News / Sports
Kobe Bryant Hits 50 in Fourth Straight to Lead Lakers Past Hornets
Kobe Bryant became just the second player in NBA history to score at least 50 points in four straight games after dropping 50 in the Los Angeles Lakers (37-32) 111-105 victory over the NO/Oklahoma City Hornets (31-38).
Bryant hit 16-29 from the floor while sinking al 16 free-throws he attempted to notch the historic achievement. After scoring 13 in the opening quarter he followed with 14 in the second but the Lakers still trailed 57-56 at halftime.
The Lakers star guard then took over in the third with his teams first ten points in the opening 2:28 of the quarter. He finished the period with 17 and Los Angeles had built an 87-75 lead heading into the fourth.
Bryant missed his first three shots of the fourth but was able to get to the line on two separate occasions to bring his total to 48 with just over five minutes left in the game. His historic bucket came with 5:13 left on the clock and gave the Lakers an eight point lead.
The 11-year pro joined Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan and Elgin Baylor as the only NBA players to score at least 50 in three straight when he scored 60 in the Lakers win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday. Bryant now only trails Chamberlain’s seven straight 50-plus games.
Bryant’s performance overshadowed a strong performance by the Hornets Tyson Chandler who finished with 22 points and 22 rebounds.
