NEW YORK, 30 December 2005 — Damon Stoudamire poured in 25 points and dished out nine assists while Pau Gasol chipped in with a double-double to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 100-99 overtime victory at the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.
Gasol hit for 24 points and pulled down 13 rebounds while Eddie Jones contributed 17 points as the gritty Grizzlies clawed their way back from a 10-point first half deficit to claim their third win in four games. The Grizzlies never led through regulation but took control in the overtime behind a 10-2 run. Kobe Bryant, who left the court briefly in the third quarter with blood streaming down his face after being elbowed in the head, returned to finish the game with 45 points and 15 rebounds but the Lakers still fell to their third straight defeat.
In Washington, Shawn Marion poured in a 28 points while Steve Nash helped out with 19 points and 16 assists as the Phoenix Suns rallied past the Wizards 104-99. James Jones contributed 16 points and seven boards to the Phoenix total and Raja Bell chipped in with 13 points for the Suns.
In Oklahoma City, David West drained a jump shot with one second left to play lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 92-90 victory over the Houston Rockets. J.R. Smith led New Orleans with 16 points while West and Rasual Butler each had 15 as the Hornets had six players in double figures.
In Orlando, Grant Hill hit for 26 points and Steve Francis added 17 sparking the Magic to a 105-95 win over the New York Knicks. Eddy Curry led New York with a season-high 29 points and nine rebounds but it was not enough as the Knicks fell for the ninth time in 10 games.
In Charlotte, Melvin Ely netted 20 points and Primoz Brezec added 17 points and a season high 14 rebounds as the injury riddled Bobcats disposed of the Chicago Bulls 93-80.
In Toronto, Mike James had 28 points and Morris Peterson chipped in with a season high 26 as the Raptors won a clash between the NBA’s two worst teams, stopping the Atlanta Hawks 108-102 to register just their second home win of the season.
In Minneapolis, Wally Szczerbiak poured in 30 points and Kevin Garnett had 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves eased past the Seattle SuperSonics 108-95.
In Portland, Zach Randolph had 28 points and 14 rebounds and Juan Dixon added 18 points as the Trail Blazers trimmed the Philadelphia 76ers 95-91, extending their winning run to three games.
