Andrew Bynum had the first points-blocks-rebounds triple-double in the playoffs since 1990, and the Lakers cruised to an easy 103-88 victory over the Nuggets to kick off their postseason. Oh, and Kobe Bryant had 31 points, too.
The trouble started early for the Nuggets, who only scored 14 points in the first quarter. Denver faced a dilemma: try scoring from the outside, which isn't their strong suit, or try to finish against Bynum in the paint. Neither worked. The Nuggets' starters missed every three-pointer they attempted and Bynum recorded 10 swats. Ty Lawson looked lost, finishing 3-of-11 with seven points and, although Danilo Gallinari had some nice moves, it wasn't enough. JaVale McGee continued to be ridiculous with an 0-for-6 performance.
The surprise star early for Los Angeles was Devin Ebanks, who had 12 first-half points in the starting spot vacated by Metta World Peace. Ebanks wouldn't score in the second half, but the Lakers' superstars came through. The lead was between 10 and 20 for most of the second half, and the Lakers were never really threatened.
The Very Best Videos and GIFS from the Game
Javale McGee is in the playoffs! And he's not having fun.
Kobe Bryant saying things he shouldn't in front of the children
Insta-Reax from our team bloggers
From our Lakers blog, Silver Screen and Roll
I expect Bynum to start handing the ball to the Nuggets big men under the basket and saying "go ahead"
— Silver Screen & Roll (@LakersBlog_SSR) April 29, 2012
For updates and analysis of these two teams, stick with this storystream. Also make sure to check out Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll, SB Nation Los Angeles, Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and SB Nation Denver.
There is 1 Comment. Load Now.
Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.
C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read
R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next
Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read
Comment Settings
Live comment alert: Hide it!
Comments for this post are closed.