76ers first win comes over Kobe, Lakers

Kobe Bryant has played bad this season.

As great as the team looked, the night belonged to the third highest scorer in National Basketball Association history, as Bryant was able to have a remarkable game for the last time in Washington. His offensive rebound with less than two minutes left that turned into free-throws for Jordan Clarkson was key in the Lakers sealing their win in Washington.

The LA Lakers visited the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday night and retiring superstar Kobe Bryant was given a very warm reception by his hometown.

The Wizards had lost four in a row, but never trailed at Quicken Loans Arena as Wall put up a season-high 35 points to go with 10 assists. I wasn’t expecting that type of reaction, ovation.

“Yeah, there’s going to be some games like that that you’re just going to live and die with it”, Lakers coach Byron Scott said of Bryant’s shooting.

From that moment, though, the Sixers stepped on the throttle and pushed their lead to 14 points with 7:20 to go in the game.

Bryant started 5 for 9 from the floor.

NEW YORK – Brook Lopez scored 23 points and reserves Shane Larkin and Wayne Ellington each scored 11 points, making some clutch plays in the fourth quarter, leading Brooklyn to its fourth straight home win.

His 3-pointer over Gortat from the right wing made it 101-99 with just under a minute to play. With 30 seconds left and the score tied, he made a dagger from midrange. Zach Randolph added 14 points, while Courtney Lee and Matt Barnes scored 13 each.

It was the first victory for the Sixers since March 25 at Denver.

Midway through the first quarter, the Wizards honored Bryant with a message on the video board that read: “Thank you for an awesome 20 years”.

Kobe Bryant received a hero’s welcome before his final game in Philadelphia on Tuesday, and even began the contest looking like the player he once was, if only for a few possessions. He still gives me nightmares.

“I don’t know what to say no more”, Nick Young said. – Wizards coach Randy Wittman on preparing to face Bryant as a head or assistant coach throughout his stellar career.

Can you make the argument the Sixers are better than the 2-15 Lakers? Yes. Reserve guard Gary Neal remains plagued by a groin injury and power forward Nene has missed two games with a calf issue.