Kobe scores 33 as L.A tops Utah

After an unlikely win in Phoenix, L.A continues to  impress with a convincing 119-109 victory over the Jazz. Playing in Staples, L.A shot almost 56% from the field and outscored Utah in the final quarter 38-27.

Kobe scored 33pts on 13/19 shooting, leading six players in double figures fro the Lakers. Fisher had 19pts and Bynum had another efficient game with 15pts & 9rbds in 19minutes of play.
Just like in Phoenix, L.A ability to find other contributions than Kobe was the key. P. Jackson said: "Our second unit came off the bench and really gave us a ballgame. There was good energy. We had a great 2nd half."

Kobe defining play was not a basket but a sick block over Kirilenko in the final quarter. With less than 5minutes to play and L.A leading by 7pts, KB blocked Kirilenko dunk attempt: "I really really enjoy that challenge, because it's a mano-a-mano type of thing where somebody challenges you to meet you at the rim. I saw him coming down on the wing, and I just tried to time it and get up there and see if I could catch him. I timed it pretty well." 


Critisized for bashing some of his teammates in the offseason, Kobe praised for them after the game:

"Andrew looks like he's starting to come out of his shell a little bit. I think having games like this helps out his confidence a lot." 

"Jordan's always had that chip on his shoulder, and I've liked him from day one because of that. He did a fantastic job, and that's what we need him to do". Farmar had 12pts & 4asts in 17min.