When Kobe didn't suit up for season opener against Phoenix a lot of people were concerned regarding Kobe's knee. When he had surgery in summer the healing time was supposed to be 12 weeks. He didn't pratice in preseason & by the time regular season rolled around it was 16 weeks & he was a no go. There were whispers that playing too many minutes last year while carrying the team single handedly to the playoffs combined with him playing for 10 years in the league had taken his toll. Some said that he wouldn't be the Kobe we all came to know.
Kobe returned a couple of games later but he didn't look his old self & everyone was worried. Lamar Odom's aggressive playing , Adrew Bynum surprising good start to season & favourable home schedule helped Lakers to a good record upto Thursday's game.
Kobe was not happy with his poor shooting in the previous two games & determined to make an impact in next game.
Kobe could not have chosen a better game to make his impact. Against home on a nationally televised game against a team with best record.
He started the game well & Lakers went into the locker room at the half leading. Now the fun part started. Everyone in LA knows that 2nd half is Kobe time. He just took over the game in 3rd quarter scoring 30, yes an amazing 30 points while the whole Jazz team was able to manage 32 against him. Kobe was what you call "in the zone" & scored mind you on not easy layups but low percentage jump shots that make his scoring more amazing. He was 9-9 from field & 10-10 from free throw line. By the quarter ended the Staples Centre crowd was on it's feet & chanting "MVP" which again proved that he is the best player in the league. When he came out of the game in 4th quarter he received not only the standing ovation but also a "high-fi" from a normally reserved Phil Jackson who knew that No. 24 is well & truly back!
No comments:
Post a Comment