Lakers handed first loss of new season

Source: Agencies  |   2008-11-15  |     ONLINE EDITION

THE Detroit Pistons handed the Los Angeles Lakers their first loss of the new NBA season, winning 106-95 yesterday.

Rasheed Wallace had 25 points and 13 rebounds in Los Angeles and new addition Allen Iverson added 25 points for the Pistons.

Kobe Bryant scored 29 points but went only 12-of-30 from the floor for the Lakers, who won their first seven and were outscoring opponents by an average of 18 points before the defeat.

Both Bryant and Iverson moved up on the NBA's career scoring list. Bryant has 21,817 points and jumped into 21st ahead of Larry Bird and Gary Payton. Iverson passed Elgin Baylor to jump to No. 19.

Nuggets 94, Celtics 85

In Boston, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups had 18 points each as Denver downed defending champs Boston.

Kenyon Martin added 16 for the Nuggets, who have won four of five since acquiring Billups from Detroit.

The loss snapped a six-game winning streak for the Celtics, who suffered their first home loss of the season.

Suns 97, Kings 95, OT

In Sacramento, California, Shaquille O'Neal tied a season high with 29 points as the undermanned Phoenix edged Sacramento.

O'Neal also and had 13 rebounds and six assists for the Suns, who played without suspended Steve Nash and Matt Barnes while Leandro Barbosa left the team following his mother's death.

Hornets 87, Trail Blazers 82

In New Orleans, James Posey hit two 3-pointers in the final minute, snapping a New Orleans scoring drought and beating Portland.

The two baskets were the Hornets' only field goals in the last 8:30.

David West scored 18 points for New Orleans.

Bobcats 104, Jazz 96

In Charlotte, North Carolina, Raymond Felton scored 23 points as Charlotte beat Utah in a clash of undermanned teams.