Kobe scores 41 in big road win

Kobe is so much talented that we kind of forget he's human. After last night's game, he was so tired he could barely stand up.  It was another physical game. Another great road win for the Lakers. And another heroic effort by Kobe.

Kobe responded to Lebron's game winner by scoring 41pts in what he called "one of the biggest road win he ever had." The Lakers trailed most of the game. But with some help from Gasol & Ariza at the end, Kobe delivered the dagger three with 69 seconds left to put his team ahead for good.

The Lakers get a 103-97 victory over the Nuggets that restored L.A's home court advantage. If Kobe was the hero once again, Gasol's clutch jumpers at the end and Trevor Ariza's great steal - like he did in game 1- spark L.A past Denver and take a 2-1 lead. 

After his 40pt explosion in the series opener, Kobe made 12 of 24 shots in game 3 - the 1st time in his career that he had multiple 40pt games in the same series. In front of an inhospitable crowd that despises him, Kobe delivered one of his best playoffs effort - highlighted by a sick three pointer that silenced the crowd for good in the final minute.

Kobe: "It's a much better feeling, than being at home and hearing the roar of the crowd." I rank this game right up there with some of the biggest road wins we’ve had since I’ve been a Laker. Because, in the past we always had guys that had a lot of experience. Robert Horry, Rick Fox, Ron Harper, they’ve all been through this before. For our guys this is brand new. Last year we weren’t tested like this. And it goes a long way for us as a ballclub.”