"M-V-P!!! M-V-P!!! M-V-P!!!" The chants arose from Staples center as Kobe Bryant approached the free throw line. He had just hyper extended his left knee. Refusing to be taken out of the game, he took his shots. Later in the game he took another spill, coming up gimpy. He got up and walked around gingerly with a strain on his face. Again he approached the line and shot his free throws. Later still, with 3 minutes left in the game, Kobe went to attack from the 3 point line. As he planted his foot, he fell and a whistle was blown. He had injured his Achilles tendon (believed to be torn, an MRI is scheduled for tomorrow). Again, Kobe Bryant approached the free throw line. He tied the game with his 2 free throws. The regular season MVP this year may go to a guy down in South Beach, but there is no question who has been the MVP of this team. Every game he gives everything he has. His team returned the favor. They fought hard and pulled out the 118-116 win over the Warriors in one of the craziest games I've ever seen.
This game was immensely important for both teams. The Warriors were trying to move up in the seeding to avoid San Antonio, and the Lakers were fighting off Utah to just make it in the post season. Both teams started off red hot shooting 75% from the field. From the Lakers end, they were dominating inside with Pau and Dwight. Post isolations for Pau, and high-low lobs for Dwight led to a lot of high percentage looks. From the Warriors end Stephen Curry was on another level. He was shooting 3s, floaters, and mid range shot like it was practice. Not a scrimmage either, I mean like a shooting drill. Dude had 22 points in the first quarter alone and torched the Lakers mercilessly. Any time the Lakers went under a screen he pulled up and drained the jumper. It really was incredible.
Not to be outdone, Kobe got cooking in the second quarter. He scored 7 straight to keep the Lakers within reach. At half time the score was even at 57 all. To start the 3rd the Warriors started using a lethal combo of high screen/rolls with their two sharp shooters Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. This is incredibly difficult to guard because both players can shoot at a high clip, and they can handle the ball well. If the Lakers switched on the screen the Warriors milked Thompson (6'6") shooting over Blake (6'2"), if they went over or under the screen the Curry went to work. The Warriors milked this combo to death. And when they finally went away from it, David Lee went to work and scored 6 points in a row. Meanwhile the Lakers kept pounding it in to Dwight and Pau leaving the Warriors no choice but to foul away. As mentioned earlier Kobe was playing through injury the entire time. He hit jumpers, got fouled going to the basket, and set up his teammates. Yet the Lakers found themselves down by 9 with 6 minutes to go. They got a triple from Blake and then consecutive triples from Kobe to tie the game. After a Jarrett Jack layup, Kobe tried to drive and that's when the Achilles injury happened. The Lakers had to intentionally foul so that Kobe could leave the game. It was a heart breaking sight for Lakers and basketball fans everywhere.
Offensively the Spaniard took over for the Lakers with Bryant unable to play. He got a lefty hook to fall on one possession, and then Blake found Howard for a dunk on another. The Lakers held on for the win despite a full court heave that nearly went in for Stephen Curry.
Notables:
The Good:
- Dwight Howard's free throw shooting was excellent tonight. He really punished the Warriors for all the fouling they do
- Pau stepped up big time. This was 2008-2010 Pau. This was Spanish National team Pau. This was the Spanish Wonder! He had a triple double with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 Assists.
- The Mamba. Nothing much needs to be said. Unbelievable.
The Bad:
- The Lakers were unable to cool off Curry for 90% of this game
- Too many offensive rebounds given up (15 for GSW, only 3 for LAL)
- It is very likely that Kobe is out for the season :'(
The Lakers got the win to keep their playoff hopes alive. It appears they've lost their best player in the process. After the game Dwight was asked how the Lakers would have to adjust without Kobe. He responded by saying, "Defense." It's so true. The Lakers are going to have to play as one unit without the Mamba on the floor. Their margin for error got a lot smaller, just when you thought it couldn't. If they ever needed a rallying point this would be it. They have 2 games to go before they end the season. If they play together, with effort and intensity they can do it. They can shock the world.
Get better Mamba. Our prayers are definitely out to you. We know you'll be back...GO LAKERS!!!
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