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Page last updated at 07:00 GMT, Monday, 8 June 2009 08:00 UK

Lakers edge to win over Orlando

NBA highlights

NBA highlights - Orlando v Lakers

Kobe Bryant starred again for the Los Angeles Lakers as they claimed an 101-96 overtime win against Orlando to take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.

Bryant led the scoring with 29 points, although his side failed to repeat the domination they enjoyed in their 100-75 victory in the opening game.

This time the Magic could have won in regular time had Courtney Lee's lay-in attempt at the buzzer not rimmed out.

The best-of-seven series now moves to Orlando for up to three games.

"We just drove ourselves through the game," said Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

"I didn't think Kobe had a good game at all as far as his standards go.

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"They double teamed him, they trapped him, they came on all his drives, and we didn't adjust to it."

Pau Gasol, who had 24 points and 10 rebounds, scored seven of the Lakers' 13 points in the overtime, which proved to be crucial.

Both sides had previously missed chances to win the game, with Bryant squandering an opportunity when his short jumper with 0.6 seconds left was blocked by Hedo Turkoglu.

After a timeout, Lee failed to hit the target and his team were then outscored 13-8 in the extra session, leaving the Lakers on track for their 15th NBA title and first since 2002.

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"I don't think we dodged a bullet," insisted Bryant.

"They bounced back like we knew they would, played extremely well, and we got out of here with a win."

The third game is on Tuesday, and Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy believes his players can hit back.

Van Gundy said: "A series can change. You've got to take it one game at a time.

"It's extremely frustrating. I didn't think we played great, because we had 20 turnovers, but we fought hard. We had chances to win. We didn't get it done."



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