Hibbert frustrates Lakers

A review of Sunday’s action in the NBA

Roy Hibbert made light a broken nose as the Indiana Pacers beat the LA Lakers 98-96.

Hibbert left the court due to his injury after fouling Kobe Bryant with less than seven minutes remaining in the first quarter.

He reported back in with five minutes left in the second quarter and went on to score 18 points – including eight in the final period – as well as eight rebounds.

Bryant scored 33 points for the Lakers, but missed what would have been a tying three-pointer with 3.5 seconds to play.

Paul Pierce rose to the challenge as the Boston Celtics beat the Washington Wizards 100-94.

With Rajon Rondo missing the second successive game with a sprained right wrist and Ray Allen injuring his ankle in the first half, Pierce stepped up to the plate to record season highs of 34 points and 10 assists.

Brandon Jennings scored 23 points as the Milwaukee Bucks claimed a road victory over the Miami Heat, winning 91-82.

LeBron James finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds for Miami, who saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.

Deron Williams had 19 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists to lead the New Jersey Nets to a 97-87 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats, while Mo Williams scored 19 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the hapless Toronto Raptors 103-91.