Kobe's 40 lead Lakers to a game 1 blowout

Kobe has been waiting for a year to have an opportunity to reach the NBA finals again. After last year's failure vs the Celtics, Kobe is now on a mission. He wants to add another ring to his collection. He wants redemption after two straight disapointing performances in finals vs Detroit & Boston. Kobe is focus more than ever. He knows that it may be his best chance to get ring #4.

But Kobe has never played well in games 1. He averaged 20pts on 37% shooting in his five previous finals' openers. Last night, he made sure his performance will go down as one of the all time bests. With Orlando leading by two after the opening quarter, Kobe scored 14pts in the 2nd period as his team took a 10pt edge at haltime. The Black Mamba wasn't done yet.
In a brilliant 3rd quarter, he just harrassed the Magic with an assortment of jumpers, fadeaways and layups. Slithering around Orlando defenders with ease, Kobe collected rebounds and assists as the game turned into a blowout.

Kobe scored 40pts with 8rbds & 8asts to lead his team to a 100-75 rout of the Magic in these Finals game 1.

“He’s pretty intense in his own game. If we’re not scoring, he’s going to carry the load himself,” Bynum said.

"He had the smell," added P.Jackson

After three quarters, Kobe had already his best game ever in finals with 36pts 6rbds & 7asts. The game was over with the Lakers leading by 24 with 12 minutes to go. Known as one of the best shooting teams, the Magic went just 8 of 23 on 3's and shot only 30% overall.
Odom & Gasol combined for 27pts & 22rbds. Bynum added 9pts & 9rbds while playing solid defense vs D.Howard. Orlando young star had 12pts & 15rbds but made only 1 shot in 6 attempts. 
 

“I just want it so bad,” Bryant said softly Thursday night. “I just want it really bad.” If he plays this way the entire series, he will add a 4th ring to his collection for sure.