Kobe Bryant scored 41 points, including a key late three-pointer, to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-97 win over the Denver Nuggets and a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference finals series on Saturday. Bryant's big shot with just over a minute left put the Lakers ahead for good at 96-95 and he sealed the victory by making five of six free throws.
Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points for the Nuggets, but he ran into foul trouble and scored just three second half points. His 4-for-13 shooting was his worst showing of the playoffs.
The Nuggets, who upset the Lakers in Game Two at Staples Center to tie up the series, will now have to rally for Game Four of the best-of-seven series in Denver on Monday.