Kobe Bryant falling short against Oklahoma City Thunder – NBA Feature
Kobe Bryant tried hard but could not prevent the game 4 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder that put the Los Angeles Lakers down 1-3 in the Western Conference Semi Finals and on the cusp of elimination.
Although Pau Gasol’s poor dish in the clutch ultimately became the spotlight fopa in the game, Bryant had his share in the loss as his attempt to tie the game with a three pointer in the closing seconds hit the
rim and fell short.
Kobe had 38 points in the loss but he was 12 of 28 from the field, including a 2 of 10 shooting in the final period, when his team needed his brilliance the most. The worst thing is Kobe has been struggling in
doing something that has become his trademark over the years – clutch shooting.
After a blowout loss in game-1, Bryant had a chance to win the game-2 but he missed a three, and after salvaging the game-3 at the death, he scored only 7 of his 38 points in the final period of game 4. For most
parts of it was a tad selfish on the offense and in all honesty there is no way he could blame any of his team-mates. Reflecting upon his performance, Kobe said recently;
“They were tough looks. Either we have to free myself up to get better looks in the fourth quarter or other guys have to be more aggressive. One or the other” said Bryant.
Bryant once again put a great deal of the blame on his teammates and directed some criticism on Pau Gasol, saying that the Spanish big needed to be more aggressive. Gasol committed a turnover in the final minutes
of the game when he attempted to pass the ball to Metta World Peace.
Bryant believes that he should have taken the shot instead of attempting to pass. Gasol however disagreed.
“We want the ball in Kobe's hands, but it doesn't necessarily need to be so early in the shot clock. We can get there later in the shot clock when the ball has moved and change sides to the floor instead of being
there from the beginning. That's when they collapse [in the post] and everybody's sitting” said Gasol.
Bryant also felt like he got fouled a number of times in the final period but the referee did not make the call.
No matter what the case, the fact is that Bryant was unable to carry his team in the final period. He, being the best player in the team, demands the most touches to the ball in the final minutes. The whole team
plays to give him open shots and he did get quite a few in the final period, but he missed them and has nobody to blame but him.
Having said that, it is understandable that even Bryant can have an off-night. He has led his team to countless victories over the years and even in this year’s playoffs, he has saved his team from the brink
of elimination. However, his open criticism of his teammates might not go well with them, which is not what a team would want at this stage in the playoffs.
If the Lakers want to progress in the playoffs, Bryant needs to step it up.
He cannot afford another display like the one in game 4.
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