Tony Parker Scores 28 Points, Leads Spurs Past Lakers 102-91 In Game 2 [Video]

The Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t find a rhythm Wednesday as Tony Parker’s big night led the San Antonio Spurs to a 102-91 win in Game 2. The Spurs lost four of their last five games to end the regular season, but it hasn’t carried over into the playoffs as they now lead the Lakers 2-0 in the first round match-up.

Parker finished with 28 points, seven assists, and four rebounds in the win while Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard pitched in 16 points apiece. Manu Ginobli added 13 points, seven assists, and five rebounds off the bench as the Spurs were much better shooting from the field after struggles in Game 1 almost cost them.

The Lakers jumped out to an early lead after back-to-back three-pointers by Steve Blake and Metta World Peace with eight minutes left in the first quarter on Wednesday. Ginobli came into the game and sparked a 13-4 run by the Spurs to regain the lead before the end of the first.

The Spurs used a 10-3 run to end the second quarter and held a 56-48 lead at the half. The Lakers remained in striking distance to start the second half but Tony Parker went on a run in the third quarter to maintain a sizable lead.

Parker scored 15 of his 28 points in the third, including 12 straight at one point that gave the Spurs a 10-point lead late in the quarter. San Antonio would go on to hold off the Lakers in the fourth to take a two-game lead as the series now heads to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Friday at the Staples Center.

Matt Bonner added a defensive spark late in the contest and created problems for Dwight Howard all night. The Lakers’ star center was battling with Tim Duncan throughout the first half before getting tangled with Bonner in the second quarter.

Here are the highlights from the Spurs key win on Wednesday night against the Lakers:

The Spurs took care of both games at home but know the Lakers have the capability to turn things around very quickly. San Antonio can’t take anything for granted as they go on the road and nobody knows that better than Tony Parker.

“We know they’re not going to just fall,” Parker said after Game 2. “They’re going to fight. They’re going to play with a lot of energy.”

Can the San Antonio Spurs sweep the Kobe-less Lakers out of the first round or will Dwight Howard and company regroup at home and get back in the series?

[Image via Creative Commons]