NBA Roundup: Saying Goodbye To The Big 5-0

Notes on Sunday's games in the National Basketball Association ...

• The Number 43. The Streak is over. Now, what of the playoffs? Kobe Bryant's 43 points on Sunday marked the first time in five games that he hasn't broken 50 ... but the Lakers won, 115-113 over Golden State (their fifth straight victory), so K-man says it's fine. Bryant became the second player in NBA history with a four-game 50 streak, joining the late Wilt Chamberlain, who had seven. From AP: "What? No!" Bryant said emphatically when asked if he felt any disappointment about falling short of 50. "I've always said Wilt's a human video game. For me to be in the same breath with him, even if it's a short little breath, is pretty cool."

• Just Wrong On So Many Levels. Perhaps that rendition of "Our Way" by the Chinese Backstreet Boys has served to curse their team; Chris Paul scored 28 points as the Hornets beat the Rockets 106-94 yesterday.

• King For A Day. As always seems to happen, just when you think you have the world figured out, Mike Bibby comes along and tears your understand down. Bibby scored 37 points and hit two of his franchise-record nine 3-pointers in the final 1:15, leading Sacramento over Phoenix 107-100. Ron Artest had 24 points and nine rebounds for the Kings.

• Nene Given Sunday. Carmelo Anthony's 27 points, and Nene's 21 (do not taunt Nene!) led Denver over Cleveland 105-93. LeBron James had 18 points for the Cavaliers.