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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, February 9, 2009

Lakers get best of Cavs, 101-91

Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Los Angeles' Lamar Odom throws down a dunk against the Cavaliers. Cleveland lost for the first time at home this season.

MARK DUNCAN | Associated Press

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CLEVELAND — Kobe Bryant was sick. The Cleveland Cavaliers just looked it.

With Bryant suffering from the flu, Lamar Odom scored a season-high 28 points — 15 in the third quarter — and Paul Gasol scored 18 as the streak-busting Los Angeles Lakers dominated the second half and handed Cleveland its first home loss this season, 101-91, yesterday to complete a 6-0 road trip.

Bryant was not himself. The superstar vomited before the game, shivered with chills throughout and needed intravenous fluids at halftime. But Odom picked up the offensive slack, helped contain LeBron James on defense, and was the biggest factor in the Lakers outscoring the Cavaliers 50-30 after halftime.

"That was one of the best games he's played for us," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said of the enigmatic Odom. "He's had some spectacular games, but that was a terrific game. It was the total package of his game. He broke people down with his speed and quickness to the basket and got some easy shots."

It's been a tough few days for Cleveland. First, guard Mo Williams was bypassed for the second time as an All-Star. Then, James had his apparent historic triple-double in New York downgraded by an NBA review, and now, the Cavaliers have had their invincibility at home stripped by the road-weary Lakers.

"You have to give the Lakers credit," said James, who scored 16 but missed 15 of his 20 field-goal tries. "I missed a lot of easy looks that I usually make."

The Cavaliers came in 23-0 at Quicken Loans Arena, but were stopped by the Lakers, who are gaining a reputation for stopping streaks.

They ended Boston's 19-game winning streak on Christmas Day and halted a 12-game run by the Celtics earlier this week. This was Cleveland's first loss at home since Game 5 against Washington in the first round of last season's playoffs.

"I didn't want it to happen," James said. "But I'm glad it's over."

The Lakers weren't intimidated in one of the NBA's rowdiest arena and went undefeated on a road trip that also included stops in Minnesota, Memphis, New York, Toronto and Boston. Los Angeles' trip started rocky with center Andrew Bynum injuring his knee against the Grizzlies, but it couldn't have ended any better.

Beginning with Bryant's record-setting 61-point performance against the Knicks, the Lakers have gone 4-0 without Bynum. They didn't commit a turnover in the final 19:28 against the Cavs.

"We're playing for perfection," Odom said, "and in order to do that, it takes a lot of energy, focus and commitment to winning and doing whatever it takes. We got production from everyone."

Spurs 105, Celtics 99: Roger Mason pulled up and leaned into a 3-pointer with 20.4 seconds left, and Tim Duncan scored 23 points with 13 rebounds to lead visiting San Antonio. It was the second loss in three games for the defending champions, who lost to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday in an NBA finals rematch that snapped a 12-game win streak.

Trail Blazers 109, Knicks 108: Brandon Roy's finger-roll at the buzzer gave host Portland the win over New York. Roy finished with 19 points and eight assists, while Travis Outlaw led the Blazers with 23 points.

Magic 101, Nets 84: Dwight Howard had 30 points and 16 rebounds to lift host Orlando over New Jersey, which played without Vince Carter, out with a hyperextended right elbow.

Heat 96, Bobcats 92: Dwyane Wade shook off flu-like symptoms to score 22 points, and rookie Mario Chalmers scored 16 and added a career-best 13 assists as host Miami held off Charlotte.

Wizards 119, Pacers 117: Caron Butler scored 15 straight points, including a game-winning 18-footer at the buzzer, as host Washington beat Indiana.

Thunder 116, Kings 113: Kevin Durant scored 39 points and host Oklahoma City held off Sacramento after blowing a 19-point second-quarter lead.

Hornets 101, Timberwolves 97: Sean Marks dunked with 7.8 seconds left to cap a career-high 18-point effort as host New Orleans beat Minnesota.

Warriors 116, Jazz 96: Corey Maggette scored 24 points and Stephen Jackson had 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as host Golden State beat Utah.

Suns 107, Pistons 97: Steve Nash scored 15 and had a season-high 21 assists as visiting Phoenix beat Detroit.

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