"Carmelo Anthony will end up in...", "Blake Griffin in the dunk contest", and more Blake Griffin were the headlines heading into All-Star weekend. Youth was served in a huge way by players like Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook. Players showcased in the Skills Competition, Dunk Contest, and the All-Star game itself included stars like Blake Griffin, Rajon Rondo, Blake Griffin, LeBron James, Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant and even Blake Griffin. Yet, after all was said and done, one man reminded us of who is STILL the best in the league. Kobe Bryant.
37 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals. That was Bryant's stat line at the end of the game. He was awarded with his 4th MVP of an All-Star game. Bryant sent a reminder to the rest of the league that he is still the best player in the league. No play summed up Bryant's statement greater than his dunk on LeBron James. It made you ask yourself if Kobe really ages. Speaking of if someone ever ages, Halle Berry, is she still in her twenties?
Veterans like Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and Paul Pierce barely combined for 30 minutes in the game while Kobe played 29. Those same veterans combined for a total of 12 points on 5-13 shooting. Kobe shot 14-26 from the field. I understand the world is ready for Kobe to move off into the distance but the man refuses. In a game catered to the high energy of young players, Kobe shone the brightest.
Sure, the Lakers are on a three game losing streak and one of those was to the Cleveland Cavaliers (yes, those Cleveland Cavaliers). Yes, the Lakers have looked too old at times to even make a jog in the playoffs much less a run. Sure the league is better served by the explosive dunks of Blake Griffin, "Dream Team" in the Miami Heat, and a team in New York that is not a complete eye sore but in our haste to look for the next great "thing" we may have neglected the greatest thing since "His Airness". So Fat Lady please sit back down. Mr. Bryant still has some games to play.
Lebron is by far the best player in the league.
ReplyDeleteAnd to suggest that something that a performance in an all-star game, especially one as ridiculous as the NBAs, somehow backs up your claim that Kobe is the best is somewhat ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI agree that if my opinion of Kobe being the best was based on the All-Star game that would be ridiculous. However, that's not what I was saying nor implied. My point was that in a game full of stars Kobe took the opportunity to remind us that he is still the games best.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked Kobe and he is a great all around player and he can get hot like nobody else. Read ab interesting fact that doesn't have anything to do with whether or not he is still the games best. His best year shooting % was like 2001-2002 and that wouldn't even crack Jordans top 10! Crazy!
ReplyDelete