SAN ANTONIO 24 LAKERS 21
Highlight reel: Anybody questioning the choice of Tim Duncan for most valuable player? With his team trailing, 21-15, and in danger of slipping out of another game, Duncan took over. He fed Bruce Bowen for a layup, blocked a Samaki Walker shot and scored, got a rebound leading to a 19-foot jumper by Danny Ferry, then another rebound leading to a three-pointer by Bowen. Nine consecutive points by the Spurs to end the period with Duncan having a hand in each. Any more questions?
Not in the box score: In one of a series of skits for the video board, Shaquille O’Neal was shown being held against his will in a hospital bed, prevented from playing in Game 2. With the help of Derek Fisher, O’Neal overpowers his guard, switches into his uniform in a revolving door, a la his hero, Superman, leaps into the air, soars over Dodger Stadium and makes it onto the floor for Game 2.
Winning number: Eight, the number of rebounds for Duncan, all but one of his team’s total.
Wrong number: 39.1%, the Lakers’ field-goal percentage. As was the case in Game 1, they struggled from the field.
Leading scorers: Lakers--Fisher 6, O’Neal and Rick Fox 4; Spurs--Duncan and Bowen 7.
Leading rebounders: Lakers--Robert Horry 4; Spurs--Duncan 8.
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