NBA: LA Lakers 103, Denver 97

DENVER, May 24 (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant scored 41 points Saturday, powering the LA Lakers to a 103-97 victory over Denver and a 2-1 margin in their Western Conference finals.

It was Bryant's second 40-plus point game of the series. The loss ended Denver's 16-game home winning streak.

Pau Gasol added 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Trevor Ariza 16 points for Los Angeles.

The Nuggets, playing their first conference finals home game in 24 years, were led by Carmelo Anthony, who scored 21 points but fouled out in the final minute. Chauncey Billups added 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds for Denver.

The Lakers rallied from an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter when Bryant had 13 of his points.