Kobe Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers to a Game 1 win in the NBA Finals tonight. The Orlando Magic fell apart in the third quarter when the Lakers jumped out to an double-digit lead in the second half.
With 3:15 left in the third quarter, Kobe Bryant slashed to the bucket, got smacked by two Magic defenders, hung in the air and sank a tough fadeaway while getting fouled. It was a typical third-quarter moment for the Lakers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals — L.A. outscored Magic 29 to 15 in the third period.
The Lakers took Game One with a 100-75 win by executing on offense right from the first tipoff. Derek Fisher, Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum all contributed to the Lakers attack in the first quarter, with Kobe taking the lead by finishing layups and running jumpers.
The Magic held their own in the first half, mainly by answering the Lakers shot for shot. Rashard Lewis hit a pair of three-pointers, and Dwight Howard got to the line and sank six of his first eight free throws. When Jameer Nelson entered the game after being on the injured list since Feb. 3, the Magic got a boost with some offensive energy. He netted three assists in three minutes.
But the Lakers came out running in the second half. Pau Gasol contributed his length and shotblocking threat, effectively shutting down any inside presence the Magic brought. Kobe Bryant continued to shoot the lights out of the Staples Centre, netting 40 points on 16 for 34 shooting. He blew up for 19 points in the third quarter. Bryant also chipped in with 8 assists and 2 steals.
Paul Gasol poured in 16 rebounds, and did a solid job helping on D against Howard.
Bryant scored his first 40-point Finals game. It’s the 46th 40-point game scored by an NBA player in the Finals.
The Magic couldn’t buy a shot in the second half. Their field goal percentage of 29.9 per cent hurt Orlando’s chance of staging any comeback. Their usually reliable three-pointer failed to do any damage, and Dwight Howard was relegated to 12 points on one-for-six shooting.
“We did a good job on him, but he’ll be ready for game two,” Kobe Bryant said about Howard.
The second game of the NBA Finals continues on Sunday night in Los Angeles.
