The Orlando Magic and Dwight Howard didn't have enough wizardry to contain one of the greatest players in the league Thursday night at the Staples Center. Kobe Bryant looked like man possessed in the second half, and even had the scary teeth to prove it, as the Los Angeles Lakers handed the Orlando Magic a 100-75 thumping in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Game Recap
When you look at the quarter-by-quarter recap, the Orlando Magic would love to play the "mulligan card" and have a third quarter to do over again. After playing very strong in the opening 12 minutes, the Magic only trailed by 10 at the half...but then the wheels fell off. The third period marked the beginning of the end for Orlando. Kobe Bryant dominated the quarter, scoring 18 of his 40 points as the Lakers blew the game wide open leading by as many as 28. Orlando big man Dwight Howard had 12 points and 15 rebounds, but was only 1-of-6 from the floor. The Lakers on the other hand received strong play from Pau Gasol, while the versatile Lamar Odom posted great numbers off the bench. Gasol had 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Odom countered with 11 points and 14 boards. Orlando got 13 points from starter Hedo Turkoglu and a team high 14 from Michael Pietrus off the bench, but the Laker third quarter explosion ended the game before the fourth period ever began. If Kobe Bryant continues to show his "fangs" and performs like the best in the business, the Magic could be in for a disappearing act.
Key Statistics/Notes
Score:
Los Angeles 100 Orlando 75
Field Goal Percentage:
Lakers 46%
Magic 29%
Free Throw Percentage:
Lakers 83%
Magic 72%
Points in the Paint:
Lakers 56
Magic 22
Kobe Bryant
40 Points (18 in the third quarter)
8 Rebounds
8 Assists
Pau Gasol
16 Points
8 Rebounds
Lamar Odom
11 Points
14 Rebounds
Dwight Howard
12 Points
15 Rebounds
1-of-6 from the floor
With his outstanding performance in Game 1, Kobe Bryant now has 10 40-point playoff games in his NBA career. The 25-point victory is also the sixth-largest Game 1 Finals spread...and the largest since 1992.
Game 2 of the 2009 NBA Finals is Sunday June 7. Coverage begins on ABC at 8:00 ET live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
