Kobe Bryant scored 18 points but thanks to poor shooting the Los Angeles Lakers trail the Denver Nuggets 49-43 at halftime in Game 5 of their first round NBA playoff series Tuesday night at Staples Center. The Lakers lead the best-of-seven series three games to one.
Bryant shot 5-of-13 in the first half for the Lakers, who shot 33.3% (15 for 45) as a team. Bryant did make 8-of-9 free throws. Andrew Bynum had seven points and seven rebounds for the Lakers. Pau Gasol added five rebounds, but scored just three points on 1-of-7 shooting.
Arron Afflalo had 13 points to lead the Nuggets, who shot 41.3% (19 for 43) in the first half. Kenneth Faried had 10 points and six rebounds for the Nuggets, while JaVale McGee added seven points and eight rebounds off the bench in the opening half.
Matt Barnes had eight points and four rebounds off the bench for the Lakers.
For more news and notes on the Lakers or this first round playoff series against Denver, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.
