Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant had a great game, scoring 40 points. He also had 10 rebounds. But one clutch shot by George Hill for the Indiana Pacers with 0.1 seconds left on the clock capped off win late in the game by Indiana as they won 79-77. Hill's shot came after a pick-and-roll play with David West, as he dribbled his way to the basket, past Pau Gasol, and lofted the ball in an arc over the head of Dwight Howard. Hill scored 19 points for the Pacers. They also greatly benefited from the Lakers' 23-43 outing at the free throw line. Bryant had made a 3-pointer with 24.5 seconds left to complete the 114th 40-point game of his career. But Hill had the best one of the night in a nice walkoff-style win for Indiana. Both teams now stand 7-8.

This Friday, the Boston Celtics ended a two game skid against defending Western Conference champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Paul Pierce led the way while scoring 27 points, 22 of which were in the second half, as the Celtics beat OKC 108-100. Also for Boston, Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Rajon Rondo had 16 assists and 8 rebounds. Kevin Durant scored 29 times for the Thunder. Boston held a 14 point lead, 84-70, with little less than 10 minutes left. But the Thunder responded by cutting the lead to only six points, complemented by a 3-pointer by Durant. But the Celtics held on for the win, and improved to a 7-6 record, while the Thunder stay atop the Northwestern division at 9-4.

All-star center Dwight Howard will be making his Los Angeles Lakers debut this Sunday in a pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings. Howard has been sidelined since having surgery in April to repair a herniated disk. He's not expected to play against the Kings on Friday in Las Vegas. Howard hasn't had any problems practicing since training camp began and if he has no problems training Saturday, doctors are expected to clear him to play. Dwight joins Steve Nash as another veteran new to L.A., after coming from the Orlando Magic.