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 The two forwards, who were involved in a skirmish with Washington
Wizard forward Drew Gooden on Friday night, helped the Lakers snap a
four-game skid with a 103-94 victory over the Orlando Magic at
Staples Center on Sunday night.
Hill scored a career-high 28 points to go along with 13 rebounds,
while Young delivered 13 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as
the Lakers (23-46) handed the Magic their ninth consecutive defeat.
Orlando (19-52) lost for the 23rd time in 24 games. The Magic is the
worst road team in the NBA at 4-34.
"The way Jordan Hill played today, we need everybody to bring that
same intensity," said Young, who shot 8-for-17 from the floor. "I
don't know if he can do it again, though."
Young was joking. However, he and his teammates are trying to avoid
becoming a punch line in L.A., where they are close to completing
the worst Lakers campaign since the club moved west more than 50
years ago. The 1974-75 Lakers' 30-52 mark is the record for futility
in L.A., and Young, Hill and the rest of the Lakers would like to
avoid that distinction at all costs.
"We are still the Lakers," Hill said. "This is definitely one of the
top organizations in the league, if not the best. We have to take a
stand for ourselves. Can't quit."
Hill delivered his best performance of the season and posted only
his third career game with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, all
three coming this season. Hill said he felt almost unstoppable
against the Magic.
"Keep attacking, keep playing aggressive," said Hill, who converted
nine of 15 field-goal attempts and hit 10 of 13 free throws, topping
his previous high of 24 points against the Detroit Pistons in
November. "My mindset out there is no one can keep me off the
offensive boards and no one can keep me (away) from the rim."
Guard Victor Oladipo led Orlando with 21 points and 10 assists.
Guard Arron Afflalo added 18 points, while forward Tobias Harris had
16 points and nine rebounds.
"It's tough every night," said Harris, who scored 12 of his points
in the first half. "It's tough to point my finger on what we need to
do, (but) we need to get better. There are some games we could get
on the road, and we should have got this one."
The Magic trailed the Lakers 91-87 before Young canned a 3-pointer
with 3:23 remaining in the game and guard Jodie Meeks, who finished
with 13 points and a career-best six steals, added two free throws
about a minute later. Orlando got no closer than six the rest of the
way.
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Hill was the difference, Orlando coach Jacque Vaughn said.
"I think he made an impact on the game, which is energy and effort,"
Vaughn said. "I think it was through dunks, offensive rebounds,
rolling to the rim, being aggressive at the rim (and) putting the
ball back in. So, give him credit for playing with energy and effort
and giving his team some edge tonight."
The Lakers led by as many as 15 points in the first half before the
Magic rallied in the third quarter. A 3-point basket by guard Doron
Lamb with 27.9 seconds remaining in the quarter cut Los Angeles'
lead to 75-73 heading into the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles center Pau Gasol became ill during the first half and
did not return after intermission. He was scheduled to spend the
night in a hospital and be re-evaluated Monday. Gasol had six points
and two rebounds in 19 minutes.
NOTES: Lakers G/F Kobe Bryant announced Sunday he has formed Kobe
Inc., according to ESPN. One of the firm's initial investments is in
a sports drink called BODYARMOR. ... Lakers G Steve Nash, who has
played only 11 games this season because of nerve root irritation in
his back, did not play because of a sore right hamstring. Nash could
return for Tuesday's game against the New York Knicks. ... Magic G
Jameer Nelson missed his third straight game with a sore left knee.
Nelson is listed as day-to-day. ... Los Angeles G Xavier Henry is
probably done for the season after an MRI exam Saturday confirmed he
has a torn ligament in his left wrist. Henry, who has missed 27
games, was hurt in Friday's loss to the Washington Wizards. ... The
Lakers are 11-3 in regular-season contests against Orlando at
Staples Center.
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