The first game of the 2009 NBA Finals can be summed up into two words - Kobe Bryant. Bryant came out focused to score 40 points, grab 8 rebounds, issue 8 assists to lead his Los Angeles Lakers to a convincing 100-75 win against the Superman led Orlando Magic. Now everyone is asking, who gave more than a super human effort in game 1. Bryant is still smarting from his 2008 meltdown in the NBA Finals and is ready to take his fourth ring, which might be his most important if ever.
The Lakers and the Magic were still making a good game out of the first finals game but Kobe went to work early in the second quarter as he scored 12 points in a paralyzing run that broke the game open and left the Magic groping for form. This is the finals and the Magic are still not used to playing in one while the vastly experienced Lakers were all business. Pau Gasol scored 16 points with 8 caroms while Lamar Odom had 11 points and 14 rebounds.
The Magic had no answer to the offensive juggernaut that steam rolled through their defense. Dwight Howard was limited to 6 field goals and was on the line most of the time. Talk about forcing him to his achilles heel. At the same time, the Lakers had more points in the paint as the 56-22 disparity proved to be the most important statistic. The shooters of Orlando were offline as Hedo Turkoglu was 3-11, Rashard Lewis was an even awful 2 of 10 while Rafer Alston was 2 of 9.
With this convincing and merciless display of defense and offensive arsenal, there is only one question left in the minds of all NBA fans - how long will they stop the bleeding? Will the Magic bounce back or will the series end in four. It remains to be seen.
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