| Streaking Lakers, Bryant Beat Mavs In Dallas Authored by Scott Essman - December 13, 2005 - 1:02 am
The Lakers are for real... at least, for now. After a lackluster first part of the season which found them 5-8 after 13 games, the Lakers are on a definite hot streak, winning 6 of their last 8 for an overall 11-10 record, their first time being over .500 since November 10. Tonight, they beat the formidable Dallas Mavericks in Texas, 109-106. Dallas came into the game 15-4 with only two home losses and a five-game recent winning streak which the Lakers stopped.
No secret to the Lakers' recent success is the offensive balance they have found. In addition to guard Kobe Bryant's amazing 43 points, including two key three-point baskets late in the game, the Lakers were supported by at least 10 points from three other players. Forward Lamar Odom's play was crucial with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Also most encouraging was the play of center Kwame Brown, who had been on the injured list with a strained right hamstring since November 20. After limited minutes in his first game back against Minnesota this past Saturday, Brown came off the bench in Dallas to score 12 on 6 of 6 shooting in 27 clutch minutes.
Of course, the Lakers win rested most heavily on the Kobe Bryant show. Bryant bested his 30.8 per-game scoring average in Dallas, running the floor, driving past defenders, and commanding the offense. He even dished 2 assists, got 5 rebounds, and made 10-12 free throws. No doubt, he outplayed Maverick star, power forward Dirk Nowitzki, who scored 27 points to lead his team but paled in comparison to Bryant. Shooting on 15 of 33 shot attempts - 9 of those were three-point tries - Bryant was everywhere, even blowing past Nowitzki across the baseline for one crucial reverse layup.
It seems that Laker coach Phil Jackson's triangle offense is starting to work, with each of the key Laker players adjusting to his role in the system. With the roll that the Lakers find themselves currently on, the only question is how long they can keep it going. They play at Memphis on Wednesday before returning to Los Angeles for three games. |
