Lakers win in Dallas to stretch unbeaten start to 6-0

Lakers 106

Bryant 27 pts; Gasol 22 pts, 11 rebs; Ariza 13 pts

Dallas Mavericks 99

Terry 21 pts; Green 17 pts; Kidd 16 pts, 11 rebs, 10 ast

The Lakers remain on course to equal their best start since their last championship win, after an impressive victory on the road against Dallas.

Dallas, yet to win on their home floor this season, came out firing early on racing into a 35-26 lead at the end of the first quarter. Gerard Green was one of the standout players for the home side in the first half on both ends of the floor, doing a great job of guarding Kobe and posing a big threat on offense.

Despite the Mavs’ early advantage, everytime they looked to take control the Lakers were able to peg them back, either through some great hustle plays from their bench players or Kobe’s explosive, offensive skills.

Trevor Ariza came off the bench to play with great intensity in the second quarter, causing vital turnovers and converting fast-break opportunities to keep the visitors in touch.

However, the Mavs finished the second with their highest first half total of this campaign (60), but were unable to pull from the Lakers and paid for it late in the fourth.

With the Lakers up by two with 23 seconds remaining, Pau Gasol was fouled by Dirk Nowitzki in the act of tipping in a missed jump shot. He then made the bonus free throw to complete the three point play, putting the visitors five up.

Green then had a late three point effort spectacularly blocked by the outstanding Ariza, to all but end the Mavs’ hopes of a late turnaround.

In terms of the score line this was not the Lakers best win, but it will do wonders for their confidence knowing that they have what it takes to win on the road, against a contending team.

And they will look to use that confidence as they seek to match the 7-0 start made in the 2001-02 Championship season, as they travel to Western Conference rival Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday.