NBA HIGHLIGHTS: Bryant, Lakers coast past Hornets

Kobe Bryant scored 26 of his 28 points in the first half, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame the absences of big men Pau Gasol (strained right hamstring) and Andrew Bynum (strained right elbow) to earn an easy 104-88 victory Sunday against the visiting New Orleans Hornets.

Shannon Brown added 15 points and DJ Mbenga 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers, who opened a 27-point lead in the third quarter en route to winning their fifth consecutive game.

Chris Paul had 15 points and nine assists for the Hornets, who made only 36.5 percent of their shots and lost for the fourth time in their last five games.

Kevin Durant scored 28 points, Russell Westbrook added 17 points and 10 assists and the host Oklahoma City Thunder crushed the Orlando Magic 102-74. The Thunder outscored the Magic, which played without Vince Carter (sprained left ankle), Ryan Anderson (sprained right ankle) and Rashard Lewis (suspension for taking a banned supplement), 79-49 after the first quarter.

• Jason Richardson led five players in double figures with 22 points, Steve Nash handed out 17 assists and the visiting Phoenix Suns continued their dominance of the Washington Wizards with a 102-90 victory. The Suns have won the last six games between the teams.

• Ben Gordon scored 23 points, and Ben Wallace grabbed 16 rebounds, blocked three shots and made three steals to pace the host Detroit Pistons past the Philadelphia 76ers 88-81.

• Tyreke Evans scored 18 of his 23 points in the second quarter, and the Sacramento Kings beat the visiting Golden State Warriors 120-107 to win back-to-back games for the first time since last Nov. 7-9.

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker might miss a week with a sprained left ankle suffered Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

AP