Kobe Bryant scored 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting in the first half tonight. There were concerns earlier in the day whether he would sit out because of a sprained left ankle. Pau Gasol added 10 points and eight rebounds and Andrew Bynum had eight points. Chauncey Billups led Denver with 16 points on 5-for-9 shooting. J.R. Smith added nine points.