Memphis (11-15) at Los Angeles (13-10)
Currently: - Game info: 10:30 pm EST Mon Dec 20, 2004
- TV: WMC, FSW
The Memphis Grizzlies hope to gain some momentum as they attempt to snap an 18-game road losing streak against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.
The Grizzlies have lost all 18 games they played against the Lakers in Los Angeles since the franchise came into the league in 1995-96. The only other team they haven’t beaton on the road is the Indiana Pacers (0-8).
Memphis has won two straight overall and is looking to notch its first three-game winning streak of the season. The Grizzlies, who are four games under .500, began the year 0-4 before earning their first win against Los Angeles at home on Nov. 10.
Pau Gasol scored six of his 20 points in the final 5:05, Jason Williams added a pair of 3-pointers down the stretch, and Memphis beat the Los Angeles Clippers 92-82 on Sunday.
The Grizzlies improved to 6-4 since Mike Fratello took over the team on Dec. 2 following Hubie Brown’s retirement.
Los Angeles will look to bounce back after dropping the opener of its five-game homestand, 120-116 in overtime to the surprising Washington Wizards on Friday night.
Kobe Bryant had his fourth triple-double of the season, and 13th of his career, with 36 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds. Backcourt mate Chucky Atkins added 23 points and combined with Bryant to shoot 18-for-39 from the floor.
The Lakers were coming off probably their best game of the season, a 115-99 win at Sacramento on Thursday.
Bryant and Atkins led Los Angeles on offense, but failed to hold up their end on defense. Washington’s backcourt of Gilbert Arenas and Larry Hughes combined for 70 points on 56.5 percent (26-for-46) shooting.
Bryant has been on a tear offensively, averaging 32.4 points and 8.4 assists over the last five games.
Team Comparison
| Team | Record | Standings | PF | PA | Road/Home | Streak | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 45-37 | 4th Southwest / 8th West | 93.4 | 91.1 | Road 19-22 | Lost 1 | 4-6 |
| Los Angeles | 34-48 | 4th Pacific / 11th West | 98.7 | 101.7 | Home 22-19 | Lost 6 | 1-9 |
Straight Outta Vancouver
Silver Screen and Roll
