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LAst Night's Action: Lakers Squash Hornets, Advance to Second Round
LA Lakers defeat New Orleans Hornets 98-80. After the Hornets stunned the Lakers in Game 1, this was supposed to be the team that gave the Lakers a lot of problems as a lot of pundits said. Well the problem was downsized to a whimper in Game 6.
“It took us a considerable amount of time to figure out this team,” head coach Phil Jackson said. “But tonight was our best defensive effort.”
That’s for sure as they held Chris Paul’s contributions to a mere 10 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds only taking two shots in the first half - perhaps he needed to be reminded that this was an elimination game?
The Lakers didn’t need any reminding as they were anchored by Andrew Bynum down low with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Pau Gasol added 16 points in eight rebounds in the paint as the Lakers yet again out-rebound the Hornets.
And for the obligatory Kobe Bryant line: 24 points in 30 minutes of play while going a perfect 10-for-10 on the free throw line.
The Lakers will face the Dallas Mavericks for the first time in the playoffs since 1988.
TONIGHT’S ACTION
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San Diego Padres at LA Dodgers. 7:10 p.m. FS Prime Ticket, AM 790 KABC.
LA Angels at Tampa Bay Rays. 4:10 p.m. FSWest, AM 830 KLAA.
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