Lakers Hold Off Nuggets, 111-103
- Updated: December 30, 2014
Dec 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) directs his team during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers won over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with his 21st triple-double in his 19-year career.
The Los Angeles Lakers looked to win their last game of 2014 against the Denver Nuggets after a loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night. The Lakers had lost seven straight games to the Denver Nuggets, including their first matchup at Staples Center in November of this year.
The cold winter’s night in Denver did not bother the Lakers from starting off hot from the field, making their first seven shots for a 17-14 advantage. The Lakers ended up shooting 67% from the field for a 33-29 lead after one quarter. Kobe Bryant, who was doubled on almost every possession, had eight points, four rebounds and four assists in the early going.
The Lakers’ second unit picked up where the starters left off; powered by Carlos Boozer’s 11 points and Wayne Ellington’s six points to give the Lakers their biggest lead tonight at 16. The Lakers starters pushed the lead to 20 at one point, but a quick 4-0 run by the Nuggets ended the first half at 62-46. The Lakers shot 61% from the field and 69% from beyond the arc in the first half with 19 assists on 25 field goals made.
Out of the locker room, the Lakers had no signs of cooling down as they pushed the lead to 23; but a 13-2 run by the Nuggets cut the lead to 12. The Lakers only led 83-71 at the end of the third quarter. By then, Kobe Bryant was only a rebound shy of a triple-double.
The Nuggets cut the Lakers lead to 8 in the first two minutes of the fourth quarter, causing a quick timeout by Byron Scott. The Lakers starters checked back in and pushed the lead to 11 but the Nuggets bench, led by Nate Robinson and Jusuf Nurkic, powered a late run to cut the lead to five with 4:04 left in the game. After the timeout, Kobe Bryant stopped the momentum by drawing fouls late to give the Lakers a 10-point lead. Bryant also got his triple-double off an offensive rebound with 2:10 left. Nuggets guard Nate Robinson was ejected late after committing his second technical foul of the night and the Lakers went on to win the game, 111-103.
The Lakers shot 52% from the field and 56% from beyond the arc (14-25 shooting). The Lakers moved the ball well for 31 assists but committed 20 turnovers. Kobe Bryant recorded his 21st triple-double of his 19-year career with 23 points on 6-11 shooting, 11 assists and 11 rebounds. Ronnie Price complimented him with 18 points on five three-pointers made. Carlos Boozer continued to be a spark offensively off the bench, finishing with 19 points and nine rebounds.
The Nuggets struggled offensively, only shooting 45% from the field. The Nuggets bench of Nate Robinson and Jusuf Nurkic combined for 29 points to spark a late run in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to steal a win. Ty Lawson finished with 16 points and nine assists.
The Lakers ended 2014 on a strong note and improved to 10-22 on the season. They also snapped a seven-game losing streak against the Nuggets.
The Lakers travel home for a post New Year’s Day matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, 7:30 PM PST.
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