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Kobe Bryant Versus Michael JordanBryant Can't Stand Up to Jordan's Calibur
Kobe Bryant, statistically, is a great player; better than or soon-to-be better than Michael Jordan. But at the end of the game when it really counts, Jordan steps up.
Kobe is a great player, there's no doubt about that. The way he stepped up at the end of Game 5 of the NBA Finals was a true testament to his passion and his will to win. However, comparing him to Michael Jordan is a complete lack of understanding of the game of basketball. Jordan is a legacy. Statistically, he falls below Bryant's level of play. In his career of 15 seasons, Jordan averaged 30.1 points per game, 6.20 rebounds per game, had a .497 field goal percentage and was .327 from behind the arc. Bryant, in 12 seasons, is averaging 25 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, has a .453 field goal percentage and has a .340 three point field goal percentage. In two less seasons, Bryant has almost outshone Jordan's numbers and has a way better percentage from three point land. But when it comes down to Game 7 of the Finals, on the road, facing the opposing crowd, down by three with two minutes to go, who's hands should the ball belong to? NBA Final AppearancesJordan appeared in six NBA Finals and carried his team to victory in each season. In practically each game of each final, he made a clutch play to force overtime or even win the game. It was clear that when it came down to the final minutes of a close game, everyone wanted the ball in Jordan's hands and thankfully so. Bryant, on the other hand, has lead his team to five NBA Finals, the most recent being a few weeks ago against the The Big Three and the Boston Celtics. One would think this would be a fun and exciting series; each game forcing into a possible seven games. But when it came down to it, Boston overpowered the Lakers and Kobe. L.A. only won two games in the six game series, even losing a 31 point lead in Game 4. Where was Bryant? Where was the almighty guard to tell his team to step it up and play with some heart? Sure, he made some big plays at the end of Game 5 to give the Lakers to take the win in Boston. But when it came down to it, when it really mattered, Kobe choked. Boston annihilated the Lakers 131-92. Bryant was 7-of-22 from the floor, finishing with 22 points. Final AnalysisMaybe it's the fact that Jordan spent three years at the University of North Carolina before entering the NBA Draft in 1984, unlike Bryant who was drafted right out of high school (Jordan went back to UNC in 1986 to complete his degree). Jordan has more experience in tough situations. Bryant, although can prove himself at times, does not have as much experience in clutch situations as Jordan. Overall, Bryant is a great player. He's skilled and knows the game. He will, most likely, beat some of Jordan's statistics. But when people think of the NBA, one of the first names that pop into their heads are the legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. And it won't be surprising when the number 23 is universally retired.
The copyright of the article Kobe Bryant Versus Michael Jordan in NBA is owned by Lauren Vassallo. Permission to republish Kobe Bryant Versus Michael Jordan in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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