Lakers Vs. Nuggets, 2012 NBA Playoffs Game 3: Ty Lawson Has Denver Up 55-39 At Half

The Denver Nuggets weren't able to slow down the Los Angeles Lakers in either of the first two games of their series, but they've looked spectacular in the first half of Game 3. Ty Lawson can't miss while the Nuggets' big men have been fantastic inside on both ends of the floor. At halftime, they lead the Lakers 55-39.

Lawson has 18 points on 7-11 shooting, including 3-3 from behind the arc, to go along with four assists and no turnovers. Kenneth Faried already has 10 boards, including four on the offensive end, and JaVale McGee has been a monster off the bench. He has nine rebounds in just 12 minutes, helping Denver to a 31-18 rebounding margin over the Lakers.

Andrew Bynum has been absolutely invisible thus far, scoring zero points in the first half. The Nuggets have done a great job at keeping him from getting touches, but the Lakers aren't doing a good job of getting the ball inside. They've already attempted 12 three-point shots. Kobe Bryant has 14 points, but the Lakers don't seem to have any offense outside of Kobe making shots with a high degree of difficulty.

For more on the Lakers, head over to Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Nuggets, check out Denver Stiffs and SB Nation Denver.