NEW YORK, 28 March 2004 — Kobe Bryant scored 35 points and Shaquille O’Neal added 22 points and 18 rebounds to earn the streaking Los Angeles Lakers a 90-73 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday.
Bolstered by having All-Stars Bryant, O’Neal, Karl Malone and Gary Payton back playing together, the Lakers have reeled off seven straight wins to move into the thick of the race for the overall Western Conference lead. Los Angeles improved to 49-23 and exacted revenge on the Timberwolves (48-24), who had beaten the Lakers three times in as many tries this season, all by double-digit margins.
Coach Phil Jackson’s team powered ahead of Minnesota into second place in the West, one and a half games back of Sacramento.
Los Angeles routed the Western Conference-leading Kings 115-91 Wednesday and were every bit as good against the T-Wolves, taking a 78-54 lead after three quarters after leading by eight points at the half. Latrell Sprewell’s 19 points led the Timberwolves while Kevin Garnett chipped in with 18. Payton scored seven points for the host Lakers and Malone four.
In Oakland, Erick Dampier amassed 19 points and 21 rebounds to lead the Golden State Warriors past the Washington Wizards 99-78.
In Seattle, Ray Allen had 27 points as the SuperSonics cruised to a 102-86 win over the Denver Nuggets.
In Philadelphia, John Salmons scored 22 points as the 76ers won their third straight game, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 86-71.
In Orlando, Ron Artest notched 35 points to power the Indiana Pacers to a 107-92 victory over the Magic.
In New York, Stephon Marbury contributed 38 points and nine assists to lead the Knicks to a 108-101 win over the Toronto Raptors.
In Memphis, Stromile Swift had 19 points and 10 rebounds to help the Grizzlies overcome the Houston Rockets 109-86.
In Boston, Paul Pierce poured in 34 points as the Celtics took over eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 102-93 victory over the New Jersey Nets.
In New Orleans, Amare Stoudemire scored 25 points to earn the Phoenix Suns a 99-94 triumph over the Hornets.
In Miami, Rafer Alston hit a three-pointer with 0.5 seconds left in overtime to give the Heat their seventh straight win, a 119-118 decision over the Dallas Mavericks.
In Chicago, Damon Jones picked up 21 points as the Milwaukee Bucks shrugged off the loss of Keith Van Horn with an ankle injury to defeat the Bulls 115-105.
