Odom & Kobe Lead Lakers to Important Win
~Kobe struggled again, but came up big in the end to help the Los Angeles Lakers get a win.~
"Kobe Bryant's inability to get it going against the Minnesota Timberwolves continued. Fortunately, he had Lamar Odom to carry the load until crunch time."
Kobe Bryant scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half, with help from Lamar Odom who posted 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists leading the Lakers ot a critical win over the Timberwolves.
"This was a must win for us," Bryant said. "We had to get this W. We are going out on the road for three road games and we are just taking them one at a time."
"We made big plays defensively," Bryant said. "That's what you have to do down the stretch of those types of ball games - get some steals and some easy baskets so you don't have to grind it out every possession."
Bryant was aware of the multiple defenders on his two layups in the final minute.
"I shoot pretty good from the line, I didn't think they wanted to give me that," he said. "I think they just wanted to take their chances to see if they could make me take a tough shot and get backside help. But backside help was late, so I got those layups."
"It's been one of those tough road trips," he said. "We've been in every game. Learning to close out ball games has been our M.O. the whole season. Before the trade (with Boston in late January) and after the trade, we have been close. It's coming up with the big play down the stretch. That's what we have to learn."
Written By John Mbugua
Kobe Bryant Biography & Pictures
"Kobe Bryant's inability to get it going against the Minnesota Timberwolves continued. Fortunately, he had Lamar Odom to carry the load until crunch time."
Kobe Bryant scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half, with help from Lamar Odom who posted 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists leading the Lakers ot a critical win over the Timberwolves.
"This was a must win for us," Bryant said. "We had to get this W. We are going out on the road for three road games and we are just taking them one at a time."
"We made big plays defensively," Bryant said. "That's what you have to do down the stretch of those types of ball games - get some steals and some easy baskets so you don't have to grind it out every possession."
Bryant was aware of the multiple defenders on his two layups in the final minute.
"I shoot pretty good from the line, I didn't think they wanted to give me that," he said. "I think they just wanted to take their chances to see if they could make me take a tough shot and get backside help. But backside help was late, so I got those layups."
"It's been one of those tough road trips," he said. "We've been in every game. Learning to close out ball games has been our M.O. the whole season. Before the trade (with Boston in late January) and after the trade, we have been close. It's coming up with the big play down the stretch. That's what we have to learn."
Written By John Mbugua
Kobe Bryant Biography & Pictures
NBA Scoreboard