Lakers discover new ways to win in the playoffs

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Lakers are winning every way imaginable during the first 20-1 streak in NBA postseason history, from a last-second 3-pointer to a 39-point blowout.

They used another method against San Antonio in the opener of the Western Conference semifinals: tag-teaming their injured superstars.

Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant both took time off for treatment during the Lakers' 86-80 victory Sunday -- Bryant leaving as O'Neal returned early in the fourth quarter -- but they made significant contributions in crunch time, showing no ill effects from their injuries.

"We're a tag-team, man -- Superman and Spiderman tag-teaming each other," Bryant said with a smile Monday.

O'Neal is known for Superman tattoo on his left biceps.

Bryant said he likes Spiderman, and saw the movie at its premiere.

"We just kind of let our experience carry us through to a win yesterday," Bryant said. "There's a confidence we should have, all the experiences we've been through."

Losers of only one postseason game since beating Indiana 117-111 in Game 6 of the 2000 NBA Finals, the Lakers extended their Staples Center winning streak to 18 despite playing what coach Phil Jackson called the worst first half a playoff team of his has ever played.

Mavericks 110, Kings 102

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Steve Nash and the Dallas Mavericks silenced the cowbells by beating the Sacramento Kings at their own thrilling game.

Nash had 30 points and eight assists, and Dirk Nowitzki had 22 points and 15 rebounds as the Mavericks evened their Western Conference semifinal series with a 110-102 victory Monday night over the top-seeded Kings.

Elsewhere

HORNETS:Jamal Mashburn will not play in Game 2 of the Hornets-Nets series. Jamaal Magloire will, and another big body could make a big difference for Charlotte.

Magloire will return from a one-game suspension tonight when Charlotte and New Jersey resume their second-round series. The Nets lead 1-0.

Nets center Todd MacCulloch hurt the Hornets badly in the third quarter after Elden Campbell went to the bench with his fourth foul. With Magloire unavailable to step in and defend MacCulloch, New Jersey's center had an easy time against 6-foot-8 Robert Traylor and scored 11 points in the quarter.

"If we had Magloire in at that point, I don't think they would have made that push," Hornets coach Paul Silas said. "He's important to our team, and I thought if we had him we probably would have won."

-- From wire reports