May 24, 2009 (Part 2); Kobe scores 41 to lead 2-1 against Nuggets

Kobe Bryant scored his 2nd 40-point game in this Playoffs as he led his Lakers past the Nuggets, 103-97, to regain the homecourt advantage in their best-of-seven West Finals series at 2-1.

Bryant finished the game with 41 points, with 13 of those coming from the fourth period on 41 minutes of playing time, meaning he scored a point in every minute that he played in. He also had 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.

This is the first loss of the Nuggets in the postseason. And the Lakers also broke the 16-game unbeaten home record of the Nuggets dating back to the regular season.

Pau Gasol had 20 points on 7 out of 12 from the field, along with 11 rebounds and 2 assists. Trevor Ariza, who again did a vital role on defense for the Lakers, scored 16 points and had 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

Everybody from the active Lakers lineup except for Luke Walton scored in this game. A total of 15 bench points were produced by the Lakers today.

The Nuggets on the other hand were led by Carmelo Anthony, who fouled out late in the fourth quarter, with 21 points on 4 out of 13 from the field, along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Chauncey Billups had 18 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. Chris Andersen came off the bench with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Nene tallied 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Dahntay Jones and J.R. Smith both scored 10 points, with Jones having 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal and Smith with 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal.

Kenyon Martin just scored six points, on 3 out of 10 from the field, along with 7 rebounds and 1 assist, but became the second Nugget player to foul out in this game, going out just moments after Anthony fouled out.

Game 4 will be played on Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 AM.

Game 3
LA Lakers 103
Denver 97
Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
LAL: Kobe Bryant- 41 pts, 5 rebs, 6 assts, 2 stls.
DEN: Carmelo Anthony- 21 pts, 5 rebs, 3 assts, 3 stls.
Lakers lead series 2-1
Game 4 on Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 AM from the Pepsi Center in Denver.

UFC 98 on-going! F1, Harlem Globetrotters and PBA action later on!

The Wizard was here... :)