| Too Much Kidd For Kobe Authored by Scott Essman - November 28, 2005 - 10:39 am
New Jersey Nets point guard Jason Kidd was all over the court at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday night, and it overwhelmed the Lakers, despite a heroic performance by Laker guard Kobe Bryant.
Kidd scored 35 points, made 12 assists and even rebounded 8 times as the Nets beat the Lakers 102-96 in overtime. It was all too much for the Lakers, even on a night when Net guard-forward Vince Carter had an off-night with foul trouble and only 10 points. The tirelessly effective Kidd provided more than the Lakers could handle, despite a clutch performance from Bryant.
Averaging 33.1 points this year, Bryant scored 46 points, including several late three-point plays.
After an incredible off-balance shot plus a free throw, with less than a minute to go in regulation, Bryant made two three-point goals, bringing them to within one with 13 seconds remaining. But Kidd sank two pressure free throws putting the Nets up by three.
The next inbound play went to Bryant in three-point territory and he was immediately fouled, making both shots.
The pattern repeated itself with Kidd getting fouled in the next Nets possession. But Kidd missed one of two free throws. Bryant took the ball down court and with time running down, passed to forward Lamar Odom for a three-pointer. Odom missed, but forward-center Brian Cook went high over a defender for the rebound and made the put-back with time expiring, tying the game.
In the overtime, it was basically all Kidd again, and Bryant seemed tired, missing shots and committing turnovers. Alas, it was ultimately Kidd's show. He might be the most natural point guard in the NBA at present. |
