Pau Shines and Kobe Falls in Lakers' Clincher

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Jersey Nets 103-95, clinching the top spot in the Western Conference and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs up to the Finals. Kobe Bryant sprained his ankle after getting wrapped up with Devin Harris near the end of the second quarter, but returned in the second-half. New Jersey crept closer to the Lakers, at one point cutting a 22 point deficit to just 3 in the fourth. The Lakers pulled away every time the Nets got close, shooting .471 from the field. Jersey committed 22 turnovers and went 8-for-17 from the charity stripe, contributing to the loss. Pau Gasol had a season-high 36 points to go with 11 rebounds and 7 assists. Derek Fisher scored 18 points, and Kobe had 14 with 9 assists, scoring 12 points in the second-half. Vince Carter led the Nets with 20 points, and Harris had 13 with 14 assists.