Lakers vs Trail Blazers: Kobe Scores 47 Points, for a Huge Win in Portland

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their fight for the final spot in the playoffs, as they headed to Portland to face the Trail Blazers, on the second night of a back-to-back. After a big win on Tuesday at home against the Hornets, the Lakers got the victory over the Blazers, 113-106. With this win, its the first time this season the Lakers won on consecutive nights.Kobe Bryant led the Lakers, scoring a season high 47 points and was 18 of 18 from the free throw line. Along with his superb scoring, he added 8 rebounds, 5 assist, 4 blocks and 3 steals, giving him a fully loaded stat sheet. The big men, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard played well together, as Dwight Howard was on the receiving end of a few lobs from his teammate. Pau Gasol finished with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assist, and Dwight Howard contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds.The Lakers were without Steve Nash for the 5th game, still suffering from injuries he sustain on March 25th.

The Trail Blazers got off to a great start. In the first quarter they shot very well, 68.2% from the field scoring 41 points in 12 minutes without key players, Wesley Mathews, Nicholas Batum and J.J. Hickson. Portland continued to shoot at a high percentage throughout most of the half and maintained the lead. The Lakers came out strong in the second half and went on a 10-0 run giving them their first lead of the game in the third. The Blazers responded with every push the Lakers made, until the Lakers started to pull away in the fourth quarter. Damian Lillard had a phenomenal game, with 38 points, 9 assist and 3 steals. LaMarcus Aldridge added 17 points and 16 rebounds. The Blazers were a bit of a challenge for the Lakers, but with Kobe Bryant’s dominating performance, he lifts his team for a much needed win.

Kobe Bryant played so well last night, that fans at the Rose Garden were chanting "MVP". He even set a all-time record in Portland for an opponent, with his 47 points, beating LeBron James 44 point performance in 2011. Los Angeles is now one game ahead of the Utah Jazz, and is currently in playoff position. Both teams will have to continue battling for the 8^th seed with 3 games apiece left. For the Lakers, they remain at home to take on top teams, Golden State, San Antonio and Houston. The Jazz have 2 games against the Timberwolves and one against the Memphis Grizzlies. Nine days till the playoffs, who will have the final spot? Stay tuned.  


-@SarahTresChic15