CLEVELAND - Kobe Bryant, in the immortal words of Sean "Diddy" Combs, was absolutely "locked in" last night at the Staples Center as he piloted his L.A. Lakers to a super 100-75 victory and a 1-0 lead over the Orlando Magic in Game One of the NBA Finals.He scored 40 points for the first time ever in his Finals career.
The Magic, who looked so super against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals were a shell of themselves as they shot a miserable 29% from the field and made just 23 baskets. They were completely unable to defend Bryant, but did force him to fire up a whopping 34 shots. No matter. He had 18 of his 40 in the 3rd period when the Lakers outscored the Magic 29-15 for a 24-point lead heading into the final period.
All-star center Dwight Howard was rendered useless in this game as he managed to make just one basket in six attempts. His 12 points paled in comparison to his Game 6 performance against the Cavs when he scored 40. Howard, 23 did grab 15 rebounds but was in foul trouble most of the first half, when Orlando (buoyed by the return of Jameer Nelson) actually kept the game close. Overall, neither Rashard Lewis or Hedo Turkoglu did anything to help Orlando and the team was actually led by Mickael Pietrus with 14 points.
That will never cut it.
Bryant was supported by Pau Gasol's 16 points and Lamar Odom's 11 points, 14 rebounds, but at the end of the day, it was Kobe's razor sharp focus and uncompromising will that gave L.A. the edge. Game 2 will be Sunday at the Staples Center.
Expect more of the same.
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