Kobe Bryant scores 40 to lead Lakers to volatile 111-98 victory over Rockets, tying series 1-1

LOS ANGELES — Two ejections. A handful of technical fouls. One bloody cut on Derek Fisher’s shaved head. Oh yeah, the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets actually played some basketball, too.

Nuggets run away from Mavericks with fourth-quarter spurt to take 2-0 series lead

DENVER — The fourth quarter belongs to the Denver Nuggets, who keep turning close games into blowouts with an energizing mix of breakaway baskets, dashing defense and old-fashioned hustle.

Magic jump on weary Celtics, hold on for 95-90 victory in Game 1 of Eastern semifinals

BOSTON — Stan Van Gundy isn’t going to fret over the 28-point lead his team nearly blew in the opener of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The only score the Orlando Magic coach cares about is 1-0.

Spurs won’t move past first round for 1st time since 2000 after 106-93 loss to Mavs in Game 5

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs are done, and April isn’t even over yet.