Kobe Bryant’s streak of scoring 40+ points ended at four games, but the Los Angeles Lakers were still able to win the game and win back some pride, beating the world champion Dallas Mavericks in a close battle, 73-70. Leading all players in scoring was Dirk Nowitzki with 21 points and 7 rebounds.
Having won five of their last six going into Monday’s game against the Mavericks, the Lakers have been winning with defense, that and heroic efforts by Kobe Bryant, who scored a season-high 48 against the Phoenix Suns.
Bryant’s 48 on Suns:
Lamar Odom’s return to L.A., in which he scored 10 points, has been largely over-looked because of the defensive slugfest that the game turned into, instead of the offensive showdown many expected from this game.
The Lakers should be satisfied with their defense and their turnovers, as the Lakers won the turnover battle 15 (Mavs) to 11 (LAL). But, the Lakers should guard themselves against being too satisfied about beating the team that swept them out of the playoffs the year before.
In light of the Mavs game, there is still much for the Lakers to work on. The Lakers lost the Gasol-Nowitzki match-up (again). The Lakers were outrebounded by the Mavs, especially on the offensive glass. And, yes the Lakers shot poorly as well, but you cannot expect this Mavericks team to shoot 35% from the field and 15.4% from three. Some of this can be credited to closing out and good Lakers defense, but the Lakers cannot expect Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, and Nowitzki to shoot a combined 12 for 36 every night.
For the Lakers, the real hero in this game was Derek Fisher, who finished with 13 points and 3 steals. Not only did he hit the game-winner over Nowitzki, but Fisher came up with a steal, a lay-up, and a 15-foot jumper in the closing minutes to help seal the victory.
Once again, the Lakers were bailed out by one of the most respected character guys in the NBA, 37 year-old Derek Fisher. People continue to count him out, but Kobe Bryant continues to count on Fisher in the clutch.
Fisher’s game winner:
