Lakers mute Thunder in playoff opener

A very intriguing matchup out West. The defending champion LA Lakers, opening their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder and NBA scoring champ Kevin Durant.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant goes to the basket against Oklahoma  City Thunder during their NBA Western Conference playoff series in  Los Angeles, April 18, 2010.REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES  - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)

Pick it up, mid second, Andrew Bynum takes the feed, and he throws it down to put the Lakers up 17.

Bynum with 13 on the night for the Lakers.

Early third, the Thunder had trimmed the deficit to 8, and Durant looking to cut it to six off the fast break, but Kobe Bryant comes through with the huge rejection.

Durant would have a decent night for the Thunder, he had 24, getting the little jumper to go, cutting the Laker lead to seven.

Late fourth, Lakers up six. Kobe with a pullup off the glass, regaining a 8 point cushion with 4 minutes to go, Kobe with 21.

Then with just over a buck and a half to play, Derek Fisher would seal it, knocking down the long deuce. The Lakers take an 87-79 series-opening win.