NBA Playoffs: Lakers defeat Hornets 106-90, lead 3-2
Watch Video
In Los Angeles, the home team Lakers pushed the New Orleans Hornets to the brink of playoff elimination, moving ahead 3-2 in the series.
Kobe Bryant scored 19 points and threw down two stirring dunks despite a sprained ankle.
Bryant turned down an MRI test after Sunday's injury and went in the game with plenty of doubt. It was the Hornets who started strongly to lead by nine. Chris Paul took 20 points and 12 assists for a double-double.
It wasn't until 7 minutes into the second quarter that Kobe marked his first score, but then he took over the stage.
First, on receiving a floor bounce from Paul Casol, Kobe dodged Emeka Okafor's defensive elevation for a blasting dunk that cleared away all the doubts, proving even in pain he can still fly.
Eight minutes in the third, Kobe once again tore apart the Hornets defensive line to register another determined dunk, this time with his left hand! The audience went wild. Bryant contributed a team-high 19 points.
Five other Lakers reached double digits on the night, as they beat the Hornets 106-90 for a series lead of 3-2.
Comments