Kobe Bryant stepped to the free-throw line with two minutes left in the fourth quarter. He took a couple of dribbles and then... the MVP chants started. However, the Lakers weren't playing at Staples Center. They were at the Philips Arena, in Atlanta!
The chants came with the Hawks' fans out of the building because the Lakers had already sealed a 101-87 win Tuesday night, lengthening their current win streak to eight games. The Lakers get their first win in Atlanta since 2007.
Despite a hot start by Al Horford and the Hawks, the Lakers locked in defensively and forced the Hawks into tough, contested shots. Matt Barnes and Steve Blake provided a spark off the bench and Andrew Bynum dominated the boards all game long. Pau had some nifty moves in the post and Kobe, as always, hit several fade-away jumpers en route to a Lakers victory.
Player of the Game: Kobe Bryant
How can he not be the player of the game if he just passed Moses Malone for sixth on the all-time scoring list? Kobe is playing great and is actually playing some defense. He has been hitting his threes, including one deep in the corner with the shot clock running down, in which he nailed it and turned to the crowd with his hand shaped like a goose neck. Guess who is next on the all-time scoring list? Shaq.
Highlight of the Game: As Josh Smith dribbled down the baseline, he gathered the ball and prepared himself for a two-handed slam dunk. But, Kobe was there to swat away the ball, an emphatic rejection to say the least. Josh Smith was surprised while Kobe looked to the crowd with a "I got swagger" look.
Next Game: @ Miami Heat 43-21 3rd Eastern Conference
"We want to see how much we improved since Christmas," said Kobe Bryant.
Phil called the Heat "boys" for crying after the game. The Heat are on a five game losing streak.
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