Bryant powers Lakers past Suns

LOS ANGELES: The surging Los Angeles Lakers scored a 122-115 win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, with Kobe Bryant knocking down 38 points and Andrew Bynum adding a career-high 28.

The victory was the third in a row for the Lakers and their ninth in their last 11 games. They moved to within one game of first-place Phoenix in the Pacific division.

"We are aware of the standings, but we also know that last year we were 10 games over .500 and moving along - then injuries slayed the dragon, so to speak," Lakers coach Phil Jackson told reporters. "We just have to play every game and not think about anything else, just what's ahead of us."

Bryant, who on Sunday became the youngest player to reach 20,000 points, scored 26 of his 38 in the second half to help the Lakers improve to 18-10.

"I think we are a solid team," said Bryant, who also had seven assists and five rebounds.

"When you play against Phoenix, you have to be solid. You can afford a couple of mistakes here and there but ultimately your defensive execution has to be there, and your offensive execution has to be there. We're able to get it done consistently."

Improving young center Bynum was 11-for-13 from the floor as LA beat Phoenix for the second time in a row.

"This definitely was one of my better games," said the 20-year-old. "Made a big impact, team mates looking for me, wide open a lot of times and they found me today."

Steve Nash led the Suns with 24 points and 14 assists, but Phoenix has lost five of its last eight.

"I hate playing on Christmas Day," said Phoenix guard Raja Bell. "It's part of the job but it's the part that you don't like that much."

In Cleveland, LeBron James scored 25 points, Drew Gooden had 18, Daniel Gibson added 16 and Cleveland's defense arrived in time for the holiday as the Cavaliers cooled down the Heat 96-82.

James, who left Quicken Loans Arena in disgust following an embarrassing loss to Golden State on Sunday, added 12 assists and outshined fellow superstar and good friend, Dwyane Wade, who scored 22 points but didn't make his first field goal of the second half until there was only 4:01 remaining.

By then, the Cavs were already up by 12 points and they went on to win for just the fourth time in their last 14 games. Anderson Varejao scored 15 points, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas 13 for Cleveland.

In Portland, Oregon, Brandon Roy and Jarrett Jack each scored 17 points, and Portland extended its winning streak to 11 games, beating the SuperSonics 89-79.

It is the longest current winning streak in the NBA, and the best run for the Blazers since they won 12 straight during the 2001-02 season.

Joel Przybilla had a season-high 16 rebounds, as well as six points, and the Blazers improved their record at the Rose Garden this season to 13-3.

Seattle rookie Kevin Durant had 23 points.

Agencies

(China Daily 12/27/2007 page24)