Friday, Dec. 18, 2009

MILWAUKEE (AP) Kobe Bryant reverted to an old habit when he missed a potential game-winning shot. Given a second opportunity, he stuck with the change he's made since breaking his right index finger.

One-hander: Orlando's Vince Carter puts up a shot in front of Toronto's Hedo Turkoglu on Wednesday night. The Magic beat the Raptors 118-99. AP PHOTO

Bryant hit a 15-footer as time expired and scored the game's final seven points over the last 1:18 of overtime to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

Bryant, who had 27 of his 39 points in the second half and overtime, missed a shot from nearly the same spot from the left elbow that would've won it at the buzzer to end regulation.

"I changed my grip since the finger, so that first shot I took had my original grip and the ball kind of came off the wrong way," said Bryant, who broke the finger against Minnesota on Friday. "I was upset because if I was going to miss it, I'd rather miss it with things I've practiced in the last few days. I was happy to get another look."

Cavaliers 108, 76ers 101

In Philadelphia, LeBron James hit two clutch 3s in the fourth quarter and scored 36 points to lead Cleveland over the Sixers with the Phillies' newly acquired ace Roy Halladay watching from a suite.

Nuggets 111, Rockets 101

In Denver, Carmelo Anthony scored 38 points, his fifth straight 30-plus point performance, and the Nuggets overcame the loss of star guard Chauncey Billups to a groin injury to beat Houston.

Magic 118, Raptors 99

In Orlando, Dwight Howard had 18 points, 14 rebounds and eight blocks, as the Magic spoiled Hedo Turkoglu's return to Orlando.

Hawks 110, Grizzlies 97

In Atlanta, Joe Johnson scored 26 points and the Hawks pulled away in the second half for their fifth straight win.

Jazz 108, Nets 92

In East Rutherford, N.J., Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer recorded double-doubles, and Utah added to hapless New Jersey's woes.

Mavericks 100, Thunder 86

In Oklahoma City, Dirk Nowitzki had 35 points and 11 rebounds, and Dallas used a late surge to spoil the debut of Kevin Durant's new bright orange sneakers and beat the Thunder.

Hornets 95, Pistons 87

In New Orleans, David West had a season-high 32 points and 12 rebounds, helping the Hornets overcome a 16-point deficit and beat Detroit.

Pacers 101, Bobcats 98

In Indianapolis, Troy Murphy had 26 points and 15 rebounds, leading Indiana over Charlotte.

Clippers 120, T'wolves 95

In Minneapolis, Chris Kaman had 23 points and 10 rebounds, Marcus Camby had 10 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks, and Los Angeles won for the seventh time in 11 games.

Spurs 103, Warriors 91

In Oakland, Calif., Tim Duncan had 27 points and 15 rebounds, Richard Jefferson scored 17 points, and San Antonio picked up a rare win on the road this season.

Kings 112, Wizards 109

In Sacramento, Tyreke Evans scored 26 points, fellow rookie Omri Casspi had a season-high 22, and the Kings held on late to outlast Washington.

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