Spurs bounce back with win over Lakers

The Lakers also got 21 points from Lou Williams and 20 from Jordan Clarkson, who had four triples in the first quarter.

It is a time for all fans to show their appreciation to KB and their support was evident as he topped voting to be named a frontcourt starter for the Western Conference – eclipsing MVP Stephen Curry with an incredible 1,891,614 votes – despite a below-average season.

Even though second place, and a record of 45-9 is impressive, the San Antonio Spurs want to do even better. The decorated duo’s seemingly endless competitive journey began all the way back in 1997. Duncan answered with 12 points and 13 boards.

Scott continued to be asked about developing the young players and, as usual, had revealing answers. But when you consider the hassles of airport security, middle seats and bumbling rental auto agencies, there’s nothing quite like a night spent sleeping between your own sheets on a mattress that knows exactly how your body likes to operate when powering down after a long day. “It’s, a little unusual to me at first because you’re used to being booed so many times and somebody’s actually cheering you, you’re not sure how to respond”. Professional athletes thrive on competition and missing so many games can have a torrid effect on the mind, but the “gods” have indeed provided him with a fantastic opportunity that he grabbed with both hands. “He dislocated his finger in the last quarter, but he was still out there”. The buzz went beyond endless chants for Bryant to play. He nodded to his two daughters and wife as they sat across from the Lakers’ bench, and finished with 25 points on 10-for-25 shooting. Though his team may have come up short against the Spurs on this bitter-sweet occasion, there have been many memorable moments – and championship parallels – between the two franchises over the past 19 seasons.

Russell was demoted 20 games into the season, a surprise given his huge importance to the Lakers’ future.

Of course, Bryant still caught almost everyone’s attention.

“It is very well-deserved for Kobe, everything he’s getting in his farewell sendoff”, said Hoiberg, words easily said after a win than a stomach turning loss. The San Antonio offense outworked Los Angeles in points in the paint (64-44), and fast break points (14-7). He clearly enjoyed the night, including the repeated “Kobe!”. The comparison rings so true for fans that Bryant has unanimously been deemed “the closest thing to Jordan since Jordan” by many critics and followers of the game.

Nor will the Spurs, nor will Bryant.

The Spurs are 3-0 against the Lakers this season.

It was a glorious and historic game in the United Center as Bryant was feted for his career in his last game as an active player in Chicago.