Kobe scores 65 in Lakers' OT win over Portland

Mar 17, 2007, 6:40 GMT

Los Angeles, CA - Kobe Bryant scored a season-high 65 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers over the Portland Trail Blazers, 116- 111, at the Staples Center.

Bryant hit 23-of-39 shots from the floor, including a three-pointer with 44 seconds left in overtime to give the Lakers the lead for good. He also hit a game-tying trey at the end of regulation.

'Before the tip-off tonight, Kobe talked to all the guys about playing physical,' said Lakers coach Phil Jackson. 'That finish was incredible. Those three-pointers by Kobe were remarkable. There was a desperation for a win.'

Lamar Odom had 15 points Maurice Evans scored 14 points for the Lakers, who ended a seven-game slide.

Zach Randolph had 31 points and seven rebounds to lead the Blazers, who blew a nine-point lead late in regulation to fall for the third straight time. Ime Udoka had 19 points and LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 16 points and 10 boards for Portland.

With the game tied at 106 in overtime, Odom found himself open for a dunk with 1:53 left to give the Lakers a two-point lead. Then, with 1:08 left, Randolph hit a pair from the line to tie it again.

Bryant answered with a three-pointer from the corner as the shot clock was set to expire for a 111-108 edge with 44 seconds left. Kwame Brown then blocked a shot at the other end that led to two free throws by Evans to ice the game.

'You have to tip your hat to Kobe, an unbelievable performance,' said Portland coach Nate McMillan.' We had a chance to win this game. I liked our attitude and I like our fight. It was a tough loss for us.'

The win prevented the Suns from clinching their third straight Pacific Division title.

The game was close throughout. The Blazers led 24-16 after one quarter, but went into halftime down 46-43. The third quarter was also tight, as the two teams went into the fourth tied at 68-68.

Portland went ahead 96-89 on an a pair of Randolph free throws with close to two minutes left. But the Lakers, led by Bryant scored nine of the final 11 points of regulation. Bryant's three-pointer with 17.2 seconds tied the contest and Randolph missed a long jumper with two seconds left to win it for Portland.

Game Notes

The point-output for Bryant was the second-best of his career and fourth-best in franchise history...Brandon Roy had 14 points for the Blazers...LA still trails the season series 2-1...LA improved to 21-11 at home...Portland fell to 11-21 on the road.

© 2007 The Sports Network

Game Notes

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