The Los Angeles Lakers used an 11-0 second quarter run to take a 57-48 halftime lead over the Phoenix Suns Friday night at Staples Center. Kobe Bryant scored 14 points and had three steals to lead the Lakers, but Matt Barnes added 11 points off the bench as the purple and gold reserves showed signs of life for one of the few times this season.
Barnes, Troy Murphy, Steve Blake, and Andrew Goudelock combined for 24 points off the bench, and the quartet of reserves combined to make nine of 11 field goals, including a trio of three-pointers without a miss.
Andrew Bynum added 10 points and four rebounds in 15 minutes in the first half for the Lakers, who shot 56.8% (21 of 37) in the first half.
Marcin Gortat had 14 points and nine rebounds for Phoenix, who shot 51.2% (21 for 41) in the first half, but made just one of seven shots from beyond the arc. Steve Nash had 11 assists to go along with his three points, but also had an uncharacteristic six turnovers in 18 minutes.
The Suns outrebounded the Lakers 20-17 in the first half, but also had 15 turnovers.
For more Lakers news and information, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.