Minneapolis, Apr 21: Kobe Bryant scored 39 points and Shaquille O'Neal added 32 as the three-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers opened the playoffs with an impressive 117-98 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA action.
The fifth-seeded Lakers had little trouble with the fourth-seeded Timberwolves and took home-court advantage back in the series. Game Two is in Minneapolis on Tuesday. Bryant scored 28 of his points in a dominating first half and O'Neal added 10 rebounds as the Lakers pulled into a 14-point half time lead to win for the 17th time in their past 19 post-season road games. During the regular season, Los Angeles overcame an 11-19 start -- most of which was without the injured O'Neal -- and rallied to win 50 games. The Timberwolves had home court advantage for the first time in their history, but are now in danger of losing in the first round of the playoffs for the seventh straight year.


Kevin Garnett had 23 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists for the T-Wolves, while Wally Szczerbiak added 15 points.


Derek Fisher added 17 points for the Lakers, who sent an early message by scoring 39 points in the opening quarter.


Bureau Report