The Dallas Mavericks used a strong second quarter to take a 48-46 halftime lead over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant are both in double figures for the Lakers at halftime. Gasol made 4-of-9 shots in the first half and leads the Lakers with 12 points. Bryant was efficient in the first half, making 5-of-6 shots on his way to 10 points. Dwight Howard is on his way to a double-double in his Laker debut, finishing the first half with nine points and five rebounds. Steve Nash scored five points while dishing out two assists.
Darren Collison led the Mavericks in the first half, scoring 10 points. Dallas stayed in the game thanks in large part to a strong performance from its bench. The Mavericks bench, led by Jae Crowder and Rodrigue Beaubois, scored 22 of the Mavericks' 48 first half points.
The Lakers struggled from the free throw line in the first half, making just 6-of-14 attempts.