Lakers beat Thunder by 87-79 in the first game of NBA Playoffs

By Jamie Cole
The Los Angeles Lakers began their title defense with the win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, by 87-79 in the first game of the playoffs.
The Lakers were ahead on the scoreboard throughout the period, achieving a reasonable advantage in the opening kickoff.

Kobe Bryant was leading scorer for Lakers with 21 points after missing the last two regular-season games due to broken finger on his right hand. Lakers did not experience any difficulties against Thunders.

Other players Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum were equally important factors in winning the fist game in the Play off.

On the thunder side, there was an excellent performance of dual Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, who, however, failed to lead his team to victory. Durant was the game’s top scorer with 24 points scored in addition to taking six rebounds. Westbrook was just behind with 23 points and eight assists

The second game of Playoff games, the best of seven, will be played on Tuesday at the Staples center in Los Angeles.