Lakers pull away from Thunder late

The Los Angeles Lakers weren’t at their best on Tuesday night against the Thunder in Oklahoma City.  They shot out to a big lead, but watched the plucky Thunder chip away and threaten as the game progressed.  It took a big 4^th quarter effort from Kobe Bryant to thwart OKC’s comeback bid as the Lakers prevailed 107-93.

Bryant finished with 36 points, including 10 during a decisive three minute run in the 4^th quarter that nailed down the victory. Kobe didn’t escape the game unscathed, as he twisted his ankle and spent over a half hour in the trainers’ room afterwards.  When he finally emerged and spoke to the media, his comments suggested that it wasn’t too serious:

"It was my ankle, but I've got ankle insurance. I'm fine."

A total of five Lakers scored in double figures—in addition to Kobe’s 36 points, Pau Gasol posted a solid all around game with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.  Derek Fisher added 12 points, Luke Walton 11 and Jordan Farmar 10. 

The Thunder were paced by Kevin Durrant, who earned a ‘double/double’ with 32 points and 10 rebounds along with 6 assists and 3 steals.  Kyle Weaver scored 16 points off the bench, Russell Westbrook added 14 and Jeff Green just missed a ‘double/double’ of his own as he finished with 10 points and 9 rebounds. 

After the game Durrant commented that the Thunder strategy was to force Kobe to make tough shots late—and he made them:

"A guy like Kobe Bryant, he's a great player. He makes those shots. We forced him into some of those tough ones, but that's the kind of player he is."