Leave it to Kobe Bryant to dominate the court in game 5 against the Oklahoma Thunder tuesday night at the Staples Center.
“I was just aggressive,” Bryant said. “Just getting in the paint, making them make decisions. When I do that, I collapse the defense so they just have to make a choice.”
“Considering how inconsistently we’ve been playing, and the last game in Oklahoma, this was one of our better [games of the season],” said Bryant, who had 13 points and seven assists.
Kobe’s best work was utilizing his aggressive defensive skills to slow Westbrook, limiting Oklahoma’s star point guard to only 15 points.
“I enjoy a challenge, and he’s been playing sensational,” Bryant said. “If we’re going to be eliminated, I don’t want to go into the summer thinking I could have done something about it, so I accepted the challenge.”
Bryant’s statistical line – 13 points, seven assists, three boards, two steals in 29 minutes
Kobe was not the only starter to be working their skills, Pau Gasol had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Andrew Bynum added 21 points.
“We shot the ball well and were aggressive,” said Gasol. “I think we made ourselves a big presence in the lane and were effective.”
With the victory, the Lakers have chance at closing out the First Round series in what will be a tough game amongst the Oklahoma City fans Friday night in game 6.
