Kobe, Still Looks Like Kobe (Highlight Videos)

If the first preseason game got the anxiety out of Kobe Bryant, the second game would be more of a test of his consistency.  Some criticism of his defense during the first game was warranted, but tonight’s game proved he still has ability there.

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Defensively, he had two steals against Stephen Curry.  Before the two steals, he trapped Stephen Curry on a double team, leading to a turnover.

Quick hands go a long way, and Kobe popped the ball out of Stephen Curry’s hands on the first steal.  The second steal was all done with fundamentals.  Curry attempted to cut to the basket.  Kobe Bryant leveled off the passing lane and kept his arms wide.  That led to the steal.

His midrange jumpshot is still sharp.

Kobe Bryant hit several midrange jumpshots in tonight’s game, very similar to the game against the Denver Nuggets.  He has been a master of the mid-range area for almost a decade.  Now, a vast majority of his shots are coming from the same areas of the court, and he’s still shooting a high percentage from that area.  He finished 5 of 11 from the field tonight.  It’s difficult to say if he’s showing bad shot selection.  Sometimes, the jumpshots looked forced because he is being defended so tightly.  However, it is evident that he is being more of a playmaker.  He is passing up shots that he would have taken in the past.  It’s just smarter basketball.  He is evolving as a player.

On a more positive note, its pleasant to see that he can still force turnovers on defense.  Lateral movement may be an issue as the season progresses, but his defensive IQ and quick hands can make him an effective defender.  He has always done an excellent job defending smaller guards throughout his career; Allen Iverson and Rajon Rondo.  Tonight, that ability was shown against Stephen Curry.

He still has it, on both ends of the floor.