Mavs up 10 in LA, four in double figures

A balanced attack and smothering run to open up the second quarter left the Mavs up 64-54 on the Lakers at the half here in LA. Josh Howard and Jason Terry led the way with 13 points, with Dirk Nowitzki dropping 12 and Jason Kidd another 10. Erick Dampier even had nine points and nine boards.

The Mavs seized control with a 16-2 to open the second period to take a 47-33 lead. The teams were tied at 31 after the first. Kobe Bryant opened the game with two 3-pointers, but scored just four more points in the half.

Dallas shot 57 percent for the half and won the rebound battle 22-17.