Lakers, it appears that Kobe Bryant should thank the Orlando Magic for qualifying for the NBA Finals at the expense of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bryant was able to dominate the game on the spotlight in the NBA Finals opener Thursday night at Staples Center, pouring in 40 points in the Lakers’ easy victory. Bryant, the NBA MVP runner-up to James, showed off great shooting touch to give the Lakers the lead in the second quarter, and it was clear sailing from there.
Bryant had little trouble with its assigned defender from Orlando, rookie Courtney Lee or veteran Mickael Pietrus. Orlando’s team defense wasn’t good at collapsing on Bryant either, but he still managed to have a superb eight assists in his career-high NBA Finals scoring night.
Stan Van Gundy, Orlando coach said.“He was tremendous,”
Bryant further said he didn’t attack more or better just because he had a rookie in Lee guarding him at the start.
“Even though he’s a rookie, he’s a very, very solid defensive player,” Bryant said. “I think he’s proven that all year long. He’s proven that in the playoffs, and Pietrus as well.”
For the NBA Game 1 Final Results: Lakers 100, Magic 75: Lakers coach Phil Jackson said “things just didn’t go right” for Orlando in a game in which Orlando did not have a fast-break point and was out-rebounded, 55-41. Magic center Dwight Howard(notes) had garnered just 12 points.
