Andrew Bynum, Dirk Nowitzki: Top Players from Game 6 of first round NBA Playoffs (Part 2)
Los Angeles Lakers 98 – New Orleans Hornets 80
This effort by the Lakers left Coach Phil Jackson saying that the current team has the "potential to be as good as any team I've coached with the Lakers."
Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum used his massive size and owned the lane on the night. The 7 ft and 129 kg centre led the Lakers with 18 points and 12 rebounds and drew groans from the New Orleans crowd with each one of his eight offensive boards.
He helped the Lakers in acquiring a lopsided 21-4 lead in second chance points. Even Monty Williams, the Hornets coach was impressed.
"Every time he got an offensive rebound, it was deflating. You don't really realize how good he is until you face him in a series. Kobe's Kobe, but I thought Bynum decided the series. He was that good."
Kobe Bryant
Kobe made most points from the Lakers. He scored 24, managed to steal three and dished out two assists as well. Bryant made 22 of his 24 points in the first three quarters and cleared the way for his teammates to make the blowout
push towards the Western Conference Semifinals.
After the victory Bryant said, "We're good at making adjustments and learning. So the more a series goes on, the more we learn. That comes from our coaching staff. That comes from us and the amount of experience we have, being
able to pick teams apart the later we go in a series."
Pau Gasol
Power forward Pau Gasol came up with 16 points and played a major supporting role on the night. When the Hornets pulled within 42-40 in the third quarter, Gasol aided Los Angeles with his six points in 10-2 run, which extended
the lead again.
Dallas Mavericks 103 – Portland Trail Blazers 96
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 103-96 on Thursday night at the Rose Garden, Portland.
With this win, the Mavs advanced to the second-round of the playoffs, where they will face the two times defending champions Los Angeles Lakers.
In this game, Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry remained the major contributors for the Mavericks.
Dirk Nowitzki
Nowitzki led the Mavs with his superb 33 points and he also clutched 11 rebounds. Nowitzki went 11 for 17 from the field and 11 for 11 from the stripe.
After the game Nowitzki shared his views, he said that this win has definitely raised their confidence because earlier they failed to register a victory on road in the playoffs.
Jason Terry
Terry led the Mavs bench with his dazzling 22 points along with three rebounds and eight assists. Terry helped the Mavericks rattled the Blazers, who were than within the striking distance 59-52 in the third quarter.
As the Mavs launched the assault and made a 10-1 run that stretched the lead to 69-53.
Gerald Wallace
Gerald Wallace led the Blazers attack from the front; he scored his career playoff-high 32 points and grasped 12 boards too. Wallace really worked hard for his 32, as the veteran did not want to go home from this stage of the tournament.
Wallace tried his best to deliver his energy to his teammates and he looked satisfied with his effort, as he gave a tough time to the Mavs.
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