Shorthanded Hawks Hold Off Bryant, Lakers 96-92

ATLANTA (AP) – Devin Harris scored 17 points, Ivan Johnson hit a key basket and the shorthanded Atlanta Hawks shook off a 20-point third quarter by Kobe Bryant, snapping a three-game losing streak with a 96-92 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

Bryant finished with 31 points, but made just 11 of 33 shots. He drove the baseline with a chance to force overtime but watched his jumper slide off the rim with 3 seconds remaining. Making matters worse, he landed on Dahntay Jones’ foot and twisted his left ankle, crumpling to the court in pain.

Bryant hobbled off and Kyle Korver knocked down two free throws to clinch it.

Atlanta won for just the second time in eight games despite missing Josh Smith and Jeff Teague.