Daily NBA Fix 12-9-13: Mamba Returns, His Game Still Out

Toronto Raptors 106, LOS ANGELES LAKERS 94

Dec 8, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives against Toronto Raptors shooting guard

(10) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Mamba Returns – The Raptors traded away Rudy Gay and the Lakers got Kobe Bryant back. The Pacific Division is on the rise. But tonight, the Raptors and Amir Johnson (32 points, 10 rebounds) asserted their will on the Lakers. Bryant scored just nine points, with eight rebounds and two steals, but he turned the ball over eight times.

Boston Celtics 114, NEW YORK KNICKS 73

So Much For That – The two-game winning streak is over for the Knicks, in emphatic fashion. Jordan Crawford scored 23 points with seven assists and the Celtics shot 54.2 percent as a team, with 56 percent from the 3-point line. The Knicks shot just 34.2 percent and trailed 34-11 after the first quarter. Carmelo Anthony scored 19 on just 5-of-15 shooting.