NBA Game Summary - LA Lakers at Sacramento

01.20.2006

Sacramento, CA (Basketball News) - Mike Bibby scored 40 points and Kenny Thomas posted his first career triple-double, as the Sacramento Kings outlasted the Los Angeles Lakers, 118-109, in an overtime thriller at ARCO Arena.

Thomas had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the Kings, who put an end to a three-game losing streak. Brad Miller finished with 16 points and 10 boards while Peja Stojakovic contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds in the win.

"It was a great opportunity for me," said Thomas. "I feed off Mike and Brad."

Kobe Bryant poured in a game-high 51 points and grabbed nine boards, but it was not enough for the Lakers, who had their two-game winning streak halted. Lamar Odom had 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists before fouling out in the loss.

In overtime, Bibby’s three-pointer gave Sacramento an early three-point lead and Thomas widened the gap to 111-104 on his jumper with 1:52 left.

Francisco Garcia then extended the cushion to nine points with 54.6 seconds to go and the Kings led comfortably the rest of the game.

In the fourth quarter, Odom’s basket just over three minutes into the frame gave Los Angeles an 89-81 lead, but the advantage was short-lived. Sacramento quickly answered with 10 straight points, keyed by eight from Bibby, to forge ahead 91-89 with around six minutes left in the game.

The Lakers, though, rode on Bryant’s back to regain the lead. Bryant’s off- balance jumper with just over two minutes left in regulation put LA ahead 97-95 and Odom’s three-pointer from the top of the arc eventually put Los Angeles ahead 102-97 with 35.5 seconds remaining in the fourth.

Miller then missed 1-of-2 from the foul line, but Odom was called for an offensive foul, which quickly turned things around. Bibby was able to quickly answer with a long-distance shot to bring the Kings within 102-101, however, Bryant was fouled and netted a pair for a three-point edge.

On the ensuing series, though, Miller hit a three to tie the game at 104-104 with 4.1 seconds left in regulation. Odom missed a three-pointer as time expired to send the game into overtime.

Sacramento trailed 31-27 after one quarter before holding a 54-52 edge at the intermission. The Lakers enjoyed a slim 76-74 lead after 36 minutes.

Bryant was 17-of-35 from the field and 13-of-13 from the charity stripe. He has made 48 straight free throws...The Kings have won seven of the last nine meetings...Los Angeles lost for only the second time in its last eight games...The Lakers have dropped five of their last six in Sacramento.

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