Having Metta World Peace sitting out this first playoff game, the second game he sat out from his seven game suspension, Mike Brown heavily relied on the Lakers bench players for support this past Sunday. And boy, did they bring it.
Matt Barnes, Steve Blake, and Jordan Hill all contributed to the Lakers victory fairly well. Blake’s series of 3-pointers in the first quarter led the Lakers to a big lead over the Nuggets. Hill had a double double, riding on the coattails of Bynum and Gasol’s high scoring evening. Barnes shooting was a little off, but he had six rebounds and four steals during his playtime.
Bynum was the big story of the night with his triple-double, while tying the NBA record for blocked shots in a playoff game. Gasol was also a big help with 13 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
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Lakers News
Lakers vs Nuggets Game 1: Getting Defensive [Forum Blue and Gold]
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Mike Brown Says Injuries to Rose a Product of the Shortened Season
Bynum Has Become a Monster on Defense [OC Register]
Jordan Hill Felony Assault: He Choked a Women [Silver Screen and Roll]
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NBA News
Bulls Will Overcome Injury [ESPN]
Clippers Stun Grizzlies [NBA]
Heat Beat Knicks 100-67 [NBC Sports]
Clippers Lose Butler to Broken Hand [Yahoo Sports]
NBAers React to Rose Injury [SLAM Magazine]
Klay Thompson’s Rookie Campaign [NBA Playbook]
Chris Duhon Explains Travel Dance [Eye on Basketball]
Rajon Rondo Ejected [ESPN]