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Kobe, Lakers Beat Short-Handed Spurs

SA keeps it close, despite lack of stars

By Lev Weinstein,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 14, 2007 1:23 AM CST

(Newser) – Missing both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker due to ankle injuries, the Spurs still managed to put up a fight against the Lakers, before succumbing, 102-97. Kobe led Los Angeles with 30 points, saving the Lakers from a sluggish start against the Spurs' balanced attack, led by Bruce Bowen's 22 points, just two shy of his career best.

The game was tied at 81 early in the fourth quarter, but turned quickly as LA put together a 18-5 run that all but closed the door. Brent Barry Manu Ginobili and Fabricio Oberto also had strong games for San Antonio, posting 17, 14 and nine points, respectively. Lamar Odem had 15 points for Los Angeles.

San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker, right, jokes with assistant coach Don Newman before the start of the Los Angeles Lakers' basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007. Parker did not play. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker, right, jokes with assistant coach Don Newman before the start of the Los Angeles Lakers' basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007....   (Associated Press)
San Antonio Spurs Darius Washington (35) misses a dunk as Los Angeles  Lakers' Ronny Turiaf, left, of Maritnique, and Lamar Odom defend during the second quarter of the basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
San Antonio Spurs Darius Washington (35) misses a dunk as Los Angeles Lakers' Ronny Turiaf, left, of Maritnique, and Lamar Odom defend during the second quarter of the basketball game at the Staples...   (Associated Press)
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, center, goes up for a reverse layup, as teammate Andrew Bynum looks on during the first quarter of the basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, center, goes up for a reverse layup, as teammate Andrew Bynum looks on during the first quarter of the basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Thursday, Dec....   (Associated Press)
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