How the West Was Won: Game 1

Questions surrounding Kobe Bryant's health and the Lakers' bench were put to rest as the defending champs pummeled the Suns 128-107 Monday night. Bryant dropped 40 points amid chants of "M-V-P!" inside the Staples Center, and the Lakers jumped to a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference finals. Here are some of SI's best shots from the game.

Bryant -- who's dealt with a bum ankle, a broken finger and a swollen knee this postseason -- scored 21 of his 40 points in the third quarter.

Lamar Odom (1) provided a huge boost off the bench for the Lakers, scoring 19 points and grabbing 19 boards, a playoff career-high.

While Andrew Bynum struggled to finish with four points and four boards, Odom stepped up and scored seven straight during an 18-4 Laker run in the first quarter.

Pau Gasol added 21 points, four rebounds and two blocks in his 37 minutes on the court.

Shannon Brown had nine points and one high-flying dunk attempt that sent him over the head of Jason Richardson (23).

Though Steve Nash posted a double-double (13 points, 13 assists), it wasn't enough to make a dent in the Suns' deficit.

Bryant's performance marked the first time he's scored 30 or more points in six straight playoff games. What's more, "Black Mamba" has hit 52.2 percent of his shots during this span.

Stoudemire (1) led all Phoenix scorers with 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting. He also recorded three rebounds and two assists.

Gasol went 10-for-13 from the floor and finished with a 23 point differential.