Lakers Survive Pacers On Kobe Bryant’s Game-Winner, 88-87
- Updated: January 4, 2015
Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young, right, shoots as Indiana Pacers forward David West defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Los Angeles Lakers held off the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, 88-87. Kobe Bryant hit the go-ahead basket to pull out the win in a low-scoring affair.
The Lakers honored renowned SportsCenter anchor Stuart Scott before the game, who passed away today at the age of 49, amidst his long battle with cancer. Stuart Scott was known for his signature catchphrases such as “Boo-yah” and “As cool as the other side of the pillow.” Rest in peace, Stuart Scott.
The Los Angeles Lakers looked to win their first game of 2015 against the Indiana Pacers after a tough loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
Kobe Bryant took charge early in the game, both in scoring the basketball and getting his teammates involved. The 19-year veteran put up nine points, three rebounds and two steals in the early going. The Pacers would answer with four consecutive three-pointers to lead 28-15 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Lakers continued to shoot the ball poorly as they shot 34% from the field. Nick Young hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer for his 12th point of the game to cut the lead to seven, 48-41 into the locker room.
In the 3rd quarter, the Lakers failed to make strides offensively again but still kept the game close and only trailed by seven entering the 4th quarter, 69-63. They still shot a poor 37% from the field and 29% from beyond the arc as they failed to capitalize on open shots.
The Lakers inched to within a point in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, thanks to a three-pointer by Nick Young. With 5:55 left in the game, Lakers were down 3, Carlos Boozer shoved Roy Hibbert to the ground, resulting in an altercation. Carlos Boozer was charged with a Flagrant 1 foul and Roy Hibbert was called for a technical foul. The Lakers eventually took the lead on a Kobe Bryant three-pointer but Donald Sloan answered with a three of his own to give the Pacers a one-point lead. After trading shots, Kobe Bryant hit a go-ahead basket with 12.4 seconds left, 88-87. The Lakers held off the Pacers for one more defensive possession to win the game.
The Lakers shot an abysmal 38% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc. Nick Young led the Lakers in scoring, posting 22 points while making all of his 12 free-throw attempts. Kobe Bryant had 20 points, six rebounds and six assists and made some clutch shots late to pull out the win. Off the bench, Carlos Boozer continued his solid play, finishing with 12 points and four rebounds.
Pacers guard Donald Sloan flirted with a triple double, posting 19 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Roy Hibbert finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds while CJ Miles continued his stellar shooting off the bench with 19 points.
Wes Johnson did not start the second half as he suffered a right hip flexor. He will not travel with the Lakers to Portland tomorrow to undergo an MRI. The Lakers also announced that rookie Julius Randle, who is out for the season after suffering a broken leg on his first NBA game, will undergo a foot surgery on Tuesday to repair a high school injury that did not heal properly. He is expect to make a full recovery.
The Lakers won their first game of 2015 and improved to 11-23 on the season. They will travel to Portland tomorrow to face the Blazers on a second night of back-to-back games, 7:00 PM PST.
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