So, Kobe Bryant hit a game-winning three against the Sacramento Kings last night. And the sun rose this morning. It’s at that point (as it was with Jordan), where you’re more shocked to hear that Kobe missed a buzzer-beater than made one.
A few things to note on this shot:
- Check the Lakers’ spacing on the floor. A masterfully drawn-up play by Phil Jackson. The room that Kobe has to operate on that side of the floor is ridiculous.
- I’m not shocked that Bryant was left to be guarded by Sergio Rodriguez — I’m sure that P-Jax’s intention was for the switch to come by The Machine cutting through and taking his man (Sergio) into that spot on the floor.
- Have a look at the pick that Kobe set on Rodriguez that left him floundering. That was a combination of Sergio’s physical smallness, Bryant’s anticipation, Sergio’s unfortunate momentum and the sheer strength in the Black Mamba’s body.
- Think back to before the season began. Remember how the Kings were viewed as a team? It says a lot about where Paul Westphal and Tyreke Evans have taken this team for the Lakers to be celebrating (or even being forced to take) a buzzer-beater against the “lowly” Kings.
- The silence by the Kings announcer as the shot goes in says vast quantities for how much of a heart-breaker this was.
- Did you expect Kobe to miss? Nah.
