Reuters North American News Service, December 28th, 2007
LOS ANGELES, Dec 25 (Reuters) - The surging Los Angeles
Lakers scored a 122-115 win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday,
with Kobe Bryant knocking down 38 points and Andrew Bynum
adding a career-high 28.
The victory was the third in a row for the Lakers and their
ninth in their last 11 games. They moved to within one game of
first-place Phoenix in the Pacific division.
"We are aware of the standings, but we also know that last
year we were 10 games over .500 and moving along -- then
injuries slayed the dragon, so to speak," Lakers coach Phil
Jackson told reporters. "We just have to play every game and
not think about anything else, just what's ahead of us."
Bryant, who on Sunday became the youngest player to reach
20,000 points, scored 26 of his 38 in the second half to help
the Lakers improve to 18-10.
"I think we are a solid team," said Bryant, who also had
seven assists and five rebounds.
"When you play against Phoenix, you have to be solid. You
can afford a couple of mistakes here and there but ultimately
your defensive execution has to be there, and your offensive
execution has to be there. We're able to get it done
consistently."
Improving young center Bynum was 11-for-13 from the floor
as LA beat Phoenix for the second time in a row.
"This definitely was one of my better games," said the
20-year-old. "Made a big impact, team mates looking for me,
wide open a lot of times and they found me today."
Steve Nash led the Suns with 24 points and 14 assists but
Phoenix has lost five of its last eight.
"I hate playing on Christmas Day," said Phoenix guard Raja
Bell. "It's part of the job but it's the part that you don't
like that much."
*The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat 96-82 at home.
*The Portland Trail Blazers won their 11th in a row,
scoring an 89-79 home victory over the Seattle SuperSonics.
(Writing by Mike Shalin; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
