There wasn’t a lot of hype in this game considering these two played only 3 weeks ago in Miami. But that didn’t stop this game from being as entertaining as the previous one. 5 technical fouls, 3 disqualifications, and Shaq and Kobe combined for 20 in the 4th. It’s a shame it didn’t have a more climactic ending.
Just like last year’s Lakers/Heat game in Los Angeles, the Lakers led pretty much the entire game. Lamar Odom finished just one assist shy of a triple-double and had 19 points despite never really asserting himself. Devean George provided 17 off the bench as well as an intensity boost. And, of course, Kobe was 37. When Bryant shoots over .500 in a game, you know the other team is in trouble.
Miami had injuries added to the insult with ailments for both Jason Williams and Dwayne Wade. Williams did not return and Wade has serious mobility problems.
The highlight of the game obviously occurred in the short time that Andrew Bynum was in it. After being posterized by a Shaq dunk, Bynum was able to get away from O’Neal and hit him in the face. Bynum was so excited that he inadvertently elbowed Shaq, who didn’t hesitate to respond with a powerful forearm to the chest. It was a technical double and neither player was sent off. However, Shaq can expect a fine in the near future.
Miami started running with Wade and O’Neal out in the early stages of the 4th. Payton, Walker and Mourning (the only Heat players who played off the bench) contributed greatly and helped cut the lead. When Wade came on, he gave the Heat a push and hit several bench shots to cut the lead to 3. However, he wobbled all the way through and could sit out the next game.
But in the end it was too much Kobe. Hitting four hard shots carried the Lakers on his back and prevented Shaq from getting the best of him this time. Wade finished with 34 and O’Neal finished with 18.
Thanks to the Spurs/Grizzlies game, the start of the game was delayed, so we didn’t get to see Shaq and Kobe exchange candid interactions. As fed up as he was with these two meeting or not meeting in the middle of the court, this gesture was fitting and nice to see. Shaq said Bill Russell told him to shake hands with Bryant; big congratulations to Russell for taking place at the Spurs/Grizz halftime and this.
All those great early games on Monday were a perfect tribute to MLK. It wasn’t necessary to play all the games in the afternoon instead of at night but it proved to be a special occasion. The Memphis/San Antonio halftime show was significant (where were all the fans? How could the FedEx Forum be so empty?). If Kobe/Shaq is going to play annually, the NBA should consider putting it on MLK day. Seeing Kobe and Shaq extend an olive branch is fitting for the occasion, and this shouldn’t be the last we see of it.