Meaning:
If the Utah Jazz lose either of their next two games; Minnesota Timberwolves (Monday) or at the Memphis Grizzlies (Wednesday), the Lakers are secured in the playoffs no matter what happens on Wednesday when the Houston Rockets travel to L.A. in their regular season final game.
Highlights:
Howard was cold from the free throw line going 4-11 in the third quarter, but he was lights out all game for the most part. He is stepping his game up since the absence of Kobe and taking over the team with 26 points, 17 rebounds, and shooting 9-15 from the floor.
Steve Blake had 23 points, topping the 20 point plateau for just the 17th time of his 10 year career.
Jamison contributed 15 points total, with 9 just in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers shot just 31 for 85 from the field which is; 36.5%, and still managed to win by holding San Antonio to 37.1% shooting overall.
How it happened:
The Lakers were able to control the game from the tip and withstood the hack-a-Howard strategy that the San Antonio Spurs tried to use going into the fourth quarter. But the Lakers were able to stay a-float thanks to some clinch fourth quarter buckets by Antawn Jamison and made free throws by Dwight Howard and Steve Blake.
Meaning:
If the Utah Jazz lose either of their next two games; Minnesota Timberwolves (Monday) or at the Memphis Grizzlies (Wednesday), the Lakers are secured in the playoffs no matter what happens on Wednesday when the Houston Rockets travel to L.A. in their regular season final game.
Highlights:
Howard was cold from the free throw line going 4-11 in the third quarter, but he was lights out all game for the most part. He is stepping his game up since the absence of Kobe and taking over the team with 26 points, 17 rebounds, and shooting 9-15 from the floor.
Steve Blake had 23 points, topping the 20 point plateau for just the 17th time of his 10 year career.
Jamison contributed 15 points total, with 9 just in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers shot just 31 for 85 from the field which is; 36.5%, and still managed to win by holding San Antonio to 37.1% shooting overall.
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