Kobe, Gasol lead L.A to game 1 win over Denver

Pau Gasol never won a playoff game. Last night, he put on quite a show to his first win in the postseason. Acquired in early february by L.A in what many called the best trade of the year (with Celtics KG), the Spanish player scored 36pts to go along with 16rbds & 8asts to lead his team to an impressive 128-114 victory over the Nuggets.

Kobe never really get going last night but came alive in the 4th, scoring 18 of his 32pts while talking trash with Kenyon Martin. The Lakers outscored Denver 39-22 in the 3rd quarter. The Nuggets had problems defending Gasol all game long while struggling from the free thrown line - they missed 14 foul shots.

The 4th quarter was a wild one, with Denver coming within 10 with just over 8 minutes to go. But Kobe was not going to let the Nuggets come closer. He made some big shots down the stretch and hit a couple of free throws while jawing with Kenyon Martin. Both picked up technical fouls for "too much talk". Iverson got ejected late in the game. And L.A won easily his playoffs opener.