Rockets rout Lakers, spoil Bryant’s big game

On Kobe Bryant’s last visit to Target Center in a Laker uniform, he had a good seat for a thrilling fourth quarter and overtime, as the Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 123-122 in overtime Wednesday night.

This time, though, the Raptors had the final say and defeated the visiting Lakers, 102-93.

The win snapped a four-game losing streak for Minnesota, which wrapped up a four-game homestand with a 1-3 record.

“I’m just happy we’re playing better basketball as a team”, Howard said. So, we’ll what the fans and the coaches decide, and then, we’ll go from there.

“We just did the polite thing”.

Celtics 105, Bulls 100: Isaiah Thomas scored nine of his 20 points in the final three minutes to lead Boston past Chicago.

Kobe Bryant had 21 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers (3-18), who have lost three straight games and eight of their last 11. Interestingly, Kobe Bryant was actually sitting on the bench in the clutch moments of the game which is something noteworthy. “It’s like my rhythm’s starting to come back a little bit, legs are moving well”. Julis Randle had a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds, Louis Williams had 19 points but it was the rookie, D’Angelo Russell who scored 23 points off the bench but missed an opportunity to win the game late. The aggression was much-needed, as he scored nine of the Lakers’ last 11 points before overtime.

Kobe Bryant has not put up All-Star numbers this season, but there’s a chance the Los Angeles Lakers guard represents the Western Conference in Toronto in February anyway. Bryant sat out the entire fourth quarter and overtime. “(Tuesday) was probably one of his worst games he’s ever played to date and so for him it was all about coming out, being aggressive and getting off to a great start.”BUZZER BEATERS 1. “So I think he’s at a very good place in his life and his career”.

The Rockets erupted for a 30-4 run, scoring primarily in transition by turning the Lakers over while surrendering one field goal over an eight-plus minute stretch.

It wound up being a classic duel: Bryant had 26 points, but LaVine scored 28 off the bench to lead the Wolves to a one-point victory. Aldridge topped that with 16 points, including 14 in the first quarter. Bryant sought Garnett’s counsel the next year before making his decision to do the same and the two embraced before tipoff. I was chanting his name, too. A staple of playground hoops for at least fifteen years if not longer, Bryant has been the go-to guy to namecheck as you’re about to drain a shot in your opponent’s face.

Harden wanted to do something to honor Bryant on Saturday night, so he donned special shoes for the occasion.

“I think we looked at it more as a business presentation”. “I think it’s a testament to both.”…