Kobe Bryant passed Michael Jordan on career scoring list as Lakers defeat Timberwolves

Kobe Bryant passed Michael Jordan for third place on the NBA scoring list and had 10 points in the final five minutes to lead the visiting Los Angeles Lakers to a 100-94 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves last night.

Bryant, 36, who is in his 19th NBA season, needed nine points to move past Jordan. He hit two free throws with 5:24 to play in the first half to move past him.

"I congratulate Kobe on reaching this milestone," Jordan, the owner of the Hornets, said in a statement released to The Associated Press. "He's obviously a great player with a strong work ethic and has an equally strong passion for the game of basketball. I've enjoyed watching his game evolve over the years and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next."

Bryant, who has scored 32,310 points, needed 1,269 games to reach third. Jordan amassed his 32,292 points in 1,039 regular-season games. "He knows how much I've learned from him," Bryant said. "From the other legends, but him in particular."

Bryant had 26 points, shot 7-for-20 and hit a three-pointer with just over a minute to play that helped seal the victory. Shabazz Muhammad had 28 points for the Timberwolves.

"I'm just honored to be here, man, to still be playing," Bryant said. "I appreciate being able to play this long. Careers normally don't last this long. I really appreciate the opportunity to still be out there playing and performing and doing what I do."

Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone have scored more points. "Just like we've never seen another player like Michael Jordan, we will never see another player like Kobe Bryant!" Magic Johnson tweeted.

Bulls 93, Heat 75: Mike Dunleavy had 22 points for visiting Chicago. Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng had 17 each for Miami.

Wizards 93, Jazz 84: John Wall had 16 points, eight assists, six rebounds, five steals and three blocked shots for host Washington. Bradley Beal had 22 points.

Warriors 128, Pelicans 122: Stephen Curry scored eight of his 34 points in overtime as Golden State won its 16th straight. Klay Thompson added 29 points for the visiting Warriors. Tyreke Evans scored 34 points and Jrue Holiday had 30 for the Pelicans.

Spurs 99, Nuggets 91: Kawhi Leonard scored 18 points for visiting San Antonio. Arron Afflalo had 31 points for Denver.

Thunder 112, Suns 88: Russell Westbrook led Oklahoma City with 28 points and Kevin Durant scored 23. -- AP