Hooped Up

Kobe Bryant wasn’t in the mood for taking prisoners in Game 1 and the Magic had no chance with Kobe Bryant on his superstar grind. Bryant dropped 40 points, 8 assist, 8 rebounds and got up in that @ss and spray painted on the walls leading the Lakers to a 100 – 75 victory.

Pau Gasol finished with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. While Lamar Odom controlled the glass with 14 rebounds and 11 coming off the bench.

Life in he paint was difficult for Dwight Howard all night as the Lakers frontline helped him finish the night 1-6 from the field with 12 points, 15 rebounds and 10 – 16 from the charity stripe. Although he was abused by Bryant most of the night Mickael Pietrus finished with a team high 14 points. In a surprise move by Stan Van Gundy, fresh off injury Jameer Nelson played 23:28 minutes finishing with 6 points and 4 assist.

My prediction for the Magic in game 2 —  pain!

Game 2 happens Sunday.

Highlights after the jump.