May 24th, 2008 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in ??????????????????????????????
Home-court advantage has been the buzz-word in this season’s version of the NBA playoffs; in other words, the teams that have?made it to this juncture of the playoffs have had great success on their home courts.? Friday’s game between the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Spurs illustrated that point very well; the Lakers held the Spurs to 34.5% shooting not to mention the fact that San Antonio appeared physically worn-out.? But regardless, Los Angeles outperformed San Antonio as they defeated the Spurs 101-71 at Staples Center.
The game was pretty much decided early on; after a basket by San Antonio’s Tim Duncan which gave the Spurs the only tie in the game, Los Angeles scored the last 9 points in the first half which sent them into the third quarter with a 46-37 lead.? A 20-10 run by the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant’s 7 points in the second half’s first 2 minutes along with Lamar Odom’s 7 points which gave the Lakers a 66-48 lead; entering the fourth quarter, the lead was 74-57 and the Lakers would seal the win with a 14-3 run and make their lead 88-60.
Los Angeles’ leading scorer was Bryant with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal while Odom scored 20 with 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 blocks; Jordan Farmar, from off the bench, added 14 with 2 rebounds, a steal and a block.? San Antonio was led by Tony Parker with 13 points, 4 assists and a steal while Duncan scored 12 with 16 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a block.? Los Angeles, with the victory, take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals as they jet to San Antonio to face the Spurs on Sunday at 8:30 PM EST.
Impressive victory by the Lakers.Spurs have got their hands full now.