O'Neal-inspired Lakers clamp down on 'D' in win over Nets
(Agenceis)
Updated: 2004-03-01 13:58

With a lineup that includes Kobe, Shaq and Gary Payton, sometimes the easiest thing to overlook is the Los Angeles Lakers' defense. The Lakers held New Jersey to 18 field goals and 51 points in the first three quarters of a 100-83 win Sunday.

LA Lakers ' Shaquille O'Neal , right, blocks a shot by New Jersey Nets ' Richard Jefferson during the first quarter, Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, in East Rutherford, N.J. O'Neal led the Lakers with 19 points and 14 rebounds as they beat the Nets 100-83. [AP]

Shaquille O'Neal added 19 points, 14 rebounds and a spectacular one-handed slam on a third-quarter fast-break pass from Kobe Bryant in helping the Lakers win for the ninth time in 11 games.

Bryant, who averaged 32.6 points in his last five starts, had 11 points, 10 assists and six rebounds in 31 minutes in which the Lakers got contributions from everyone.

Richard Jefferson had 19 points to lead New Jersey in what was the first embarrassing loss of Lawrence Frank's coaching career. It was his second defeat in three games after winning his first 13 games.

Kenyon Martin added 11 points and Jason Kidd had 10 points and just three assists while playing 28 minutes with a bruised knee. The Nets' big three combined to go 13-of-28 from the field in seeing a nine-game home winning streak end.

The Lakers never trailed in the contest in which Payton came out with a point to prove.

The veteran point guard who signed with Los Angeles over the summer was quoted in recent days as disappointed with his decision to come to the Lakers. He said the triangle offense limited some of the things he does well and he wasn't happy with his playing time.

On the Lakers' second possession, he drove the lane for a basket. He got fouled on the next trip, hitting two free throws for a 4-0 lead. Payton set up a basket by Bryant, hit another drive and finished the quarter with 10 points in helping Los Angeles take a 26-17 lead.

The Lakers increased the margin to 14 at the half and then they blew away the Nets, outscoring New Jersey 22-8 in the closing minutes of the third quarter.

The play everyone will remember was Payton leading a break and passing to Bryant, who found O'Neal on the left side of the lane. O'Neal took the alley-oop pass with an extended left hand and slammed it home. He walked upcourt staring at his extended left hand, admiring it.

NOTES:@ The Lakers outrebounded New Jersey 39-30 in ending a three-game losing streak against New Jersey. ...The Nets finished the game shooting 41.6 percent, getting 14 baskets in the final quarter. ...The crowd of 19,968 was the Nets' second sellout of the season. ... The Lakers shot 39-of-83 from the field for 47 percent. ... O'Neal fell hard to the court in the second quarter after another dunk, when he let go of the rim with Nets C Jason Collins holding his legs.