Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is seeking his fourth NBA championship and his first as the team's focal point. In Game One of the 2009 NBA Finals, Bryant scored more points than minutes played. Pouring in 40, he also added 8 assists and 8 rebounds. More than his impressive statistics, his real contribution was his all-encompassing impact on the game. He scored 18 points and passed for 6 assists in the first half, which led the Lakers to a 10-point lead. In the third quarter, Kobe focused more on scoring himself, matching his first half output in that quarter. As a result, the Lakers broke the game open in the third, outscoring the Orlando Magic by 14 to take a 24-point lead.
Orlando is a jump-shooting team and the shots weren't falling in Game One. The team shot under 30% from the field. Dwight Howard was corralled in the paint. As is customary with the Magic, when they struggle, the bottom falls out. By the fourth quarter, the Magic could hardly even complete a pass. But the good news for the Magic is the reverse is true. When they're rolling, there's no stopping them. Their one bright spot on the evening was the return of their all star point guard, Jameer Nelson, who had missed the last 4 months with a shoulder injury. He played well in a reserve role. But the Magic will need their big guns to perform if they want to get back into the series.
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