This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
LAst Night's Action: Lakers Tough One Out Against Raptors
LA Lakers defeat Toronto Raptors 108-102. Sound the alarms, it is officially time to panic. The Lakers had a challenge against the Toronto Raptors.
Okay, the Lakers were out-rebounded by the Raptors on the offensive glass 19-7 and overall 49-31. Lamar Odom had an off night with seven points and nine rebounds. The Lakers trailed late in the third quarter.
But then equilibrium set in. The Lakers went on a 15-3 run. Pau Gasol scored 30 points while Kobe Bryant added 23. Even Steve Blake and Shannon Brown scored 14 points and 12 points respectively off the bench to balance the six Raptors who had double-digit scoring.
The Raptors kept it close even getting to within four points in the final 30 seconds, but Bryant knocked down two free throws to ice the game.
Denver Nuggets defeat LA Clippers 111-104. The Nuggets overcame their injuries to stomp out the youthful Clippers. Although the Nuggets really have to thank the Clippers coughing the ball up down the stretch and making stupid fouls. Blake Griffin had a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds while Eric Gordon added 21 points and Eric Bledsoe with 12 points and 13 assists. Both Baron Davis and Randy Foye were out yet again with their respective injuries.
Anaheim Ducks defeat Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Someone break up the Ducks. A win against the then-Eastern Conference leading Tampa Bay Lightning Wednesday night, and now this.
After a very entertaining first period that was reminiscent of the Kings’ hard-hitting game against the Lightning Thursday night at STAPLES Center, the referees allowed the players to play in this game. Even in a scoreless game in the first period where the Ducks had seven shots and the Penguins five, it was a compelling watch. It helped, of course, that Deryk Engelland and the mustachioed-less George Parros went at it 1:42 in the game.
Sponsored message
The scoring caught up for the Ducks when Bobby Ryan got things started going top shelf on Pen’s goalie Marc-Andre Fleury 7:35 in the second period. And then the Ducks caught the scoring fever. Ryan Getzlaf shot on in at 12:22 and Saku Koivu knocked one in two minutes later giving the Ducks a shocking 3-0 lead that even the fans at the Honda Ponda couldn’t believe.
Sidney Crosby, who hadn’t scored against the Ducks in four previous games against them, scored twice - a power-play goal late in the second period and an early score in the third period to get the Ducks’ fans nervous.
But despite being outshot 12-4, Ducks’ goalie Jonas Hiller held on tight making spectacular save after spectacular save. Hiller ended the game with 30 saves while Fleury had 16 for the Penguins.
TONIGHT’S ACTION
Breeders’ Cup Classic feat. Zenyatta. 3:45 pm ESPN.
Arizona State Sun Devils (4-4, 2-3 Pac-10) at USC Trojans (5-3, 2-3 Pac-10). 7:30 pm FS Prime Ticket, AM 710 KSPN.
Oregon State Beavers (4-3, 3-1 Pac-10) at UCLA Bruins (3-5, 1-4 Pac-10). 4:00 pm Versus, AM 570 KLAC.
Sponsored message
Nashville Predators (13 pts., 5-3-3) at LA Kings (18 pts., 9-3-0). 7:00 pm KCOP 13, AM 1150 KTLK.
LA Clippers (1-5) at Utah Jazz (2-3). 6:00 pm FSWest, AM 980 KFWB.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
