Williams scored 14 of his team-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, including 12 of the Sixers' final 15 points in the final 3 minutes, 48 seconds. During this stretch, the Sixers (18-7) went from trailing by 88-84 to an improbable victory that had the arena rocking, rolling, and pulsating in what felt like a playoff game because of its intensity.
Sixers observers often ask management whether it needs a closer. But in the team's locker room, players were telling reporters that those people need to stop looking and open their eyes.
"Lou came in and hit everything we needed late to get the win," center Spencer Hawes said. "He's our closer. When he comes in there at the end with his ability to make plays, he's a tough matchup for anybody."
Williams, along with Andre Iguodala, may be selected as a reserve on the Eastern Conference all-star team. However, on Monday night, Williams just wanted to focus on the team's next game, Wednesday against San Antonio.
And when somebody mentioned his name in the same sentence as Bryant's, Williams said he just answered the challenge to produce every night when his team needs it.
"I like any challenge, especially when they are putting the ball in your hands and asking for big buckets," Williams said. "A game like this, it was a great win for us all. Hopefully, we can carry some momentum, especially going into a game Wednesday and the rest of the schedule.
"As far as mentioning my name with Kobe, I wouldn't put myself in the conversation with Kobe. Tonight I made shots at the end of the game. It was great for us and we're glad we were able to win."
And Iguodala played a major role in holding Bryant to just four points on 2-for-12 shooting in the second half.
Bryant, who surpassed O'Neal with 5:08 to play in the second quarter, had seemed unstoppable in the first half, when he was 8 for 14 from the field.
