LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers scored 51 points in the third quarter and it was more than enough to beat the visiting New York Knicks, 127-96, at the Staples Center.
The impressive victory did not do much for the lost playoffs hopes of the 24-46 Lakers but the defeat was especially devastating for the Knicks, who at 29-42, are chasing the 31-38 Atlanta Hawks for the 8th and last playoffs berth in the Eastern Conference.
Xavier Henry led the Lakers with 22 Tuesday night and Nick Young contributed 20. Kent Bazemore added 18 while Chris Kaman finished with 13 and nine rebounds.
Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni best summed up the improbable win by telling reporters that "we made shots all over the place."
The Lakers sure did. They sank 48 of 83 field goals including a whopping 18 for 28 from 3-point range. They also drilled 13-of-15 free throws for good measure.
Led by Carmelo Anthony's 29 points and 16 Amar'e Stoudemire, the Knicks shot well, too, but not nearly as good as the Lakers -- 36 of 74 form the field and 4-for-15 from 3-point territory.
The Knicks appeared headed for an easy triumph when they started the game 8-0 and held the Lakers to 14 first quarter points, but things unraveled in the second and third quarters where the Lakers scored a combined 87 points(MR)
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