LOS ANGELES--Thirty-seven-year-old Kobe Bryant scored 38 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers claim a much-needed 119-115 victory and avoid history. Had LA lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night at Staples Center, the Lakers would have set a new franchise record for longest losing streak.
Bryant, however, stopped the streak at 10. On this night, no. 24 hit seven three-pointers on 11 long-range attempts to go along with five rebounds and five assists. He played 33 minutes and hit big shot after big shot to win the game. When the Lakers fell behind in the fourth quarter, Bryant hit a three-pointer. When the game was on the line, Bryant hit a clutch 20-footer. Then, he went to the foul line time after time and sealed the game in the final seconds. Bryant won the game.
"Kobe played a crazy game," Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson said after the game. "He really carried us."
On Tuesday, Bryant didn't look like a 37-year-old that was struggling to reach the finish line of his 20th season. For a player who has made a career of making history, Bryant did everything in his power to avoid setting a record on this night. Per usual, Bryant succeeded in his mission.
Of course, Bryant did not win the game on his own. Five Lakers scored in double figures, including Julius Randle. Randle recorded yet another double-double--his 19th of the season. This time, the second-year power forward scored 15 points on 50 percent shooting and pulled down 12 rebounds.
Rookie D'Angelo Russell led the Lakers' bench with 18 points, while Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson combined for 36 points for the starting and finishing back-court. Tarik Black earned extended minutes, which is rare, and the 24-year-old even earned a mention from Bryant during the post-game press conferences.
For Minnesota, second-year Andrew Wiggins scored 30 points to lead the Timberwolves in the loss, though six different Wolves scored in double figures. Minnesota guard Ricky Rubio tabbed 15 assists to go along with 10 points for his own double-double. Neither team illustrated defensive strength on this night, as the final score indicated, so the offensive stats accumulated in a hurry.
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Overall, the Timberwolves managed to outscore the Lakers 64-46 in the painted area, but LA beat Minnesota from distance. Led by Bryant's seven triples, LA hit 12 three-pointers on the night, while Minnesota only managed four baskets from long range. In a close game, the extra points proved to be the difference, as Minnesota actually shot 57.5 percent from the field versus the Lakers' 50.0 percent overall shooting.
In terms of game flow, the Lakers and Timberwolves played a back-and-forth first quarter before LA took a 16-point lead in the second period. In the third quarter, the Lakers maintained a double-digit lead throughout the period.
Over the final 12 minutes, however, LA seemingly wilted and let Minnesota back into the game. Minnesota briefly took a one point lead with 5:15 remaining in the game. However, LA took the lead back on a Bryant three-pointer. Moments later, Bryant hit another three-pointer to put the Lakers up by five points. Minnesota climbed back within one point in the final minute, but Bryant hit a 20-foot jump shot that put LA up by three points with 26.4 seconds to play.
Then, Bryant hit six straight free throws to win the game.
Throughout the evening, the fans at Staples Center celebrated every time Bryant entered and re-entered the game, every shot he hit and every time his face turned up on the big screen. With stars like Jack Nicholson and George Lopez sitting courtside, Bryant still stole the spotlight.
No one got free tacos, but Bryant earned a standing ovation, and the Lakers won.
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Sam Mitchell previously coached the Toronto Raptors, back when Kobe Bryant scored 81 points. Above, Mitchell responds to Bryant scoring 38 points after the Timberwolves' loss: "I hate him. If I won't ever see him again, it won't be too soon. I hate him."
(click on the audio symbol on the bottom left of each Vine to hear the audio)
Below, Bryant responds to Mitchell's comments after the game with his trademark love of being the villain: "Thank you for the hate. I appreciate that. Truly, I love that."
Notes (via Lakers P.R.): Bryant became the fourth player age 37 or older in the last 30 seasons to record at least 35 points/5rebounds/5assists in a game, joining Michael Jordan (three times), Karl Malone (three times), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (once)
