Lakers rally past Grizzlies

Memphis's stifling defense couldn't stop Kobe Bryant from scoring enough points (36) to carry the Lakers to victory. (NIKKI BOERTMAN/Associated Press)

Kobe Bryant scored 36 points and keyed a late rally to help the Los Angeles Lakers snap a two-game losing streak with a 105-96 victory over the Grizzlies last night in Memphis.

The Lakers trailed, 93-88, with 3:08 left, but closed the game on a 17-3 run, including 10 points from Bryant to overtake the Grizzlies down the stretch.

Bryant was 14 of 23 from the field, part of Los Angeles shooting 54 percent on the night.

Pau Gasol had 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in his return to Memphis. Gasol played six-plus seasons with the Grizzlies before being traded to Los Angeles in February. Part of the trade included his brother, Marc, going to the Grizzlies.

Gasol is the Grizzlies franchise leader in 12 statistical categories, including points, rebounds, and blocks, and the only All-Star in Grizzlies history (2006).

He was met with a mixture of cheers and boos in the pregame introductions. Later, when the Grizzlies presented a video tribute during a timeout, the boos were louder.

Rudy Gay led Memphis with 23 points, while O.J. Mayo scored 22.

The game was close throughout without either team building a lead of more than 8 through the first three quarters.

Memphis led 57-49 at the half and couldn't pull away in the third quarter. The two teams got testy as Marc Gasol and Bryant drew technicals. Lamar Odom would also draw one for arguing a no-call later in the half.

Nuggets 97, Trail Blazers 89 - Nene scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds, Chauncey Billups added 19 points and 10 assists, and host Denver overcame the absence of Carmelo Anthony (sore right elbow) to beat Portland.

The Nuggets led, 85-83, halfway through the fourth when they took control. Linas Kleiza, who finished with 17 points, hit a 3-pointer and J.R. Smith's two jumpers extended the lead to 92-85 with 4:18 left. The Trail Blazers cut it to 93-89 with 1:20 to play, but Kleiza's dunk with 48 seconds left sealed the victory.

Magic 113, Warriors 81 - Jameer Nelson scored 22 points and had seven assists to help host Orlando rout Golden State.

Nelson, named NBA Player of the Week for the first time in his career yesterday, was 9 for 9 from the field - including hitting four 3-pointers. He had 13 points and four assists in the third period when the Magic blew open a close game with a 22-9 run on their way to their fifth straight win of the season.

Rockets 114, Nets 91 - While Yao Ming won the showdown with fellow Chinese Olympian Yi Jianlian, the smallest player on the court stole the show from the 7-footers.

Yao had 24 points and 16 rebounds and Aaron Brooks, a 6-foot guard, tied his career-high with 22 points as visiting Houston won a season-high fourth straight.

Spurs 101, Kings 85 - Tony Parker committed five turnovers in the first 10 minutes but overcame the rough start by scoring 18 points to lead host San Antonio past reeling Sacramento.

Raptors 97, Clippers 75 - Chris Bosh scored 18 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter as visiting Toronto beat Los Angeles to snap a five-game losing streak.