It was probably their first true playoff test to date. The Los Angeles Lakers went to Denver to take on the Nuggets in game three of their best-of-seven playoff series this afternoon. The game just concluded and to say the Lakers passed their first playoff "road test" with passing colors would be a huge understatement. The Lake Show flat out ACED this exam!
With a ferious defense, the Lakers held the Nuggets to just 46 first-half points in taking a seven point lead into the lockerroom. In the second half, the Lakers D tightened the clamps down even harder, holding the Nuggets to just 38 second half points. In the meantime, the Lakers offense was working on all cylinders. A 30 point third quarter extended the lead to 19 points and effectively put the game away. The Lakers lead grew to as many as 23 points in the final period, before they settled for a 102-84 victory to take a commanding three games to none lead in the series.
Once again, the Lakers victory was a team effort. As usual, Kobe Bryant led, scoring 22 points, while adding seven assists and eight rebounds. Pau Gasol had 14 points and Lamar Odom talled 12. Derek Fisher also scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers in the pivotal third quarter to help put the game out of reach. The final dagger from "D-Fish" came with 1:53 to play in the period to give the Lakers an 81-64 lead. Luke Walton again made his presence felt as the sixth man, scoring 15 points while adding five rebounds and five assists in just 24 minutes off the bench.
Game four of the series will be on Monday night at 10:30 ET/7:30 PT and can be seen on KCAL 9 locally and TNT nationally. GO LAKERS!
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