Kobe, Shaq destroy Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS: Kobe Bryant scored 39 points and Shaquille O’Neal added 32 as the three-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers opened the playoffs with an impressive 117-98 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA action.

The fifth-seeded Lakers had little trouble with fourth-seeded Timberwolves on Sunday, and took home-court advantage back in the series. Game two is in Minneapolis today. Bryant scored 28 of his points in a dominating first half and O’Neal added 10 rebounds as the Lakers pulled into a 14-point half time lead to win for the 17th time in their past 19 post-season road games. The T-Wolves had home court advantage for the first time in their history, but are now in danger of losing in the first round of the playoffs for the seventh straight year. Kevin Garnett had 23 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists for the Wolves, while Wally Szczerbiak added 15 points.

In PHILADELPHIA: Allen Iverson turned in one of the best shooting displays in NBA playoff history as the 76ers downed the New Orleans Hornets 98-90. Iverson scored a playoff career-best 55 points as Philadelphia took Game One of the best-of-seven series. Game Two is in Philadelphia tomorrow.

In AUBURN HILLS: Tracy McGrady scored a franchise playoff record 43 points as the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic upset the top seeded Detroit Pistons 99-94. Game Two in the best-of-seven opening round Eastern Conference series is in Detroit tomorrow.