The last time Kobe Bryant scored 40 points in the postseason was during the opener game of 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic. This time, in NBA Western Finals Kobe Bryant scored 40 points and the rest of the L.A. Lakers crushed the Phoenix Suns 128-107 Monday night at the star heaving Staples Center.
Los Angeles Lakers’ message after the game to Steve Nash and the rest of the Phoenix Suns was clear as the blazing sun in their logo: You’re not in San Antonio, Texas anymore, until someone kick our ass from our throne, we are still the reigning defending NBA Champion. Clear and simple but true to its sense, that perhaps they still have the strength in capturing their 16th NBA Title.
It was a scoring feast for the defending champs with a combined offense and defense effort. Bryant dominated the scoring with 40 points who is among the most dangerous post season scorers seen in NBA history, even having an injured knee. Backing him up is Pao Ka Pow Gasol who scored 21 points with 2 block shots, Lamar Odom with 19 points and a monstrous effort of 19 rebounds and who could forget the ala Dennis Rodman style of Ron Artest who scored 14 points. With no Andrew Bynum backing-up the starters who only scored 4 points but playing with injury, the Laker’s bench joined the scoring onslaught of Phoenix Suns with a combined 44 bench points. It was a dominating night for the Lakers who won their seventh straight playoff game.
Amare Stoudamire was again at his best, scored 23 points but grabbed only 3 rebounds. Steve Nash had a decent night with 13 points and 13 assists but could not find some answer in the Lakers dominating game. Though the Suns hadn’t lost since April 24 and had a come-backing campaign in Western Conference Finals since 2006 they are now facing a different team, a defending NBA champion, whose team roster are much taller, had too much talent, and had Kobe Bryant that is unwelcoming in their turf.
The loss had snapped the Phoenix Sun’s 6 game playoff winning streak since winning against the Portland Trailblazers and sweeping of the San Antonio Spurs. Steve Nash and the rest of the Suns had only less than 48 hours to find some solutions of how to kick the Lakers in Game 2 at Staples Center Wednesday night.
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