CHARTING THE LEAD: A look at the Lakers’ lead or deficit by the minute

FIRST QUARTER

Highlight Reel: Spur point guard Avery Johnson shot nearly 56% in the first two games of the series, but the Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal made sure an early Game 3 attempt never found its mark. Johnson drove the lane and threw up a running hook shot that O’Neal swatted into the Great Western Forum crowd.

It’s Not in the Box Score: After losing Game 2 on a late Tim Duncan basket, the Lakers double-teamed the San Antonio big man early and often. The tactic didn’t work too well as Duncan had 13 points in the quarter.

Winning Number: Four. Combined fouls called on San Antonio’s big men David Robinson and Duncan, forcing San Antonio to play Will Perdue and Malik Rose earlier than usual.

Wrong Number: Six. Free throws missed by the Lakers, with O’Neal accounting for three, Derek Harper two, and Kobe Bryant one.

Leading Scorers: Lakers: O’Neal, 7; Spurs: Duncan, 13.

Leading Rebounders: Leading Rebounders: Lakers: O’Neal, 5; Spurs: Duncan, 3.

SECOND QUARTER

Highlight Reel: Showing the type of killer instinct the Spurs supposedly lacked, Duncan set the tone early with a three-point play. Duncan worked inside and gained great position on the Lakers’ J.R. Reid. Once he got the ball, he spun for a two-hand dunk and was fouled by Reid.

It’s Not in the Box Score: How San Antonio locked up the Lakers’ halfcourt offense. The Spurs made the Lakers work for every shot. Whenever the Lakers did score, the points usually came off of one-on-one moves, instead of team basketball.

Winning Number: Four. Free throws made by Glen Rice, who made eight of eight in the first half, to help offset his one-for-seven shooting from the field.

Wrong Number: Three. Fouls O’Neal had when he had to leave with more than eight minutes remaining in the quarter and the Lakers trailing by 12 points.

Leading Scorers: Lakers: Rice, 6; Spurs: Duncan, 11.

Leading Rebounders: Lakers: Bryant and Rick Fox, 2 each; Spurs: Rose and Jaren Jackson, 3 each.

THIRD QUARTER

Highlight Reel: Robinson ran into a Laker double-team and forced a pass to Mario Elie on the wing. Before the ball arrived, however, Bryant stepped in and picked it off. Bryant finished with a high-flying two-hand dunk.

It’s Not in the Box Score: The energy the Lakers picked up after Rice made three consecutive shots to open the second half. The Forum crowd got behind the Lakers, O’Neal became more active inside and Bryant ran the floor better.

Winning Number: 12. Minutes Derek Fisher was on the court in the quarter. All Fisher did was get eight points and five assists to lead a Laker rally.

Wrong Number: 14. Points the Lakers gave up to San Antonio role players Jackson and Elie. They combined to make five of six shots from the field to keep the Spurs in the game.

Leading Scorers: Lakers: O’Neal, 10; Spurs: Robinson, 6.

Leading Rebounders: Lakers: O’Neal, 7; Spurs, Duncan 5.

FOURTH QUARTER

Highlight Reel: With defenders surrounding him, Bryant dribbled between his legs at the free throw line and then worked his way through the lane for a basket. What made Bryant’s basket so impressive was that he finished with a backhand right-handed layup around Duncan.

It’s Not in the Box Score: The speed and body control Duncan displayed when he ran the left side of the court, took a pass from Johnson and then finished the fastbreak with a double clutch layup.

Winning Number: 14. Combined points the Lakers received from Bryant and Rice to keep the game close. With O’Neal taking only two shots, Bryant and Rice tried to pick up the slack.

Wrong Number: Six. Points that Johnson scored when the Spurs needed him most late in the game. With the Lakers keying to stop Duncan inside, Johnson made them pay by making all three shots.

Leading Scorers: Lakers: Bryant and Rice, 7; Spurs: Jackson, 13.

Leading Rebounders: Lakers: Horry 3; Spurs: Duncan, 5.