Lakers win first of back-to-back set

The Associated Press

Published: Friday, May 18 2012 11:59 p.m. MDT

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol puts up a shot during the first half in Game 3 on Friday.

Associated Press

Summary

Kobe Bryant didn't miss on 18 free throws and scored 14 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied late for a 99-96 victory over Oklahoma City in Game 3 on Friday night, cutting the Thunder's second-round series lead to 2-1.

LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant didn't miss on 18 free throws and scored 14 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied late for a 99-96 victory over Oklahoma City in Game 3 on Friday night, cutting the Thunder's second-round series lead to 2-1.

Metta World Peace swiped the ball from Kevin Durant and hit two free throws with 12.9 seconds left for the third-seeded Lakers, who shook off the memory of their late collapse in Game 2.

When Kevin Durant missed a 3-pointer, and Andrew Bynum blocked Serge Ibaka's shot at the buzzer, the Lakers' frenzied crowd celebrated their second win in the last six playoff games.

Durant scored 31 points before missing his last shot for Oklahoma City, which could have moved to the brink of its second straight trip to the Western Conference finals.

Game 4 in this back-to-back set is Saturday night.

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Salt Lake City, UT

I guess that I'm a cynic. I've had the feeling watching the playoffs for a number of years now that it is much like a 'fixed boxing match'.
There were so many calls last night that benefited the Lakers, it was hard to More..

3:55 p.m. May 19, 2012
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