GAME 1 REPORT

FIRST QUARTER: LAKERS 18, PHOENIX 18

Highlight Reel: A.C. Green is not known for his quickness, but the veteran forward excited Staples Center fans when he stole the ball, drove the length of the court and dunked.

It’s Not in the Box Score: Phoenix refused to double-team Shaquille O’Neal in the post and the tactic worked early. Surprised to be played one-on-one, O’Neal missed six of seven field-goal attempts.

Winning Number: Zero. The difference in points in the quarter despite the Lakers’ 21.7% shooting from the field.

Wrong Number: Two. The combined field goals made by the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and O’Neal.

Leading Scorers: Lakers: Bryant 5. Suns: Shawn Marion 8.

Leading Rebounders: Lakers: Glen Rice, Ron Harper and O’Neal each with 3. Suns: Corie Blount 4.

SECOND QUARTER: LAKERS 46, PHOENIX 41

Highlight Reel: After a sluggish first quarter, Bryant returned to his normal ways with an acrobatic three-point play. After shaking free from Jason Kidd, Bryant broke down Rodney Rogers with a spin move and basket.

It’s Not in the Box Score: The numerous times a Phoenix player missed an easy shot or turned the ball over because of O’Neal’s presence inside. The Suns played like an intimidated team and O’Neal took full advantage.

Winning Number: 21. The combined points scored in the quarter by O’Neal and Bryant, who dominated the Suns with high-percentage shots.

Wrong Number: Two. The combined points scored in the quarter by Phoenix center Luc Longley and Kidd, two players the Suns need to score.

Leading Scorers: Lakers: O’Neal 14. Suns: Anfernee Hardaway 12.

Leading Rebounders: Lakers: O’Neal 5. Suns: Kidd and Hardaway each with 2.

THIRD QUARTER: LAKERS 75, PHOENIX 60

Highlight Reel: Bryant proved again that he is deadly in the open court. After making a steal near halfcourt, Bryant weaved his way through the Sun defense and finished with a fade-away jump shot.

It’s Not in the Box Score: The hurt expression Rice had when he fell and injured his ankle after a tie-up with a Phoenix player. At first it looked as if Rice was seriously injured, but he never left the game and played 10 minutes in the quarter.

Winning Number: 21. The combined points scored in the quarter by O’Neal and Bryant, who put the game away with an offensive onslaught.

Wrong Number: 315. The listed weight for Phoenix reserve big man Oliver Miller, who entered the game for the first time and appears much heavier.

Leading Scorers: Lakers: O’Neal 12. Suns: Clifford Robinson 9.

Leading Rebounders: Lakers: O’Neal and Green each with 5. Suns: Robinson 4.

FOURTH QUARTER: LAKERS 105, PHOENIX 77

Highlight Reel: The Suns have been pleased with the play of Marion all season and the rookie made a highlight play even the Lakers had to like. Marion displayed his leaping ability with a right-handed dunk off an alley-oop pass from Hardaway.

It’s Not in the Box Score: The impact reserve forward Robert Horry had with his hustle and willingness to do the little things. O’Neal and Bryant get most of the attention but the Lakers are winning because of players like Horry.

Winning Number: 2:27. The time left when most of the Staples Center crowd began to leave.

Wrong Numbers: 17. Points scored in the quarter by the Suns.

Leading Scorers: Lakers: O’Neal and Devean George, each with 7. Suns: Toby Bailey and Marion, each with 4.

Leading Rebounders: Lakers: Rick Fox 3. Suns: Marion and Rogers, each with 2.