Knicks spoil what likely was Kobe Bryant's MSG swan song with comeback win
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony is guarded by Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant in the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
There was a buzz at Madison Square Garden as the crowd awaited Kobe Bryant's introduction and what he might do in what likely was his final game in New York.
The Lakers legend has mesmerized and electrified the Garden many times over the years, and appreciation was paid by Lakers and Knicks fans alike on Sunday. Bryant, who once scored 61 points at MSG, was serenaded by "M-V-P" chants and got a huge ovation as he left the court.
But with another all-time NBA great, former Laker Magic Johnson, sitting courtside, Bryant couldn't reproduce some of his magical New York moments. He didn't even break 20 points. Down the stretch, it was his good friend, Carmelo Anthony, who received the "M-V-P" chants as he went to the foul line to help put away the game.
The Knicks pulled out a 99-95 victory over the Lakers for their first home win in four tries this season, ending a three-game overall losing streak. The Knicks (3-4) didn't earn their third win last season until their 13th game.
"We didn't want to lose," Anthony said. "We came together and said we didn't want to lose. We found a way to win the game. I don't know when we saw our third win last year, December or January or something. This was a mental game for us coming down the stretch and pulling this one out."
Anthony, who had 24 points and eight rebounds, helped spark a late 11-0 run that sealed the game. Langston Galloway had 14 points off the bench, including a three-pointer that gave the Knicks the lead for good.
Robin Lopez added 14 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Oft-criticized point guard Jose Calderon scored 14 points and rookie Kristaps Porzingis had his second straight double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Bryant came in averaging 30.7 points in 15 games at the Garden. His 61-point performance in 2009 stood as the building record until Anthony scored 62 in 2014 against Charlotte.
The two perennial All-Stars and former scoring champs were matched upagainst each other and neither shot the ball well. Bryant had 18 points and shot 6-for-19 from the field in what likely was his last game here.
"I wouldn't say I was nostalgic about it," he said. "I just felt appreciative playing in such a historical building all these years. If I change my mind, I will come back and play. If I don't, I won't."
After the final buzzer, Bryant hugged Anthony and the two chatted for a little while. "If this is his last hurrah, I'm going to miss him," Anthony said. "I told him it's not going to feel the same with him being gone."
Bryant then shared a moment with formerLaker Sasha Vujacic before going over to his wife and two daughters. He left the floor with his arms raised, waving to the fans cheering for him.
Bryant said he appreciated the chants. "It felt amazing," he said. "I can remember my first game coming in here and not knowing what the hell to expect, and then to be here 20 years later and have that happen feels amazing. I feel very fortunate."
Derek Fisher, Bryant's longtime Lakers teammate, was ejected for the first time as a coach with 7:11 left in the third quarter after arguing a foul call on Porzingis while Bryant was attempting a three-pointer. Associate head coach Kurt Rambis finished out the game.With the fans chanting "M-V-P," Bryant gave the Lakers a 90-87 lead by hitting a free throw with 3:03 left for his final point. The Knicks responded with 11 straight points and went up 98-90 on two free throws by Anthony with 48.9 seconds to go.
Anthony forgave the fans for showing their adoration for Bryant. "If it wasn't him, then I'd be [annoyed]," he said. "It's Kobe, man. I think for the fans, they just don't know if it's going to be your last time, especially here, seeing him. I respect that. It's more of a respect thing, hopefully, coming from our fans. But we don't want to hear that again."
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
