Raps Hang Tough, Lose Thriller - 115-107 Lakers

The Raps carried a two-point lead into the fourth. The Lakers' first lead of the second half came halfway through the final quarter, and the Raps were able to pull within two with 42.7 seconds left. Unfortunately, a storm named Kobe Bryant came runbling in and the Raptors couldn't weather it, wasting fantastic efforts from Joey Graham and Jermaine O'Neal. Jose Calderon sat again with a sore hamstring. The Raps have dropped three straight and playoff hopes are fading rapidly.

NBA.com recap

Player of the Game:
Who saw this coming? JO looked like it was early 2003 again and posted an astounding line of 22 points, 9 rebounds and 9 blocks. He shot 9-17 from the field and 4-4 from the line. If trade talks are indeed in full swing, it looks like his stock has risen quite a bit tonight.

Notables:
Joey Graham - career-high 24 points (11-19 FG, 1-1 3FG, 1-2 FT), 4 rebounds. Joey was on fire tonight and took it upon himself to put pressure on the Laker perimeter D. He again showed flashes of brilliance and why he's definitely going to get some interest as a free agent.
Anthony Parker - 18 points (6-13 FG, 3-6 3FG, 3-3 FT), 9 assists, 5 rebounds. Playing point guard, Parker again shone through in Jose's absence. Point guard controversy, anyone? (Hint: that was a joke.)
Chris Bosh - Unfortunately, this is mostly a bad Notables mention. He did manage 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists while on the court, but he left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Call it hindsight, but this man looks very, very tired.

Full box score

Stat of the Game:
In a game with a miniscule 14 total turnovers, the Lakers' pressure was a high point, finishing with six steals to the Raptors zero. The Raptors committed 9 turnovers in all, with the Lakers taking marvelous care of the ball with just 5.

Next Game: Friday, February 6th, 8:00 PM at New Orleans Hornets