Kobe’s Big Third Quarter Helps Top Russia

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant scored 11 of his 19 points in the third quarter to stave off a comeback attempt by the Russian National Team in the U.S. Men’s exhibition game yesterday.  The USA won the game 89-68 in what was a defensive battle.  Bryant was a clear fan favorite among the Shanghai crowd, receiving chants of “MVP!” each time he stepped to the free throw line.  The U.S. team had been averaging 118 points in exhibition play before yesterday’s game, but showed that they can shut down the opposition when need be.

The club is looking for Bryant to be their defensive stopper.  He’s the most accomplished defensive player on the squad and will probably be matched up against the opposition’s best perimeter players throughout the summer games.  Bryant should thrive in this role as he won’t be asked to do offensively what he does for the Lakers night in and night out.  Kobe noted that he went off in the third quarter yesterday, but it won’t always have to be him.  He said that any player on the roster can explode offensively at any time and that he expects someone to step it up when the teams needs it.  The U.S. team plays one more exhibition game, against Australia, before the games begin.

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Posted in General on August 4, 2008

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