41 Season-high points scored by Kobe Bryant on 14-of-33 shooting, including 3-for-8 from three and 10-of-13 free throws. Bryant scored 23 of his 41 in the second half, but they weren’t enough to get the Lakers a win for this reason:
“I thought we played a lethargic game tonight,” summarized Phil Jackson. “I thought (Indiana) out-hustled us and obviously it paid off for them.” 38.7 Pau Gasol’s minutes per game heading into the contest, which ranked 8th highest in the NBA. Phil Jackson mentioned this fact as a concern before the game, and sure enough, Gasol looked tired down the stretch after playing all but three of the game’s 48 minutes. He was only 5-for-15 from the field towards his 13 points with 12 rebounds and three blocks. 38.6 L.A.’s shooting percentage. 23 Combined percentage of shots made by Derek Fisher (2-for-8) and Shannon Brown (2-for-9). Phil Jackson neglected to worry about it, suggesting that “shooters will go through a slump,” referring to the fact that the two guards were also a combined 3-for-15 at Utah on Friday. 15 Straight points scored by Bryant in the final 4:37 of the third quarter, cutting Indiana’s 15-point lead down to eight heading into the fourth. This a game after Bryant scored 14 straight in the fourth quarter against Indiana. For all the scoring Bryant did, he didn’t even want to talk about offense after the contest, instead relaying his genuine anger about how the team failed to play good defense. 14 Bench points from the Lakers in the second straight poor outing from a second unit that was outstanding for most of the team’s first 15 games. Steve Blake attempted only two shots, though his one make was an important fourth quarter three, while Matt Barnes was 3-for-6 alongside Brown’s 2-for-9. 3 Consecutive crunch time possessions in which the Pacers used offensive rebounds to score points. 1 Victory for Indiana at STAPLES Center, ever, coming on 11/28/10.
