It wasn’t pretty, but no one said it would be. Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, and Phil Jackson had never worked harder to get to the top of the NBA mountaintop as they did last night, and will likely remember the 83-79 Game 7 win over the Celtics as the toughest game of their careers. On a night where an outmanned Celtics squad fought and scrapped to the end, Kobe Bryant had one of his poorest shooting games in his playoff career. Going only 6 for 24 from the field, Bryant was missing from everywhere for most of the night. However, in crunch time, Kobe came through. Whether it was hitting a clutch jumper, or nailing a free throw to secure the lead, the NBA Finals MVP for a second straight year did just enough.
The Lakers would not be champions this morning if it wasn’t for the effort though of Ron Artest. While Boston executed their game plan flawlessly in the first half, the one gamble Doc Rivers played was daring Artest to hit open shots. He did when he needed too, and made some huge shots in pressure moments to keep the Lakers in the game.
In the days and weeks ahead, there will be plenty of time to look back, reflect, and put in perspective what this win means for Kobe Bryant’s legacy. For now, Laker fans enjoy your 16th NBA championship and going back-to-back.
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