The Los Angeles Lakers used their size advantage in the first half Friday night, taking a 44-41 lead over the Denver Nuggets into halftime at Pepsi Center. The Lakers never trailed in the first half.
The Lakers rode their big men in the first half, as Andrew Bynum had 15 points and four rebounds while Pau Gasol had nine points and 10 rebounds. The two combined to make 10 of 14 field goals. The rest of the team shot 32.1% (nine for 28) in the first half.
Hot shooting put the Lakers into the lead early, as Andrew Bynum made his first four shots en route to nine first quarter points. The Lakers led 23-12 at one point, but ended the first quarter by not scoring for the final three minutes of the period, and the Nuggets used an 11-0 run that extended into the second period to tie the score.
Ty Lawson scored 10 points in the first half to lead Denver, who shot 41.0% (16 for 39) in the first half. Al Harrington added 10 points and nine rebounds for the Nuggets.
For more Lakers news and notes, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.