Live NBA Score - Lakers Hand Cavaliers 1st Home Defeat

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The Boston Celtics had two ongoing winning streaks before both were snapped by the Los Angeles Lakers. This time, it*is the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 23 game home winning streak that*is on the line. The Cavs have not loss a home game since April 16, 2008 when they lost to the Detroit Pistons in their final game last season. Whoever wins shall also claim bragging rights of having the best record in the NBA basketball results which translate to securing home court advantage during the entire playoffs. And with the playoffs in mind, the fans shall eagerly await the match up between The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and the Cavs’ LeBron James who are both possible candidates for the regular season Most Valuable Player award.
So the Los Angeles Lakers did travel to Cleveland and accomplished what they have to do. The Lakers succeeded in breaking the Cavs’ home game winning streak by defeating them, 101-91 and finished their six game road trip with an unblemished record. But the fans did not witness a spectacular performance from Bryant though as it was Lamar Odom who carried his team to win. The Lakers have clinched the season series against the Cavs, 2-0.
Bryant wasn’t feeling well and had the symptoms of flu but continued to play. He vomitted before the game, suffered chills during the entire game and had to undergo intravenous fluids replacement therapy at half time.* He still finished with 19 points though. The Lakers then turned to Odom, who had a great second half performance when they won against the Celtics, and he responded magnificently once again. He scored 15 points in the third quarter, helped in defending LeBron James*and had a season high total of 28 points as he engineered a third quarter surge and outscores the Cavs 31-16 and turned a 10 point deficit to a 82-77 lead heading into the fourth scores period. He also added 17 rebounds which is also a season high that made Lakers coach Phil Jackson state that it was Odom’s best performance in the season so far. Pal Gasol supported Odom as he chipped in 18 points and six assists.
Odom scored 13 of the Lakers’ 16 points as he was guarded by people not known for their defensive qualities, Wally Szczerbiak and rookie J.J. Hickson. He ended his one man shooting frenzy with a two handed dunk of a missed shot in the final seconds of the quarter. Jackson started to use Odom frequently once again when Lakers center Andrew Bynum suffered a knee injury and shall be out for a long time.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 22 points and hauled down nine rebounds to lead the Cavaliers. James had 16 points but had a miserable shooting percentage as he went 5 out of 20 from the field. He did have 12 assists and eight rebounds for his team’s cause. Mo Williams had 19 points on 7 of 19 shooting. Cleveland were held to just 28% (11-19) in the second half and didn’t play outstanding defense to seal their doom.
The spotlight did not light up on Bryant and James as Odom stepped up to the task. But in their separate ways, both players showed their value to their team. That even in their most miserable moments, they have to do something to contribute to the team. It was admiring to see Bryant play with a flu, but it was more disconcering to learn about his hospitalization afterwards. James had a hard time scoring but he contributed in other departments to compensate for his poor shooting form. With that, this gentlemen have shown that they are really worthwhile to be named the MVP.
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