Kobe turned what seemed to be an ineffective game to start, into a solid, all-around effort with his 31 points, five rebounds and four assists. We saw Pau Gasol's skill, both in the low post and through his passing with his 13 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Devin Ebanks, with 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting, filled in for Metta nicely, adding some length and athleticism for the Lakers perimeter.
Last but not least, some kid named Andrew Bynum tied the NBA record for most blocks in a playoff game with 10, to go along with his 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Danilo Gallinari led the Nuggets with 19 points, but Denver never really got it going. Most disappointing was the play of Ty Lawson, whose quickness was supposed to nullify the Lakers size; he went 3-for-11 with only seven points and two assists.
Bynum had the first triple double in the playoffs for the Lakers since Magic Johnson had his in the 1991 NBA finals. The Lakers, fans and critics alike know that any title hopes depend on how well Andrew Bynum can play. We know how dominant he can be, his size, itself, is defeating, let alone the array of moves in his arsenal.
On the defensive end, the Lakers need him to be an anchor for them, contesting any shot attempt eight feet and in. That's exactly what he did today, play with focus, determination and most importantly, defensive urgency.
Bynum in postgame interview, "Note to self: The more I play D, the better we'll be."
A wire to wire victory for the LA Lakers, as they open up the 2012 playoffs by sending a message to their opponents: can't beat size.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
