| Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (3rd L) goes up to shoot against the Phoenix Suns during their NBA game in Los Angeles, California on Tuesday. (Reuters |
Kobe Bryant delivered a sensational performance to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a roller-coaster 139-137 triple-overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Bryant scored 42 points, pulled down 12 rebounds and made nine assists as the Lakers, who squandered a 21-point lead during regulation time, showed their championship mettle with their fifth successive win. The defending NBA champions have compiled a 13-1 record since the All-Star Game break last month. Providing a flurry in the third and final overtime, Bryant knocked in a go-ahead three-pointer and added a running two-point shot with 14 seconds remaining to send Los Angeles (51-20) to the triumph. “We eventually prevailed,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson told reporters before adding a joke. “I was hoping to get out of here (earlier)... it’s a little past my bed time.” Channing Frye led Phoenix with a career-high 32 points and made three free throws with one second left in the first overtime to send the game into a second extra session, where Lakers’ forward Pau Gasol forced the third extra period with two free throws. The Suns (35-34) trailed by 21 in the third quarter but went on a furious run to stun the Lakers, with Grant Hill making a three-pointer late in the fourth to send the game into overtime after regulation ended 112-112. Steve Nash recorded 19 points and a season-high 20 assists while reserve Marcin Gortat finished with 24 points and 16 rebounds for the visitors.