Kobe Saves Game 1 vs. Spurs

Published by lakers-fan.com on May 22nd, 2008 | Tagged lakers vs spurs

I don’t know what was more painful? Watching Lamar Odom go 3 for 12 in Game 1 of the freakin’ Western Conference Finals… or waiting for Tim Duncan to release a gosh darn free throw?!!

The first ten minutes of this game was like watching the San Antonio Spurs playing a pick-up game with the neighborhood kids. I was very nervous. But, then Paul Gasol started showing some fire and put up some points. Never the less, the LA Lakers were outscored and out played the first half. Duncan was basically toying with Gasol and Odom couldn’t do anything right. Watching Farmar hit a 3pt bucket was fabulous, but what was Kobe doing and a big thank you to Walton for not putting a single point on the board. I can’t stand Parker, but had to respect his energy and ease to penetrate our defense. You could say, I was left at half-time with a sour taste in my mouth.

The 3rd quarter showed signs of hope, but it still seemed like too little, too late. Derek Fisher started getting in his rhythm and even “The Machine” was impressing me on defense. Still Duncan was sinking buckets and Bowen had some dimes. Little did I know, Kobe was coming out as the MVP we all know him to be.

Bryant came out in the 4th guns a blazin’, still finding time to pass and get teamates like Sasha, Gasol, Fisher and even Odom fired up and contributing. The excitement rose, the Staples Center was pumping and watching Kobe tear the Spurs apart, made me think to myself, “Jordan Who?”. Wow, Kobe is an amazing athlete. One that makes me grateful to watch with my two eyes.

As the game got down to the wire, Kobe and Lamar both went up for a rebound and Kobe almost looked like he was slamming it in for the Spurs. Big mistake, but hey, I don’t mind Kobe making a mistake here and there when he wins games single handedly like he did tonight. That’s right, I said it. Tonight was all Kobe. I know, Gasol was pretty money too. But, it was Kobe that set the pace and got the team aggressive at the end. Let’s hope the rest of the Lakers show up for Game 2.

- Nick Spears (Comedian)