Kobe Bryant: Finally Shoots over 50% from the Field, Gets 26 Points! (video)

Kobe Bryant finally had a few easy shots at the basket.  He had four open layups and that enabled him to get his rhythm going.

Despite the easy shots, he still took shots of great difficulty.  Well, it would be great difficulty for the rest of the league, but for Bryant, they are average shots. He was finally able to get a few shots out in transition, and that allowed him to ease into the game, rather than impose his will offensively.

However, when the transition opportunities came to the end in the fourth quarter, the ball-pounding began.

Tonight, when Kobe Bryant made up his mind quickly for a pull up jumpshot or made a quick move to attack, he was very successful.  However, when he was playing in the post, he drew up contact and got to the free throw line, but didn’t get many clean looks.  Even his clutch shot late in the game to tie, was made after multiple pump fakes. Prior to that play, Bryant made a tough, left-handed 8′ shot from the post.

Odd as it may seem, Kobe may need to step away from the post and the halfcourt game.  While he spent the summer studying Paul Pierce’s game to maximize his offensive effectiveness, he gets a better flow when he’s facing up.  When he’s in the post, it seems very clear which direction he’s going.  When he’s facing up, he at least has the opportunity of multiple directions. He always starts out in triple threat position and uses jab steps to create space. This time around, he just pulled up.

He had better rhythm throughout the game. He still got to the line ten times, but only made six, missing two critical free throws late in the game as well.

But, despite the solid perimeter shooting, what’ll last his three-point miss for the win.