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Kobe Bryant caught fire in the 4th period in the Staples Center last night and helped lift the Lakers back into the 8th playoff spot with a 104 – 96 victory over the Hornets. Now, granted, the Lakers had no business losing this game. Non the less, it was actually quite close until Kobe took over. He finished with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and scored 23 of his 30 points in the final twelve minutes. Great to see Pau Gasol comfortable in the paint and he was a huge contributor, especially when Dwight Howard picked up his 5th foul in the fourth period. Gasol finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Howard added 19 points. Yes, World Peace did play, for a short period anyway. His defensive intensity is sorely missed by the Lakers and he was attempting to return from knee surgery after only twelve days when it had been announced he would likely miss six weeks. The Lakers are still without the services of Steve Nash. The playoff march continues tonight when the Lakers take on Portland on the road.
Earlier, OKC took care of the Jazz, 90 – 80 which helped boost the Lakers back into the 8th playoff spot. Also, Melo and the New York Knicks took care of the Wizards, 120 – 99 for their 13th straight victory. Just how serious a threat are the Knicks to the Heat in the Eastern Conference? I would say substantial, yet remember that in their last meeting, both LeBron and Wade were dressed in nice suits sitting out on the bench. Can the Knicks possibly stop the Heat in the playoffs should they both make it to the Eastern Conference final? In a best of seven, anything is possible, but the Heat would be the smart bet!
