Kobe Bryant outduels Dirk Nowitzki in L.A. win

Los Angeles Lakers' Dwight Howard (12) celebrates at the close of their 103-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Los Angeles Lakers' Dwight Howard (12) celebrates at the close of their 103-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (Tony Gutierrez)
Los Angeles Lakers' Dwight Howard (12) celebrates at the close of their 103-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)GALLERY: Los Angeles Lakers' Dwight Howard (12) celebrates… (Tony Gutierrez )
Associated Press
Posted: February 25, 2013

Kobe Bryant was just a little better than Dirk Nowitzki in a spirited game befitting Western Conference leaders - not teams battling for ninth place in the Western Conference.

Bryant had 38 points to win a scoring duel with Nowitzki, and Steve Nash helped beat his former team by scoring 20 points for the first time with the Los Angeles Lakers in a 103-99 win Sunday against the Mavericks in Dallas.

Nowitzki, who missed the first 27 games following knee surgery, finished with a season-high 30 points and 13 rebounds in a game that had a playoff feel from the start, even though both teams still have plenty of ground to make up to even qualify for the postseason.

Bryant and Nowitzki each had 16 points in the first half and were still even at 24 after the third quarter before Bryant scored 14 in the fourth, including seven in the last 3 minutes. They were a combined 8 of 9 from three-point range and hit 24 shots and 12 free throws between them.

"It's fun," said Bryant, who also had 12 rebounds and seven assists. "He's one of my all-time favorites. He's a throwback type of player. He doesn't mind the physicality."

Nowitzki was equally effusive. "He's been the best player in my decade," he said. "I've in the NBA a long time and he's the one player I love to watch."

Elsewhere: Jarrett Jack had 23 points and eight assists, and David Lee had 22 points and 13 rebounds to rally the Golden State Warriors over the host Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors outscored the Wolves, 24-18, in the fourth quarter to win their third straight. . . . The Memphis Grizzlies won their seventh straight game, getting by the Nets in Brooklyn, 76-72. Zach Randolph had 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Grizzlies. Deron Williams led Brooklyn with 24 points.

Index by Keyword
|
Index by Date
|
About Philly.com
|
Contact Us
|
Terms of Use & Privacy Statement
|
Copyright 2013