Just Another Night For Kobe

Well Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals was just another great performance by Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba once again showed just how great he is, as he scored 40 points including 18 in the fourth quarter to lead the Lakers to a 105-103 victory over the Denver Thuggets, I mean Nuggets. The Lakers really had no business winning this game. Denver dominated them on offense, and led for a great part of the game. Carmelo Anthony played the best game of his playoff career, as he scored 39 points on an astounding 14-of-20 shooting from the field. But costly turnovers down the stretch, and missed free throws are what cost Denver this game. It's early in the series, but I think it's fair to say this is going to be one hell of a matchup.

The story of the night of course was Kobe. I mean what more can you really say about the guy other than the fact that he's just amazing? Kobe took over the game in the 4th quarter much like he usually does when the Lakers need him. He put his stamp on the game by scoring 15 points in the final seven minutes of the game, and making clutch free throws that sealed the Lakers victory. Kobe even played with a dislocated finger, yet he fought through the pain and made sure the Lakers did not drop the opening game of the series. Here's a stat for you: Last night was the 17th time Kobe scored 10 or more points in the fourth quarter of a Lakers playoff win in which they were trailing during the final period. Amazing. The Lakers are going to need Kobe to play the way he did last night for the entire series. Only two other Lakers scored in double figures, and while the rest of the Lakers couldn't figure out Denver, Kobe quickly put his stamp on the series. Another stat, and one Laker fans will love to see: Phil Jackson is 42-0 all-time in the playoffs when his team wins Game 1 of a series.

It's games like the one last night that should remind everyone that Kobe Bryant is still the best player in the NBA. Don't get me wrong, I think LeBron James is phenomenal, but Kobe has the best killer instinct of any player really since Michael Jordan. When Kobe is on the floor, you know the Lakers will always have a chance to win. His desire to win and his will to take a game over at any time is truly amazing. The rest of the Laker team was mediocre last night, and Kobe realized that. He knew he had to take over and he did with ease. I have watched Kobe ever since he came into the NBA in 1996, and I am continually amazed at some of the performances he gives on a consistent basis. Again, I think LeBron is great, and in a couple of years he will without question be the best player in the league, but let's not forget what Kobe has already done, and what he is still capable of doing. Maybe when LeBron wins a championship or two, then we can put him amongst the game's greatest. 

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals is Thursday at 6:00 in Los Angeles.

LA's JV team a.k.a the Los Angeles Clippers won the NBA Lottery and now get the #1 pick in the NBA Draft! I'm eager to see how the Clippers screw up this time. The last time the Clippers had the #1 pick, they drafted Michael Olowokandi, and that didn't turn out so great. Yep that's the Clippers for you, drafting a guy who isn't in the NBA anymore, and passing up on guys like Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, and Dirk Nowitzki, just to name a few. If the Clippers aren't absolute retards (which they are but that's besides the point) then they will draft Blake Griffin out of Oklahoma with the #1 pick. As incompetent as the Clipper management is, I don't see them being that dumb to pass up on Griffin. But then again it is the Clippers, so anything is possible. I feel bad for Griffin, he was by far and away the best player in college basketball this past season, and his reward for that is going to the worst franchise in NBA history. Oh well, he'll be getting paid millions of dollars, and I hate to say this, but he'll probably end up like every other Clipper star usually is....injured. Although I love seeing the Clippers fail miserably, I hope Griffin can help turn that franchise around, and by that I mean maybe help the Clippers win more than 20 games next year. 

The Dodgers are continuing their stellar play much to my delight. The Blue Crew's 28-13 record is the best in Major League Baseball, and they have won two in a row over the New York Mets, who are considered to be one of the best teams in the National League. I'm pretty certain I will be attending my first game this season at Dodger Stadium this weekend when the Angels come to Chavez Ravine.

Today's forecast in Agoura Hills: Sunny with a high of 83.