Game 1 Report

FIRST QUARTER: LAKERS 39 MINNESOTA 23

Highlight reel: Welcome to Lake Inyourface. It’s a smaller, lesser-known body of water among Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes stamped out by Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox some time ago. Maybe back when Keith Jackson was calling games on ABC. Anyway, that’s the legend of how the Minneapolis Lakers got their name. Or something like that. Meanwhile, Derek Fisher hits a three-point basket, then another and the Los Angeles Lakers are on their way.

Not in the box score: The home team shows not a hint of confidence. The fans are lively, shouting for their heroes, but the Timberwolves are timid, particularly on defense, waiting for the Lakers to do their stuff instead of initiating the play. Bad sign for the Timberwolves.

Winning numbers: The Lakers’ five-for-seven three-point shooting in the first nine minutes.

Wrong number: Zero three-pointers for the Timberwolves.

Leading scorers: Lakers -- Kobe Bryant 12, Rick Fox 9; Timberwolves -- Kevin Garnett 8, Wally Szczerbiak 5.

Leading rebounders: Lakers -- Shaquille O’Neal and Bryant 3; Timberwolves -- Garnett 3.

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SECOND QUARTER: LAKERS 66 MINNESOTA 52

Highlight reel: Bryant makes a bank shot, makes a jumper, makes a teardrop, makes a jumper and makes a driving layup. Uh-oh. He has 22 of the Lakers’ first 49 points and the game has not yet reached halftime. The Lakers lead, 49-34, after Bryant’s run. Szczerbiak can’t stop Bryant. Garnett can’t do much to help. This is what people are talking about when they speak of Bryant taking over from Michael Jordan as the game’s best player.

Not in the box score: The Timberwolves have no one to contend with Bryant. Szczerbiak is a scorer and guarding Bryant will wear him down and affect his play at the other end. Garnett is needed elsewhere. Troy Hudson can’t guard good rec-league players. You’ve got to feel for Minnesota Coach Flip Saunders.

Winning numbers: Bryant’s 28 points, seven assists and three rebounds by halftime.

Wrong number: The Timberwolves can’t give up 66 points by halftime and expect to win.

Leading scorers: Lakers -- Bryant 16, three players with 4; Timberwolves -- Marc Jackson 9, three players with 4.

Leading rebounders: Lakers -- Three players with 1; Timberwolves -- Garnett 4, Rasho Nesterovic 3.

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THIRD QUARTER: LAKERS 88 MINNESOTA 76

Highlight reel: Desperation begins with suffocating defensive pressure from the Timberwolves. Hudson swipes a pass and scores an easy layup, then takes another pass from the Lakers, draws a foul and hits two free throws to spark an 8-2 run to start the quarter. Where was that fire in the beginning? Trouble is, the Lakers compose themselves and counter with an 8-0 run to end the quarter.

Not in the box score: Garnett is unable to provide enough steady production, and per- haps it’s asking too much of him to keep pace with the dynamic duo of Bryant and O’Neal. Two against one is never a fair match- up, particularly when Bryant and O’Neal are the two.

Winning number: The Lakers held Garnett to four points in the quarter.

Wrong number: The Timberwolves had only one point in the final 2:49.

Leading scorers: Lakers -- O’Neal 8, Bryant 5; Timberwolves -- Hudson 8, Nesterovic 5.

Leading rebounders: Lakers -- O’Neal 4; Timberwolves -- Garnett 3.

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FOURTH QUARTER: LAKERS 117 MINNESOTA 98

Highlight reel: Near the end, with many of the fans heading out to check on their ice-fishing sheds, the Lakers toss the ball around the floor, looking as relaxed as if they were running plays against the second unit in practice. Fisher to Bryant. Ole. Bryant over to Robert Horry. Ole. Horry to O’Neal. Ole. O’Neal makes a layup and is fouled. Ole, and good afternoon. See you Tuesday for Game 2.

Not in the box score: So what was all the fuss about not having home-court advantage? Well, the Lakers have it now. Another win Tuesday at Minneapolis and they’ll be home at Staples Center, looking to close out the first round. One victory down, 15 to go before the fourth parade down Figueroa Street.

Winning number: The Lakers’ 117 points are an excellent start.

Wrong number: The Timberwolves can’t let Bryant score 39 points again.

Leading scorers: Lakers -- O’Neal 12, Bryant 6; Timberwolves -- Garnett and Hudson 7.

Leading rebounders: Lakers -- Robert Horry 5; Timberwolves -- Garnett 3.