The game wasn't superb on the Lakers part since they were up eleven at halftime and seventeen points 2 minutes into the 3rd. During the 1st half, the Lakers were doing good even with Kobe scoring a dismal 5 points by half time, but he did dish out 5 assists in the 1st half. Sasha, after a poor performance at the end of the Memphis game, scored 12 points in 8 minutes of playing time in the first half en route to 20 points and 6-8 on 3 pointers. Though I was pretty angry at Sasha after last game, this game doesn't change my judgment that he has bad decision making. Until he shows more conscience at the end of games instead of trying to be the hero, I won't have much respect for him. Anyways, the bench carried the team for the first half, since Fisher, Radmonovic, and Vujacic were the first players to get into double figures.
Second half was a little different since the Wizards started making shots. Nick Young is going to be a great player in years to come, scoring a career high 27 points 3 big three pointers to keep the Wizards in the game. The Wizards chipped away at the lead and actually led by one inside of 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Deshawn Stevenson played huge in the period nailing 5 3 pointers. The game was square at 86 going into the 4th quarter. For the first portion of the 4th quarter, the Lakers and Wizards traded buckets, but the Lakers built a 9 point lead,94-103 with 5:26 remaining in the period. But Nick Young drained 3 huge three pointers to have the Wizards face a one point deficit. Free throws by Bryant pushed the lead to 3, but Caron nailed a 3 pointer to tie it with 10 seconds left and the game went to overtime.
LA was down for most of overtime, trailing by 4 with 1:39, but 2 big Derek Fisher jumpers kept LA within 1. A Nick Young turn over and missed shot resulted in 4 Kobe Bryant free throws 3 of which were made. Luke chased down the miss and tipped it to Sasha who was fouled and nailed 2 free throws to put the game away.
Kobe finished with an MVP stat line with 26 points and 13 assists if you overlook his disgusting field goal percentage. Ronny Turiaf had 4 blocks, and Lamar Odom grabbed 13 rebounds.


P.S. Luke, just run out the clock next time and be respectful next time.

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