GAME 2 REPORT

FIRST QUARTER

Highlight reel: Well, so much for the Nets getting off to a fast start. They were even more sluggish than in the first quarter of Game 1, struggling to get into a rhythm on offense and botching defensive assignments. Everything was difficult for them and easy for the Lakers, following a familiar early pattern, and Kerry Kittles seemed to be the only Net awake at game time. He scored his team’s first seven points, prompting the Lakers to focus on someone.

Not in the box score: The bounce in Shaquille O’Neal’s step. With the finish line in sight, O’Neal appears to be re-energized and eager to begin his off-season vacation as soon as possible. He moved--and moved Net defenders--as if his plans don’t call for a long series.

Winning numbers: O’Neal’s five-for-seven shooting; Lakers’ 11-for-19 shooting.

Wrong numbers: Kenyon Martin’s one-for-four shooting; Nets’ six-for-25 shooting.

Leading scorers: Lakers--O’Neal 12, Kobe Bryant 8, Rick Fox 7; Nets--Kittles 7, Richard Jefferson 6.

Leading rebounders: Lakers--Fox 3, Bryant 3; Nets--Martin 3, Todd MacCulloch 3.

SECOND QUARTER

Highlight reel: Again, it was all about O’Neal. Whether dunking on lob passes, beating New Jersey defenders on fastbreaks or making nifty, no-look passes to teammates, O’Neal was at the center of action and the Nets’ frustration. Their blank stares and shoulder shrugs told the story--and that was from the Nets’ bench. Powerless to stop O’Neal, the Nets nonetheless continued to try. Unfortunately for them, there are no awards for effort against O’Neal.

Not in the box score: The contribution of Devean George, whose playoff disappearance has affected the Lakers’ bench production. George scored only four points, but he was active on defense and did enough on offense to indicate he might yet become a factor in this series. The Lakers are keeping their fingers crossed.

Winning number: O’Neal’s five-for-six shooting.

Wrong numbers: Jason Kidd’s zero points and Lucious Harris’ 0-for-3 shooting.

Leading scorers: Lakers--O’Neal 11; Nets--Keith Van Horn 9.

Leading rebounders: Lakers--O’Neal 5; Nets--Van Horn 4.

THIRD QUARTER

Highlight reel: The pace quickened, and that turned out to be bad news for the Nets. With O’Neal scoring or assisting on 21 of 23 points during one stretch, the Lakers took a 77-57 lead with 1:52 to play on Brian Shaw’s three-pointer at the top of the circle off a pass from you know who. The Lakers had no problems getting the ball to O’Neal under the basket, throwing half-court entry passes to him. The Nets lacked defensive intensity and the Lakers took advantage, forcing the action around O’Neal.

Not in the box score: The atmosphere at Staples Center. The crowd was pretty subdued through the first two quarters, but even this savvy, showbiz crowd got into the groove while the Lakers were running and rolling.

Winning numbers: O’Neal’s 13 points and seven-for-nine free-throw shooting; Kidd’s 11 points and four-for-five shooting.

Wrong numbers: Harris’ 0-for-4 shooting; Aaron Williams’ one-for-four shooting.

Leading scorers: Lakers--O’Neal 13; Nets--Kidd 11.

Leading rebounders: Lakers--Fox 3, Horry 3; Nets--Kidd 3, Van Horn 2, MacCulloch 2, Williams 2.

FOURTH QUARTER

Highlight reel: What’s that they say about the Lakers losing focus? The defending champions appeared headed down that road again, what with the Nets making three consecutive three-pointers, including two by Kidd, to pull within 79-72 with 9:52 to play. But the Nets hit another wall as the Lakers continued to turn to their man in the middle. With the ball going to O’Neal on every possession down the stretch, the Lakers had no cause for alarm.

Not in the box score: The body language of the Nets. They looked mentally and physically drained after being pummeled by O’Neal for 40 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, watching helplessly as he dominated in the post. The Nets can’t get back to New Jersey fast enough.

Winning numbers: Ten points for Derek Fisher, always a good sign.

Wrong numbers: Kidd’s two-for-seven shooting and the Nets getting outrebounded, 15-6.

Leading scorers: Lakers--Fisher 10, Bryant 8; Nets--Kittles 8, Kidd 6.

Leading rebounders: O’Neal 4, Horry 4; Nets--Martin 2, Jefferson 2.