Kobe Bryant scored 41 points and made 15 of 17 free throws as Los Angeles beat Denver 103-97, snapping the Nuggets’ 16-game home win streak and taking a 2-1 playoff series lead.
Bryant hit a key three pointer that gave Los Angeles a one-point lead with just over a minute remaining in Game 3 of the Western Conference final.
Bryant’s three pointer wasn’t quite as dramatic as LeBron James’ buzzer beater on Friday to give Cleveland a 96-5 win, but it did the trick for the Lakers.
PHOTO: REUTERS
“I sent him a text and told him it was a hell of a shot,” Bryant said. “We are all friends. He does what he does in Cleveland and I do what I do here.”
What Bryant did Saturday was post his second 40-plus point game of this series. Pau Gasol added 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Trevor Ariza scored 16 for Los Angeles who took back home court advantage.
Saturday’s loss was Denver’s first at home since March 9. Carmelo Anthony scored 18 of his 21 points in the first half for Denver.
“For the most part we were winning the game,” said Anthony, who fouled out in the final minute. “The rebounds were even, the assists were even. Gasol was the key for them tonight.”
Denver led for the majority of the game before allowing the Lakers to take control late.
Ariza stole a Kenyon Martin inbounds pass and then was fouled by Anthony with 36 seconds remaining. Ariza sank both foul shots to give the Lakers a 99-95 lead.
“It was deja vu of game one. He [Ariza] made a great play,” Anthony said.
Despite a booking blunder, the Nuggets will get to host Game 4 at the Pepsi Center arena today. Denver doubled booked their arena and had to work out last-minute deal with an American professional wrestling tour to allow the NBA game to go ahead.
World Wrestling Entertainment moved their event to Los Angeles’ Staples Center arena.
Chauncey Billups had 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the Nuggets, who are playing in their first conference final home game in two dozen years.
“You got to have a short memory,” Billups said.
Denver shot just five-of-22 from the field in the final 12 minutes.
“The Lakers took back home court advantage but we will learn from our mistakes and be ready Monday,” said Anthony, who injured his ankle in Game 2 but said it didn’t bother him on Saturday.
The Lakers shot nine-of-15 from the field in the fourth and rallied from an eight-point deficit to start the final quarter.
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