In a possible NBA Championship preview, the Lakers beat the Cavs, 105-88, in the Staples Center. While all the hype revolved around the LeBron vs. Kobe showdown, the matchup was interesting, but certainly not what many fans expected. Both players had pretty rough nights by their standards. James led the Cavs with 23 points, and Bryant had 20. The Lakers were led by Pau Gasol's 22 points and 12 rebounds.
Despite his low-scoring night, props still go to Kobe. KB24 dislocated his ring finger on his shooting hand within the game's first 2 minutes, but continued to play after having it popped back in place by the Lakers' trainer. After the game, Bryant said "it was the worst pain I've ever played with". Being the competitor he is, though, there was no way Bryant was going to leave the game, and he showed what makes him such a great player. While his shooting was clearly affected - he was 9-22 - he still had a huge impact on the game. Bryant's contributions included defending LBJ - holding James to a 9-25 night from the field - and getting his teammates involved - he had 12 dimes. That's the definition of a great player: being able to affect the game even without scoring.
Also, not sure if anyone noticed, but Kobe was rocking the Nike Zoom Kobe IV "Mamba" for the first time on Monday.
Check 'em out...
Other NBA news: Rudy Fernandez has been voted in as the fourth contestant in this year's Slam Dunk Contest.
Scores From Around The League...1/19/09
(Danny Granger had 30)
Bulls 98, Knicks 102
Mavs 95, 76ers 93
Raptors 84, Hawks 87
Nuggets 113, Rockets 115
Spurs 86, Bobcats 84
Pacers 100, Hornets 103
T'wolves 94, Clippers 86
Wizards 98, Warriors 119
Pistons 87, Grizzlies 79
Suns 87, Celtics 104
Bucks 85, Blazer 102
Cavs 88, Lakers 105
Via: ESPN
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