Behind the Box Score, where we saw the beast in Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers 126, New York 117
What can we say about Kobe beyond what we tried to scrawl down last night? I'm just pleased beyond belief that I get to witness two different players in my lifetime with the work ethic, drive, and talent that Bryant and Michael Jordan possess.
That's the thing that links these two. It's not the haircut, it's not the shoes, and it's not the fadeaways. The thing about MJ that Kobe so closely approximates is that willingness to work harder and care more about the final outcome more than anyone else in this league. Nobody even touches Kobe when it comes to preparation, and diligence, and appreciation for the craft. It's not even close.
The game, besides Kobe, was quite fun. Los Angeles' defense made a point to get out on shooters, but they also let some stray Knicks get away long enough to miss some open shots (Al Harrington, 2-6 from long range), or have several rim in and out (Chris Duhon, 1-6).
And in the fourth quarter, with the Kobester on the bench, it was Pau Gasol (31 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two blocks) and Trevor Ariza (13 and 8 off the bench) that helped the Lakers sustain that lead. Pau may have had the best game of his career, my eyes immediately boggle upon seeing his line in the box score, before moving upward to see that "61" and thinking that someone may have typed the wrong number in.
Then you remember that Kobe played last night, and it all makes sense.
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