The Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA form dip continued Saturday, but they escaped with a 112-103 double overtime win over the lowly Sacramento Kings.
A day after receiving a Christmas Day drubbing on their own court by Cleveland, the Lakers needed all of Kobe Bryant’s 38 points to shake off the Kings.
Bryant connected on a pair of 3-pointers to put the Lakers in front 109-103 with 2:37 left. Los Angeles outscored the Kings 11-2 in the second period of overtime.
Slovenian Beno Udrih scored 23 points for the Kings, who prevented the Lakers from scoring in the final 3:35 of the fourth quarter to force overtime.
MAVERICKS 106, GRIZZLIES 101
In Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki scored 20 points over the first three quarters, then saw his teammates take control in the fourth to carry Dallas over Memphis.
Six other Mavericks scored in double-figures, with Jason Terry scoring 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter. He sealed the victory with four free throws in the final 21 seconds.
HAWKS 110, PACERS 98
In Indianapolis, Al Horford had 25 points and a season-high 19 rebounds, leading Atlanta past Indiana.
Joe Johnson scored 24 points for the Hawks, who moved within half a game of Southeast Division leader Orlando.
Troy Murphy, Tyler Hansbrough and Luther Head all finished with 19 points for Indiana.
Atlanta took control quickly, opening the game on a 9-0 run and taking an 18-4 lead. The Pacers closed within four twice in the second quarter, but never got closer and dropped their fifth straight.
SPURS 112, BUCKS 97
In Milwaukee, Tim Duncan scored 26 points and San Antonio never trailed in a victory over Milwaukee.
The Spurs opened a 20-point lead in the second quarter and Milwaukee didn’t get within single digits in the second half.
Tony Parker had 16 points and eight assists for San Antonio.
Hakim Warrick scored a season-high 23 points for the Bucks.
WARRIORS 132, SUNS 127
In Oakland, California, Golden State ended its seven-game losing skid, edging Phoenix in a high-scoring shootout.
Corey Maggette scored a season-high 33 points and eight rebounds for the Warriors.
In other NBA games it was:
• Thunder 98, Bobcats 91
• Bulls 96, Hornets 85
• Jazz 97, 76ers 76
• Rockets 98, Nets 93
• Timberwolves 101, Wizards 89
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