Game 1: 46pts au Madison Square Garden

Date: February 6th, 2003


Results: L.A wins114 - 109 


Stats: 46pts on 17/26 shooting incl 4/4 from 3pt range, 6rbds & 3asts


Peach: Kobe made one of his most impressive slam with a baseline reverse windmill over Sprewell at the end of the 1st half...But the Kobe show was pretty far from being over. #8 scored 22pts in the 3rd quarter alone on 9/13 shooting & 3/3 behind the arc, dazzling the MSG fans.


Quote: "He was in a zone! We couldn't contain him. We keep two on hom, just to keep him from penetrating. He was splitting us and going by us. We were really reluctant to really challenge him."
Don Chaney, coach of NY


Anecdote: With 40pts in three quarters and a 34pt lead, Kobe sit on the bench. But NY made an impressive come back and Kobe had to return to action late in the game. He drilled another jumper over Sprewell and made four free throws to give L.A the victory.