Bynum’s triple-double leads Lakers past Nuggets

Sunday San Antonio 106-91 Utah Spurs lead series 1-0

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

SundaySan Antonio 106-91 UtahSpurs lead series 1-0LA Lakers 103-88 Denver     Lakers lead series 1-0Atlanta 83-74 Boston Hawks lead series 1-0Memphis 98-99 LA ClippersClippers lead series 1-0LOS ANGELES – A day before Andrew Bynum produced one of the most eye-popping defensive performances in NBA playoff history, he spoke up to his Lakers teammates about the importance of getting off to a good start in their championship quest.With an NBA record-tying 10 blocked shots, the 7-foot All-Star center put the Lakers on the good foot - and the Denver Nuggets on their heels.Kobe Bryant scored 31 points, Bynum posted the Lakers’ first playoff triple-double in 21 years, and Los Angeles thoroughly controlled the tempo in a playoff-opening 103-88 victory Sunday.Despite a few well-chronicled fluctuations in his motivation and discipline this year, the seventh-year pro had perfect focus in Game 1, capping his utter dominance in the paint with his record-tying block of Timofey Mozgov with 3:02 to play. Bynum also had 10 points and 13 rebounds before checking out to an ovation.‘’It’s the only way really possible for me to get a triple-double - through blocked shots,’’ Bynum said of his first career triple-double.  Game 2 is Tuesday night.