LAKERS EKE ONE OUT AGAINST GRIZ
The Grizzlies thrilled a rare sellout crowd of 19,351 at the Pyramid by sticking with the world champion Lakers — Shaq, Kobie, and all –through four intensely played quarters and a five-minute overtime.
What made the Grizzlies’ performance all the more compelling was the fact that both Laker stars had good scoring nights and played most of the game. Even so, the home team had the ball and a chance to score for a win at the end of regulation.
Memphis led 76-75 after three quarters and took a 98-97 lead with 14 seconds left in regulation on Jason Williams’ 3-pointer from the top of the key. But the Grizzlies could not get their offense going in overtime and had no answers for Bryant and O’Neal. Final score: LA 112, Memphis 106.
Matched with Shaq, Pau Gasol had his uncertain moments and fouled out late in overtime but scored 24 points. Rookie Drew Gooden added 19 and 10 rebounds, and Williams scored 16 points for the Griz. Kobe Bryant scored six of his 45 points in overtime to lead the struggling Lakers to their first win away from the Staples Center.
Bryant scored all six points as part of a 12-4 run at the start of the extra session, capping the spurt with a 360-degree dunk. Bryant shot 18-of-35 from the field and 7-of-9 from the foul line, including 4-of-4 in overtime.
Memphis also could not stop Shaquille O’Neal, who had his best game since coming back from toe surgery a week ago. O’Neal collected 33 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out in overtime.
The Lakers got just their second road win of the year but their first outside of their home building. Los Angeles’ only other road win this season came against the Los Angeles Clippers, who share the Staples Center with the three-time defending NBA champions.
