Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum lead as Los Angeles Lakers head Houston Rockets 50-46 at halftime: NBA
Kobe Bryant erupted with 15 points, while Andre Bynum pounded a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers led the Houston Rockets 50-46 at the end of the first half.
The torn ligament in the right wrist has been the reason for Bryant’s shooting woes in the last two games, but the Black Mamba has not let it affect his numbers one bit. On Tuesday night as well Bryant struggled from the Staples Centre floor (5-14 till the halftime), but still ended up with 15 points including a three to end the half. He was aided by the sharp shooting of his teammates, who shot a combined of 14 of 22 from the floor.
The Rockets however were genuinely struggling from the floor (38.5 percent, including 3 of 15 from the long range) at the halftime, but made up for it by taking more shots and were also helped by the 10 Lakers turnovers, Bynum committing 4 of them. Luis Scola led them with 12 points till the break while Kyle Lowry scored 7 points and handed out 5 assists.
Chase Budinger started the game with a triple, but with the scores at 8 apiece, the Lakers jumped to a 9-2 run, capped by a three point play from Andrew Bynum, to set the tone. Kevin Lowry and Luis Scola combined for the next five points to make it a two point game, and the Rockets stayed within the striking distance till the last 30 seconds of the first quarter, before the Lakers finished off with a 5-0 flush.
After nearly two scoreless minutes to start the second frame, reserve guard Goran Drajic made consecutive two’s to bring the Rockets within 29-31. The Lakers responded with the next six points, but then faced a 13-4 burst, which put the Rockets in command at 42-41. Bryant missed three shots in that stretch and also committed one of the three Lakers turnovers.
Bynum made a dunk to end the Rockets charge, only to see Scola make consecutive jumpers at the other end. Houston however lost way after that, allowing the hosts to end the first half on a 7-0 run for a 50-46 lead.
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