The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Denver Nuggets 111-107 on Tuesday for their fifth victory of the season, mainly because of Kobe Bryant.
In addition to 31 points (FG: 10-22, 3PT: 2-9, FT: 9-11), Bryant finished the game with five assists, three rebounds, one steal and a block. Bryant’s 31 points tied a season-high.
Due to a shoulder injury, Bryant was a game-time decision but showed no ill effects and was in his element all night. Knocking down shots whenever the Lakers needed him to, Bryant even sealed the victory for the Lakers by making a twisting, turnaround shot with less than 20 seconds left in the game.
After struggling to shoot the ball at the beginning of the season, Bryant has seen his shooting percentage rise and overall, he has been playing much better. In his past four games, Bryant is averaging 25.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and five assists while shooting 50.7 percent and 35.4 percent from three.
The Lakers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night looking to get their second straight win. They will probably have to try and do it without Bryant, who has been resting on the second half of back-to-back games.
