Matt Barnes scored a season-high 25 points and Mike Conley added 24 points and eight assists to power the Memphis Grizzlies past the Los Angeles Lakers 128-119 on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies led for the entire game, and even had a 19 point cusion in the fourth quarter. Memphis also had season highs in points (128) and three pointers made (13).
"It's a lot different. We're taking the wide-open shot. We're not just settling. ... I think everybody's having a lot of fun. And, as you can see, when you have fun, we put up points," said Grizzlies guard Mike Conley.
Sophomore guard Jordan Clarkson led the way for the Lakers, scoring 28 points, while rookie D'Angelo Russell and reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams had 22 points apiece. Julius Randle collected his 24th double-double of the season, scoring 11 points and grabbing 14 boards.
Bryant, who is playing with an injured middle finger, scored 13 points for the Lakers on 5-for-14 shooting. However, the 18-time All-Star said that his final visit to Memphis is his way of thanking the fans and giving them one last opportunity to see him don the purple and gold uniform.
"Hopefully, the fans can feel how thankful I am for them," said Bryant.
Meanwhile, Lakers head coach Byron Scott continues to be disappointed with his team's play. "The last three games especially, we just haven't been able to guard anyone. Teams are pretty much scoring at will."
That statement by Scott proved to be true in this game, as the Lakers had no answer for the Grizzlies' offense. Los Angeles trailed by as much as 15 points in the first quarter when they allowed Memphis to hit 7 of their first 10 shots.
The Lakers never had a chance to make the game competitive.
The teams will meet again Friday, as it's now the Lakers' turn to host the Grizzlies at Staples Center.
Facts of the Night
Grizzlies stars Vince Carter and Zach Randolph achieved milestones in the win. Carter passed Charles Barkley for 24th all-time in career points, while Randolph became the 48th best rebounder of all-time when he surpassed Johnny Green.
Lakers' rookie D'Angelo Russell notched a career high in assist with eight. Fellow freshman Larry Nance Jr. who is battling knee injury only scored three points. The Lakers are planning to shut him down for the remainder of the season.
Bryant practically loves to torch the Grizzlies as he has scored 1,616 points against this team in his 20 year career, which is his most against any other franchise in the NBA. However, Memphis seem to be dominating Los Angeles as a team. The Grizzlies scored their eighth win against the Lakers. It is the longest winning streak of any NBA team against the Lakers all-time.