Kobe Bryant scored 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in just 29 minutes, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to an easy 113-96 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The win moved the Lakers to 4-0 on their seven-game Grammy road trip, and pushed their road record on the season to 19-8. Pau Gasol added 20 points and grabbed six boards for the Lakers, who improved to 9-1 on the second night of back-to-back games this season.
Bryant started out hot, scoring 19 points in the opening quarter. He hit seven of nine shots, including a jumper at the buzzer to give the Lakers a 30-28 lead after one. After that, it was all Lakers, who outscored New York 55-40 in the second and third periods. The Lakers shot 53.6% from the field and hit six of their 15 three-point attempts. The Knicks made just five of 20 three-pointers, and shot 41.2% for the game. Kobe has 200 points in his last five games at Madison Square Garden, all wins for the Lakers.
Amare Stoudemire led the Knicks with 24 points, and grabbed 10 rebounds. The Lakers travel to Orlando for a Sunday afternoon game against the Magic, then finish the road trip with games in Charlotte and Cleveland. At 4-0 so far, this seven-game road trip is looking very promising, and potentially a great way to head into the All-Star break.
For more information on tonight's game, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.