Taylor went on fire for 40 points, leading Phoenix to a 96-84 win over LA Lakers. "I've never seen anything like that," said LA Lakers star Reynolds. "Taylor just flat-out dominated, and there was nothing any of us could do about it." Agreed coach Andreas Helmle, "He's an excellent talent with an excellent coach. I'm afraid that we'll be seeing more of him down the road."

Taylor refused to get caught up in the excitement, however. "I just did what coach told me to do," he said. "And we couldn't have won without my teammates doing their best as well." While true, Taylor certainly increased the margin of victory from a close call to a solid win.

Phoenix was led by Taylor (40 points, 0 assists, a steal, 2 blocks), Bryant (22 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, a steal), Bermel (5 points, a steal). LA Lakers was led by Reynolds (16 points, 26 boards, 2 assists, a block), Mcwilliams (12 points, 5 boards, 3 assists, 3 steals, a block), Hall (14 points, 8 boards, 1 assists).

Phoenix halted their slump at 5 games, and jump to 15-45 and 8-21 at home. They stay at #4 in the Pacific and stay at #14 overall in the Western Conference. LA Lakers extended their losing streak 10 games and drop to 12-46. They stay at #5 in the Pacific and remain at #15 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Phoenix roster LA Lakers* roster