A simple concussion and broken nose couldn't keep Kobe Bryant off the basketball floor. A newly-masked Bryant had 31 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 104-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night at Staples Center. It was the 17th consecutive victory over Minnesota for the Lakers, who have now won six straight home games and are 15-2 as the host this season.
Bryant scored 14 of his 31 points in the decisive third quarter, when the Lakers turned a six-point halftime lead into a 24-point advantage heading into the final quarter. Andrew Bynum added 13 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots for the Lakers, who shot 48.8% from the field on Wednesday.
The Lakers have score 100 points just six times in 35 games this season, and two of them have been against the Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves were without All-Star forward Kevin Love, who sat out with flu-like symptoms. Michael Beasley and Martell Webster each scored 14 points off the bench to lead Minnesota, who shot just 39.3% from the field during the game.
Up next for the Lakers is a Friday night battle at home against the Sacramento Kings.
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