Kobe Bryant scored 19 points but the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the Los Angeles Lakers 54-51 at halftime of Game 5 of their second round NBA playoff series Monday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder lead the best-of-seven series three games to one.
Bryant scored 15 of his 19 in the first quarter and for the half shot 8-of-15, including this acrobatic effort:
Pau Gasol had 10 points and nine rebounds for the Lakers, who shot 48.7% (19 for 39) in the opening half. Andrew Bynum added seven points and two rebounds for Los Angeles.
The half turned on a flagrant foul and subsequent technical foul called on Metta World Peace in the final minute of the half. His reaction was priceless:
Kevin Durant scored 12 points for the Thunder. Russell Westbrook had eight points and four assists for Oklahoma City, who shot 39.2% (20 for 51) in the first half. James Harden scored 13 points in 15 minutes off the bench for the Thunder.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers, make your way over to Silver Screen and Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For the Thunder side of the story, check out Welcome to Loud City.
