Pau Gasol had a spectacular all-around game
with 21 points, 19 rebounds, a season-high eight assists and five blocked
shots, pacing the Los Angeles Lakers to a 101-89 win over the San Antonio
Spurs.
Lakers All-Star guard Kobe Bryant sat out his second straight game due to a
sprained left ankle. LA was also missing Andrew Bynum (bruised right hip), but
Gasol filled the center role nicely.
"I can't move my ankle," Bryant said. "It's frustrating. If the All-Star game
was today I wouldn't play. If I can move and get to the basket I'll play.
We'll make a decision Wednesday."
Lamar Odom chipped in 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Ron Artest scored 18
for the Lakers, who moved to 25-4 at home this season. They've won seven of
their last nine games overall.
"We finished well for a game that seemed to be a struggle," Lakers coach Phil
Jackson said. "It's a good win for us. I like our defense. We're playing
better. Rebounding was terrific. It's always good for a team to rally with two
stars out."
Manu Ginobili had 21 points off the bench, while starter Tony Parker scored 20
for the Spurs, who failed to build on a victory in this same building two
nights ago against the Clippers. Tim Duncan registered 16 points and 15
rebounds.
"A disappointing loss. The Lakers were obviously a little short-handed and
played mentally tougher than we did," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "They
played physically tougher than we did and got a win."
Ginobili's layup moved the Spurs within 74-70, 44 seconds into the final
quarter, but the Lakers ran off the ensuing seven points, capped by Shannon
Brown's three-ball.
A Ginobili three had the visitors within 81-75, but the Spurs failed to close
the gap the rest of the way.
The Spurs led 34-28 after one quarter, but the Lakers surged back for a 50-47
halftime edge. LA held a double-digit lead in the third before going to the
fourth with a 73-68 edge.
Game Notes
San Antonio's Richard Jefferson went 2-of-9 from the field for nine points. It
was the 16th time this season he was held under double digits...San Antonio
has lost four straight at the Lakers...Under Jackson, the Lakers are 17-19
against San Antonio in the regular season. In the postseason, Jackson is 15-7
against the Spurs, advancing to the next round in four of five series
meetings...San Antonio is 9-2 against the Pacific Division this season...The
Spurs are 2-2 on their eight-game rodeo road trip.
©2010 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
