NEW ORLEANS - Kobe Bryant scored 22 of his 24 points in the first three quarters, then let his teammates take over in a dominant 98-80 victory over New Orleans on Thursday night that wrapped up the first-round series for Los Angeles in six games.
Andrew Bynum added 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Pau Gasol chipped in 16 points for the two-time defending champions, who led by as many as 21 in the fourth quarter.
Chris Paul, who helped the Hornets split the first four games with two sensational performances, had seven points before hitting a 3-pointer with 4:02 to go and finished with 10 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.
Lamar Odom had 14 points for the Lakers, who outrebounded New Orleans 43-30.
HAWKS 84, MAGIC 81
ATLANTA - Joe Johnson scored 23 points and came up with a huge offensive rebound to lead Atlanta Hawks in the series-clinching Game 6.
The Hawks advanced to the second round for the third straight year, this time against top-seeded Chicago.
Orlando, which routed Atlanta a year ago in the most lopsided four-game sweep in NBA history, had its earliest playoff ouster since 2007.
With Atlanta clinging to a one-point lead and the clock running down, Marvin Williams missed a clinching 3-pointer. But Johnson swatted the rebound to Jamal Crawford, who was fouled and made both free throws with 8.2 seconds left. He finished with 19 points.
The Magic had two chances to force overtime. J.J. Redick missed an open 3, then Jason Richardson had a desperation shot from the corner blocked by Josh Smith.
MAVERICKS 103, BLAZERS 96
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Dirk Nowitzki had 33 points and 11 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks withstood a furious Portland comeback to beat the Trail Blazers 103-96 Thursday night and take the first-round playoff series in six games.
The Mavericks advanced to face the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, who beat New Orleans 98-80 Thursday night to take that first-round series.
Jason Terry finished with 22 points as the Mavericks snapped the home-court advantage that each team had held.
The Blazers led by as many as 12 points early after Gerald Wallace went on a tear with 13 first-quarter points.
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