The Memphis Grizzlies snapped their three-game losing streak by taking advantage of some sloppy L.A. Laker play and by playing a well-rounded game themselves.
Pau Gasol had 22 points and 11 rebounds to help the Grizzlies to 105-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, who have dropped two straight games after opening the season with five consecutive wins.
James Posey, the early sparkplug, and Lorenzen Wright had 15 points apiece as the Grizzlies ended a six-game losing streak against the Lakers. Jake Tsakalidis, who got his first start at center as the member of the Grizzlies, contributed 12 points and Jason Williams added 10, eight assists and five steals. Shane Battier chipped in with some crucial late three-point baskets.
Memphis had 17 steals in the game and took advantage of 23 turnovers by the Lakers, who had not lost to Memphis since December 21, 2002.
Shaquille O’Neal led Los Angeles with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Kobe Bryant, currently involved in a rape case, was greeted with both cheers and booes and added 19 points, Devean George had 17 and Karl Malone 13 and nine rebounds.
Gary Payton had just six points and four assists in 27 minutes and played sparingly in the fourth quarter.
The Grizzlies led 89-71 early in the fourth quarter but Los Angeles went on a 11-0 run to cut the deficit to seven points with 6:04 remaining. But Mike Miller answered with a jumper for Memphis with 5:50 to go.
Battier’s four-point play with 2:07 left gave Memphis a 101-89 lead. Battier finished with 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting.
