L.A. Times: Reporting from Philadelphia — The Lakers healed the “psychological and physical wounds” their coach said they inflicted upon themselves when L.A. blew a 16-point lead to the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night.
A 114-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night at Wachovia Center left the Lakers in a better mood and feeling better about themselves.
This time, the Lakers didn’t blow a lead. They built a 19-point cushion and held strong until the end to improve to 15-2.
Kobe Bryant, who attended Lower Merion High, which is about 30 minutes from here, led the Lakers with 32 points.
Pau Gasol had a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds and Andrew Bynum had 18 points.
Former Clipper Elton Brand had just three points. He was 1-for-7 from the field.
The Lakers pushed their lead to 83-64 in the third because of a steal by Bryant and then because of his brashness.
Bryant stepped into the passing lane and tipped the ball off Willie Green, the basketball rolling downcourt.
Bryant chased the ball down near the three-point line, gathered himself and shot and drilled a three-pointer with no Laker under the basket for a rebound.
In fact, no Laker had even crossed half court when Bryant shot the basketball.
Recent Comments