NBA: Lakers edge win over Brooklyn as D'Antoni makes sideline bow

The Los Angeles Lakers coach finally made his first appearance after surgery as his new side struggled to a 95-90 victory over the Nets.

Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni talks with Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant
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The Los Angeles Lakers hung on for a 95-90 victory over the Brooklyn Nets as new coach Mike D'Antoni's finally made his debut on the sidelines.

Dwight Howard had 23 points and 15 rebounds despite a horrific 7-for-19 performance at the free-throw line for the Lakers, while Kobe Bryant scored six of his 25 points in the final two minutes.

Although 61-year-old D'Antoni is still unsteady on his surgically replaced knee, he coached Los Angeles to a narrow victory that snapped Brooklyn's five-game winning streak.

Brook Lopez scored 23 points and Deron Williams had 22 for the Nets, who missed five of their last six shots in their ninth consecutive loss to the Lakers.

Carmelo Anthony scored 23 of his 29 points in the first half as the impressive New York Knicks added to the New Orleans Hornets' struggles with a 102-80 win.

Raymond Felton and JR Smith had 15 points apiece for the Knicks, who improved their own record to an NBA-best 8-1 while inflicting a fourth straight defeat on the Hornets.

With rookie Anthony Davis ruled out through injury, Ryan Anderson scored 15 points to lead the Hornets offence.

Nick Young stepped off the bench to score 23 points as the Philadelphia 76ers overcame an early 10-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 106-98.

Jason Richardson scored 21 points while Jrue Holiday, who put the 76ers ahead for the first time with a three-pointer just before half-time, had 19 points and 12 assists.

DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors with 24 points, while Andrea Bargnani had 22.

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